Deadly Weather Pounding U.S. South

State of Emergency Declared in Georgia

• Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes have killed dozens of people in the US south.
• Georgia has declared states of emergency across seven counties in the south-central section of the state.
• A major tornado in Mississippi on Saturday killed several people and injured dozens more, destroying or damaging hundreds of homes.

NWS forecasters issued a “high risk” warning of severe storms for parts of Georgia, Florida and Alabama on Sunday.

• The New York City Emergency Management Department has urged New Yorkers to be prepared for high winds, heavy rain, and localized coastal flooding on Monday, January 23.

• Additional information is available from FIRE-EARTH PULSARS.

FIRE-EARTH Alert: ALABAMA

CJ Members

• Details of the Alert are available from FIRE-EARTH PULSARS.

 

States of Emergency Declared in Canada, California, Alabama

UPDATED

States of emergency declared for two BC communities in Canada’s energy heartland

“It’s causing a lot of problems for a lot of people. This time everything washed out” —Dawson Creek resident 

“This is a big-time event, how it’s affected the highways and streets and roads,” Mayor Dale Bumstead told CBC News. “Our hospitals and fire halls are separated, we’ve only got one link and some of the roads and streets and transit infrastructure have been severely damaged.”

Many roads and rail lines in the region have been washed out or damaged by flooding. (B.C. Ministry of Transportation)

The Ministry of Transportation say hundreds of rural properties have been “severely affected” by flooding.

A state of emergency has been declared in Dawson Creek, B.C. where flooding has left behind significant damage to city infrastructure, roads and homes.

Environment Canada meteorologist Lisa Caldwell said the 89.8 mm of rain that fell in Dawson Creek during the daytime June 15 is an all-time high according to records going back 90 years.

The town of Chetwynd, about 100km west of Dawson Creek, declared a state of emergency on Wednesday.

In May, multiple communities north of Fort St. John were evacuated as ferocious wildfires swept northeast British Columbia.

Santa Barbara County declares a state of emergency as Sherpa fire spreads

Santa Barbara County official have declared a state of emergency as Sherpa fire grew to about 7,5200 acres by early Saturday.

More than 1,200 personnel were responding to the fire amid continued threat to structures, agricultural crops, state parks, and critical infrastructure, officials said.

Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for El Capitan, Refugio, Venadito and Las Flores canyons north of Santa Barbara. Several neighboring communities have received evacuation warnings.

However, many locals have voluntarily evacuated because of the poor air quality across the entire county.

Avocado, citrus and olives groves have already been consumed by the fire, but it’s too early to quantify the extent of the damage, officials reported.

Temperatures are expected to get hotter [probably exceeding 100F] and the winds stronger this weekend, forecasters have warned.

New Mexico

Meanwhile, the so-called Dog Head Fire in New Mexico, has consumed about 18,000 acres since Wednesday.

The destructive fire burning southeast of Albuquerque, has destroyed dozens of homes and structures, forcing mass evacuations, and prompting Gov. Martinez to declare a state of emergency earlier this week.

Alabama declares state of emergency following widespread power outages

Gov. Bentley has declared a state of emergency for Alabama following widespread power outages caused by Friday’s severe weather.

The Executive Order will allow crews from other states to assist in the restoration of power to about 50,000 customers left in the dark as powerful storms swept through the state.

The majority of the outages occurred in Mobile, where 13,500 customers were without power.

Other damage reports include broken poles, downed cables and uprooted trees statewide.

“This is a big-time event, how it’s affected the highways and streets and roads,” said Bumstead. “Our hospitals and fire halls are separated, we’ve only got one link and some of the roads and streets and transit infrastructure have been severely damaged.”

 

Major Disaster Declared for Alabama

Alabama declared Federal Disaster Area

Alabama Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding (DR-4251)

• Incident period: December 23, 2015 to December 31, 2015
• Major Disaster Declaration declared on January 21, 2016

The White House has declared a major disaster exists in the State of Alabama in the areas affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding during the period of December 23-31, 2015.

The areas that were hardest hit by the disasters include the counties of Autauga, Barbour, Blount, Bullock, Butler, Chambers, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Coffee, Colbert, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Cullman, Dale, DeKalb, Elmore, Escambia, Fayette, Franklin, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Jackson, Lamar, Lawrence, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marion, Marshall, Monroe, Perry, Pike, Russell, St. Clair, Walker, and Winston.

Federal Disaster Declarations (2015)

The federal government proclaimed 43 Major Disaster Declaration [DR 4205-4247] for a U.S. state/tribal area/territory in 2015, two Emergency Declarations, EM-3372 and EM-3373 and 34 Fire Management Assistance Declarations [FM-5084 to FM-5117.]

Major Disaster Declarations 2016

• Major Disaster Declared for Missouri [DR-4250] January 22, 2016
• Major Disaster Declaration for Washington [DR-4249] January 16, 2016
• Major Disaster Declared for Mississippi [DR-4248] January 5, 2016
• Federal Emergency Declared for Missouri [EM-3374] January 3, 2016
• Federal Disaster Declarations
• Drought
• Agricultural Disasters Index

Disaster Diary – December 26, 2015

Severe weather threatens tens of millions of people across the U.S.

State of Emergency Declared in Alabama amid a “unique, significant rainfall event.”

Alabama Gov. Bentley has declared a state of emergency as floodwaters continue to bury homes, businesses and public infrastructure across the state in what a senior meteorologist called a “unique, significant rainfall event.”

“This isn’t the typical end of December weather,” said a meteorologist at the National Weather Service (NWS) in Birmingham, Alabama. “This is a unique, significant rainfall event for this time of year. We get some severe weather this time of year, but to get this much rainfall this time of year is not typical.”

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) received three unconfirmed reports of tornadoes striking JEFFERSON and TUSCALOOSA  counties.

Meanwhile, NWS forecast a strong storm system would be moving from Rockies to Plains this weekend.

A storm system will strengthen this holiday weekend as it moves from the Rockies eastward through the Plains. A dangerous winter storm is forecast across portions of N.M., Tex. and Okla. where blizzard conditions are possible. Severe storms and heavy rain are possible in parts of the Gulf Coast region through the southern Plains to Ohio Valley on Saturday and Sunday where flooding is possible.

Further east, severe weather and flooding can be expected from east Texas to portions of the Mississippi Valley. Travel conditions will be hazardous in many locations through Sunday.

Dozens of Warnings, Advisories and Watches for severe weather are in effect across the U.S., as of posting.

 

Major wildfire burning uncontrollably, forcing mass evacuations, highway closures in SoCal

The massive blaze is devouring brush along PCH north of Ventura, threatening dozens of homes.

• Mandatory evacuations have been imposed for the Solimar Beach community.
• Campers were forced to evacuate at Emma Wood State Park.
• Faria Beach Park campground was under voluntary evacuation.
• Multiple section of Highway 101 and PCH were forced to close.
• The fire grew to about 1,000 acres, as of posting.

Contributed photo/Johnny Corona/via VCS. A Ventura County Fire helicopter drops water on the Solimar Fire early Saturday morning.

 Deadly floods Displace 150,000 in Latin America

States of Emergency declared in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. 

Deadly flooding have forced about 150,000 people from their homes in Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay, prompting the authorities to declare states of emergency in multiple regions across the three countries.

At least 10,000 people were evacuated in Entre Rios province, and twice as many may need to be evacuated,  as floods threatened Concordia [pop: 170,000] located on the banks of the Uruguay River, the worst affected area, said the mayor, calling the deluge “the worst flooding in 50 years.”

“In November and December, the Rio de la Plata river basin in Argentina’s northeast received between 150 and 300 millimeters more rain than is typical for the period, the farm industry ministry said in a statement.,” AFP reported.

Death toll from flood related incidents in the affected areas stood at about a dozen, as of posting.

 

Great Ocean Road fire: Christmas Day blaze destroys 116 homes in Victoria

The massive bushfire in Victoria, Australia has destroyed at lease 116 homes, said a report.

“The fire, which has so far burned more than 2,200 hectares, is not yet under control.”

UK flood warnings: Homes evacuated amid record rain

At least 15 severe flood warnings are in effect and scores of homes have been evacuated, as record – heavy rain lashes parts of the UK, with Lancashire and Yorkshire counties bearing the brunt of flooding, said a report.

The UK Met Office has also issued two severe weather warnings, meaning danger to life, for rain in the two counties.

The UK Environment Agency has warned as much as a month’s rainfall would likely fall in one day in some areas.

Every river in Lancashire has exceeded record levels, the Agency said. The flood sirens have been activated in several towns/villages.

• Several rivers have burst their banks, and homes in Ribchester and Whalley, Lancashire, have been evacuated.
• Meanwhile, more than 300 flood alerts and warnings are in place across England, Scotland and Wales.
• The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has issued more than 10 flood warnings, in the Scottish borders and Tayside areas, as well as a number of flood alerts.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service warned: “A severe flood warning means danger to life. It doesn’t mean ‘come and have a look’! Please don’t come to visit Whalley or Ribchester now.”

“The village is under siege really,” a Ribchester resident told the BBC, describing the situation as “pretty grim,” with many homes at risk of flooding.

“The routes to the south are cut off and the route to the north, to Longridge, is under threat.”

A resident in Whalley said the situation was “a million times worse” than a fortnight ago when floods also hit.

“There are no more sandbags anywhere. People are panicking. That’s my business and my home, it’s a double whammy.”

• The River Calder burst its banks in Mytholmroyd in the Calder Valley.
• Hebden Bridge town centre was one of the areas hit by floods on Boxing Day.
• Flood sirens sounded in Mytholmroyd, West Yorkshire.

Capel Curig in north-west Wales received the most rainfall in the 24-hour period to 09:00UTC Boxing Day, with a total of 168mm, the report said.

Up to 120mm of rain could fall over the most exposed sites in northern England on Boxing Day – with the average rainfall for the whole of December in the North West being 145mm, said Met Office forecasters.

Floods Minister Rory Stewart told BBC Radio: “As the rain falls, the rivers respond very quickly. Certainly what we’ve seen is rainfall levels that nobody’s ever seen before.”

 

M5.4 Earthquake Strikes DODECANESE ISLANDS, GREECE

Magnitude:  5.4mb [http://www.emsc-csem.org/]
Region: DODECANESE ISLANDS, GREECE
Date/time: 2015-12-26 11:00:53.2 UTC
Location: 35.46 N, 27.42 E
Depth: 45km
Distances:

• 329 km S of İzmir, Turkey [pop: 2,500,603]
• 207 km E of Irákleion, Greece [pop: 137,154]
• 131 km SW of Ródos, Greece [pop: 56,128]
• 19 km E of Kárpathos, Greece [pop: 2,243]

Testimony: Witness location : Rhodes (Greece) (130 km NE from epicenter)

Today’s earthquake was very noticeable! Our Light fixtures in the living room, which are made of hanging crystals, like a Church Bell, they were moving horizontal ways creating really strong sound that is hard to miss, even being inside another room of the house. The Christmas Tree was also “dancing” in some ways but, Thank God, nothing fall from any wall, and no damage was occurred because of this earthquake.

Crop Disasters Declared in Alabama, Florida, Georgia

Extreme weather events cause additional crop disasters in 39 counties across three states

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated a total of 39 counties in three states—Alabama, Florida and Georgia—as crop disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by excessive rainfall, winds, and flooding that occurred during the period of Sept. 1 through Nov. 20, 2015. Those counties are:

Alabama. Baldwin, Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Chambers, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Elmore, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Monroe, Montgomery, Pike, Randolph, Russell, Tallapoosa and Wilcox.

Florida. Escambia, Holmes, Jackson, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton.

Georgia. Chattahoochee, Clay, Early, Harris, Muscogee, Seminole, Stewart and Troup.

Crop Disasters 2015

Beginning January 7, 2015 USDA has declared crop disasters in at least 3,929 counties and county equivalents across 46 States [as well as Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands]: Those states are Arizona, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.

• About 99 percent of the 2015 crop disaster designations have been due to drought so far this year.

Crop Disasters 2014

In 2014, USDA declared crop disasters in at least 2,904 counties across 44 states. Most of the designations were due to drought.

Those states were:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan. Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. [FIRE-EARTH has documented all of the above listings. See blog content.]

Notes:
i. USDA trigger point for a countywide disaster declaration is 30 percent crop loss on at least one crop.

ii. The counties designated as agricultural disaster areas, as listed above, include both primary and contiguous disaster areas.

iii. Some counties may have been designated as crop disaster areas more than once due to multiple disasters.

iv. The U.S. has a total of 3,143 counties and county-equivalents.

Related Links

• Crop Disasters Declared in the Carolinas December 3, 2015
• Crop Disasters Declared in Kansas December 3, 2015
• Multiple Crop Disasters Declared in Michigan and Ohio November 26, 2015
• Multiple Crop Disasters Declared in Six U.S. States November 22, 2015
• Drought
• Agricultural Disasters Index

 

States of Emergency Declared in LA, AL, WV and NJ

Massive Winter Storm Causes States of Emergency from U.S. South to New England

A massive winter storm stretching all the way from southwest Texas to southern New England is forecast to dump up to 30cm (two feet) of snow on parts of the eastern United States, prompting the governors in at least four states—Louisiana, Alabama, West Virginia and New Jersey—to declare states of emergency, as of posting. States of emergency declared due to previous storms are still in effect for much of the rest of the region in the affected regions.

The storm, which is affecting more than 120 million people,  has forced hundreds of schools, businesses and local governments to close, grounding thousands of flights, including about 1,800 Wednesday night.

The National Weather Service (NWS) said in its latest forecast:

Winter Storm from the Mexican Border in Texas to southern New England through Thursday

A widespread winter weather event is underway from southwest Texas into parts of southern New England.  Sleet and freezing rain are expected from south/central Texas into the Southeast …

Areas from the southern Plains across the Mid-Atlantic into New England could see “significant snowfall.”

A rather vigorous and elongated piece of energy in the mid to upper levels, moving from the Plains to the Mid-Atlantic today and tomorrow, will interact with an arctic air mass and surface cold front plunging south and eastward into the Southeastern states this evening.

Significant snowfall of up to 12 inches is possible from the Tennessee Valley to the central Mid-Atlantic on Thursday, according to the forecast.

Moderate to heavy rain from the southern Plains to the Mid-Atlantic, combined with snow melt, could result in flood or flash flooding, especially across the lower Ohio Valley and western Mid-Atlantic regions.

Behind the front, winter hangs on tight as temperatures plummet across the eastern third of the nation. By Thursday evening, cold high pressure dominates resulting in unseasonably cold temperatures from the Plains to the eastern seaboard.

Temperatures for the remainder of the week are expected to fall by as much as 35 degrees below normal, said the forecast.

Possible New Snow Record for Beantown

The Walking City, which recorded its coldest February this year, could receive an additional 8cm (3 inches) of snow from the storm, said NWS.

Boston needs just 4.8cm more of powdery precipitation to break its all time record for total snowfall in a winter of 273.4 cm (107.6 in), set in 1995-96.

States of Emergency Declared for Alabama, Georgia

State of Emergency proclaimed for Alabama as exceptionally severe weather approaches

Gov Bentley has declared a State of Emergency for all Alabama counties ahead of severe winter weather that is forecast to move through Alabama.

The potential exists for loss of life, injuries and property damage as severe winter weather moves through the state of Alabama bringing ice, snow, sleet, freezing rain as well as subfreezing temperatures beginning February 25, 2015, said the governor in his State of Emergency Proclamation.

The State of Emergency will become effective at 6:00 a.m. Wednesday.

Bentley, has also mobilized 250 National Guards to respond to emergencies, and  authorized local authorities to shut schools and offices, if necessary.

On Tuesday, snow and ice forced school closures across the south, bringing the traffic on roads and highways into a standstill, and creating havoc for commuters, with record numbers of crashes reported.

Deal declares state of emergency effective 2 p.m. Wednesday

Georgia Gov. Deal has declared a state of emergency for 50 counties effective 2 p.m. Wednesday (February 25, 2015).

“With forecasts showing we could see accumulation by 4 p.m., I want to make sure we get as many commuters home before then as possible,” Deal said. “While current models show that temperatures will remain above freezing, we don’t want to run the risk of having normal rush hour traffic volume if there’s snow or ice on the highways.”

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm warning for metro Atlanta and north Georgia, with potential for up to 4 inches of snowfall in the Atlanta area, effective 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Winter Storm Warnings

Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for parts of at least 20 states in the South, southeast, Midwest, central and NE US, as of posting.

Record Low Temp Set in N. Virginia

Meantime, at Dulles International Airport, N. Virginia, a new low temperature of -20ºC (minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit) was recorded,  shattering the previous record of -10ºC (14 degrees F)  set in 1967, said NWS.

Lowest Minimum Temp (Daily Records)

Between 1 and 24 February, at least 1,883 new record low temperatures have been set across the United States, said National Climatic Data Center (NCDC).

Multiple Crop Disasters Declared in Five States

DISASTERS CAUSED BY CLIMATE CHANGE
EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS
DROUGHT
EXTREME RAIN EVENTS
FLASH FLOODING
HIGH WINDS
HAIL
CROP DISASTERS
SCENARIOS  560, 477, 444, 178, 111, 100, 027, 025, 03, 02
.

Crop Disasters Declared for 41 Counties across Five States

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has declared crop disasters in 41 counties across five states—Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, Nebraska,Texas—due to the losses and damage caused by extreme weather and climatic events.

Crop disasters caused by drought

• Texas: Delta, Franklin, Hopkins, Hunt, Rains and Wood counties.
• Alabama: Clay, Cleburne, Chambers, Chilton, Coosa, Elmore, Lee, Macon, Randolph, Shelby,Talladega and Tallapoosa counties.
• Georgia: Carroll, Heard and Troup counties.

Crop disasters caused by excessive rain, flash flooding, high winds and hail that occurred from Aug. 9, 2014, through Oct. 2, 2014

• Kansas:  Brown, Clay, Cloud, Jackson, Jewell, Lincoln, Marshall, Mitchell, Nemah,Osborne, Ottawa, Pottawatomie, Republic, Riley and Washington counties.
• Nebraska, Gage, Jefferson, Pawnee, Richardson and Thayer counties.

Crop Disasters 2014

Beginning January 10, 2014 USDA has declared crop disasters in at least 2,768 counties across 41 states. Most of those designations are due to  drought.

Those states are

• Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. [FIRE-EARTH has documented all of the above listings. See blog content.]

Notes:
i. USDA trigger point for a countywide disaster declaration is 30 percent crop loss on at least one crop.

ii. The counties designated as agricultural disaster areas, as listed above, include both primary and contiguous disaster areas.

iii. Some counties may have been designated crop disaster areas more than once due to multiple disasters.

iv. The U.S. has a total of 3,143 counties and county-equivalents.

v. The disaster designations posted above were approved by USDA on October 22, 2014.

Latest/ Recent Crop Disaster Declarations

• Drought Destroys Crops in Five States November 21, 201
• Drought Destroys Crops in Georgia, Florida October 17, 2014
• Crop Disasters Declared in Five States October 10, 2014
• Multiple Crop Disasters Declared in New England October 4, 2014
• Multiple Crop Disasters Occur in 11 States October 3, 2014
• Multiple Crop Disasters Declared in 10 States September 25, 2014
• Drought Crop Disasters Declared in U.S. West  September 18, 2014
• FREEZE Destroys Crops in Ohio, Pennsylvania  September 18, 2014
• Crop Disasters Declared in Five States September 12, 2014
• Crop Disasters Declared in Six States Posted on September 5, 2014
• Federal Disasters
• Drought
• Agricultural Disasters Index

 

Drought Disaster Declared in Two States

EXTREME WEATHER & CLIMATIC DISASTERS
DROUGHT
CROP DISASTERS
SCENARIOS  900, 444, 117, 111, 100, 067, 03, 02
.

Crop Disaster Declared for Eight Counties in Georgia and Alabama

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated a total of eight counties in Georgia and Alabama as crop disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.

The disaster designations are for the following areas:

• Georgia. Early, Baker, Calhoun, Clay, Miller and Seminole counties.
• Alabama. Henry and Houston counties.

Crop Disasters 2014

Beginning January 10, 2014 USDA has declared crop disasters in at least 2,690 counties across 41 states. Most of those designations are due to  drought.

Those states are

• Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. [FIRE-EARTH has documented all of the above listings. See blog content.]

Notes:
i. USDA trigger point for a countywide disaster declaration is 30 percent crop loss on at least one crop.

ii. The counties designated as agricultural disaster areas, as listed above, include both primary and contiguous disaster areas.

iii. Some counties may have been designated crop disaster areas more than once due to multiple disasters.

iv. The U.S. has a total of 3,143 counties and county-equivalents.

v. The disaster designations posted above were approved by USDA on October 29, 2014.

Crop Disaster Declarations since September 2014

• Crop Disasters Declared in Six States October 23, 2014
• Drought Destroys Crops in Georgia, Florida October 17, 2014
• Crop Disasters Declared in Five States October 10, 2014
• Multiple Crop Disasters Declared in New England October 4, 2014
• Multiple Crop Disasters Occur in 11 States October 3, 2014
• Multiple Crop Disasters Declared in 10 States September 25, 2014
• Drought Crop Disasters Declared in U.S. West  September 18, 2014
• FREEZE Destroys Crops in Ohio, Pennsylvania  September 18, 2014
• Crop Disasters Declared in Five States September 12, 2014
• Crop Disasters Declared in Six States Posted on September 5, 2014
• Federal Disasters
• Drought
• Agricultural Disasters Index

Federal Disaster Declared in Alabama

EXTREME WEATHER & CLIMATIC EVENTS
SEVERE STORMS
EXTREME RAIN EVENTS
DEADLY TORNADOES
STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS
HISTORIC FLOODING
FEDERAL DISASTER DECLARED
.

Major Disaster declared for Alabama (DR-4176)

Federal disaster has been declared  for the areas in Alabama that are affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding on April 28, 2014 and continuing.

Areas worst affected by multiple disasters are  Baldwin, Jefferson, Lee, and Limestone counties.

Up to 26 inches of rain fell around the Alabama-Florida state line over a two-day period, Tuesday and Wednesday, causing “historic” flooding in Baldwin County, AL, and Escambia County, FL, said The National Weather Service in Mobile.

“Federal funding is also available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency work for damage from the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding in Baldwin, Jefferson, Lee, Limestone and Mobile counties,” said Fema.

Federal funding has also been made available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Governor Robert Bentley on Monday declared a State of Emergency for all Alabama counties as a result of severe weather impacting the state.

“Some of our communities have already experienced significant damage as a result of the tornadoes that began moving through Alabama earlier today,” said Bentley on Monday.

A copy of the Governor’s State of Emergency can be found here.

Latest Federal Disaster Declarations

• Federal Disasters
• Drought 2013
• Agricultural Disasters Index

Related Links

• Tornado Attacks – Day 3 April 30, 2014
• Massive Tornado Attacks Continue on U.S. South, East April 29, 2014
• More Deadly Tornadoes Swoop across Southern US April 29, 2014
• Deadly Tornadoes Rake Through Central U.S. April 28, 2014
• Tornadoes Strike OK, KS, MS, AR, NE, IA April 28, 2014
• Tornadoes Destroy or Damage Hundreds of N.C. Homes April 26, 2014

‘Historic’ Flooding Submerges Pensacola, FL

EXTREME WEATHER & CLIMATIC EVENTS
SEVERE STORMS
EXTREME RAIN EVENT
HISTORIC FLOODING 
.

Extreme Rain Event and Historic Flooding  Submerge City in Florida Panhandle

 A slow-moving storm system, responsible for dozens of deaths and more than 100 tornadoes in Central, South and Eastern U.S., dumped 21.4 inches of rain in a 23-hour period on Pensacola, Fla., killing at least one person, washing away bridges and destroying many miles of highways and roads across the region.

A second, unconfirmed fatality was also reported as a result of flooding.

Multiple  incidents of  major flooding were reported in Alabama, North Carolina and other parts of Florida.

The system had also dumped about 21 inches of rain on Gulf Shores, Alabama, by early Wednesday.

Up to 3,000 lightning strikes per hour were recorded in central Florida.  Lightning was also blamed for multiple bushfires in Volusia County on Tuesday.

Related Links

• Bay of Bengal Island Disappears March 25, 2010
• What Florida Might Look Like in 2014 December 7, 2009

Massive Tornado Attacks Continue on U.S. South, East

EXTREME WEATHER & CLIMATIC EVENTS
DEADLY STORM SYSTEM
DEADLY TORNADOES
STATES OF  EMERGENCY IN MULTIPLE STATES
.

Dozens Killed in US as Tornado Attacks Continue

States of Emergency declared in Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Georgia as up to 82 tornadoes strike  southern and eastern U.S.,  leaving trails of death and destruction in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee,  Georgia, and  Kentucky.

Deadly tornadoes, baseball-sized hail, and destructive winds continue to leave trails of death and destruction across large portions of southern and eastern U.S.

As many as 50 fatalities have been reported (unconfirmed), with hundreds more injured.

Up to 118 tornado reports have been sent to Storm Prediction Center since late Sunday.

FIRE-EARTH Damage Estimate

FIRE-EARTH Disaster Models estimate cost of damage caused by the storm systems at $500million, based on initial reports, as of posting. [The final estimates could be much higher.]

Tornadoes, Wind and Hail Reports (Unfiltered) received by SPC as of 12:49UTC on Tuesday, April 29, 2014.

In an earlier forecast the National Weather Service said:

A Major Severe Weather Outbreak Continues through Wednesday

A widespread severe weather outbreak is ongoing and will continue across portions of the southern and eastern U.S. Widespread severe storms are expected with damaging winds, very large hail, and a few intense tornadoes.

States of Emergency Declared in FIVE States

Gov. Bentley declares state of emergency for all Alabama counties

“Some of our communities have already experienced significant damage as a result of the tornadoes that began moving through Alabama earlier today, ” said Bentley in a press release.

Gov. Deal Declares a State of Emergency for Georgia

Gov. Deal declared a state of emergency Monday night in anticipation of the storms.

“At this juncture, we’ve declared the emergency for the entire state because it’s impossible to pinpoint where the weather will hit,” said Deal in a statement. “Georgia is threatened at least through (Tuesday) and perhaps into Wednesday. We’re prepared now and we’ll be ready for recovery should we, God forbid, experience tornado damage or flooding.”

Gov. Bryant Declared a State of Emergency for Mississippi

Gov. Bryant declared a state of emergency on Monday in advance of the storms that forecasters had warned could spawn tornadoes, heavy rains, damaging hail and flash floods.

“This storm system has the potential to create dangerous conditions, and we are monitoring it closely,” said Bryant. “Residents should not overreact (!)  but should make plans now to ensure they are prepared for a variety of conditions, including strong winds and rains and the possibility of hail and tornadoes.”

Gov. McCrory Declares State of Emergency for four N.C. Counties

Governor McCrory declared a state of emergency for Beaufort, Chowan, Pasquotank and Perquimans counties following the damage and destruction caused by Friday’s severe thunderstorms and devastating tornadoes. He warned of more severe weather statrting Monday.

“What I witnessed firsthand in Beaufort, Chowan and Perquimans counties is a stark reminder of how damaging tornadoes can be,” said McCrory. “My heart goes out to the hundreds of people dealing with property damage, injuries, and even the loss of life. In times like these, we must stick together and help each other out, and we will do all that we can to help communities hit by these storms.”

Gov. Fallin Declares a State of Emergency for Ottawa County

Oklahoma Gov. Fallin declared a state of emergency for Ottawa County on Monday after a tornado struck the area Sunday night killing at least one person, destroying Quapaw’s fire stations and scores of other buildings, including homes and businesses.

 SPC Damage Reports (Summary)

• WINSTON COUNTY, MS, SEVERAL SOURCES ARE REPORTING CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE AROUND LOUISVILLE

• RICHLAND, MS, TANKER IN DITCH AND MAJOR STRUCTURAL DAMAGE NEAR HIGHWAY 49 AND OLD 49 INTERSECTION.

• MADISON, MS, POWER OUT ON HIGHWAY 463 NEAR MADISON HIGH SCHOOL. ROADS CLOSED AND MULTIPLE HOMES DAMAGED. A FEW INJURIES REPORTED.

• WINSTON, MS, MHP STARKVILLE REPORTS HEAVY DAMAGE ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF LOUISVILLE AROUND THE COUNTRY CLUB (JAN)

• LOUISVILLE, MS, WINSTON COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER HAS 2 WALLS DOWN AND A THIRD WALL DAMAGED. ALSO HAS A GAS LEAK.

• MADISON, MS, CONSIDERABLE  DAMAGE AROUND LAKE CAROLINE.

•  RANKIN, MS, MAJOR DAMAGE IN RICHLAND. REPORTED BY SPOTTER.

• PEARL, RANKIN, MS, SEVERAL TRAILERS DESTROYED OR DAMAGED IN HIGHLANDS MOBILE HOME PARK. REPORTED BY HIGHWAY PATROL.

• RANKIN, MS,  MANY HOMES DAMAGED. NUMEROUS TREES DOWN ON SHILOH … PLEASANT … ST LOUIS … WILSON AND GAYDEN ROADS.

• SMITHLAND, LINCOLN, TN,  SIGNIFICANT STRUCTURAL DAMAGE WAS REPORTED AT SOUTH LINCOLN SCHOOL AND IN A SUBDIVISION NORTHWEST OF THE SCHOOL.

• CRYSTAL SPRINGS, LINCOLN, TN,  ALL HOMES GONE ON PRICE LANE AND HOWELL HILL ROAD, 9 MILES NORTH OF THE STATE LINE AT CROSSROAD CEMETERY.

• S RODENTOWN, DEKALB, AL,  SEVERAL HOMES HEAVILY DAMAGED OR DESTROYED AROUND CR 4 AND CR 450.

• SANDERSVILLE, JONES, MS, POWER OUTAGES ACROSS SANDERSVILLE. NUMEROUS TREES DOWN ON ROADS INCLUDING LINDSEY … HIGHWAY 11N … 29TH AT AUDUBON AND DALLAS BROWNLEE. MOBILE HOME DAMAGED ON SHERMAN ROAD

• MADISON, MS, TREES AND POWER LINES DOWNED AND ROOF DAMAGE TO SOME HOMES IN THE LAKE CAROLINE AREA

• WINSTON, MS, MSU CHASERS REPORT 1/2 MILE WIDE TORNADO. HOME DAMAGE AND LARGE TREE DAMAGE

• WINSTON, MS, CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE ALONG THE MS HIGHWAY 25 CORRIDOR IN SW WINSTON COUNTY

• WINSTON, MS, STORM CHASERS REPORT LARGE MULTI VORTEX TORNADO HAS CROSSED MS HIGHWAY 19 IN SW WINSTON COUNTY

Related Links

• More Deadly Tornadoes Swoop across Southern US April 29, 2014
• Deadly Tornadoes Rake Through Central U.S. April 28, 2014
• Tornadoes Strike OK, KS, MS, AR, NE, IA April 28, 2014
• Tornadoes Destroy or Damage Hundreds of N.C. Homes April 26, 2014

More Deadly Tornadoes Swoop across Southern US

EXTREME WEATHER & CLIMATIC EVENTS
DEADLY STORMS
DEADLY TORNADOES
STATES OF  EMERGENCY IN MULTIPLE STATES
.

Dozens of Tornadoes Attack Five Southern States, Killing at least 23 People

States of Emergency declared in Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Georgia as up to 52 tornadoes swoop across the southern U.S.,  leaving trails of death and destruction in AL, MS, TN, GA and KY.

At least 23 people were killed in Alabama and Mississippi after tornadoes struck Monday evening. The  total number of fatalities are not yet confirmed.

The tornado attack follows another round deadly strike by twisters Sunday evening, spawned by the same massive storm system, which left more than two dozen people dead in Arkansas, Iowa and Oklahoma.

The extent of damage in Tupelo, Mississippi, was described as “devastating” by the mayor, after a tornado tore through the city, destroying or damaging hundreds of homes and businesses.

“It’s a very serious situation … I am just encouraging everyone to stay inside and be weather aware. There is still a very real danger of another line coming through and people still need to be inside,” said Tupelo Mayor.

Tornadoes, Wind and Hail Reports (Unfiltered) received by SPC as of 04:55UTC on Tuesday, April 29, 2014.

States of Emergency Declared in FIVE States

Gov. Bentley declares state of emergency for all Alabama counties

“Some of our communities have already experienced significant damage as a result of the tornadoes that began moving through Alabama earlier today, ” said Bentley in a press release.

Gov. Deal Declares a State of Emergency for Georgia

Gov. Deal declared a state of emergency Monday night in anticipation of the storms.

“At this juncture, we’ve declared the emergency for the entire state because it’s impossible to pinpoint where the weather will hit,” said Deal in a statement. “Georgia is threatened at least through (Tuesday) and perhaps into Wednesday. We’re prepared now and we’ll be ready for recovery should we, God forbid, experience tornado damage or flooding.”

Gov. Bryant Declared a State of Emergency for Mississippi

Gov. Bryant declared a state of emergency on Monday in advance of the storms that forecasters had warned could spawn tornadoes, heavy rains, damaging hail and flash floods.

“This storm system has the potential to create dangerous conditions, and we are monitoring it closely,” said Bryant. “Residents should not overreact (!)  but should make plans now to ensure they are prepared for a variety of conditions, including strong winds and rains and the possibility of hail and tornadoes.”

Gov. McCrory Declares State of Emergency for four N.C. Counties

Governor McCrory declared a state of emergency for Beaufort, Chowan, Pasquotank and Perquimans counties following the damage and destruction caused by Friday’s severe thunderstorms and devastating tornadoes. He warned of more severe weather statrting Monday.

“What I witnessed firsthand in Beaufort, Chowan and Perquimans counties is a stark reminder of how damaging tornadoes can be,” said McCrory. “My heart goes out to the hundreds of people dealing with property damage, injuries, and even the loss of life. In times like these, we must stick together and help each other out, and we will do all that we can to help communities hit by these storms.”

Gov. Fallin Declares a State of Emergency for Ottawa County

Oklahoma Gov. Fallin declared a state of emergency for Ottawa County on Monday after a tornado struck the area Sunday night killing at least one person, destroying Quapaw’s fire stations and scores of other buildings, including homes and businesses.

SPC Damage Reports

• WINSTON COUNTY, MS, SEVERAL SOURCES ARE REPORTING CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE AROUND LOUISVILLE

• RICHLAND, MS, TANKER IN DITCH AND MAJOR STRUCTURAL DAMAGE NEAR HIGHWAY 49 AND OLD 49 INTERSECTION.

• MADISON, MS, POWER OUT ON HIGHWAY 463 NEAR MADISON HIGH SCHOOL. ROADS CLOSED AND MULTIPLE HOMES DAMAGED. A FEW INJURIES REPORTED.

• WINSTON, MS, MHP STARKVILLE REPORTS HEAVY DAMAGE ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF LOUISVILLE AROUND THE COUNTRY CLUB (JAN)

• LOUISVILLE, MS, WINSTON COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER HAS 2 WALLS DOWN AND A THIRD WALL DAMAGED. ALSO HAS A GAS LEAK.

• MADISON, MS, CONSIDERABLE  DAMAGE AROUND LAKE CAROLINE.

•  RANKIN, MS, MAJOR DAMAGE IN RICHLAND. REPORTED BY SPOTTER.

• PEARL, RANKIN, MS, SEVERAL TRAILERS DESTROYED OR DAMAGED IN HIGHLANDS MOBILE HOME PARK. REPORTED BY HIGHWAY PATROL.

• RANKIN, MS,  MANY HOMES DAMAGED. NUMEROUS TREES DOWN ON SHILOH … PLEASANT … ST LOUIS … WILSON AND GAYDEN ROADS

• SMITHLAND, LINCOLN, TN,  SIGNIFICANT STRUCTURAL DAMAGE WAS REPORTED AT SOUTH LINCOLN SCHOOL AND IN A SUBDIVISION NORTHWEST OF THE SCHOOL.

• CRYSTAL SPRINGS, LINCOLN, TN,  ALL HOMES GONE ON PRICE LANE AND HOWELL HILL ROAD … 9 MILES NORTH OF THE STATE LINE AT CROSSROAD CEMETARY.

The national Weather Service (NWS) has also issued the following forecast.

U.S. Weather Hazards Map (Hazmap) for April 29, 2014. UPDATE.

A Major Severe Weather Outbreak Continues through Wednesday

A widespread severe weather outbreak is ongoing and will continue across portions of the southern and eastern U.S. Widespread severe storms are expected with damaging winds, very large hail, and a few intense tornadoes.

Related Links

• Deadly Tornadoes Rake Through Central U.S. April 28, 2014
• Tornadoes Strike OK, KS, MS, AR, NE, IA April 28, 2014
• Tornadoes Destroy or Damage Hundreds of N.C. Homes April 26, 2014

Crop Disasters Declared in Six States

EXTREME WEATHER & CLIMATIC EVENTS
DROUGHT
EXCESSIVE RAIN
FREEZE & FROST
CROP DISASTERS
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Drought, Excessive Rain, Freeze and Frost  Cause Crop Disasters across Dozens of Counties in 6 States

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 52 Counties across six states—Arizona, California, Oklahoma, Alabama, Florida and Georgia—as crop disaster areas in four separate designations due to various disasters.

Drought Disaster in Arizona and California

USDA has designated five counties in Arizona and three counties in California as Crop Disaster Areas due to ongoing Drought. Those areas are

• Arizona. La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Yavapai and Yuma counties.
• California. Imperial, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Drought Disaster in Oklahoma

USDA has designated seven counties in Oklahoma as Crop Disaster Areas due to damages and losses caused by the drought.  Those areas are Blaine, Dewey, Caddo, Canadian, Custer, Kingfisher and Major counties.

Crop Disasters from Excessive Rain in Florida

USDA has designated nine counties in Florida as Crop Disaster Areas due to excessive rain that occurred from Jan. 1- March 14, 2014.

Those counties are Alachua, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Marion, Putnam, St. Johns  and Volusia.

Crop Disasters Caused by Freeze and Frost

USDA has designated 24 counties in Florida as crop disaster areas due to freeze and frost that occurred from Jan. 7-31, 2014 (and presumably continues. The wording is ambiguous).

Those counties are Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Broward, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Gilchrist, Glades, Hendry, Holmes, Levy, Marion, Nassau, Okaloosa, Palm Beach, Walton, Martin, Putnam, Okeechobee, Santa Rosa, Union and Washington.

Farmers and ranchers in the following counties in Alabama and Georgia also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their counties are contiguous.

• Alabama. Covington, Escambia and Geneva counties.

• Georgia. Charlton County.

Drought Disasters 2014

Beginning January 10, 2014 USDA has declared at least 1,062 counties across 21 states as crop disaster areas. Most of those designations are due to drought.

• Those states are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas and Utah.

Notes:
i. USDA trigger point for a countywide disaster declaration is 30 percent crop loss on at least one crop.

ii. The total number of counties designated as agricultural disaster areas includes both primary and contiguous disaster areas.

iii. A number of counties may have been designated crop disaster areas more than once due to multiple disasters.

iv. The U.S. has a total of 3,143 counties and county-equivalents.

v. The disaster designations posted above were approved by USDA on April 2, 2014.

Related Links

• Crop Disasters Declared for 11 U.S. States April 11, 2014
• Crop Disaster Declared for 45 Counties in Texas, Oklahoma April 3, 2014
• Crop Disasters Declared in 5 States as Drought Worsens March 27, 2014
• Crop Disasters Declared for Texas, Oklahoma, Idaho March 21, 2014
• Drought
• Agricultural Disasters Index

States of Emergency Declared in 4 States

EXTREME WEATHER AND CLIMATIC EVENTS
STATES OF EMERGENCY
.

Governors in 4 states declare States of Emergency ahead of winter storm 

Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi declare States of Emergency ahead of yet another severe round of winter storm. More states are expected to follow suit.

Alabama: Gov. Bentley has declared a state of emergency ahead of yet another round of winter storm forecast to hit the state. The state of emergency is effective 6:00 a.m. Tuesday.

“Alabama recently experienced a winter weather situation two weeks ago, and we are again bracing for more winter weather to impact the state over the coming days,” said Bentley.

Local Area Emergency for Marshall County

All roads in Marshall County are covered with 2 inches or more of
accumulation of snow and sleet. Road reports from throughout the County indicate that all roads are becoming extremely dangerous to impassible.

Louisiana: Gov. Jindal on Monday declared his fourth State of Emergency for severe weather during the past five weeks.

The governor has ordered state offices closed in 19 parishes, in the central and northern parts of the state. The parishes are Avoyelles, Bienville, Caddo, Caldwell, Claiborne, East Carroll, Franklin, Grant, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Rapides, Richland, Union, Vernon, Webster, and West Carroll.

Georgia: Gov. Deal has declared a state of emergency for Georgia just hours ahead of a winter storm.

Deal was severely criticized for the response to the January 28 storm that paralyzed the Atlanta metro area after just two inches of snow, leaving drivers stranded in frigid conditions overnight, and forcing students and some parents to sleep in school buses.

Snow is forecast for the region from Tuesday night to Thursday morning, said NWS.

Mississippi: Gov. Bryant declared a state of emergency Monday in anticipation of a “potentially Dangerous” winter storm, which is forecast to cause ice and snow accumulations in northern and central parts of the state.

“I have declared a State of Emergency to aid emergency officials in preparing for the onset of this potentially dangerous weather,” said  Bryant. “Mississippi has seen its share of winter weather lately, but now is not the time to become weather weary. Residents should not overreact but should make plans now to ensure they are prepared for a variety of conditions, including prolonged freezing temperatures, icy roadways and accumulations of ice and winter precipitation.”

U.S. Weather Forecast

Significant Winter Storm Impacting the South and Southeast with Heavy Snow, Dangerous Ice: NWS

Cold air behind a stalled frontal boundary will combine with Gulf moisture resulting in snow, sleet and freezing rain across parts of the South and Southeast through midweek. In addition to heavy snow, there is a potential for dangerous ice accumulations from the lower Mississippi Valley into the Carolinas.

U.S. Weather Hazards Map (Hazmap)  for Tuesday, February 11, 2014. Issued at 12:31UTC. Source: NWS. UPDATE

Energy Emergency

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) extended on Wednesday the regional States of Emergency Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions & Permits for transporting propane throughout the United States.

A total of at least 38 states and District of Columbia are currently impacted by shortages of propane and other heating fuels.

States covered by the emergency declarations include:

• Western Service Center: North Dakota and South Dakota
• Southern Service Center: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee
• Eastern Service Center: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia
• Midwestern Service Center: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin

Colorado Governor Issued Emergency Declaration to Authorize Temporary Exception to Hours of Service Regulations for CMVs Used for Propane Transport on February 7, 2014.

Texas Governor Renews Proclamation Declaring Liquefied Petroleum Gas Emergency [Feb. 4, 2014.]

Related Links

• States of Emergency Declared in New York, Pennsylvania February 6, 2014
• Disaster Emergency Declared in Multiple States February 5, 2014
• State of Disaster Emergency Declared in Kansas February 5, 2014
• State of Emergency Declared in New Jersey  February 4, 2014

Energy Emergency Links

• Never Mind the Salt, Propane Shortage Biting Hard February 6, 2014
• Deadly Winter Storm Prompts States of Emergency in Georgia, Carolinas  January 29, 2014
• States of Emergency Declared in Alabama, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi …  January 28, 2014

• Wisconsin Declares State of Emergency over Extreme Cold, Fuel Shortage January 26, 2014
• Louisiana Declares 2nd State of Emergency due to Dangerous Cold January 25, 2014
• State of Emergency Declared for Louisiana January 24, 2014

• Energy Emergency Declared for Alabama January 24, 2014
• Tennessee Declares Statewide Energy Emergency January 22, 2014
• Ohio Declares Statewide Energy Emergency January 20, 2014
• State of Emergency Declared in Oklahoma due to Propane Shortage January 8, 2014

States of Emergency Declared in Alabama, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi …

A NOTE to our readers, if any, in the states of Alabama, Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin as well as everyone else who knows someone in those states:

Send a copy of this post to your state governor and ask them whether they were/are allowed to receive FIRE-EARTH forecasts…

.

EXTREME CLIMATIC & WEATHER EVENTS
STATES OF EMERGENCY
ENERGY EMERGENCY
.

UNPRECEDENTED Winter Storm in Deep South Spawned by Massive Arctic Front

Massive air mass from North Pole continues to create life-threatening wind chills levels as high winds push the brutal cold across the U.S. upper Midwest, forcing officials in numerous states to close schools, offices, road and river traffic.

About 4,000 flights have been canceled and thousands more delayed within, into, or out of the United States Sunday through Tuesday according to flightaware.com

STATES of EMERGENCY

The governors in the states of Alabama, Louisiana, Minnesota and  Mississippi  have declared states of emergency due to the threats posed by unprecedented winter storm and or propane and other heating fuel shortage. Other states  could also declare states of emergency as the life-threatening conditions continue.

Louisiana: Gov. Jindal declared a state of emergency Monday, his third proclamation in two weeks, ordering the closure of state agencies in 45 parishes.

He urged Louisianians to stay off the roads over the next few days ahead of a bitter winter storm expected to bring snow, sleet and icy conditions to the state.

“The most dangerous things, the things that worry the weather experts the most, are the accumulations of ice,” said Jindal.

Alabama: Gov. Bentley declared a state of emergency in Alabama on Monday ahead of winter storm expected to batter the state with snow and ice Tuesday and Wednesday.

“This is not a normal event,” said Bentley, having earlier disclosed that “polar vortex has increased the number of deaths throughout the nation.”

Minnesota: Gov. Dayton declared a state of emergency for Minnesota in response to a critical shortage of propane and other home heating fuel supplies statewide.

“We’ve had some trucks here from Minnesota going all the way to Texas to get propane,” said Roger Leider, executive director of the Minnesota Propane Association (!)

The entire Midwest is experiencing a propane shortage

The supply shortage in the upper Midwest has caused delivery delays and reduced delivery amounts for propane customers in at least 33 states, including ALL Midwestern states, and  D.C., as of posting .

• Propane shortage
• DOT – Current Emergency Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions & Permits

Mississippi: Gov. Bryant has declared a State of Emergency for 36 southern counties in Mississippi ahead of the unprecedented winter storm.

The counties covered by the emergency proclamations are: Adams, Amite, Claiborne, Clarke, Copiah, Covington, Forrest, Franklin, George. Greene, Hancock. Harrison, Hinds, Jackson. Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Jasper, Jones, Lamar. Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lincoln, Marion, Newton, Pearl River, Perry, Pike, Rankin, Scott, Simpson, Smith, Stone, Walthall, Warren, Wayne, and Wilkinson.

On January 7, 2014 FIRE-EARTH said [but was censored by Google, WordPress and others]:

FIRE-EARTH Models show more Extreme Weather Events could wreak havoc across North America in the coming days and weeks.

• More Extreme Weather Events to Hit North America

Satellite Animation

• Real-Time U.S. Composite Satellite Animation – 7 day movie

U.S. Weather Hazards Map for January 28, 2014 @ 02:27UTC. Source: NWS. Click to Update…

NWS Forecast: Arctic Blast Drops Temperatures Across the North and Northeast; Will Bring Winter Storm to the Deep South Tuesday and Wednesday

Rare winter storm expected to impact the Deep South and Southeast. Temperatures will continue dropping behind an arctic boundary heading towards the southern U.S. Windy conditions will make temperatures across the northern Plains and Northeast feel as cold as -30F in some locations. On Tuesday, accumulating snow, sleet and ice will make for hazardous travel conditions from South Texas to the Carolinas.

Alaska

Avalanches blocked the road to the coastal town of Valdez leaving about 4,000 residents  cut off to road traffic from the rest of the state, officials said on Monday, reported Reuters.

Related Links

• Arctic Front Spawns Major Winter Storms in Deep South  January 28, 2014
• Life Threatening Wind Chills Sweep U.S. Midwest January 27, 2014
• Arctic Air Surging through Central U.S. January 27, 2014
• Polar Déjà vu January 22, 2014
• More Extreme Weather Events to Hit North America January 7, 2014

Energy Emergency

• Wisconsin Declares State of Emergency over Extreme Cold, Fuel Shortage January 26, 2014
• Louisiana Declares 2nd State of Emergency due to Dangerous Cold January 25, 2014
• State of Emergency Declared for Louisiana January 24, 2014

• Energy Emergency Declared for Alabama January 24, 2014
• Tennessee Declares Statewide Energy Emergency January 22, 2014
• Ohio Declares Statewide Energy Emergency January 20, 2014
• State of Emergency Declared in Oklahoma due to Propane Shortage January 8, 2014

Arctic Front Spawns Major Winter Storms in Deep South

A NOTE to our readers, if any, in the states of Alabama, Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin as well as everyone else who knows someone in those states:

Send a copy of this post to your state governor and ask them whether they were/are allowed to receive FIRE-EARTH forecasts…

.

EXTREME CLIMATIC & WEATHER EVENTS
STATES OF EMERGENCY
ENERGY EMERGENCY
.

States of Emergency Declared in Alabama, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi …

Louisiana: Gov. Jindal declared a state of emergency Monday, his third proclamation in two weeks, ordering the closure of state agencies in 45 parishes.

He urged Louisianians to stay off the roads over the next few days ahead of a bitter winter storm expected to bring snow, sleet and icy conditions to the state.

“The most dangerous things, the things that worry the weather experts the most, are the accumulations of ice,” said Jindal.

Alabama: Gov. Bentley declared a state of emergency in Alabama on Monday ahead of winter storm expected to batter the state with snow and ice Tuesday and Wednesday.

“This is not a normal event,” said Bentley, having earlier disclosed that “polar vortex has increased the number of deaths throughout the nation.”

Minnesota: Gov. Dayton declared a state of emergency for Minnesota in response to a critical shortage of propane and other home heating fuel supplies statewide.

A “sun dog” atmospheric phenomenon appears over a farm in southern Minnesota, January 27, 2014. Credit: REUTERS/Eric Miller  [A sun dog, aka, parhelion, is an atmospheric phenomenon that creates bright patches of light in the sky, usually on a halo around the sun. EDITOR]

Mississippi: Gov. Bryant has declared a State of Emergency for 36 southern counties in Mississippi ahead of the unprecedented winter storm.

The counties covered by the emergency proclamations are: Adams, Amite, Claiborne, Clarke, Copiah, Covington, Forrest, Franklin, George. Greene, Hancock. Harrison, Hinds, Jackson. Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Jasper, Jones, Lamar. Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lincoln, Marion, Newton, Pearl River, Perry, Pike, Rankin, Scott, Simpson, Smith, Stone, Walthall, Warren, Wayne, and Wilkinson.

On January 7, 2014 FIRE-EARTH said [but was censored by Google, WordPress and others]:

FIRE-EARTH Models show more Extreme Weather Events could wreak havoc across North America in the coming days and weeks.

• More Extreme Weather Events to Hit North America

U.S. Weather Hazards Map for January 28, 2014 @ 02:27UTC. Source: NWS. Click to Update…

NWS Forecast: Arctic Blast Drops Temperatures Across the North and Northeast; Will Bring Winter Storm to the Deep South Tuesday and Wednesday

Rare winter storm expected to impact the Deep South and Southeast. Temperatures will continue dropping behind an arctic boundary heading towards the southern U.S. Windy conditions will make temperatures across the northern Plains and Northeast feel as cold as -30F in some locations. On Tuesday, accumulating snow, sleet and ice will make for hazardous travel conditions from South Texas to the Carolinas.

Alaska

Avalanches blocked the road to the coastal town of Valdez leaving about 4,000 residents  cut off to road traffic from the rest of the state, officials said on Monday, reported Reuters.

Related Links

• Propane shortage
• DOT – Current Emergency Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions & Permits

• Life Threatening Wind Chills Sweep U.S. Midwest January 27, 2014
• Arctic Air Surging through Central U.S. January 27, 2014
• Polar Déjà vu January 22, 2014
• More Extreme Weather Events to Hit North America January 7, 2014

Energy Emergency Related Links

• Wisconsin Declares State of Emergency over Extreme Cold, Fuel Shortage January 26, 2014
• Louisiana Declares 2nd State of Emergency due to Dangerous Cold January 25, 2014
• State of Emergency Declared for Louisiana January 24, 2014

• Energy Emergency Declared for Alabama January 24, 2014
• Tennessee Declares Statewide Energy Emergency January 22, 2014
• Ohio Declares Statewide Energy Emergency January 20, 2014
• State of Emergency Declared in Oklahoma due to Propane Shortage January 8, 2014

Energy Emergency Declared for Alabama

EXTREME CLIMATIC EVENTS
ENERGY EMERGENCY
.

“polar vortex has increased the number of deaths throughout the nation” —Alabama Gov

Gov. Bentley has declared a State of Emergency for all Alabama counties due to the threat of a propane shortage amid extreme winter weather in the southern U.S.

State of Emergency

Part of Bentley’s State of Emergency Declaration read:

The current prediction of the national Weather Service demonstrate the potential for the entire State of Alabama to be severely affected by extreme and prolonged subfreezing temperatures, with the chance of ice and snow beginning on January 23, 2014. This emergency declaration is in response to the extreme cold experienced by throughout Alabama from the polar vortex and the possible continuing effects of the arctic cold on people and property, including an immediate threat to human life or public welfare in the State of Alabama  …  an emergency exemption is issued as a result of extreme arctic cold weather conditions causing shortages and interruptions in the availability and/or delivery of propane and other home heating fuels throughout the State of Alabama …  the polar vortex has increased the number of deaths throughout the nation, and may result in abnormally high demand and potential supply shortages for conventional heating fuels and threaten the safety and well-being of citizens, agribusiness and business property located throughout the State of Alabama

“With life threatening cold temperatures expected once again, it is important for Alabamians to have the necessary heating resources available for survival,” said Bentley.

“This State of Emergency will help Alabamians have an uninterrupted supply of propane gas and other home heating fuels during this period of winter weather.”

The State of Emergency will wave the federal transportation motor carrier laws, allowing flexibility in the delivery of the vital heating fuel to homes, schools and businesses.

The frigid condition threaten Alabama’s $15 billion poultry industry. The state is the third largest in the country for broiler and 14th in egg production, according to the Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Current – Emergency Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions & Permits

In addition to the State of Alabama, States of Emergencies and/or executive orders, wavers and exemptions have been issued  for 33 other states and District of Columbia, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The following Emergencies are currently in effect:

Regional Emergency Declaration Issued by Southern Service Center

Affected States: Louisiana, Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Oklahoma.  (Effective Date:  1/21/2014 – In effect for the duration of the emergency or until 2/11/2014, whichever is less).

Regional Emergency Declaration Issued by Eastern Service Center 

Affected States: Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont and West Virginia.  (Effective from 1/19/2014 In effect for the duration of the emergency or until 2/11/2014, whichever is less).

Regional Emergency Declaration Issued by Midwestern Service Center 

Affected States: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin.   (Effective from 1/19/2014 In effect for the duration of the emergency or until 2/11/2014, whichever is less).

Related Links

• Tennessee Declares Statewide Energy Emergency January 22, 2014
• Ohio Declares Statewide Energy Emergency January 20, 2014
• State of Emergency Declared in Oklahoma due to Propane Shortage January 8, 2014

Alabama, Mississippi Declare States of Emergency

Alabama and Mississippi declare States of Emergency in anticipation of KAREN

Gov. Bentley has declared a statewide State of Emergency in Alabama in anticipation of Tropical Storm KAREN.

The governor’s office released a statement saying that heavy rains, high winds and possibly tornadoes could hit the state.

“Residents and businesses along Alabama’s coast should monitor weather conditions and be prepared for whatever this tropical storm may bring,” Bentley said. “By declaring this state of emergency, I am mobilizing the resources our communities need as the storm approaches.”

“The governor’s issuance of the State of Emergency places Alabama National Guard members and all emergency response agencies on alert for the potential impact of Tropical Storm Karen,” said Alabama EMA Director.

Mississippi Declares A State of Emergency

Mississippi Gov. Bryant has also declared a state of emergency as Tropical Storm KAREN continues  churning through the Gulf of Mexico.

“Now is the time for people to review their emergency plans in case conditions worsen,” Bryant said in a statement.

Read more here: http://www.sunherald.com/2013/10/03/5002739/mema-tells-people-prepare-for.html#storylink=cpy

Tropical Storm KAREN. IR Satellite Image recorded at 00:45UTC on October 5, 2013. Source: CIMSS/SSEC/WISC. FIRE-EARTH Enhancement.

Meantime, up to five inches of rain and destructive winds are forecast to hit the Gulf’s northern coastline as TS KAREN continues to grow larger.

Mandatory evacuations are under way in Plaquemines parish, Louisiana, due to the threat of storm surge as TS KAREN closes in.

Related Links

• FL, LA Declare States of Emegency as TS KAREN Progresses October 4, 2013
• Tropical Storm KAREN Forms Over The Southeastern Gulf Of Mexico October 3, 2013

Disaster Calendar – August 19, 2013

Hundreds dead or missing as floods and mudslides devastate China

Extreme rain events, flooding and mudslides in northeast and southern China have left hundreds of people dead, injured or missing.

“The Heilongjiang Provincial Hydrological Bureau forecast the stretch of the Heilong River between Tongjiang and Fuyuan County will witness the largest flooding in its history. Authorities in Tongjiang have started a Grade I response preparing for floods,” said a report.

• The deluge has destroyed or damaged at least 210,000 houses in Jilin, Heilongjiang, Guangdong and Liaoning provinces, with the direct economic losses estimated at 18.5 billion yuan (3 billion U.S. dollars), said a report.
• Torrential rains and floods triggered by Typhoon Utor have affected 680,000 people in eight cities in Guangxi. Some 16,660 hectares of crops have been damaged and 1,080 houses have been destroyed.
• In Guangdong Province, TY UTOR has affected more than 2.5 million people destroying or damaging about 19,000 houses and forcing 513,000 people to relocate. The extreme rain has also ruined 173,333 hectares of farmland, according to local authorities.
• “In central China’s Hunan Province, landslides triggered by continuous rainfalls over the past two days have left one dead and 14 others buried or missing,” said a report.

[NOTE: Some of the stats quoted above are already outdated as the  catastrophe continues to unfold in China on an almost hourly basis.]

Original caption: People walk on ruins after the flood in Nankouqian Township, Fushun, northeast China’s Liaoning Province, Aug. 18, 2013. The death toll has risen to 54 as of Monday morning after the worst flooding in decades ravaged Fushun City, northeast China’s Liaoning Province, said the local authorities on Aug. 19, 2013. Extreme rainstorms battered Liaoning from Thursday to Saturday, leaving many rivers flooded in Fushun. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

• In Fushun City, 139,800 houses were damaged and many have collapsed.

• In Guangdong province, 19,000 houses have collapsed or sustained severe damage, forcing  about 513,000 residents to relocate.  The direct economic loss is estimated at 490 million yuan (80 million U.S. dollars).
• “Heilongjiang Province reported [37]  flood-related deaths. The floods have destroyed over 2,500 houses and severely damaged at least 12,500 others, with direct economic losses estimated at 7.13 billion yuan (1.15 billion U.S. dollars).”
• In Jilin Province, at least “35,000 houses were destroyed or damaged with direct economic losses at 2.4 billion yuan (387 million U.S. dollars).”
• “As of 10 a.m. Monday, a total of 1.8 million people in 30 counties in Liaoning Province have been affected and 162,000 have been evacuated from flooded areas. More than 6,100 buildings have collapsed and the total direct economic loss is around 8.5 billion yuan(1.39 billion U.S. dollars), according to the ministry.”

Don’t bring your car to China!

Heping Town in Shantou City, south China’s Guangdong Province devastated by extreme rain events and severe flooding, August19, 2013.  (Xinhua/Yao Jun). More images…

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Philippines’ Cebu declares calamity as sunken ferry leaks oil

The central Philippine province of Cebu has declared a state of calamity as an oil slick from a ferry that sank last week spread to about 20 percent of the coast, said a report.

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16 Counties across three states declared agricultural disaster areas

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 16 counties in three states as agricultural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by frost and freezing temperatures that occurred March 25-29, 2013.

The disaster designations are

• Alabama: Baldwin, Escambia, Mobile, Washington, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Covington and Monroe counties.

• Florida: Escambia, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties.

• Mississippi: George, Greene, Jackson and Wayne counties.

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Beaver Creek Fire Consumes 100,000 acres

As of August 18, 2013 10pm,  the Beaver Creek Fire had grown to at about 100,921 acres with 8% containment.

Beaver Creek Fire. Red Flag conditions, including higher temperatures and wind gusts to 38 miles per hour, increased fire activity on the Beaver Creek Fire. Credit: Sawtooth National Forest/ USFS.

For additional information see

• “Take Your Essentials Belongings and Pets and GO NOW” August 18, 2013

God Promised Offshore Acres to Chosen Companies

submitted by a reader

The U.S. Interior Department delivers 37 million acres for offshore drilling

The U.S. Interior Department is leasing about 37 million acres in the central Gulf of Mexico to oil and gas companies for drill-till-you-drop explorations

Perhaps the dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico were meant to happen [sic]; they were as inevitable [sic] as the Climate Change. Whether its was the will of almighty that his chosen few companies be able to drill for oil and gas  in the Gulf  of Mexico, or the failure of His children to stop the companies doing so, one thing is for certain: The Gulf of Mexico would be made progressively more polluted.

Offshore drilling: Govt approved rape and plunder in the high seas. Source of Photo: yourdemocracy.net.au

Since YOU and us only benefit from doing more with less energy, and keeping our food sources clean,  the only two conclusions we can draw from this must be (i) God has forsaken us in favor of His chosen few, and (ii) we have miserably failed to protect our sources of natural food.

The energy companies are being offered areas that “hold up to 1.3 billion barrels of crude oil and 5.4 trillion cubic feet of gas,” the department said, Reuters reported.

Lease Sale 213 involves about 6,958 tracts spread over 36.9 million acres located 3 to 230 miles off the coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The blocks are in water depths from 10 feet to more than 11,200 feet.”

The lease sale will include about 4.1 million acres in an area known as 181 South, off the Alabama-Florida border. Drilling off Florida in the Gulf is only allowed far from the state’s shoreline.

The lease sale, which will be held on March 17, will cut the time energy companies have to develop oil and gas resources on certain tracts.

The leasing period for blocks in waters 400 to 800 meters (1,312 to 2,625 feet) deep would change from eight to five years, but when an exploratory well is drilled the lease could be extended by three years.

Blocks 800 to 1600 meters (2,625 to 5,249 feet) deep would have lease terms of seven years instead of 10 years. There would also be an extension of three years with an exploratory well.

The current 10-year leasing period would continue for blocks in 1,600 meters (5,249 feet) of water.

Liz Birnbaum, director of the department’s Minerals Management Service, commenting on the shorter leasing periods, said, “they provide a fair return to the public for (offshore) resources and a fair opportunity for lessees to explore, develop and profit from their leases while encouraging diligent development.”

[It’s a “win-win situation,” but the environment and marine life were unintentionally left out of the formula.]

Despite the advantages to both oil and gas companies and the people, the chosen few have reportedly opposed the cut in the leasing periods, and have bitterly complained:

“MMS recognizes that advances in technology have decreased the time necessary for exploration and development in some water depths, while frontier conditions still exist in the deepest waters of the Gulf,” said Birnbaum. “The reduction of some initial lease periods with possible extensions is a way to expedite development.”

Companies pay the government a small royalty fee based on only 18.75 percent of the value of the oil and gas they drill in the offshore tracts, Reuters reported.

We interpreted that to mean 81.25 percent of the oil and gas would be squandered royalty free!

Related Links:

• Gulf of Mexico receives its regular ration of oil spill
• Big Oil Itching to Drill to the Last Straw
• Oil Disasters

STORM UPDATE: Ida Coming Back?

What are the chances of Ida coming back?

At 06:00 UTC (12:00 AM CST) TS Ida was located about 150 km (95 miles) south-southwest of  Mobile Alabama.

Dangerous storm tide created by Ida will raise water levels by up to 1.5 meter ( 5 feet) above ground along the coast near and to the East of where storm center makes landfall, as well as in areas of onshore flow in southeastern Louisiana, NOAA NHC said. The surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves near the coast.

Summary of TS Ida Status:

As of 06:00 UTC Tue Nov 10  (12:00 AM CST)
Location: 29.5°N 88.8°W
Max sustained winds :  96 km/h (60 mph)
Moving: N  (360 degrees) at  16 km/h (10 mph)
Min pressure: 29.47 inches (998 mb)

What are the chances of Ida Coming Back?

What’s the probability of Ida doing a U-Turn, restrengthening into a hurricane-force storm  for a third time, and slamming into the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico, again?

FEWW Moderators believe there’s a 1 in 5 chance [P=0.2] that remnants of Idea could be pinwheeled back into the Gulf of Mexico by a slowly developing system to the east, moving NNW and striking the coast of Louisiana, and further to the west, with renewed intensity.

Layer Wind Mean Analysis. Right click image, then select ‘view image’ to enlarge.

Real-Time U.S. Composite Satellite Image and Animation

Click image to animate.

GOES AVNCOLOR Enhancement – Still image Dated as inset. Click image to enlarge and update.

Storm Ida – Earth Observatory

Ida captured by Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite on November 9 at 6:17 a.m. U.S. Central Time. Though Ida was still a hurricane, it was quickly weakening. While spots of heavy rain remain, the storm’s circular organization is no longer apparent. NASA image courtesy Hal Pierce, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Caption by Holli Riebeek, NASA’s Earth Observatory. Edited by FEWW.

Cumulative Wind History

Click image to enlarge.

Tropical Storm Force Wind Speed Probabilities – 120 Hours

Click image to enlarge.

Coastal Watches/Warnings and 5-Day Forecast Cone for Storm Center

Click image to enlarge.

Related Links:

• Ida Became a Hurricane, Again!
• Could Ida Become a Hurricane?
• Hurricanes 2009

TS Gustav Update 29-8

Update 30-8: Gustav Now a Category Four Hurricane, as Forecast

Gustav is coming, and Big Hannah, too!

More on ‘Big Hannah’ later.

Gustav: The Early US Impact

• Gustav could make landfall in the US anywhere from Texas to Florida by early next week.
• New Orleans is planning a possible mandatory evacuation. [Hurricane Katrina struck the city August 28, 2005]
• Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal has declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard.

Gustav Death Toll as of 03:00 UTC – Aug 29, 2008

• Haiti: 51 people died from storm-related incidents since Tuesday.
• Dominican Republic: At least eight more deaths were reported after Gustav struck.

TS Gustav is seen moving over Jamaica [near bottom right corner] in this mildly out of focus satellite image. Meanwhile Fay, “born” August 15, is till raining on the U.S., now over the Mid-Atlantic section [top center.] In the bottom left a system may be forming (low/medium probability) over the Bay of Campeche.  Credit: NOAA/NASA GOES Project.

TS Hannah follows Gustav. 1. A large tropical wave accompanied by a broad low pressure system is producing limited shower activity about midway between the west coast of Africa and the Lesser Antilles. 2. A well-defined tropical wave is located along the west coast of Africa. This system is showing signs of organization, and some gradual  development is possible over the next couple of days as it moves westward at 10 to 15 mph. Image and caption: NOAA/NWS

Hurricane Highlights from NHC [TS Gustav Advisory No 17]

• Hurricane warnings remain in effect for Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. [A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours.]

• A hurricane watch remains in effect for western Cuba, for the Provinces of Isla de Juventud, Pinar del Rio, la Habana and Ciudad de la Habana.  [A hurricane watch means that hurricane Conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 36 hours.]

• A tropical storm warning remains in effect for the Cuban province of Granma.

• A tropical storm watch remain in effect for the Cuban province of Matanzas.

• At 3:00 am UTC the center of TS Gustav was located near latitude 17.8 north, longitude 77.3 west, about 55 km west-southwest of Kingston Jamaica and about 445 km east-southeast of Grand Cayman.

• Gustav is moving toward the west at 11 km/hr.  A turn toward the west-northwest and northwest is forecast during the next 48 hours.  On this track, the center of Gustav will pass near or over western Jamaica in the next few hours, move near or over the Cayman Islands Friday, and approach western Cuba on Saturday.

• Maximum sustained winds are near 110 km/hr (70 mph) with higher Gusts.  Strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours, and Gustav is expected to become a Hurricane Friday.

• Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 75 km from the center.

• Estimated minimum central pressure is 988 mb (29.18 inches).

• Coastal storm surge flooding of 1 to 3 feet above normal tide levels can be expected in areas of onshore winds in the hurricane warning Area.

• Gustav is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 6 to 12 inches across Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, with isolated maximum amounts of up to 25 inches possible.  These rains will likely produce life-threatening flash floods and mud slides. Rainfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are possible over southern Cuba.  Rainfall will be diminishing over Haiti tonight, but anadditional 1 to 2 inches of rainfall is still possible.  —Forecaster Beven

Fay: TS with an Attitude

Will she go north? Will she go west? Will she settle for west-northwest?

Fay is drifting toward the west near 2 mph (4 km/hr). Fay is forecast to move westward or west-northwestward with some increase in forward speed during the next 48 hours.

Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph (95 km/hr) with higher gusts are expected.

Fay is expected to produce rainfall accumulations of 5 to 10 inches (25.4cm), across

• Central to northern portion of the Florida peninsula
• Florida Panhandle
• Southern Georgia
• Southeastern Alabama

Isolated maximum amounts of 15 inches are possible!

Tropical Storm FAY QuickLook – Posted: 18:00 EDT 08/21/2008

Tropical Storm FAY beginning to make landfall on Florida’s East Coast near Flagler Beach. As of 08/21/2008 18:00 EDT, water levels from northeastern Florida to South Carolina are elevated about 1.25 to 2.40 feet above predicted. (NOAA-NOS)

• Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are possible across the coastal areas of southern South Carolina.
• Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible over southwest and southern Florida.
• Isolated storm total accumulations of 20 to 30 inches have been observed with this system over the east central coastal areas of Florida.
• Storm surge flooding of 1 to 3 feet above normal tides is possible along the east coast of Florida and Georgia
• Isolated tornadoes are possible tonight over portions of northeastern Florida and southeastern Georgia. (Forecaster: Brown/Knabb. NOAA-NHC)

Melbourne Florida: Roads Double as Rivers

Photograph: John Raoux/AP. Image may be subject to copyright. See FEWW Fair Use Notice!

See previous entries for more updated images:

• Fay drops 25 inches of rain on Melbourne

• Fay Heads North Toward SW Florida Coast
• Fay May Strengthen to Hurricane Force
• Tropical Storm Fay Forms
• Weather

Other related Links:

• World Now (Satellite Imagery Index Page)
• Tropical Storm FAY Public Advisory (NOAA – NHC)