The article compares the response to recent devastating floods in Texas and North Carolina, highlighting failures in local officials' actions despite advanced weather warnings, and discusses issues like communication gaps, lack of accountability, and the need for improved disaster preparedness.
Kerr County officials had limited response to a rapid and deadly flash flood in July 2022, despite early warnings from the National Weather Service. The warnings were issued hours before the flood's peak, but communication failures and possible alert fatigue may have prevented residents from evacuating, resulting in over 90 deaths. The incident highlights challenges in emergency communication and response during fast-moving natural disasters.
Severe storms that triggered multiple warnings, including a tornado warning, have moved out of the D.C. region and into the Chesapeake Bay area. The storms caused downed trees and wires, flash flooding, and road closures in some areas. All watches and warnings for the D.C. region have been lifted, and it remains unconfirmed if a tornado touched down. Residents are advised to stay alert for any further weather updates.
Severe weather is impacting Iowa on Friday morning. Residents can stay updated on the changing conditions through live streaming on WHO 13, Iowa’s Weather Channel 13.4, and the 13WarnMe app.
Tornado warnings have been issued for Flagler and Volusia counties in Florida, with a Tornado Watch in effect for several other counties. Severe thunderstorm warnings have also been issued for Volusia and Sumter counties. The primary threat is damaging wind gusts, with a possibility of tornadoes and hail near the Georgia border. The bad weather is expected to clear out by 8 p.m., with a return to sunny and hot conditions.
High winds with gusts of up to 100 mph disrupted weekend plans across Colorado, causing power outages and canceled activities. Xcel Energy preemptively shut off power to 55,000 customers, mainly in Boulder County. Wind gusts exceeding 90 mph were reported in Summit, Larimer, and Garfield counties. The dangerous gusts are expected to continue through Sunday afternoon, prompting the Pinpoint Weather team to issue alerts and provide updates.
A late season nor’easter has caused heavy snow and power outages for over 400,000 homes and businesses in Maine and New Hampshire, leaving many without indoor heating and making travel difficult. Snow accumulations have exceeded a foot in some areas, with more snow and strong winds expected. The storm has led to road closures, school cancellations, and property damage, while freeze and frost alerts are in effect for parts of the Central Plains and Ohio River Valley. Additionally, high winds and dry conditions in the Southern and Central High Plains have created a critical fire danger threat.
Severe storms are expected to bring a significant risk of large hail and tornadoes to Oklahoma on Monday, with different levels of risk across the state. The tornado threat is highest in northeastern Oklahoma, while hail sizes could range from quarters to tennis balls, with isolated hail the size of baseballs. Storms are forecasted to start in western Oklahoma in the afternoon and move eastward, with the potential for storms in the OKC metro as early as 5 p.m. Residents are advised to stay updated on the weather and download the KOCO 5 App for customized weather alerts.
A major snowstorm is sweeping across 16 states in the US, bringing heavy snowfall, road accidents, and power outages. The storm has affected millions in New England and is expected to continue with thunderstorms, hail, and tornadoes in other states. The winter-like weather is unusual for this time of year, following a warm winter fueled by the ongoing climate crisis. Additionally, a severe solar storm is expected to make the northern lights visible in the US as far south as the midwest.
A major winter storm is heading towards Colorado, with the potential to bring heavy snowfall and difficult travel conditions to the region. Residents are urged to stay weather-ready by downloading the 11 Breaking Weather app for alerts and updates, checking road conditions and closures, monitoring flight statuses, and staying informed about school and organization closures. Additionally, people are encouraged to submit their snow photos to help document the impact of the storm.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect for nearly all of Iowa, with burning not recommended due to the risk of rapid fire spread. Several counties already had burn bans in place, and summer-like temperatures are expected to reach record highs. As of Monday morning, 11 Iowa counties had burn bans in effect, including Harrison, Pottawattamie, and Mills.
A winter storm has brought several inches of light, fluffy snow to South-Central Pennsylvania, with concerns of blowing and drifting snow due to sustained winds of 10-20 mph and higher gusts. Roads may become snow-covered and slippery, with highs in the mid-30s feeling like the 20s due to brisk winds. The WGAL News 8 Storm Team has designated Saturday as an Impact Day, warning of potential disruptions to daily routines. Stay updated with weather alerts and radar through the WGAL app.
Connecticut is bracing for a winter storm that could bring between 6 and 13 inches of snow to most of the state, with the shoreline expecting three to four inches. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for several counties, with the alerts expected to end Tuesday afternoon or night. Residents are advised to check for closings and delays, monitor traffic conditions, and follow safety reminders for driving during the storm. Additionally, precautions should be taken to avoid downed power lines and poles, with emergency contacts provided for reporting outages.
Snowfall in the Albuquerque Metro area has prompted closures and cancellations, with the City of Albuquerque offering road services and shelter options for those in need. Various facilities, including Solid Waste Centers, community centers, golf courses, and pools, are closed, and transportation routes and ART Service may be delayed or canceled. Bernalillo County also canceled an adoption event, and Bandelier National Monument has closed. Residents are advised to follow safety tips and monitor weather alerts for additional closures and delays.
Many school districts across Northern California have announced closures due to widespread power outages, snow, and road problems. Schools in various districts, including St. Francis High School, Jesuit High School, Yuba College, and others, are closed today. The closures are due to power outages, road conditions, and snow. The Sacramento City Unified School District has also canceled classes at West Campus and New Tech high schools due to power outages.