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Texas Gov. Declares State of Disaster in 31 Counties Devastated by Severe Weather, Flooding
Gov. Abbott has declared state of disaster in 31 Texas counties because of the devastation caused by severe weather and flooding event that began on May 26, 2016, and that continues.
The disaster areas are Austin, Bandera, Bastrop, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Coleman, Colorado, Erath, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Hidalgo, Hood, Jasper, Kleberg, Lee, Leon, Liberty, Lubbock, Montgomery, Palo Pinto, Parker, Polk, Robertson, San Jacinto, Tyler, Walker, Waller, Washington and Wharton counties in the Lone Star State.
On Friday, May 27th, Abbott elevated the activation level of the State Operations Center (SOC) in Austin and continues to urge all Texans to stay on high alert and immediately heed any warnings from their local officials related to this severe flood threat.
“As our state continues to face waves of severe weather and potential flooding, it is crucial that Texans remain vigilant and heed warnings and any evacuation notices from local officials in their areas,” said Abbott. “The State of Texas stands ready to assist all counties affected by severe weather and has dedicated the resources necessary to ensure the safety of those at risk. I would like to thank the first responders who have rescued residents from rising waters and ask all Texans to keep those affected in their thoughts and prayers.”
Evacuations were ordered for areas in two towns in Fort Bend County, about 50km southwest of Houston, after Brazos River rose to historic levels.
Meanwhile, up to 25 cm of rain is forecast for the Houston over the next few days, said NWS, exacerbating the deadly flood conditions that have claimed about a dozen lives, and caused substantial damage in the metro area.
Most of the state is under Flash Flood Warning, Flood Warning, or Flash Flood Watch, as of posting.
High winds and heavy rain hit Scotland, prompting multiple flood warnings
Scotland is being battered by high winds and heavy rain, with dozens of flood warnings in effect across the country.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued at lest three dozen flood warnings, saying that the key “Inverness to Aberdeen railway line was at risk of flooding.”
Major roads in Scotland have also been closed by flooding with others “passable with care.”
‘The historic castle teetering on the brink of disaster’
In Aberdeenshire, the historic Abergeldie Castle is on the brink of collapsing into a swollen River Dee.
The castle’s owners were forced to evacuate the 16th century A-listed tower house on Sunday, after the river swept away about 60ft (18m) of land behind the property, leaving it only a few feet from the water.
“Most rivers have already peaked or will peak during Monday afternoon and evening. However, due to the continued rainfall they will remain high throughout Tuesday,” the agency said, adding that up to 150mm is expected in some areas.
Storm Frank hit Scotland on Wednesday, causing damage to property and infrastructure, as well as disrupting road and rail travel.
Flooding in Texas leaves more than 1,300 homes damaged or destroyed
Flooding in Texas town of San Marcos [pop: ~ 55,000] has left more than 1,300 homes damaged or destroyed, prompting the Hays County Judge to issue a disaster declaration.
“Once they told me the extent of damage and potential damage, we declared it a disaster area,” Judge Dr. Bert Cobb was quoted as saying.
“The flow and height is double what [it] was when it was at its highest in 1929,” said San Marcos Emergency Management Commander, describing the Blanco River that flows through San Marcos, said a report.
[The river crested at more than 13m (43ft), about 10m above the flood stage, and 2.1m higher than the 1929 record.]
At least three people have been killed and several reported as missing in flash flooding and severe storms across the region, officials said late on Sunday.
A man was killed in the floods that inundated San Marcos, and two others lost their lives in Oklahoma.
Thousands of people have been evacuated across the region.
Earlier, State of Disaster declared was also declared in Caldwell County, Texas as San Marcos River threatened to inundate the area.
A State of Emergency was declared for 44 Oklahoma counties on Saturday.
Severe weather in Houston caused an apartment building to collapse, injuring at least two people and severely damaging 10 of the 41 units, said the Houston Fire Department.
More severe weather and flooding rains possible on Memorial Day
Widespread strong to severe storms will be possible again on Memorial Day from south Texas across the Plains into the Midwest. Isolated tornadoes, damaging winds and hail are all possible especially across much of Texas. In addition, moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast for parts of Texas, increasing the flash and river flooding concerns with an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain possible. [Source: NWS]
Flooding in Texas leaves more than 1,300 homes damaged or destroyed
Flooding in San Marcos [pop: ~ 55,000] has left more than 1,300 homes damaged or destroyed, prompting the Hays County Judge to issue a disaster declaration.
“Once they told me the extent of damage and potential damage, we declared it a disaster area,” Judge Dr. Bert Cobb was quoted as saying.
“The flow and height is double what [it] was when it was at its highest in 1929,” said San Marcos Emergency Management Commander, describing the Blanco River that flows through San Marcos, said a report.
[The river crested more than 13m (43ft), about 10m above the flood stage, and 2.1m higher than the 1929 record.]
At least two people have been killed in flash flooding and severe storms in the region, one each in Texas and Oklahoma, officials said on Sunday.
Earlier, State of Disaster declared was also declared in Caldwell County, Texas as San Marcos River threatened to inundate the area.
A State of Emergency was declared for 44 Oklahoma counties on Saturday.
More severe weather and flooding rains possible on Memorial Day
Widespread strong to severe storms will be possible again on Memorial Day from south Texas across the Plains into the Midwest. Isolated tornadoes, damaging winds and hail are all possible especially across much of Texas. In addition, moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast for parts of Texas, increasing the flash and river flooding concerns with an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain possible. [Source: NWS]
State of Emergency declared for 44 Oklahoma counties on Saturday
State of Disaster declared in Caldwell County, Texas as San Marcos River threatens to inundate the area.
The Oklahoma City metro area recorded up to 15cm of rain, as the city broke an all time record for the wettest 40-day period with 52cm of rainfall.
Major flooding continued along the Blanco River near Wimberley, Texas, about 40 miles southwest of Austin, said the National Weather Service (NWS). About 23cm of rain was reported in the area which led to Blanco River rising more than 10.66m (35 feet) in less than 5 hours on Saturday.
Severe weather risk and flash flood potential continue on Sunday: NWS
Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected across much of the central and southern Plains on Sunday. The Storm Prediction Center has an area of Slight Risk highlighted in Texas for the area with the greatest risk of severe weather; tornadoes, hail and damaging winds are all possible. Flash flooding is also forecast from central Iowa into southern Texas where the heaviest rainfall is expected.
NWS has issued Flood and Flash Flood Warnings and Watches for much of the central and southern Plains including the entire state of Oklahoma and parts of Louisiana, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and Texas.
A judge in Wichita Falls, Texas, issued an evacuation order Saturday urging the residents of the city and the surrounding county to abandon their homes if they live within a 800 meters of either banks of the Wichita River, according to local reports.
Residents in several other towns and cities in northern Texas and southwestern Oklahoma have also been ordered to evacuate amid the threat of historic flooding.
Hundreds of homes have been inundated across the region as powerful storms continue to spawn extreme rain events.
Temperatures fall as much as 20 degrees below normal over Northern Plains
A powerful cold front has brought freezing temperatures to the central and eastern U.S. —NWS
Freezing temperatures will dive into the Deep South and to the Mid-Atlantic through Wednesday morning. This will be damaging to sensitive vegetation. Numerous Frost Advisories and Freeze Warnings are in effect. —NOAA
EXTREME WEATHER & CLIMATIC EVENTS SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS .
Severe thunderstorms forecast for parts of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia
Unseasonably cold across the central and eastern U.S. prompt Freeze Warning across parts of at least 22 states.
Other warnings associated with the “ET” front include Winter Storm Warning, Storm Warning, Flood Warning, Gale Warning, Hard Freeze Warning and Freeze Warning.
Widespread showers and thunderstorms are in the forecast from the Deep South to the Northeast U.S. on Tuesday as moisture from the Gulf of Mexico continues to advance northward into the region ahead of a strong cold front. —NOAA
EXTREME WEATHER AND CLIMATIC EVENTS
EXTREME RAIN EVENTS
MEGA-FLOODING .
16 Severe Flood Warnings remain in effect, as more intense rain swamps the UK
Dozens of UK counties remain under Severe Flood Warning, Flood Warnings and Flood Alerts, as the latest rainstorm from the Atlantic dumps up to 16mm of rain per hour on parts of the country, as well as Ireland.
More Rain Moving in from the Atlantic
IR Satellite image. Infrared Mosaic Color Background – Atlantic Region GOES-East/Meteosat-9/MTSAT. Source: CIMSS
FIRE-EARTH / EDRO Forecast
In November 2009, EDRO/FIRE-EARTH Models showed climate change could directly affect about half the UK population within 3 to 5 years. Our Forecast and most of the links posted below have since been filtered, censored, blocked or buried by Google, WordPress and others.
22 Severe Flood Warnings issued, as UK rivers continue flooding
There are now 22 Severe Flood Warnings [“danger to life”] in effect throughout three UK regions—the Midlands [1,] Southeast [15] and Southwest[6.]
Additionally, 179 Flood Warnings [“Flooding is expected. Immediate action required”] and 288 Flood Alerts [“Flooding is possible. Be prepared”] are in effect throughout the UK, as of posting.
22 Severe Flood Warnings [“danger to life”] and hundreds of Flood Warnings and Flood Alerts are in effect throughout the UK, as of posting.Official records released for last month show UK experienced its wettest January in quarter of a millennium.
In the Midlands River Severn at Alney Island, Gloucester, threatens to overflow, and a Severe Flood Warning has been issued due to the potential flooding of houses and static homes from the overtopping of flood defenses , according to the UK Environment Agency [UKEA.]
15 Severe Flood Warnings issued for the Southeast
Location: Coast at Lymington and Keyhaven including Pitts Deep and Sowley
The wind is Force 10 South westerly. This warning is being issued as a precautionary measure. Forecast tide levels are significant and will be very close to the top of the sea wall which protects most of Lymington and Keyhaven.
River Thames
River Thames is flooding at multiple locations including the Chertsey area and Widespread property flooding and disruption to local infrastructure will continue, said UKEA.
River Thames levels are expected to rise in at least 14 other areas including the Shepperton Green area, Hamm Court, Laleham and Penton Hook, Staines and Egham, Thorpe Lea, Runnymede Pleasure Grounds, Horton and Kingsmead Quarry, Wraysbury village, Old Windsor, Friday Island, Magna Carta Island and Datchet village.
Severe Flood Warnings in the Southwest
Six Severe Flood Warnings are in effect in the Southwest as of posting including
The forecast wind direction are south easterly through to south westerly overnight. The forecast wind strengths are Force 7 increasing to Force 9 overnight Follow the instructions in leaflets now being dropped at all properties at risk. Do not wait for the siren to sound if you intend to relocate from your property
The forecast surge height is 0.99m. The forecast wind direction is SSW. The forecast wind strength is Force 8. Times of high tide will vary along the coast. Conditions will usually apply 2-4 hours either side of high tide. Large waves are forecast to build from a southerly direction. Wave heights could be 3 to 5.5m. This is likely to lead to significant spray overtopping and the potential for further damage to sea walls.
A Severe Flood Warning is in force for Friday evenings tide and a Flood Warning is in force for Saturday morning. Strong winds, tidal surge and large waves may cause flooding at exposed locations. Locations with damage to defences, buildings and structures, will be especially vulnerable. These locations include: Penzance, Newlyn Green, Marazion, Longrock, Porthleven, St Mawes, Pentewan, Looe, Seaton, Kingsand, Cawsand and Plymouth. High tide on Friday is between 16:40 and 18:00. The forecast surge height is over 1m, with Force 9 South South Westerly wind, and waves up to 6m. High tide on Saturday is between 05:00 and 06:00. The forecast surge height is 360mm, with Force 8 South Westerly wind, and waves up to 6m. Conditions in exposed locations will be dangerous …
Water is continuing to spill from Currymoor into Saltmoor and Northmoor via Athelney spillway and the old Lyng railway cutting. This poses a significant ongoing risk to local properties. The drain level at Northmoor pumping station is 6.01 m and is stable. We are pumping at Northmoor and Saltmoor pumping stations. Additional pumps are now running. The River Tone at Currymoor is currently stable but is expected to rise in response to the forecast rainfall.
Water is continuing to spill into Currymoor from the River Tone. Consequently large volumes of water are flowing into Saltmoor and Northmoor via Athelney spillway and the old Lyng railway cutting. Floodwater on the A361 is very deep.
FIRE-EARTH / EDRO Forecast
In November 2009, EDRO/FIRE-EARTH Models showed climate change could directly affect about half the UK population within 3 to 5 years. Our Forecast and most of the links posted below have since been filtered, censored, blocked or buried by Google, WordPress and others.
The next major storm brewing in the Atlantic is expected to crash into Britain on Friday.
The storm could dump significant snow on much of Northern Ireland, southern Scotland and northern England.
Sixteen Severe Flood Warnings remain in effect in southern England for Berkshire, Surrey and Somerset; thousands of people have been evacuated.
Some 355 additional Flood Warnings and Flood Alerts are in effect throughout the UK.
Power and transport networks across the country have been severely hit.
Many rivers in southern England have risen to their highest recorded levels.
River Thames is forecast to rise to its highest levels for more than six decades, with Windsor, Maidenhead and Surrey the worst affected, said the UK Environment Agency.
The River Severn rose to a new record level of 5.65m in Worcester.
More homes will be flooded as rivers in Herefordshire and Worcestershire continue rising, the Agency warned.
FIRE-EARTH / EDRO Forecast
In November 2009, EDRO/FIRE-EARTH Models showed climate change could directly affect about half the UK population within 3 to 5 years. Our Forecast and most of the links posted below have since been filtered, censored, blocked or buried by Google, WordPress and others.
Warnings Issued by UK Met Office at 10:27 on 12 Feb 2014
Valid from – 12 Feb 2014, 13:30 Valid to – 12 Feb 2014, 21:00
During this afternoon a swathe of exceptionally strong winds is expected to affect western parts of Wales and then some northwestern parts of England this evening, particularly in coastal areas. Winds are expected to gust 80 mph widely and possibly reach 100 mph in the most exposed locations in west and northwest Wales.
Winds of this strength can cause widespread structural damage, bringing down trees and also leading to loss of power supplies. In addition, large waves are likely to affect some coasts. The public should take action to alter their travel arrangements during this spell of storm force winds.
Chief Forecaster’s Assessment
A vigorous area of low pressure is expected to move northeastwards across Ireland and southern Scotland this afternoon and evening. Damaging winds are likely to develop along the southern flank of this area of low pressure, especially in coastal locations.
Coastal areas of west Wales and northwest England are likely to bear the brunt as southwesterly (later westerly) winds widely gust to 80 mph and possibly 100 mph in the most exposed locations. The core of strongest winds will then affect parts of the coast of north Wales and northwest England early evening with peak gusts of 85 mph.
Continued …
FIRE-EARTH / EDRO Forecast
In November 2009, EDRO/FIRE-EARTH Models showed climate change could directly affect about half the UK population within 3 to 5 years. Our Forecast and most of the links posted below have since been filtered, censored, blocked or buried by Google, WordPress and others.
EXTREME WEATHER AND CLIMATIC EVENTS
EXTREME RAIN EVENTS .
Entire communities threatened by rising floodwaters along River Thames, England
Fourteen Severe Flood Warnings [“danger to life] remain in effect along River Thames in Berkshire and Surrey, SE England, as floodwaters continue to rise above record levels, threatening thousands of homes.
Two others Severe Flood Warnings remain in Somerset, southwest England.
The UK Environment Agency has also issued 348 other Flood Warnings and Flood Alerts, as of posting, warning that entire communities along River Thames could be severely inundated.
A map of Westminster and City of London, with Flood Warning areas highlighted. Source and copyright: The UK Environment Agency.
Communities along the Thames, particularly in Berkshire and Surrey, are being warned to expect further severe property flooding from the River Thames today (Monday) and into Tuesday.
We have issued 14 severe flood warnings along the River Thames from Datchet to Shepperton Green, including Ham Court and Chertsey, as river levels in the area are extremely high and are forecast to continue to rise.
A further two severe flood warnings remain in force at Saltmoor and Northmoor, including Moorland, and for the A361, East Lyng to Burrowbridge, as flooding continues on the Somerset Levels. —UK Environment Agency
Severe Flood Warning: Datchet (and 15 other areas)
River levels on the Thames are very high and still rising in the Datchet area. A Severe Flood Warning remains in force as river levels will continue to rise for the next 24 hours and are forecast to be higher than those experienced in 2003 on the Thames. Property flooding is expected in the area and disruption to local infrastructure is possible. Issued by The Environment Agency at 11:59 on 10 Feb 2014
Meanwhile, more severe flooding is expected in the coming days, with more significant rainfalls forecast across the south, turning into sleet and snow in the north.
Significant Events
Britain is bracing for the tenth successive week of torrential rains and destructive high winds starting Monday night, forecasters said.
The country’s wettest winter on record (since 1776) is about to get worse as the “conveyor-belt” of Atlantic storms churns out more extreme events targeting the flood-ravaged southwest, and threatening to dump at least 15cm or rain through Friday.
Britain is bracing for the tenth successive week of torrential rains and destructive high winds starting Monday night, forecasters said.
More than 5,000 homes have already been flooded in southern UK, with some remaining submerged under floodwater for up to six weeks.
The Thames Barrier closed on Monday to protect east London from storm surges.
Rail links to much of the southwest remained cut off because giant waves swept entire sections of tracks into the sea last week.
Large sections of Worcester [WUUS-tər] city center could be closed indefinitely due to severe flooding, the city officials have warned.
Some 29 Flood Warnings remain in effect across the counties of Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Police have recovered a body believed to be that of a kayaker who went missing on the River Usk on Sunday.
The town of Chertsey in Surrey, and Thameside village of Datchet in Berkshire are flooded.
Meanwhile, forecasters warned of another “major storm,” a deep low-pressure system forming in the Atlantic, barreling toward the U.K. at the weekend.
In November 2009, EDRO/FIRE-EARTH Models showed climate change could directly affect about half the UK population within 3 to 5 years. Our Forecast and most of the links posted below have since been filtered, censored, blocked or buried by Google, WordPress and others.
Extreme Rain Events and hurricane-force winds threaten most of the UK (again)
Sixteen Severe Flood Warnings [“danger to life”] and hundreds of Flood Warnings and Flood Alerts are in effect throughout the UK, as river levels continue to rise.
Britain is bracing for the tenth successive week of torrential rains and destructive high winds starting Monday night, forecasters said.
The country’s wettest winter on record is about to get worse as the “conveyor-belt” of Atlantic storms churns out more extreme events targeting the flood-ravaged southwest, and threatening to dump at least 15cm or rain through Friday.
The UK Met Office has issued the following Severe Weather Warnings:
Torrential rains through Thursday, February 13, 2014.
Ice throughout mainland UK today, with the mercury forecast to dip to -5ºC (23 degrees) in the North and 1ºC in the South.
To cap the misery, forecasters have warned of another “major storm,” a deep low-pressure system forming in the Atlantic, barreling toward the U.K. at the weekend.
Sixteen Severe Flood Warnings [“danger to life”] and hundreds of Flood Warnings and Flood Alerts are in effect throughout the UK, as of posting.Official records released for last month show UK experienced its wettest January since 1766.
FIRE-EARTH / EDRO Forecast
In November 2009, EDRO/FIRE-EARTH Models showed climate change could directly affect about half the UK population within 3 to 5 years. Our Forecast and most of the links posted below have since been filtered, censored, blocked or buried by Google, WordPress and others.
EXTREME WEATHER AND CLIMATIC EVENTS
CATASTROPHIC SUPERSTORMS
NINTH CONSECUTIVE WEEK OF EXTREME RAIN EVENTS .
Potentially devastating superstorms lining up in Atlantic to batter Ireland next week
Met Éireann has issued a status orange weather warning, the highest in Ireland, for the southern counties as well as Wexford and Galway, with winds of 130-km/hr forecast as storm RUTH strikes the country.
A status yellow weather warning is in effect for counties Dublin, Louth, Wicklow and Meath, according to reports.
Flood alerts and wind warnings have been issued as Ireland braces itself for a series of potentially devastating Atlantic superstorms and the ninth week of extreme rain events.
Screenshot from a video taken by the Irish Gov. via Independent.ie
Massive Storm System Impacting UK
Some 482 Flood Warnings and Flood Alerts, including 3 Severe Flood Warnings [“danger to life,”] remain in effect throughout Britain as a massive storm system continues to batter the country with strong winds and persistent rain.
The UK Environment Office has issued the following Flood Risk Assessment (Excerpts)
In Somerset there is a HIGH flood risk from river flooding on the Somerset Levels for today (Sat 8 Feb) and Sunday, with a high likelihood of severe impacts. River flooding in this area has been made worse by recent rainfall. Significant impacts are expected to continue in this area through the next week. In Chiswell in Dorset where the beach is degraded there is a HIGH flood risk from coastal flooding due to large waves and strong winds during this evening and during Sunday.
The UK Met Office has issued Level 2 amber severe weather warnings through Sunday, expecting “significant impact” by the storm.
“There is a risk that defenses which have not already been flooded could be, with rainfall totals looking very high in areas already affected,” said a spokesperson.
Flood Warning
UK Environment Agency has issued about 500 Flood Warnings and Flood Alert throughout the country, including 2 Severe Flood Warnings, meaning “danger to life,” as of posting.
A Region Devastated by Floods
“There is a high risk on the Somerset Levels [an area already submerged by earlier floods.] River flooding in this area is expected to be exacerbated by further rainfall,” said the UK Environment Agency.
Meanwhile, official data show that England and Wales experienced the rainiest December to January period since records began 138 years ago.
Massive Atlantic depression heading toward Britain this weekend: UK Met Office
Major hurricane force winds are forecast to “smash” into the UK, causing significant damage this weekend. The storm could prove to be more devastating than the October St Jude’s Day Storm.
“A very low depression is coming in from the Atlantic on Friday night which we are expecting to be significant. Heavy downpours will bring two inches of rain in some parts of the UK,” said the UK Met Office.
Visible satellite image showing a major storm system that struck Ireland and Britain today. UK Met Office.
Today’s Powerful Storm
A powerful storm plowed into SW England and south Wales washing away parts of a railway line and leaving tens of thousands of homes and businesses without electricity.
The storm has reportedly caused significant damage to several coastal areas in the UK and much of Ireland.
IR satellite image showing a major storm system that struck Ireland and Britain today (see inset for frame time). UK Met Office. Image enhanced by FIRE-EARTH Blog.
The UK Environment Agency has issued hundreds of Flood Warnings and Flood Alerts, including 9 Severe Flood Warnings, meaning “danger to life,” across England and Wales, as of posting.
Parts of the UK, France and Italy are inundated as extreme rain events wreak havoc across Europe
The Environment Agency in the UK has issued hundreds of flood warnings and flood alerts including 9 severe flood warnings (danger to life) along the coastal areas.
Severe flooding is expected in the lower reaches of the River Severn in Gloucestershire as a result of high tidal levels combined with high river levels. Conditions are expected to result in danger to life due to flood bank over-topping and fast flowing water, and severe disruption to transport with a risk of motorists becoming stranded. High tides, a positive surge, strong winds and large waves combine to bring a risk of significant flooding for coastal communities throughout Wales and in Dorset, Somerset, North Somerset, Gloucestershire and the north coasts of Devon and Cornwall Saturday. —environment-agency.gov.uk
Italy
In Italy, at least 1,000 homes were evacuated in the city of Pisa as the Arno river threatened to burst its banks, and floodwaters submerged vast swathes of the countryside.
Floodwaters also inundated parts of Florence, and nearby towns, forcing the schools to remain closed on Friday.
Authorities in Venice are bracing for high tides, exacerbated by heavy rains, rising to more than 140cm above the average sea level.
France
“The French department of Finistere, in the west of the country, was placed on red alert as forecasters warned of huge waves and extensive flooding. Ten other French departments were also on alert for rising water levels,” reported Bbc.
The downpour has swollen rivers in Tuscany causing widespread flooding and leaving more than 1,000 homes inundated.
Blizzard
Meanwhile, snow storms, high winds and bitter cold continued to batter Eastern Europe prompting the local and national authorities to issue multiple states of emergency for the region.
In Romania, most parts of the country remained under states of emergency as temperatures plummeted to -22ºC and authorities ordered schools closed in the south, south-east and eastern regions.
The blizzard is said to be one of the worst in living memory with winds of about 70 km/hr reducing visibility to 20 meters.
Powerful Storm System moving across the U.S. Dumping Heavy Snow
Massive Winter Storm is bringing heavy snow to the higher elevations of the Central Rockies, Northern High Plains and Upper Midwest, causing temperatures to plunge substantially in the West and Central U.S., said National Weather Service (NWS).
The temperatures are forecast to plunge as much as 30 degrees below normal.
Up to 18 inches of snow could bury Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin.
The powerful storm system is moving across the Western and Central U.S. The storm is bringing heavy snow to parts of the Rockies and Northern Plains. The highest snow totals are expected to be in the Central Rockies where up to 24 inches of snow is expected. Further east, parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin may receive up to 18 inches of snow. Once the storm departs, bitterly cold air will follow. —NWS
U.S. Weather Hazards Map (Hazmap) for Tuesday, December 3, 2013. Source: NWS/CRH. Map enhanced by FIRE-EARTH Blog.
A rather strong upper level low currently over the Pacific Northwest is forecast to continue dropping southeastward into the Northern Rockies by Wednesday, pushing a surface cold front south and east ahead of it. Very cold temperatures drawn in from Canada, combined with strong vertical lift, should be enough to support widespread heavy snow from the Northern and Central Rockies into the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest. Winter Storm watches, warnings, and advisories are currently in effect for much of the Intermountain West, Northern Plains, and Upper Midwest. Light to moderate snow will begin across the Northern Rockies, Northern Plains, and Upper Midwest on Monday night, and eventually spread into the higher terrain of the Central Rockies by Tuesday afternoon. At this point, it appears the heaviest of the snow accumulations should be confined to the highest terrain of the Central Rockies with storm totals ranging from 12 to 18 inches across the Wasatch range of Utah, to as much as 24 or more inches in the Central Rockies. Farther east across extreme Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, anywhere from 10 to 18 inches of snow is possible. —NWS
Nor’easter brings heavier rain, heavier snow, sleet and high winds
Winds of up to 63MPH forecast in parts the affected area, as thousands of flights are cancelled and thousands more delayed.
Snow, sleet and freezing rain hit large areas in the northeast, dumping several inches of snow across Pennsylvania.
Hazardous travel conditions prevail throughout vast regions in the northeast. NWS has issued the following forecast:
U.S. Weather Hazards Map (Hazmap) for Wednesday, November 27, 2013. Source: NWS/CRH. Map enhanced by FIRE-EARTH Blog.
Heavy snow is forecast from the Tennessee Valley to western New England, with freezing rain possible across the Appalachians and western Mid-Atlantic into the Northeast through Wednesday. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall is forecast across parts of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, with severe thunderstorms possible for parts of the coastal Southeast this evening.
Moderate to heavy rain continues to move over the southeast and The middle Atlantic while light snow continues from Ohio eastward Through central New England.
Winter Storm Warnings and winter weather advisories are in effect for a large area from the Tennessee and Ohio valleys eastward across the Appalachians to the interior mid-Atlantic region, the lower Great Lakes as well as interior New England.
Flood watches are in effect for portions of the northwest Carolinas and portions of the northeast.
Deadly ice storm claims at least 13 lives across the U.S.
A major storm system moving across the U.S. has caused at least 13 deaths including four in Oklahoma, four in Texas, three in California and one each in Arizona and New Mexico, as well as numerous road accident injuries.
The massive storm dumped at least 35cm of snow on Sunday in many mountain regions of Colorado and Utah, as well as significant amounts on parts of Arizona and Texas.
The system has forced more than a thousand flight cancellations across southern U.S.
US Composite Satellite Image – Nov 26, 2013 at 00:30UTC. Source: SSEC/Wisc-Uni
U.S. Weather Forecast
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple severe weather Warnings, Watches and Advisories including Ice Storm Warning, Winter Storm Warning, Storm Warning and Flood Warning for a large portion of the country. The following are highlights of their latest forecast Valid 00UTC Tue Nov 26 2013 – 00Z Thu Nov 28 2013
Sleet/freezing rain possible from the Southern Appalachians to parts of Northern New England
Snow is possible from Eastern Ohio Valley/Central Appalachians to the Lower Great Lakes
Heavy rain possible from the Central Gulf Coast to New England
Temperatures will be 10 to 20 degrees below average from the Central Appalachians to the Central/Western Gulf to the Upper Midwest
A complicated storm will develop over the Central Gulf Coast and move to the Mid-Atlantic by Wednesday.
Another storm over the Central Gulf Coast will move northeastward to Mid-Atlantic and combined with the energy from the Great Lakes. The developing storm will produce moderate to heavy rain over the Central Gulf Coast and expand into the Southern/Central Appalachians by Tuesday morning. The moderate to heavy rain will move eastward to the Southeast/Mid-Atlantic on Tuesday, expanding into Northern New England by Wednesday morning. Showers and thunderstorms will develop along the Central Gulf Coast and move eastward to the Southeast by Tuesday night, moving offshore by Wednesday morning.
The Met Office in the UK has Issued the following Warning and Assessment for Saturday – Sunday
Warning Westerly winds will strengthen through Saturday afternoon and into the evening, bringing gusts of 50-60 mph to many parts of the warning area, and locally around 70 mph along exposed coasts.
The public should be aware of the risk of localized disruption, particularly to travel.
Chief Forecaster’s assessment A deep area of low pressure will track east across Ireland and southern Scotland during the course of Saturday and early Sunday, bringing a spell of windy weather to many parts of the UK.
The strongest winds are expected to affect parts of southwest England and south Wales later on Saturday afternoon and during the evening, accompanied by squally heavy showers, including the risk of hail and thunder. With many trees still in leaf, the forecast wind gusts are likely to lead to some branches and trees being brought down, whilst leading to difficult driving conditions and also affecting outdoor events such as firework displays. Large waves and over-topping are also likely along some stretches of coastline.
Large tree uprooted by storm in Pendine in Carmarthenshire. Image credit: Lewis Hancox, via Bbc
High Winds and Flood Warnings
Storm-force winds gusting up to 130 km/hr have uprooted numerous trees, blocking roads and causing difficult driving conditions in Wales, said a report.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has issued 10 flood warnings are for the coastal areas, with concerns over high tides.
High winds have knocked out power to thousands of homes in SW Britain.
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High Winds Knock Out Power to Thousands in the U.S., Canada
Meantime, back in the U.S., high winds from Halloween Storm have knocked out power to tens of thousands of customers across a vast region including parts of Ohio and West Virginia.
In Canada, near hurricane force winds knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of Quebec residences on Friday.
Environment Canada issued a wind warning early Friday as storms uprooted trees, shattered windows, tore roofs off buildings and left more than 350,000 customers without power.
“Just north of Montreal, the Centre Laval shopping mall was evacuated Friday afternoon after severe weather sent scaffolding crashing into the building, severing a gas line in the process,” said a report.
Britain’s deadly storm unleashes wind gust of 159km/h
The strongest storm in a decade to hit U.K. battered the southern regions early Monday, uprooting scores of trees, cutting power lines and blocking roads and railroad tracks.
A wind gust of 159km/h (99mph ) was recorded at Needles Old Battery, Isle of Wight, at 05:00 GMT on Monday, Britain’s Met Office reported.
Up to third of a million homes lost power, and two reactors in Dungeness nuclear power station were automatically shut down after power to the plant was cut off.
Roads and railroad tracks were blocked by scores of fallen trees severely disrupting travel plans for millions of commuters.
Authorities issued at least a dozen flood warnings in southwest England, East Anglia and the Midlands, as well as132 flood alerts across England and Wales.
The storm has claimed at least two lives.
At least 130 flights were cancelled at London’s Heathrow airport.
London’s both Heathrow and Gatwick airports have warned of further flight delays and cancellations.
The damage was “worse than expected,” said UK’s Network Rail.
“While conditions were as forecast during the early part of the morning, the damage caused by the storm has been more severe than expected as it has tracked eastwards to the north of London and across to East Anglia,” said Network Rail, the owner-operator of most of the rail infrastructure in Britain.
“As a result, the West Coast, East Coast and Midland main lines are all currently blocked at their southern ends as a result of fallen trees and damage to power lines and all services are currently suspended on the Anglia route, where the storm is currently.”
A fallen tree ruptured a gas main, leading to a gas explosion in Hounslow, west London. The London Fire Brigade said three houses had collapsed and two others damaged following the explosion. Photo credit London Fire Brigade.
Disaster declared in flooded areas: Gov. Hickenlooper
“We’ll see what the data tells us but this could easily be a 50 or 100-year flood,” said Hickenlooper.
Disastrous flooding has caused substantial damage in parts of three Front Range counties and the governor has declared a state of emergency in Boulder County. Thousands of people have been evacuated, however, emergency crews are unable to reach residents in some towns.
Floodwaters have cut off major highways, isolated mountain towns and inundated the main campus of the University of Colorado, damaging tens of buildings, officials said.
More than 500 students and staff members were ordered evacuated.
Highway 72 is washed out in Coal Creek Canyon, Colorado. Photo credit: Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
“We have declared a disaster for the flooded areas and are requesting emergency declaration from FEMA for search and rescue and emergency protection and other support,” said Hickenlooper. “We want to get something in front of President Obama as rapidly as possible.”
“The State Emergency Center has been activated to a Level 3 category of alert or action 24/7. So they will be providing direct resources across the state to the counties affected by the flooding.”
“Part of the problem with us is not that we don’t have the equipment or the manpower it’s just the conditions haven’t permitted it. We couldn’t get up the valleys,” said Hickenlooper.
“This is completely different from the fires and yet preparation means trying to anticipate what you don’t expect. We’ve been trying to train across the state for unexpected eventualities, things that we would never expect to happen. I’m not sure that anyone laid out a scenario where Boulder County and every single county from Coal Creek to the St. Vrain got close to 8 inches of rain in a 24-hour period.” Hickenlooper said.
Not Your Ordinary Disaster
“This is not your ordinary disaster,” said Joe Pelle, the sheriff of Boulder County, where two of the deaths occurred. “All the preparation in the world, all the want-to in the world, can’t put people up those canyons while debris and walls of water are coming down.”
A message posted on the university’s Web site Thursday warned: “Wall of water coming down Boulder Canyon. STAY AWAY FROM BOULDER CREEK.”
Multiple Flash Flood Warnings, Flood Warnings and Flood Watches are in effect across Colorado, said National Weather Service (NWS).
Flood, Freeze, Gale, Red Flag Warnings and Civil Emergency Situations as Tornadoes Rake a Dozen States
Emergency Alert Level (EAS) Activation requested by Meade County Emergency Management in Meade County, SD, due to severe and widespread flooding “over many location across western and central Meade County.”
EAS Activation has also been requested by Butte County Sheriff in Butte County, SD, due to Flash flooding which has occurred “over many location across Butte County.”
Severe weather continues to be a possibility across the Great Plains and the Midwest Thursday. Primary threats are large hail and tornadoes, some could be strong. SPC has outlined an area of Slight Risk; however this threat may have to be upgraded. In addition to the severe weather threat, river and flash flooding will continue as additional rainfall will move over already saturated locations. —NOAA
Map of the US Weather Hazards – May 30, 2013. Source: NWS
Dozens of tornadoes rake a dozen states; injuries reported
Some 50 tornadoes struck a dozen states, leaving at least 10 people injured in Kansas and Texas, according to initial reports.
Fire Earth 