...FLASH FLOOD WATCH NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING...
THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR
* PORTIONS OF SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA AND SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI...
INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS...IN SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA...
ASCENSION...ASSUMPTION...EAST BATON ROUGE...EAST FELICIANA...
IBERVILLE...LIVINGSTON...NORTHERN TANGIPAHOA...POINTE COUPEE...
SOUTHERN TANGIPAHOA...ST. HELENA...ST. JAMES...ST. JOHN THE
BAPTIST...ST. TAMMANY...WASHINGTON...WEST BATON ROUGE AND WEST
FELICIANA. IN SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI...AMITE... PIKE...WALTHALL
AND WILKINSON.
* THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING
* ADDITIONAL 1 TO 3 INCHES OF RAIN WITH ISOLATED HIGHER AMOUNTS
POSSIBLE.
* PRIMARY IMPACTS WILL BE FLASH FLOODING OF LOW LYING LOCATIONS
ESPECIALLY IN URBAN AREAS WITH POOR DRAINAGE OR ALONG LOW
LYING RURAL ROADS. FLOODING OF STREAMS...CREEKS AND BAYOUS CAN
BE EXPECTED.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD
TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.
YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION
SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED.
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Severe Weather Alerts - Colorado Springs, CO Freeze Warning Freeze Warning in effect from 10:00 PM MDT until Sunday, 8:00 AM MDT. Source: U.S. National Weather Service
COLORADO SPRINGS VICINITY/SOUTHERN EL PASO COUNTY/RAMPART RANGE BELOW 7400 FT:
...FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM MDT SUNDAY...
* LOCATION...THE INTERSTATE 25 CORRIDOR AND THE SOUTHEASTERN
COLORADO PLAINS.
* TEMPERATURE...MINIMUM TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 25 DEGREES TO
32 DEGREES.
* IMPACT...FREEZING TEMPERATURES ARE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP LATER
TONIGHT...POSING A THREAT TO SENSITIVE OUTDOOR PLANTS AND
VEGETATION.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A FREEZE WARNING MEANS SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES ARE IMMINENT OR
HIGHLY LIKELY. THESE CONDITIONS WILL KILL CROPS AND OTHER
SENSITIVE VEGETATION.
&&
===================
NORTHERN EL PASO COUNTY/MONUMENT RIDGE/RAMPART RANGE BELOW 7500 FT:
...FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM MDT SUNDAY...
* LOCATION...THE INTERSTATE 25 CORRIDOR AND THE SOUTHEASTERN
COLORADO PLAINS.
* TEMPERATURE...MINIMUM TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 25 DEGREES TO
32 DEGREES.
* IMPACT...FREEZING TEMPERATURES ARE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP LATER
TONIGHT...POSING A THREAT TO SENSITIVE OUTDOOR PLANTS AND
VEGETATION.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A FREEZE WARNING MEANS SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES ARE IMMINENT OR
HIGHLY LIKELY. THESE CONDITIONS WILL KILL CROPS AND OTHER
SENSITIVE VEGETATION.
&&
...FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM MDT SUNDAY...
* LOCATION...THE INTERSTATE 25 CORRIDOR AND THE SOUTHEASTERN
COLORADO PLAINS.
* TEMPERATURE...MINIMUM TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 25 DEGREES TO
32 DEGREES.
* IMPACT...FREEZING TEMPERATURES ARE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP LATER
TONIGHT...POSING A THREAT TO SENSITIVE OUTDOOR PLANTS AND
VEGETATION.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A FREEZE WARNING MEANS SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES ARE IMMINENT OR
HIGHLY LIKELY. THESE CONDITIONS WILL KILL CROPS AND OTHER
SENSITIVE VEGETATION.
&&
===================
NORTHERN EL PASO COUNTY/MONUMENT RIDGE/RAMPART RANGE BELOW 7500 FT:
...FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM MDT SUNDAY...
* LOCATION...THE INTERSTATE 25 CORRIDOR AND THE SOUTHEASTERN
COLORADO PLAINS.
* TEMPERATURE...MINIMUM TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 25 DEGREES TO
32 DEGREES.
* IMPACT...FREEZING TEMPERATURES ARE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP LATER
TONIGHT...POSING A THREAT TO SENSITIVE OUTDOOR PLANTS AND
VEGETATION.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A FREEZE WARNING MEANS SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES ARE IMMINENT OR
HIGHLY LIKELY. THESE CONDITIONS WILL KILL CROPS AND OTHER
SENSITIVE VEGETATION.
&&
Arctic sea ice age keeps getting younger
Arctic sea ice extent for March 2016 was the second lowest in the satellite record, coming behind March of 2015.
Image courtesy the NSIDC.
The reason for this low sea ice extent was a combination of persistent warmth, southerly winds and a higher influx of ocean heat from the Atlantic Ocean, according to the NSIDC report.
Ice getting younger and thinner
Arctic sea ice age continues to trend younger. According to the NSIDC, Mid-March data indicated that about 70 percent of the sea ice in the Arctic basin was thin, first-year ice compared to just 30 percent for thicker, multi-year ice.
Also, the oldest sea ice (5 years or older) is at its lowest level in the satellite record, representing just 3 percent of the total sea ice coverage in the Arctic basin.
Image courtesy of the NSIDC.
Young, thinner ice (generally 5 to 6.5 feet thick on average) is much more prone to completely melting out by the end of the melt season late in the summer.
Key statement from the NSIDC......
The bottom line is that ice no longer survives in the Arctic for very long. It is lasting three to four years tops before melting or advecting out through Fram Strait. This is a big change from the past when much of the ice cover would survive upwards of a decade.
Image courtesy the NSIDC.
The reason for this low sea ice extent was a combination of persistent warmth, southerly winds and a higher influx of ocean heat from the Atlantic Ocean, according to the NSIDC report.
Ice getting younger and thinner
Arctic sea ice age continues to trend younger. According to the NSIDC, Mid-March data indicated that about 70 percent of the sea ice in the Arctic basin was thin, first-year ice compared to just 30 percent for thicker, multi-year ice.
Also, the oldest sea ice (5 years or older) is at its lowest level in the satellite record, representing just 3 percent of the total sea ice coverage in the Arctic basin.
Image courtesy of the NSIDC.
Young, thinner ice (generally 5 to 6.5 feet thick on average) is much more prone to completely melting out by the end of the melt season late in the summer.
Key statement from the NSIDC......
The bottom line is that ice no longer survives in the Arctic for very long. It is lasting three to four years tops before melting or advecting out through Fram Strait. This is a big change from the past when much of the ice cover would survive upwards of a decade.
The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of AccuWeather, Inc. or AccuWeather.com
Mississippi to Missouri face locally severe storms into Saturday evening
By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist
April 30,2016; 9:53PM,EDT
Heavy thunderstorms, a few of which will become severe and trigger flash flooding, will target the middle and lower Mississippi Valley into Saturday evening.
A line of drenching thunderstorms will continue to march from eastern Louisiana to Mississippi into Saturday evening. Some of these storms will remain capable of producing damaging wind gusts, hail, frequent lightning strikes and isolated tornadoes.
One severe thunderstorm within this line earlier on Saturday produced a 60-mph wind gust at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Texas. Air operations at the airport reported that two 737's sustained damage at their terminal gates after being shifted by the winds.
The lower Mississippi Valley will also face an elevated risk of flash flooding, not just from the downpours associated with this line but also from additional thunderstorms that will follow later Saturday night.
Locally, 5 inches of rain will pour down into Saturday night. Of that rainfall, a couple of inches could fall in as many hours on some communities.
RELATED:
5 years later: Tuscaloosa, Birmingham reflect on deadly tornado that turned communities upside down
Goodbye Joaquin, Patricia and Erika: World Meteorological Organization retires 3 names from 2015 hurricane season
Nonprofit organization rolls out plan for disaster-resistant homes in Tornado Alley
Motorists should never drive through a flooded road as the roadway underneath may be washed away or the current is stronger than the surface water appears.
An elderly woman and her four grandchildren were killed early Saturday morning after a creek overflowed its banks in Palestine, Texas, following torrential rainfall, according to the Associated Press. Between six to 10 homes in the family's cul-de-sac were severely damaged by the flood waters.
Intense thunderstorms will not just be confined to the Deep South. A few potent thunderstorms with hail, strong winds and downpours will erupt from southern Missouri and northern Arkansas to southern Illinois into the early evening of Saturday. This includes in St. Louis.
More flooding along FM 2625. Turn Around, Don't Drown!
Residents are reminded to seek shelter as soon as thunder is heard even in the absence of severe thunderstorm warnings. The danger of being struck by lightning is then present.
There have been five lightning fatalities in the United States so far this year, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Lightning Safety Specialist John Jensenius.
"The five fatalities this year are the most this year in the season since 2001 (when there were seven fatalities by April 27)," Jensenius said.
By Sunday, the threat of locally flooding downpours and severe thunderstorms will extend as far north as the Ohio Valley and as far south as the central Gulf Coast.
Content contributed by AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski.
Atlanta: Warm and unsettled weather to span the weekend
By Heather Janssen, AccuWeather.com Staff Writer
April 30,2016; 9:32PM,EDT
Warm and unsettled conditions are in store for the Atlanta region this weekend.
Those heading outdoors will want to keep a rain jacket or umbrella handy as showers and thunderstorms will prevail this weekend.
"While it will not be a washout, there will be the threat for a downpour at times from passing thunderstorms," AccuWeather Meteorologist Jordan Root said.
Warm weather will also continue through Monday as temperatures climb into the low to middle 80s F. A high temperature of 76 is more typical for this time of year in the city.
RELATED:
Atlanta extended forecast
Atlanta radar
AccuWeather Minutecast® for Atlanta
"A cold front will stall over the region early next week, bringing clouds and cooler air to the region," Root said.
Root added that this system will keep the threat for showers and thunderstorm in the area.
High temperatures are expected to fall back into the middle 70s.
National Temperature and Rainfall Extremes for April 30,2016 from accuweather.com
As of 11PM,EDT/8PM,PDT
Daily U.S. Extremes
past 24 hours| Extreme | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| High | 101° | McAllen, TX |
| Low | 14° | Buena Vista, CO |
| Precip | 3.33" | Lake Charles, LA |
Weekly wrap-up: Severe storms rattle central US; UN seeks billions to offset El Nino's devastating blow to 60 million worldwide
By Kevin Byrne, AccuWeather.com Staff Writer
April 30,2016; 11:42AM,EDT
One of the largest severe weather outbreak so far this year occurred this week as powerful winds, large hail and heavy rains pummeled the Plains and parts of the Ohio Valley over the course of several days.
According to the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center, there were 39 tornado reports, over 310 high wind reports and more than 240 hail reports from Tuesday and Wednesday combined.
In Missouri, thunderstorm winds gusted to near 80 mph in Kimberling City and near 90 mph around Carthage. Damage was reported in both locations Wednesday morning.
Flash flooding was also a problem from parts of the Plains to the Gulf Coast this week. In Dover, Kansas, a family of nine had to be rescued after floodwaters surrounded their home.
At least 12 people were injured in Oklahoma due to Tuesday's storms, while a 62-year-old woman was killed after a tree fell on her home in the Houston area early Wednesday, the Associated Press reported. Multiple tornadoes also caused damage by overturning cars and shredding roofs north of Dallas late Tuesday, the AP said.
Another round of severe thunderstorms followed quickly after the midweek outbreak, spreading across portions of Oklahoma and Texas during late week.
Lightning
strikes along Interstate 70 near Junction City, Kan., Tuesday, April
26, 2016. Thunderstorms bearing hail as big as grapefruit and winds
approaching hurricane strength lashed portions of the Great Plains on
Tuesday. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)The World Meteorological Organization announced on Monday that it's retiring storm names Erika, Joaquin and Patricia due to their destructive nature during the 2015 season.
The 2015 hurricane names are scheduled to be used next in 2021. However, the WMO said Erika will be replaced with "Elsa," Joaquin with "Julian" and Patricia with "Pamela."
Erika and Joaquin both developed in the Atlantic Ocean, while powerful Patricia formed in the North Pacific.
RELATED:
California drought: Stormy El Nino winter has some calling for end to strict water usage restrictions
Watch viral videos on the AccuWeather Video Wall
Nonprofit organization rolls out plan for disaster-resistant homes in Tornado Alley
On Tuesday, the United Nations held a news conference in response to the strong El Niño that has impacted 60 million people around the world through droughts, floods and other types of extreme weather.
The U.N. is calling on the international community to act now to address urgent humanitarian needs, according to a news article on its website. Some of the harshest impacts are being felt in the world's poorest locations.
During the press conference, U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O'Brien said the current El Niño is resulting in life-threatening weather extremes around the world, including Ethiopia's worst drought in 50 years.
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Community Affairs (OCHA) said response plans for 13 countries have been completed and those plans request up to $3.6 billion for food and agricultural support as well as nutrition, health and emergency water and sanitation needs.
However, additional funding is needed to combat El Niño-related issues, and assistance efforts must be increased before worst-case scenarios begin to unfold, according to O'Brien.
"We collectively face an alarming funding gap of over $2.2 billion for the provision of food, clean water, basic medicine and seeds to make sure farmers do not lose their next harvest," O 'Brien said. "This figure is expected to grow as additional plans are concluded and new needs assessments are finalized, notably in Ethiopia and Southern Africa."
"We must take urgent action now to help people whose livelihoods and whose entire way of life is threatened - even their ability to survive," O'Brien said.
Several AccuWeather meteorologists and staff writers contributed content to this article.
Volatile Sakurajima volcano is a lightning laboratory
By Dr. Jeffrey Johnson
April 30,2016; 6:37AM,EDT
A high-speed image of volcano lightning at Sakurajima Volcano. (Photo/Corrado Cimarelli)Japan is a country of volcanoes, and Sakurajima is one of its most infamous. Its notoriety stems from its poor behavior in 1914, when powerful explosions and pyroclastic flows forced the evacuation of the small volcanic island. Shortly after the explosions stopped, extensive lava eruptions began. The amount of lava that erupted was enough to span Kagoshima Bay, connecting the volcano to Kyushu's mainland. For much of the next forty years, the volcano was relatively quiet.
But Sakurajima has been exploding intermittently since 1955. And although it no longer is an island, it is still nearly surrounded by water, and its 7,000 residents are exposed to volcanic hazards including ash fall, lahars, and the potential for lava bombs. Today, schoolchildren commute wearing hard hats just in case rocks start to rain down from the sky. Because ashfall often grays the landscape, everyone wears masks to avoid breathing in the tiny particles of volcanic glass. While downwind areas on the island are more vulnerable to the ashfall, no corner of the island remains completely unaffected, since any location is less than 4 miles from the exploding crater.
Although explosions are a worrisome inconvenience to the local population, the phenomenon draws volcano scientists to the region like moths to a flame: Sakurajima's reliable, frequent and powerful explosions provide researchers with an unparalleled laboratory for studying eruptions that are categorized as quintessentially "vulcanian."
On a typical day, a few vulcanian blasts can be expected to erupt out of the Showa Crater like canon shots. Ten seconds later, a concussion sound wave - often exceeding 100 pascals in pressure, akin to the sound pressure levels on an aircraft carrier deck - reaches the Kurokami Observatory 2 miles away. Most of this sound energy is subsonic, but if it were audible, it would be deafening: the equivalent of 140 decibels. To put it another way, it would exert a force of approximately 100 lbs. on a (well-sealed) window.
PHOTOS: Late-April snowstorm extends Colorado ski season into early May
By Renee Duff, AccuWeather.com Meteorologist
April 30,2016; 11:58AM,EDT
A skier enjoys fresh
powder on opening day at Arapahoe Basin, Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015, in
Dillon, Colorado. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
The highest snowfall totals focused on the southern and central portions of the state. Over a foot of snow buried Matheson, Colorado, about 50 miles northwest of Colorado Springs.
Amounts between 6 to 12 inches of snow were widespread across the southern Rockies.
Heavy snow persisted for over 12 consecutive hours in some areas.
The fresh powder allowed Wolf Creek Ski Area in southwestern Colorado to reopen this weekend. The resort had previously closed on April 17 with the option to reopen should Mother Nature cooperate.
RELATED:
AccuWeather winter weather center
Goodbye Joaquin, Patricia and Erika: World Meteorological Organization retires 3 names from 2015 hurricane season
Weekly wrap-up: Severe storms rattle central US; UN seeks billions to offset El Nino's devastating blow to 60 million worldwide
Ski resorts in Aspen, Winter Park and Loveland, Colorado, had already announced extended openings into early May prior to the snowstorm. Less than half a foot of snow fell in these locations.
A few resorts plan to stay open into Mother's Day weekend.
Heavy snow coats outdoor furniture near Black Forest, Colorado. (Twitter photo/@SarahASimon)
Livestock cross an open field as heavy snow falls in Elbert County, Colorado. (Twitter photo/@ElbertCountyOEM)The heavy nature of the snow caused some tree damage in parts of Colorado.
A tree sags under the weight of heavy snow in Texas Creek, Colorado. (Twitter photo/@NWSPueblo)
Accumulating snow fell as far east as Goodland, Kansas, on Friday. (Twitter photo/@dlfloyd3)
Tulips topple under the weight of snow in Englewood, Colorado. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Dirt roads became muddy and snow-covered in El Paso County, Colorado. (Twitter photo/@NWSPueblo)Severe storms to raise flood risk in Deep South Saturday
By Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist
April 30,2016; 11:53AM,EDT
The risk of severe thunderstorms and flash flooding will shift to the Deep South for the first half of the weekend.
A line of intense thunderstorms will continue to march from Louisiana to Mississippi into Saturday evening. The storms will bring the potential for damaging wind gusts, large hail, frequent lightning strikes and isolated tornadoes.
One severe thunderstorm within this line earlier on Saturday produced a 60-mph wind gust at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Texas. Air operations at the airport reported that two 737's sustained damage at their terminal gates after being shifted by the winds.
The slow-moving nature of the storm system, combined with the repeating nature of the thunderstorms will also bring an elevated risk of flash flooding.
Locally, 5 inches of rain will pour down. Of that rainfall, a couple of inches could fall in as many hours on some communities.
RELATED:
5 years later: Tuscaloosa, Birmingham reflect on deadly tornado that turned communities upside down
Goodbye Joaquin, Patricia and Erika: World Meteorological Organization retires 3 names from 2015 hurricane season
Nonprofit organization rolls out plan for disaster-resistant homes in Tornado Alley
Cities at risk for the severe and flooding thunderstorms include Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Jackson, Mississippi.
An elderly woman and her four grandchildren were killed early Saturday morning after a creek overflowed its banks in Palestine, Texas, following torrential rainfall, according to the Associated Press. Between six to 10 homes in the family's cul-de-sac were severely damaged by the flood waters.
More flooding along FM 2625. Turn Around, Don't Drown!
Residents are reminded to seek shelter as soon as thunder is heard even in the absence of severe thunderstorm warnings. The danger of being struck by lightning is then present.
There have been five lightning fatalities in the United States so far this year, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Lightning Safety Specialist John Jensenius.
"The five fatalities this year are the most this year in the season since 2001 (when there were seven fatalities by April 27)," Jensenius said.
By Sunday, the threat of locally flooding downpours and severe thunderstorms will extend as far north as the Ohio Valley and as far south as the central Gulf Coast.
Content contributed by AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski.
May to start on warm, muggy note in southeastern US
By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist
April 30,2016; 11:52AM,EDT
Residents of the southeastern United States may feel like the calendar has flipped ahead to Memorial Day weekend with warm and muggy weather in place for the start of May.
After the passage of a cold front brought cooling to North Carolina to end April, warm and humid air will surge back across all of the Southeast to kick off May.
"A predominantly southerly flow [of air] will set up across the Southeast this weekend and head into Monday," AccuWeather Meteorologist Maggie Samuhel said.
"Moisture will be picked up from the warming Gulf of Mexico waters and carried into the region, bringing high dew points."
Highs in the 80s will dominate the Southeast from Florida to North Carolina Sunday into Monday. Some communities, the most numerous of which will be in central Florida, will even crack the 99-degree-Fahrenheit mark.
Highs in early May typically range from the middle 80s in central Florida to middle 70s in North Carolina.
A wind blowing in off the ocean will keep the beaches cooler than neighboring inland locations.
While actual temperatures may come up short, AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures in many communities will approach or top 90 during the first day or two of May due to the higher humidity. RealFeels will even rise into the upper 90s from southern South Carolina to the interior of Florida.
This includes in Jacksonville and Tallahassee, Florida; Augusta and Savannah, Georgia; Columbia, South Carolina; and Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina.
RELATED:
Southeast US interactive radar
Forecast temperature maps
Goodbye Joaquin, Patricia and Erika: World Meteorological Organization retires 3 names from 2015 hurricane season
While such steamy air is fairly common in summer, it may still put a strain on residents who have not yet become accustomed to it following the cooler winter and early spring months.
Those planning to engage in strenuous outdoor plans are urged to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks.
However, the warm and muggy conditions to start May will not be accompanied by a full day of blazing sunshine throughout the Southeast. Outside of central Florida, the stage will be set for showers and thunderstorms to instead rumble daily.
Widespread severe weather is not anticipated, but a locally drenching or gusty thunderstorm cannot be ruled out. Regardless of the severity of the thunderstorms, anyone outdoors should seek shelter as soon as thunder is heard. The danger of being struck by lightning is then present.
There have been five lightning fatalities in the United States so far this year, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Lightning Safety Specialist John Jensenius.
"The five fatalities this year are the most this year in the season since 2001 (when there were seven fatalities by April 27)," Jensenius said.
Those planning to head to the beach to beat the warmth should stay alert of impending thunderstorms with AccuWeather MinuteCast®. Swimmers are also reminded to use extra caution where lifeguards have not resumed their duties for the summer season.
While May is starting out warm and muggy, changes are on the way for residents who are not ready for the steamy summer months to set in.
A pair of storm systems, accompanied by more showers and thunderstorms, will gradually trim dew points and lower temperatures back to near or slightly below normal in a northwest-to-southeast fashion from Tuesday to Thursday.
Less humid air will even sweep down to Miami and the rest of South Florida.
10 dead after residential building collapses in Nairobi, Kenya
By Mark Leberfinger, AccuWeather.com Staff Writer
April 30,2016; 11:49AM,EDT
10 people have died with more than 130 injured after a building collapse Friday night in Nairobi, Kenya.
The seven-story building, which housed more than 125 single units, collapsed around 9:15 p.m. local time (2:15 p.m. EDT Friday), officials said.
Rescue
crews work to recover people trapped inside a residential building that
collapsed in Nairobi, Kenya, Friday, April 29, 2016. (Photo/Kenya Red
Cross).Rescue crews were delayed because of traffic jams caused by flooding in the area, Nairobi Police Chief Japheth Koome told the Associated Press.
As rescue efforts continue, there may be an isolated shower or thunderstorm into Saturday evening, but storms should diminish overnight, AccuWeather Meteorologist Adam Douty said.
"Sunday, there will be more scattered showers and thunderstorms," he said. "Thunderstorms may lessen a little bit early next week, but there will still be the chance for rain each day."
The Kenya Red Cross was assisting with the rescue effort that also includes the Kenyan military.
Live pictures from the scene. #HurumaTragedy KRCS with partners trying their level best to assist.
Ideal conditions expected for May Day celebrations from Hamburg to Berlin
By Adam Douty, AccuWeather.com Meteorologist
April 30,2016; 11:40AM,EDT
With a cold front weakening across northern Germany, dry conditions will be found from Cologne to Hamburg and Berlin on Sunday. May Day will feature warmer conditions across the Northwest as some sunshine mixes through clouds.
In contrast to this, low pressure tracking across Italy will lead to showers across southern parts of the country. Stuttgart, Munich and Regensburg will all be threatened with damp conditions.
The best places to enjoy May Day across Germany will be in northern areas from Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein to Saxony and Brandenburg. While Saturday brought showers to from Hamburg to Cologne, Sunday will feature periods of sunshine and milder air.
That is good news for those planning to visit the spring flower show at Spath-Arboretum or the Power to the children festival near Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. Afternoon temperatures on Sunday will be seasonable, rising to near 17 C (62 F).
Across North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, rain and clouds will linger during the morning hours on Sunday. However, as the day progresses, dry weather will gradually return and sunny breaks will develop. Anyone heading outdoors during the morning from Frankfurt to Karlsruhe will want to remember the umbrella and allow extra time for travel.
RELATED:
Germany Weather Center
MinuteCast® for your location
Interactive Germany weather radar
Periods of rain will fall much of the day across Baden-Württemberg and southern Bavaria due to a large area of low pressure tracking across Italy. Clouds and rain will hold temperatures well below normal from Freiburg to Munich.
The average high for the start of May in Munich is 16 C (61 F), but Sunday will only feature a high of 13 C (55 F). Areas closer to the Austria and Switzerland boarders will fail to rise above 10 C (50 F).
It will be a damp and cool day in far southern Germany, so anyone with outdoor plans may want to consider moving activities indoors.
Monday will feature a similar weather pattern with rainfall confined to far southern Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. Wet weather should impact a smaller area compared to Sunday. Munich should escape with a largely dry day and slightly milder air. Dry and mild weather will remain across central and northern areas.
A cold front will sweep the next round of showers across the country on Tuesday.
Kansas Turnpike Tornado Shelters Offer Another Option For Severe Weather Safety
Published:
Apr 28 2016 02:30 PM EDT
weather.com
It’s a Safe Haven for Drivers in Kansas
Kansas has 30 storm shelters along the 236-mile Kansas Turnpike, which runs right through tornado alley.
That's the hope of the Kansas Turnpike Authority, a group that installed these fortified underground bunkers along the 236-mile-long highway in 2015 as a last-ditch option for drivers caught in the severe weather of Tornado Alley.
Each of these shelters can hold roughly 15 people, according to Fox4KC.com, while additional shelters located under some toll booths can hold more than that.
"We have tornado shelters at all of the plazas, and they're mainly for our employees and any customers that would be in the general area," Kansas Highway Patrol Master Trooper Karl Koenig told Fox4KC.com. "Simply open them up by a door, there's steps to go down in there, and there's a small wind turbine on top that provides air when the doors shut."
(PHOTOS: The Strangest Tornado Damage We've Ever Seen)
But it might be some time before all of the turnpike's drivers come around to the idea of abandoning their vehicle and running into one of these shelters. Some truck drivers still believe it's best to continue driving and get out of the way of the storm.
"My chances are pretty good of outrunning that sucker," said truck driver Martha Padgett in the Fox4KC.com report.
And although this is certainly a reliable safe haven from severe weather for drivers, officials want local residents to know that they're safest staying at home.
"If you can find somewhere around your house, your basement, we do not want you leaving your home if that tornado is getting close. Do not leave your home trying to drive somewhere," said Lt. Josh Kellerman of the Kansas Highway Patrol in an interview with KSN.com.
All of the Kansas Turnpike's storm shelters are listed on the Authority's website, and its Facebook page provides fans with important weather safety tidbits almost daily.
More Severe Thunderstorms, Flooding Rain Target South, Mississippi Valley
Published:
Apr 30 2016 11:00 AM EDT
weather.com
Triple Threat: Tornadoes, Hail, Flooding
Meteorologist
Danielle Banks forecasts the chance for severe storms, possible
tornadoes and flash flooding today stretching from Texas to the
Southeast.
48-hour
estimated rainfall ending 7 a.m. CT, Saturday, April 30, 2016
(contours) and reports of flooding (blue icons) April 29-30, 2016.
Evacuations were prompted in the towns of Kilgore and Hughes Springs, Texas. Homes were flooded in the Gin City community near Bradley, Arkansas. Vehicles stalled in high water in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, and a mudslide blocked a road in Plain Dealing, Louisiana. A cooperative observer southeast of Marshall, Texas, reported over 9 inches of rain Friday. Street flooding became widespread Saturday morning in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Early Saturday, 60 mph wind gusts shifted and damaged two planes at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Windows were also blown out of a few homes in Bastrop County from 75 mph winds, and high winds overturned a semi on I-35 near Kyle, Texas, shutting down the northbound lanes for a time. Some trees were downed in the far north Houston metro area in Montgomery and northern Harris Counties.
For the more news on the latest impacts from the severe storms and heavy rain, click the link below.
(LATEST NEWS: Severe Storms, Flooding Impacts)
The most intense thunderstorms could produce large hail, damaging wind gusts, and possibly tornadoes. In addition, multiple rounds of rainfall is likely to trigger flash flooding, especially in already saturated locations such as eastern Texas and Louisiana.
The National Weather Service has posted flash flood watches for portions of eastern Texas, southeastern Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and west Tennessee.
Scroll down for an overview of the timing and impacts for the severe storm and flood threat into the weekend.
Current Radar with Watches and Warnings
See below for a guide to watch and warning colors.
Severe Weather Outlook
Saturday- Severe thunderstorms are possible from the mid-Mississippi Valley and Lower Ohio Valley to the northern Gulf Coast.
- Threats: Damaging wind gusts, large hail and perhaps a few tornadoes. How much severe weather there will be remains uncertain given the widespread nature of clouds and rain which may hold down instability. Once again, heavy rainfall also will be a concern and could cause flooding in parts of Arkansas, east Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi and west Tennessee.
- Cities: Houston | Memphis | New Orleans
Saturday's Thunderstorm Forecast
Areas shaded red have the greatest chance of seeing severe weather.
- Locally heavy rain and a few severe storms may impact a swath from the mid-Atlantic and Southeast to the Gulf Coast.
- Overall the potential for severe storms will be much lower than previous days, however gusty winds and hail will still be possible. Heavy rain may also cause localized flash flooding, particularly in the Lower Mississippi Valley and near the Gulf Coast, saturated from the past few days of heavy rain.
- Once again, any severe t-storms should be relatively few and far between from the eastern Carolinas to south Texas.
- However, areas of locally heavy rain and flash flooding may persist in the Lower Mississippi Valley and western/northern Gulf Coast.
The heavy rain falling on already saturated ground is likely to produce additional flooding.
Rainfall Forecast
Keep in mind that locally heavier amounts of rain are possible.
5 Dead in Texas Flooding; High Winds Damage Jet Planes as Severe Weather Continues Across Region
Published:
Apr 30 2016 12:30 PM EDT
weather.com
5 Dead, Including 4 Children, in Texas Flooding
A 64 year old woman and four of her grandchildren have been reportedly killed in overnight flash flooding in Palestine, TX
At least two people were injured Friday night after tornadoes touched down in parts of Texas and Oklahoma. The twisters were part of a potent storm system punching into a large portion of the South and flash flood warnings continue to be a concern along the Gulf coast region.
Friday a tornado was reported in Sherman, Texas, with no immediate reports of injuries or damages. A second tornado was reported in Lindale, causing injuries and multiple damages to structures in the area.
According to the National Weather Service, a tornado moving at 30 mph was reported in Elgin, Oklahoma, late Friday afternoon. Large hail accompanied the storm, and damages were reported in the area.
(FORECAST: More Severe Thunderstorms, Flooding Rain Target South, Mississippi Valley)
Here are the latest state-by-state impacts.
Texas
Cass County: Car submerged on Pecan Circle, in Hughes Springs. Some evacuations from apartments. #etxwx
In Upshur County, 15 to 20 homes have reportedly been damaged or destroyed, according to the Associated Press. There were no immediate reports of injuries in the area.
A large tree was downed on top of a home and roof debris was scattered in front of a local Dollar Tree in Lindale, KYTX reports. Several power lines were also downed, contributing to the spread of outages.
Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith told AP that several injuries have been reported as a result of the Lindale tornado, but fallen tree limbs and power lines have slowed first-responders from reaching some areas.
As of Friday evening, Oncor reported 6,000 of its customers were experiencing outages, KYTX also reports. Upshur Rural reported 1,400 customers without power and Swepco reported 485.
The Mayfest grounds in Fort Worth's Trinity Park were evacuated due to reports of a thunderstorm packing hail, the Associated Press reports.
NWS reported hail the size of golf balls in Tyler, Texas, Friday. Residents took to social media to share photos of the barrage.
Severe storm produces large #hail on west side of #Tyler #TX just after noon via @docdeason pic.twitter.com/mz3YyfxLG5 https://twitter.com/docdeason/status/726103454746173440 …
Oklahoma
Friday the Oklahoma Highway Patrol shut down a nearly 20-mile stretch of Interstate 35 between Purcell and Norman. The closure went into effect after tornadoes and heavy hail was reported in the area.OHP Capt. Paul Timmons told the Associated Press that the main north-south interstate has been shut down from mile marker 98 near Purcell to Tecumseh Road in north Norman. The closure came at the height of the Oklahoma City-area rush hour.
The city of Elgin and nearby areas saw damage after a reported tornado and hail near the size of the grapefruits were reported in the city.
Nearly GRAPEFRUIT SIZE HAIL north of Lake Lawtonka at 3:35pm. Photo: Kristal Moreland Cooper #okwx #hail @NWSNorman
Gusting winds flipped a semi on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike in the area where the tornado was spotted, according to KTUL.
The reported tornado totally destroyed a mobile home on Sooner Road in Ninnekah, spilling debris out into the street, FOX 25 reports.
Heeding warnings of severe weather, school officials with Moore Schools canceled all activities scheduled for Friday night.
Del City High school also canceled events due to the weather, deciding to reschedule a basketball game and senior night for Monday.
Hail more than 3 inches in diameter was also reported north of Manitou on Friday, NWS reports.
Mississippi
Strong winds in Mississippi downed trees across roadways in the Wren area, where a wall cloud was spotted, NWS also reports.Arkansas
Water rescues were underway in western portions of Lewisville Saturday morning according to the NWS, and several homes in Gin City are underwater as well.On Friday, strong winds blew through Greenbrier, badly damaging the second story and roof of a bed-and-breakfast, the NWS also reported.
Fort Smith Police report extensive hail damage in south Fort Smith. #4029Storms
Louisiana
Heavy rains and leaking water pipes caused a portion of Canal Street to collapse Friday, WVUE reports. The large sinkhole opened up near Harrah's Hotel and Casino."This is nothing short of incredible," said Mayor Mitch Landrieu during a news conference. According to Landrieu, repairs should take three to six months and cost up to $5 million.
Couple shots from the edge of the hole in Canal Street
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)