Never Mind the Salt, Propane Shortage Biting Hard

EXTREME WEATHER & CLIMATIC EVENTS
STATE OF EMERGENCY
NATIONWIDE PROPANE SHORTAGE
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States of Emergency for regional propane shortages extended by FMCSA

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 36 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

Part 1 of Emergency Declaration Extension issued by FMCSA Midwestern Service Center is reprinted below for reference.

Energy Emergency

• 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

For Many It Will Be Déjà vu All Over Again, and Again!!

EXTREME CLIMATIC EVENTS
STATES OF EMERGENCY
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Deadly snow storm paralyzes the US deep South

Thousands of people were stranded overnight on highways, in grocery stores, schools and churches as snow storm caused traffic chaos in the US deep South.

Image of the week: How 66mm (2.6in) of Snow Caused Gridlock on Georgia Interstates

Gridlock on the connector of Interstate’s 75 and 85, Atlanta,  Georgia Tuesday pm, Jan. 28, 2014. Credit: AP. Image may be subject to copyright.

States of Emergency

Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, the Carolinas ,  Minnesota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Wisconsin declared states of emergency as the latest Polar invasion, which stretched across two-thirds of eastern U.S., plunged temperatures to as low as -36ºC (-33 degrees).

The snow storm left at least 10 people dead and dozens injured., affecting an estimated 60 million people from eastern Texas to southeastern Pennsylvania.

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

• 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

Deadly Winter Storm Prompts States of Emergency in Georgia, Carolinas

A NOTE to our readers, if any, in the states of Alabama, North and South Carolinas, Georgia, 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.

|O|O|

EXTREME CLIMATIC & WEATHER EVENTS
STATES OF EMERGENCY
ENERGY EMERGENCY
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Deadly winter storm continues to impact the Gulf Coast and Southeast

Governors in three states—Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina—have declared states of emergency amid forecasts of significant snow and ice for the region.

Georgia

The deadly winter storm moving across the Southeast paralyzed metro Atlanta and other major cities in Georgia prompting Gov. Deal to declare a  State of Emergency Tuesday afternoon for the entire State of Georgia (159 counties).

“Many parts of our state have experienced heavy sleet and snowfall, and in the metro areas we’re experiencing traffic jams caused primarily by heavy volume after the quick onset of the winter storm,” said Deal.

Executive order prohibiting propane price gouging

On Monday, Deal signed an executive order prohibiting price gouging for propane. Georgia’s continued period of cold weather has increased the demand for propane, causing a substantial prices increase.

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

State of Georgia does NOT post details of Executive Orders and or Proclamations on its official website.

The Carolinas

Up to 6 inches of snow could fall in parts of the Carolinas.

North Carolina
“Given the forecast and as winter weather approaches, we are working with all necessary departments and local emergency management crews in order to keep our citizens safe and up to date regarding potentially hazardous weather conditions,” said Governor McCrory. “This morning, I signed two executive orders declaring a state of emergency for North Carolina and waiving certain requirements for vehicles assisting in relief efforts [propane shortage.] We are prepared for likely power outages and dangerous driving conditions throughout our state. These executive orders and our capable statewide and local officials will ensure a rapid response to any adverse conditions.”

“Our residents, as well as our livestock industry, need heat and electricity.”

South Carolina

Governor Nikki Haley has also declared a State of Emergency due to the major winter storm that is expected to impact the state beginning Tuesday afternoon.

“Governor Haley has ordered all state government offices to follow county government closing decisions; meaning if a county administration decides to close for the day, state offices in that county will automatically follow the same schedule,” said an official statement.

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

On Monday, States of Emergency were declared in  Alabama, Louisiana, Minnesota and Mississippi.

Deadly weather-related traffic accidents

At least five people were killed and nine others injured in weather-related traffic accidents in Alabama on Tuesday, according to the state’s Department of Public Safety.

At least 3 people were killed in weather related road crashes in southern Mississippi.

The storm is affecting an estimated 55 million people from eastern Texas to southeastern Pennsylvania.

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.

Satellite Animation

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

Flight Cancellations and Delays

More than 4,900 flights have been canceled and thousands more delayed within, into, or out of the United States Sunday through Wednesday, so far, according to flightaware.com

Related Links

• States of Emergency Declared in Alabama, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi … January 28, 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…

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EXTREME CLIMATIC & WEATHER EVENTS
STATES OF EMERGENCY
ENERGY EMERGENCY
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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

Life Threatening Wind Chills Sweep U.S. Midwest

EXTREME CLIMATIC & WEATHER EVENTS
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Powerful cold front forcing frigid conditions to central and eastern U.S.

Wind Chill Warnings are in effect for more than a dozen states as a powerful cold front brings life-threatening air mass from the North Pole.

Winds of up to 50mph and subzero temperatures in the U.S.  Midwest are plunging the wind chill readings as the arctic air continues to surge into the Great Lakes region.

“The core of the cold air settles across the region tonight. This will result in low temperatures well below zero and widespread wind chill readings of 35 to 45 degrees below zero are expected through Tuesday morning. Limited outdoor activity is advised for tonight and Tuesday morning. If you must be outdoors, wear layers as well as a hat and gloves. Frostbite can develop on exposed skin in as little at 10 minutes with wind chills this low.” NWS reported.

Satellite Animation

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

U.S. Weather Hazards Map for January 27, 2014 @ 15:00UTC. Source: NWS. Click to Update…

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 . The propane shortage has been caused by a combination of unusually cold winter temperatures, closure of a major pipeline supplying propane to Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa and increased propane demand for grain drying due to a wet fall, said the Office of Governor Scott Walker in a statement.

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

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

• Polar Déjà vu January 22, 2014

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

Arctic Air Surging through Central U.S.

EXTREME CLIMATIC & WEATHER EVENTS
ENERGY EMERGENCY
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Frigid conditions to persist in the northern Plains, Midwest, South and East amid propane shortages

Polar air mass surging into the northern Plains and Midwest will continue moving south through mid-week lowering temperatures by as much as 35 degrees. Meanwhile, icy conditions could impact a vast region from south-central Texas to the Carolinas, said NWS.

• CIVIL EMERGENCY MESSAGES

• Temperatures are forecast to plunge by as much as 35 degrees below average over the Upper Midwest to the Ohio Valley/Great Lakes

• Sleet, snow and icy conditions forecast for parts of southeastern Texas

A clipper system along the leading edge of significantly cold air mass
will move rapidly northeastward to Southeastern Canada by Monday night. The associated cold front will race off the East Coast and Gulf Coast by Monday night.

A cold area of high pressure over West-Central Canada will move southward to the Ohio Valley by Tuesday. NWS

Satellite Animation

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

U.S. Weather Hazards Map for January 27, 2014 @ 02:44UTC. Source: NWS. Click to Update…

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 . The propane shortage has been caused by a combination of unusually cold winter temperatures, closure of a major pipeline supplying propane to Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa and increased propane demand for grain drying due to a wet fall, said the Office of Governor Scott Walker in a statement.

National Heating Fuel Shortages

“Last week, the U.S. Department of Energy reported that cold weather led to record-high natural gas storage withdrawals, as well as propane.  These are the largest drawdowns in the 20-year history of the survey and the second time this year the record has been broken. Efforts are underway with the U.S. Department of Energy to acknowledge that emergency conditions could be forming, as consumers and businesses in dozens of state are faced with higher electricity and gas costs due to persistent cold weather,”  said the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) in its latest Statement on Propane Supply, Demand, and Distribution.

Some of the propane gas retailers have run out of supplies in the worst hit areas in the South, East and Midwest, said NPGA.

Propane shortage

The price of propane, a liquefied petroleum gas, soared to $4.30 – $5.0 a gallon on Friday, more than double its price a week ago, Reuters reported.

The crisis caused by record-breaking freeze coincides with pipeline outages and low inventories, has already led to fuel rationing in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, said the report.

“We could be sitting in this situation to spring,” said the Wisconsin Propane Gas Association.

Polar Vortex

“polar vortex has increased the number of deaths throughout the nation,” declared Alabama Gov. earlier this week.

US-DOT: Current – Emergency Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions & Permits

In addition to the State of Emergency in Louisiana, numerous other states of emergencies and/or executive orders, wavers and exemptions have been issued  for 33 states in the U.S. South, East and Midwest and District of Columbia, according to the Department of Transportation.

Separately, the following Emergencies are currently in effect:

Regional Emergency Declaration Issued by Southern Service Center (PDF)

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 (PDF)

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 (PDF)

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).

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

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

• Polar Déjà vu January 22, 2014

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

Wisconsin Declares State of Emergency over Extreme Cold, Fuel Shortage

EXTREME CLIMATIC EVENTS
STATE OF EMERGENCY
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Walker declares a State of Emergency due to extreme cold, propane shortages in Wisconsin

Gov. Walker has declared a State of Emergency in response to potentially life-threatening temperatures expected to plague Wisconsin this week and dangerously low propane levels impacting the state.

More than quarter of a million Wisconsinites depend on propane to heat their homes and businesses.

Proclamation declaring a State of Emergency in Response to Severe Winter Weather and a Propane Shortage

… an extremely dangerous winter storm with associated bitter
and potentially life-threatening temperatures, exacerbated by
brutal wind chill values at thirty to fifty degrees below zero, will
be moving across the entire State of Wisconsin … and the supply of
propane gas for heating purposes is dangerously low throughout the
State of Wisconsin, affecting the safety of citizens and property…

The entire Midwest is experiencing a propane shortage, including Wisconsin.

The supply shortage in the upper Midwest has caused delivery delays and reduced delivery amounts for propane customers in America’s Dairyland, as well as ALL Midwestern states. The propane shortage has been caused by a combination of unusually cold winter temperatures, closure of a major pipeline supplying propane to Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa and increased propane demand for grain drying due to a wet fall, said the Office of Governor Scott Walker in a statement.

National Heating Fuel Shortages

“Last week, the U.S. Department of Energy reported that cold weather led to record-high natural gas storage withdrawals, as well as propane.  These are the largest drawdowns in the 20-year history of the survey and the second time this year the record has been broken. Efforts are underway with the U.S. Department of Energy to acknowledge that emergency conditions could be forming, as consumers and businesses in dozens of state are faced with higher electricity and gas costs due to persistent cold weather,”  said the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) in its latest Statement on Propane Supply, Demand, and Distribution.

Some of the propane gas retailers have run out of supplies in the worst hit areas in the South, East and Midwest, said NPGA.

US-DOT: Current – Emergency Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions & Permits

In addition to the State of Emergency in Louisiana, numerous other states of emergencies and/or executive orders, wavers and exemptions have been issued  for 33 states in the U.S. South, East and Midwest and District of Columbia, according to the Department of Transportation.

The following Emergencies are currently in effect:

Regional Emergency Declaration Issued by Southern Service Center (PDF)

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 (PDF)

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 (PDF)

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

• 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

Louisiana Declares 2nd State of Emergency due to Dangerous Cold

EXTREME CLIMATIC EVENTS
STATE OF EMERGENCY
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Jindal declares 2nd State of Emergency for Louisiana due to brutal cold

Louisiana Gov. Jindal declared a second state of emergency for Louisiana on Friday (January 24) after National Weather Service (NWS) issued freeze warnings and hard freeze warnings for parishes across the Pelican State. The first state of emergency, proclaimed on January 22 was  to facilitate uninterrupted deliveries of propane and other heating fuels in Louisiana and out of state, as millions of people experienced propane shortages amid the brutal cold across wide swathes of the United States.

State of Emergency

Parts of the governor’s State of Emergency Declaration read as follows

National Weather Service predicts that the dangerously frigid temperatures currently affecting the central and eastern United States will impact the southern states through the weekend, creating hazardous winter weather conditions throughout the State … the National Weather Service has issued winter weather advisories, freeze warnings and hard freeze warnings for parishes across the State for the next twenty-four hours making driving conditions hazardous … State offices have been closed in thirty-eight parishes and schools have been closed in thirty-seven parishes due to the hazards  posed by this extreme winter weather, and these winter weather conditions threaten the lives and property of the citizens of the State of Louisiana …

Propane shortage

The price of propane, a liquefied petroleum gas, soared to $4.30 – $5.0 a gallon on Friday, more than double its price a week ago, Reuters reported.

The crisis caused by record-breaking freeze coincides with pipeline outages and low inventories, has already led to fuel rationing in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, said the report.

“We could be sitting in this situation to spring,” said the Wisconsin Propane Gas Association.

Polar Vortex

“polar vortex has increased the number of deaths throughout the nation,” declared Alabama Gov. earlier this week.

Related Links

• 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

State of Emergency Declared for Louisiana

EXTREME CLIMATIC EVENTS
ENERGY EMERGENCY
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Louisiana declares a State of Emergency due to extreme cold temperatures

Gov. Jindal has declared a state of emergency due to the extreme cold temperatures impacting citizens of Louisiana and the rest of the country, according to a statement issued by Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP).

The emergency order will allow for the uninterrupted delivery of propane and heating fuels across Louisiana and to other states, said the statement.

“Louisiana is a key producer and exporter of propane and heating fuel products.  State agencies are now authorized to take appropriate actions to ensure these products can be delivered in Louisiana and other states,” said the statement.

State offices in 32 Louisiana parishes to remain closed Friday

State offices in 32 Louisiana parishes will remain closed Friday in anticipation of power outages and hazardous driving conditions.

Louisiana Commissioner of Administration announced today that state government offices will be closed on Friday, January 24, in the following parishes across Louisiana where hazardous driving conditions and scattered power outages are forecast for the morning due to a mix of rain and sleet, as well as snow and ice accumulation:

Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Catahoula, East Baton Rouge, Evangeline, Grant, Iberia, Iberville, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, LaSalle, Livingston, Natchitoches, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Red River, Sabine, St. Helena, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, Vermilion, Vernon, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana, and Winn.

National Heating Fuel Shortages

“Last week, the U.S. Department of Energy reported that cold weather led to record-high natural gas storage withdrawals, as well as propane.  These are the largest drawdowns in the 20-year history of the survey and the second time this year the record has been broken. Efforts are underway with the U.S. Department of Energy to acknowledge that emergency conditions could be forming, as consumers and businesses in dozens of state are faced with higher electricity and gas costs due to persistent cold weather,”  said the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) in its latest Statement on Propane Supply, Demand, and Distribution.

Some of the propane gas retailers have run out of supplies in the worst hit areas in the South, East and Midwest, said NPGA.

US-DOT: Current – Emergency Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions & Permits

In addition to the State of Emergency in Louisiana, numerous other states of emergencies and/or executive orders, wavers and exemptions have been issued  for 33 states in the U.S. South, East and Midwest and District of Columbia, according to the Department of Transportation.

The following Emergencies are currently in effect:

Regional Emergency Declaration Issued by Southern Service Center (PDF)

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 (PDF)

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 (PDF)

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

• 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
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“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

Tennessee Declares Statewide Energy Emergency

EXTREME CLIMATIC EVENTS
ENERGY EMERGENCY
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State of emergency declared in Tennessee amid dwindling propane supplies

Gov. Haslam has proclaimed a state of emergency on Tuesday to speed up shipments of propane to the Volunteer State.

Haslam has indicated in the executive order that the frigid temperatures forecast for the rest of the week would  cause increased demand and disrupted supply.

“This has been a hard winter already for many home and business owners in Tennessee,” said Haslam. “This executive order will help families, farmers and businesses get the necessary energy resources to stay warm, stay open and keep operating.”

Propane shortages are already occurring in northeastern parts of Tennessee, said Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation spokeswoman, the Tennessean reported.

“The executive order would exempt drivers in the state from federal mandates, which require drivers moving hazardous materials to drive no more than 11 hours a day with at least a 10-hour break in between shifts.”

Current – Emergency Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions & Permits

In addition to the state of Tennessee, governors in 30 other states and DC have issued similar executive orders waving the licensing requirements for out-of-state propane transporters allowing them to bring propane into their respective states because of widespread fuel shortages, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The following Emergency Declarations are currently in effect:

• Regional Emergency Declaration Issued by Southern Service Center (PDF)
  • Affected States: Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Oklahoma
• Regional Emergency Declaration Issued by Eastern Service Center (PDF)
  • Affected States: Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont and West Virginia
• Regional Emergency Declaration Issued by Midwestern Service Center (PDF)
  • Affected States: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin

NOTE: The list of Emergency Declarations above may not be complete. Additional declarations may be in effect even if not listed here.

Related Links

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

State of Emergency Declared in Oklahoma due to Propane Shortage

Fallin Declares a State of Emergency for Oklahoma as Propane Shortage Bites

Governor Mary Fallin declared a state of emergency due to the depleted supply of propane in Oklahoma.

The order waives the state licensing requirements for out-of-state propane transporters allowing them to bring propane into Oklahoma because of the fuel shortage throughout the state.

Oklahoma has experienced a spike in demand for propane gas both for residential and commercial deliveries due to multiple winter storms that have caused extreme winter conditions, dumping massive amounts of snow and freezing rain across the state.

Many Oklahomans in rural areas depend on propane deliveries for heating and cooking.

“This executive order [effective through February 4] will help make sure that there is enough of a propane supply in the days and weeks ahead until problems are resolved,” said Fallin.

Executive Orders Issued by 14 other Governors amid Fuel Shortages

Governors in at least 14 other states—Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico and Vermont—have issued similar executive orders waving requirements for truck drivers concerning the number of hours and consecutive days they can transport propane into their states, according to reports.

“Complex” Storm System Buffeting Central and Eastern U.S.

EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS

Heavy snowfall and freezing rain forecast this weekend

A complex storm system will impact the Central and Eastern U.S. this weekend: NWS

Heavy snowfall is forecast across parts of the Midwest into the Ohio Valley and on to the Northeast, while freezing rain could impact the central Appalachians into southern New England this weekend,  said NWS.

Up to 10 inches of snow could fall on parts of the affected region, including the state of Maine, starting Saturday night.

Emergency Proclamation for Maine

Meantime, Maine Gov. Paul LePage issued an emergency proclamation on Friday waiving the U.S. Department of Transportation rules for at least two weeks and ensuring that heating fuel transport and delivery trucks could operate extra hours because of the frigid temperatures and a propane shortage throughout the region.

U.S. Weather Hazards Map (Hazmap)  for Saturday, December 14, 2013. Source: NWS.

Recent Extreme Weather Events

• Major Winter Storm Battering Southern Plains through Ohio Valley December 6, 2013
• Major Winter Storm Affecting Much of the U.S. December 5, 2013
• Massive Winter Storm Engulfs Much of Western, Central and Northern U.S. December 4, 2013
• Massive Storm System Impacting Western and Central U.S. December 3, 2013
• Nor’easter Spawned by Deadly Thanksgiving Storm November 27, 2013
• Deadly Thanksgiving Storm Moves East November 26, 2013