Earth Changes and the Pole Shift
Wild Weather, the Wobble Effect
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Weather: |
Tides and Whirlpools:
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"We warned at the start of ZetaTalk, in 1995, that unpredictable weather extremes, switching about from drought to deluge, would occur and increase on a lineal basis up until the pole shift. Where this occurred steadily, it has only recently become undeniable. ZetaTalk, and only ZetaTalk, warned of these weather changes, at that early date. Our early warnings spoke to the issue of global heating from the core outward, hardly Global Warming, a surface or atmospheric issue, but caused by consternation in the core. Affected by the approach of Planet X, which was by then starting to zoom rapidly toward the inner solar system for its periodic passage, the core was churning, melting the permafrost and glaciers and riling up volcanoes. When the passage did not occur as expected in 2003 because Planet X had stalled in the inner solar system, we explained the increasing weather irregularities in the context of the global wobble that had ensued - weather wobbles where the Earth is suddenly forced under air masses, churning them. This evolved by 2005 into a looping jet stream, loops breaking away and turning like a tornado to affect the air masses underneath. Meanwhile, on Planet Earth, droughts had become more intractable and deluges positively frightening, temperature swings bringing snow in summer in the tropics and searing heat in Artic regions, with the violence of storms increasing in number and ferocity."
From the ZetaTalk Chat Q&A for February 4, 2012:
The wobble seems to have changed, as the temperature in Europe suddenly plunged after being like an early Spring, Alaska has its coldest temps ever while the US and much of Canada is having an extremely mild winter. India went from fatal cold spell to balmy again. Has the Earth changed position vs a vs Planet X to cause this? [and from another] Bitter cold records broken in Alaska - all time coldest record nearly broken, but Murphy's Law intervenes [Jan 30] http://wattsupwiththat.com/2012/01/30/bitter-cold-records-broken-in-alaska Jim River, AK closed in on the all time record coldest temperature of -80°F set in 1971, which is not only the Alaska all-time record, but the record for the entire United States. Unfortunately, it seems the battery died in the weather station just at the critical moment. While the continental USA has a mild winter and has set a number of high temperature records in the last week and pundits ponder whether they will be blaming the dreaded "global warming" for those temperatures, Alaska and Canada have been suffering through some of the coldest temperatures on record during the last week.
There has been no change in the wobble pattern, the wobble has merely become more severe. Nancy noted a Figure 8 format when the Earth wobble first became noticeable, in early 2005, after Planet X moved into the inner solar system at the end of 2003. The Figure 8 shifted along to the east a bit on the globe between 2005 and 2009, (the last time Nancy took its measure) as Planet X came closer to the Earth, encountering the magnetic N Pole with a violent push earlier in the day. But the pattern of the Figure 8 remained essentially the same. So what changed recently that the weather patterns became noticeably different in late January, 2012?
The N Pole is pushed away when it comes over the horizon, when the noon Sun is centered over the Pacific. This regularly puts Alaska under colder air, with less sunlight, and thus the historically low temps there this January, 2012 as the wobble has gotten stronger. But by the time the Sun is positioned over India, the N Pole has swung during the Figure 8 so the globe tilts, and this tilt is visible in the weather maps from Asia. The tilt has forced the globe under the hot air closer to the Equator, warming the land along a discernable tilt demarcation line.
The next loop of the Figure 8 swings the globe so that the N Pole moves in the other direction, putting the globe again at a tilt but this time in the other direction. This tilt is discernable in weather maps of Europe, again along a diagonal line. Depending upon air pressure and temperature differences, the weather on either side of this diagonal line may be suddenly warm or suddenly cold. The tilt and diagonal line lingers to affect much of the US and Canada, but the Figure 8 changes at this point to be an up and down motion, pulling the geographic N Pole south so the US is experiencing a warmer than expected winter under a stronger Sun. Then the cycle repeats, with the magnetic N Pole of Earth pushed violently away again as the Sun is positioned over the Pacific.
From the ZetaTalk Chat Q&A for April 6, 2013:
Would the Zetas be able to let us know what is causing the early break-up of the Arctic Ice, the ice seems to have taken on a swirling pattern at the same time, would this be wobble related? [and from another] http://www.vancouversun.com/news/national/Canada+Arctic+cracks+spectacular+event/8185609/story.html The ice in Canada’s western Arctic ripped open in a massive “fracturing event” this spring that spread like a wave across 1,000 kilometres of the Beaufort Sea. Huge leads of water – some more than 500 kilometres long and as much as 70 kilometres across – opened up from Alaska to Canada’s Arctic islands as the massive ice sheet cracked as it was pushed around by strong winds and currents. It took just seven days for the fractures to progress across the entire area from west to east. [and from another] http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=80752&src=iotdrss A high-pressure weather system was parked over the region, producing warmer temperatures and winds that flowed in a southwesterly direction. That fueled the Beaufort Gyre, a wind-driven ocean current that flows clockwise. The gyre was the key force pulling pieces of ice west past Point Barrow, the northern nub of Alaska that protrudes into the Beaufort Sea.
The Figure 8 formed by the N Pole during the daily Earth wobble has shifted somewhat to the East, due to Planet X positioned more to the right of the Earth during its approach. This was anticipated, and well described in ZetaTalk, the Earth crowding to the left in the cup to escape the approach of Planet X, so the angle between these two planets would change slightly. This shift of the Figure 8 to the East is due to the push against the Earth’s magnetic N Pole occurring sooner each day than prior. Thus instead of occurring when the Sun is high over the Pacific, over New Zealand, it is now occurring when the Sun is high over Alaska. All the wobble points have shifted eastward accordingly.
This has brought a lingering Winter to the western US, and a changed sloshing pattern to the Arctic waters. Instead of Pacific waters being pushed through the Bering Straits into the Arctic when the polar push occurs, the wobble is swinging the Arctic to the right, and then later to the left, creating a circular motion in the waters trapped in the Arctic. Since the Earth rotates counterclockwise, the motion also takes this path. This is yet another piece of evidence that the establishment is hard pressed to explain. They are attempting to ascribe this to high pressure and wind, all of which are not new to the Arctic, but this circular early breakup of ice in the Arctic is new.
Gerard Zwaan
Storm Eleanor impacts western Europe with 200,000 French without power flights cancelled in Holland as category 2 hurricane strength storm heads East
Storm Eleanor cuts power to 200,000 households in northern France on Wednesday after storm Carmen cut power to 65,000 households in western France on new years eve, Monday.
The storm is set to move to eastern regions throughout the day and is thought to bring more destruction.
Storm Eleanor which has produced wind gusts of more than 100mph which is a category 2 hurricane strength,
(Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale) battered Ireland and the UK overnight with thousands without power
According to Reuters, households in the Normandy region were the worst hit by storm Eleanor, Enedis, a unit of state-controlled EDF said, while the area around Paris and northeastern Picardie and Champagne-Ardenne were also among those affected.
The latest weather warning and strong winds come after winter storm Carmen battered western France on Jan. 1, with some 40,000 households in the Brittany region temporarily losing power on Monday.
A storm disrupted air traffic at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport on Wednesday, with many flights cancelled or delayed.
Airlines cancelled 176 out of a total of more than 1,200 incoming and outgoing flights on Wednesday morning, a spokesman for the Dutch national airport said.
That number was expected to rise, as the storm would grow stronger during the day, with wind gusts reaching speeds of up to 120 kph (75 mph).
Schiphol is Europe’s third busiest airport in a number of total passengers per year, after London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle.
Storm Eleanor battered the Netherlands on Wednesday morning with wind speeds of up to 110kph in coastal areas according to DutchNewsLive.
The KNMI weather bureau had issued a nationwide code yellow alert but raised this to orange for Noord-Holland, Friesland, Flevoland and the Wadden islands for late morning.
Trees were blown down and trains between Amsterdam and Breukelen were disrupted for a time after a tree hit the overhead cables.
High-speed trains between Rotterdam and Breda were cancelled because of the weather and Intercity services between Rotterdam and The Hague were also reduced, Dutch rail operator NS said.
Source: http://www.thebigwobble.org/2018/01/storm-eleanor-impacts-western-e...
Jan 3, 2018
jorge namour
Severe wind damage in Paris, France this morning under the effects of windstorm Eleanor. JANUARY 3 2018
https://www.facebook.com/severeweatherEU/photos/a.1423656947857402....
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Intense winds and coastal flooding in Galway, W Ireland tonight (Jan 2) under the effects of windstorm Eleanor.
https://www.facebook.com/severeweatherEU/videos/2145637422326014/?t...
Jan 3, 2018
KM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5235431/Blizzard-roars-U-S-...
Boston is drowning in historic 15ft flood of icy water - trapping people in cars and homes - as 'bomb cyclone' storm explodes over Northeast closing schools, cancelling 4,000 flights and killing six
Boston experienced historic flooding on Thursday, as a 'bomb cyclone' winter storm hit the Northeast, bringing heavy snow, winds and storm surge.
Meteorologists said Boston was unofficially nearing a water level record set during the Blizzard of 1978.
Matt Doody, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Taunton, told the Boston Herald that the Weather Service couldn't 'officially' call it a new record, but the water was hovering around the 15.1 foot mark set during the historic storm 40 years ago.
The system is also very similar to a storm that hit the Northeast on the exact same day in 1989, according to the Weather Service.
At least a dozen people have been rescued from flooded homes in Marshfield, and a handful of others were rescued from cars under water in the South Shore region of Massachusetts.
'It's up over the roof of cars. It's up over four feet,' Deputy Fire Chief Louis Cipullo said of the floodwaters in the area.
The nor'easter threatened to dump as much as 18 inches of snow from the Carolinas to Maine - causing schools and office to close and thousands of flights to be cancelled.
Many businesses were flooded during storm surge high tide, in Boston, Massachusetts on Thursday
The snowstorm is causing massive flooding in Boston and outlying towns. Above, a car in floodwaters in Boston on Thursday
Above, more cars in floodwaters in Boston on Thursday
Forecasters expected the system to be followed immediately by a blast of face-stinging cold air that could break records in more than two dozen cities, with wind chills falling to minus 40 in some places this weekend.
Blizzard warnings and states of emergency were in wide effect, and wind gusts hit up to 76mph in some places. Eastern Massachusetts and most of Rhode Island braced for snow falling as fast as thre inches per hour.
The storm was powered by a rapid plunge in barometric pressure that some weather forecasters were referring to as bombogenesis or a 'bomb cyclone' and which brought fast, heavy snowfall and high winds.
Boston's fire department shared an image on Twitter of crew members saving a man whose car was floating in the ice water.
'Firefighters come to the rescue of an adult male trapped by rising water,' the dept. tweeted. 'The firefighters… bringing the driver to safety. Please avoid these dangerously high waters.'
The first responders were then seen carrying the man to safety.
One Boston resident shared a Snapchat video of someone rowing through their icy street with a kayak.
The video was captioned: 'Cai has fled the scene via kyak.'
Mayor Marty Walsh warned people early on Thursday to stay off the highways as the storm hit the city.
'There continue to be too many cars on Boston's roadways. If you're not a plow or emergency vehicle, get off the roads. Crews are doing there best to clear the snow but there are still too many cars on the roads,' the mayor said in a tweet.
Meanwhile another video showed the moment a garbage bin was knocked over as trash was washed down the street by floodwaters in Boston.
Jan 5, 2018
Juan F Martinez
'Bomb cyclone' winter storm that hit the Northeast leaves wildlife, farm animals and fish frozen in place.
Jan 6, 2018
SongStar101
Aussie heatwave: Victoria will resemble 'blast furnace' above 43C (110F)
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objecti...
The state is set to swelter through their single hottest day in two years as an extreme heat event takes hold.
Victoria's ambulance commander Paul Holman says conditions need to be taken seriously and that people should stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
"This heat is a killer," Holman said on Friday.
"It's going to be like a blast furnace tomorrow and you need to adjust what you do. You need to take care. So put off the sporting events, put off the outside events, stay inside."
In NSW, Surf Life Saving and the Rural Fire Service are warning residents to stay safe on the state's beaches and prepare for potential bushfires.
"Lifesavers and lifeguards are out in force but we need the public to take some responsibility for their own safety," Surf Life Saving chief executive Steven Pearce told AAP.
"The tragic incidents we have witnessed through December and early January are a reminder of the power of the ocean."
Temperatures in Melbourne on Saturday are expected to climb north of 41C, the hottest they've been since 42.2C was recorded on January 13, 2016. Geelong and Bendigo will feel even hotter, nudging 42C. Swan Hill, Echuca, Warracknabeal and Mildura will hover around 44C at the hottest part of the day.
Conditions have fire authorities deeply concerned about the very real risk of bushfires sparking up.
"If a fire starts it will run, it will run hard and has the potential to do significant damage," Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley said. "On these days the conditions can beat the crews and the terrain."
Total fire bans have been declared throughout SA and Victoria and across most of Tasmania for Saturday.
On Friday drivers were delayed on the Hume Highway due to a stretch of road "melting".
Victoria Police warned motorists should expect delays on the right-hand lane heading towards the city near Broadford on Friday evening, as a 10km stretch of road was reportedly melting amid the hot weather.
Meanwhile, the Australian Energy Market Operator, the national energy regulator, is in talks with more than a dozen power-hungry companies in Victoria and South Australia in a bid to get ahead of weekend blackouts.
The 14 companies, with major factories across the two southern states, may need to shut down operations over the weekend as heightened airconditioner use could lead to major blackouts.
Companies including Australian Paper, Visy and BlueScope Steel have been paid incentives to cut down on operations to avoid the kind of sporadic blackouts South Australia struggled through last summer.
Sky News weather meteorologist Tristan Meyers told news.com.au the country's southern and eastern states will swelter.
"There is a lot of heat coming this week affecting South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and NSW," he said.
"On Saturday, it's going to be really hot in Victoria and Tasmania. Melbourne, Geelong and Launceston will have their hottest days in two years."
The mercury is tipped to hit 41C in Melbourne on Saturday while Launceston and much of Tasmania is expected to reach at least 32C.
On Sunday, NSW will have its turn to sweat with much of the state expected to reach above average temperatures.
"We have seen some hotter days, but the state is going to get pretty hot. Western parts of Sydney will absolutely swelter and Penrith will hit the mid-40s," Meyers said.
The state will then be hit with incredibly hot, gusty conditions which will lead to a spike in fire danger throughout the state.
Catastrophic fire danger is expected in South Australia's Mount Lofty and today Western Australia is likely to see severe to extreme fire danger across much of the state.
James Taylor, the acting manager of the Bureau of Meteorology's extreme weather desk, said Australians need to be vigilant.
"Any fires that start will be extremely difficult to suppress," he said, citing the hot and gusty conditions expected across much of south east Australia on the weekend.
An analysis from finder.com.au, the country's number one comparison site, found Aussies could save a whopping $415 this summer if they opt for a fan rather than their airconditioning unit.
Using your fan for 8 hours per night for the duration of summer will cost Aussies a total of $17, whereas using your aircon for the same amount of time will cost you $432, the site found.
Angus Kidman, finder.com.au editor-in-chief, said Aussies need to embrace the humble fan more.
"It might be tempting to crank your aircon for hours, but if you don't want to end up with a hefty electricity bill at the end of the month, try to avoid overuse.
"We need to give fans a little more credit. They might not cool the entire room down, but they do a very good job at keeping you comfortable, especially if they're directly blowing on you, and they're much cheaper to run."
"Aussies have become accustomed to staying cool. Some people will even drop the temperature so low they end up putting a jacket on just to stay warm! Don't do that — moderate your usage to cut down on bills."
Here's how the weekend is looking across Australia.
ADELAIDE
The South Australian capital will have a scorcher this weekend with the mercury expected to hit 41C. Adelaide is already getting a taste for the hot weekend with temperatures reaching 37C today. Rain is expected late on Sunday which will also bring down the temperature substantially to 26C.
MELBOURNE
Melbourne is heading for its hottest day in two years on Saturday with highs of 41C expected. But after struggling through Saturday, Melburnians will be treated to a cool change overnight and see a drastic 20 degree drop. Temperatures will struggle to hit 21C on Sunday.
HOBART
A total fire ban is in place for Tasmanians this weekend as some of the island state's towns will have their hottest days in years. Hobart will swelter through a 33C Saturday but a cool change on Sunday will drop the temperature back to 23C.
CANBERRA
The nation's capital is set to sizzle. Today, the mercury will hit 33C, Saturday will be worse at 36C and Sunday will be the hottest of all at 38C. Rain isn't expected until at least Tuesday with showers increasing next Thursday.
SYDNEY
Sydneysiders won't see their weekend properly heat up until Sunday when temperatures are expected to hit 38C. Despite that, Saturday will still reach 31C and today is heading for tops of 28C. A cool change will bring showers by next Tuesday.
BRISBANE
Queensland's capital will enjoy nice summer weather for days. Temperatures are expected to sit in the low-30s for the weekend and much of next week. Rain is expected next Wednesday.
DARWIN
As per usual, the Top End is going to be hot and wet this weekend and for much of next week. Temperatures will be past the 30s and thunderstorms are possible every day. Humidity will also be extremely high making the nights especially sticky.
PERTH
The west coast capital is going to be a little more pleasant than the east coast's record-breaking weather. Perth will be a model of summertime weather this weekend with temperatures expected to rise from 27C today through to 31C on Sunday and 33C on Monday. Clear skies are expected every day. The state's scorching conditions today are also expected to subside after an expected cool change this afternoon.
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Hume Freeway melts in heat in Victoria, ahead of scorcher predicted for today (videos)
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-01-05/hume-freeway-melts-in-heat-in...
Jan 6, 2018
SongStar101
"Record Lows From Bangor to Charleston": Bomb Cyclone Ushers In Brutal Cold, Ice Storm
https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-01-06/record-lows-bangor-charle...
“Record cold temperatures continue to blanket the northeastern U.S. this weekend along with gusty winds. This combination is leading to wind chills well below zero across much of the region, making it difficult to even go outside. This cold will not only be dangerous for people’s health, but will also increase the risk for pipes to freeze along with other infrastructural problems. People need to dress in layers to guard against frost bite if outside for any amount of extended time. This brutal stretch of winter weather will last into Sunday before abating into next week,” said Ed Vallee, a meteorologist at Vallee Weather Consulting LLC. A blast of Arctic air from Canada, Greenland, and Siberia has descended onto the Northeast through the weekend plunging temperatures and wind chills to dangerously cold levels in the wake of the “bomb cyclone” that exploded over the East Coast last week.
asd Wind chill advisories and warnings are in effect until Sunday morning rendering most of the Northeast hazardous to human health. In some parts, wind chill values may decline to 45 degrees below zero, which can cause frostbite to exposed skin in under 10 minutes.
Ed Vallee warns the “cold is not just in the Northeast. Record lows expected from Bangor, Maine to Charleston, SC tonight!”
He further expects, “more record lows tonight from Portland all the way down the I-95 corridor to DC. Impressive as we approach the coldest point in the winter season!”
Early next week, another system has a high probability of blanketing the Northeast with a mix of snow, sleet, ice, and rain. As of Saturday, the system is tracking eastward into the Rockies and moving into the Central U.S. on Sunday.
The Weather Channel forecasts the next round of wintry precipitation to hit the Northeast on Sunday night and continue into early next week, Sunday Night This system will slide eastward on Sunday night, spreading a wintry mix farther east. Snow is likely from the Great Lakes into parts of the Ohio Valley, interior Northeast and northern New England. A mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain is possible from central Illinois and central Ohio southward into parts of Tennessee and possibly northern Georgia. Rain is likely from eastern Oklahoma into Alabama, with a few thunderstorms in eastern Texas and Louisiana. Monday The chance of snow will stretch from Indiana into the interior Northeast and northern New England. There will be areas of sleet and freezing rain in parts of the mid-Atlantic, Ohio Valley and the central and southern Appalachians. Otherwise, rain is currently expected through much of the South, with a few thunderstorms possible toward the Gulf Coast.
The Weather Channel forecasts the next round of wintry precipitation to hit the Northeast on Sunday night and continue into early next week,
Sunday Night
Monday
Jan 8, 2018
Yvonne Lawson
Costa del Sol covered in SNOW: Holidaymakers stunned as golden beaches turn white
HOLIDAYMAKERS jetting to the Costa del Sol for some winter sun got a shock today - after finding some of its golden beaches covered in white.
The sand on the beach at Fuengirola - a favourite winter getaway for British OAPs - had an uncharacteristic look about it as midday temperatures struggled to hit double figures.
Beach bars were deserted as many locals and tourists opted to stay indoors.
Retired shop worker Patricia Dugsdale, who flew to Malaga overnight to stay with her expat daughter Jacqui, said: “I wasn’t expecting to get my swimsuit out at this time of the year but I didn’t think I’d be joking about making a snowman on the beach.”
HGV driver Robert Duggan added “My hotel manager says people were walking round in shorts and a T-shirt a few days ago so I obviously picked the wrong week to come.”
The dip in temperatures followed a week of sun and blue skies in the area and other British holiday favourites on the Costa Blanca as winter failed to make an appearance.
Last Thursday holidaymakers in resorts like Torrevieja a short drive south of Alicante were pictured lapping up the sun as temperatures reached an unseasonal 23 degrees Celsius (73.5 degrees Fahrenheit).
Later yesterday morning/on Monday morning - after a sudden dip in temperatures and one of the coldest nights of the year so far - the Costa del Sol was hit by heavy rain and thunderstorms.
One local living on the beach front at Fuengirola joked on Twitter after waking up to see it under a blanket of white: “When the Costa del Sol becomes the Costa del Snow.”
Town hall sources insisted that although it appeared to have snowed, the white blanket was actually thick hail which had settled on the beach in temperatures of around five degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit).
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/901868/Costa-del-Sol-weather-s...
Jan 8, 2018
KM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5246347/Snow-Sahara-desert-...
Snow covers parts of the SAHARA DESERT for the third time in 40 years as freak storm sees 16 INCHES fall in one day
Up to 16 inches of snow has fallen on an town in the Sahara desert after a freak winter storm hit the area on Sunday.
This is the third time in 37 years that the town of Ain Sefra in Algeria has seen snow cover the red sand dunes of the desert.
Snow started falling in the early hours of Sunday morning and it quickly began settling on the sand.
Let it snow: Up to 16 inches of snow fell on the town of Ain Sefra in Algeria on Sunday
Unusual sight: The usually orange-coloured sand dunes of the Sahara desert were covered in snow
This is the third time in 37 years that the town of Ain Sefra in Algeria has seen snow
While the town saw an inch or two, the sand dunes on its outskirts were covered in snow.
Photographer Karim Bouchetata said: 'We were really surprised when we woke up to see snow again. It stayed all day on Sunday and began melting at around 5pm.'
In 2016, the town known as 'The Gateway to the Desert' saw deep snow shortly after Christmas and it caused chaos, with passengers stranded on buses after the roads became slippery and icy.
Come January 2017, the town saw snowfall yet again, and children made snowmen and even sledged on the sand dunes.
Before that, snow was last seen in Ain Sefra on February 18, 1979, when the snow storm lasted just half an hour.
A spokesman for the Met Office said this morning: 'Cold air was pulled down south in to North Africa over the weekend as a result of high pressure over Europe.
Unusual: The Saharan desert town has only seen snow three times int he past 37 years - in 1979, in 2016 and in 2017
Footsteps: The snowy footprints of people walking on the snow is all that remains as the dunes are heated up
'The high pressure meant the cold weather extended further south than normal.'
Ain Sefra is located around 3,280ft above sea level and surrounded by the Atlas Mountains.
Despite its altitude, it is extremely rare to see snow in the town, and it is normally six to 12 degrees Celsius in January.
The Sahara Desert covers most of Northern Africa and it has gone through shifts in temperature and moisture over the past few hundred thousand years.
Jan 9, 2018
jorge namour
'We’re deep, deep, deep in crisis': Cape Town may become 1st major city in world to run out of water - SOUTH AFRICA
January 09, 2018
https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/were-deep-deep-deep-in-...
As the clock struck midnight on Jan. 1, residents of Cape Town, South Africa, ushered in 2018 — the start of a new year and the start of the city’s stringent new water regulations.
The Level 6 restrictions came into effect to combat an unprecedented drought which threatens to make Cape Town the first major city devoid of water.
The slew of new measures include limiting individuals municipal water usage per day and threatening to impose fines on those who exceed it.
They also reduce agricultural water use by 60 percent and commercial use by 45 percent, compared to pre-drought allocations.
Cape Town's primary water supply, Theewaterskloof Dam, continues to shrink amid the ongoing drought
The drought and water stress across most of South Africa follows a strong El Niño in 2015 and 2016.
The weather pattern — characterized by warmer-than-normal ocean water in the equatorial Pacific — resulted in extreme heat and spells of dry weather.
Beneficial rain eventually returned in late fall for much of the country, including the drought-stricken western Cape.
But according to the South Africa Water and Sanitation Department, it failed to restore the water supply in the country’s dams.
“Instead, the levels continued their slide week-on-week,” they said in a November media statement.
Soaring temperatures in between spells of rain meant a high rate of evaporation and usage, resulting in sinking water levels in dams.
Throughout December, temperatures continued to simmer, averaging 1.2 degrees Fahrenheit above normal in Cape Town.
“The average high in December for Cape Town is in the upper 70s, but there were 13 days in December when the temperature rose into the 80s or higher,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski said.
“Unfortunately, South Africa is in the midst of its dry season and will continue to have more warm days than rainy days this summer,” she said.
As of Dec. 18, the combined level of dams supplying the city was at a mere 31 percent of capacity.
At the current rate of consumption, officials warn April 29, 2018 will become Day Zero, the day the city’s taps will be turned off.
“The city of Cape Town could conceivably become the first major city in the world to run out of water, and that could happen in the next four months,” Dr. Anthony Turton, professor at the Centre for Environmental Management at the University of the Free State, told the New York Times.
“It’s not an impending crisis — we’re deep, deep, deep in crisis,” he said.
CONTINUE...
Jan 9, 2018
SongStar101
Mudslides wipe out homes, roads in Montecito, CA (and Fire damaged areas)
Jan 10, 2018
Starr DiGiacomo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXbHcfjJsGQ
Jan 11, 2018
KM
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/normally-balmy...
Normally balmy Bangladesh shivers in record low temperatures
The mercury plunged to a frigid 2.6 degrees Celsius (36.7 degrees Fahrenheit) in some parts of Bangladesh, well below average in the low-lying riverine nation whose 160 million citizens are used to milder winters.
"It is the lowest temperature since authorities started keeping records in 1948," Shamsuddin Ahmed, head of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, told AFP. The previous low of 2.8 degrees was recorded in 1968, he added.
Ahmed said Bangladesh was in the "grip of a severe cold wave", with temperatures dipping across all northern districts over the past few days.
The coldest temperatures were recorded in the border town of Tetulia, about 400 kilometres north of the capital Dhaka.
One local broadcaster reported that at least nine people had died from exposure, including six in one of the coldest locations in the northern district of Kurigram.
Officials said they were not aware of any deaths so far.
Authorities have distributed at least 70,000 blankets to poorer Bangladeshis shivering in the coldest areas of Panchagarh and Nilphamari, government administrators in those two districts said. Panchagarh administrator Jahirul Islam told AFP more blankets were expected to arrive Tuesday when a senior government minister toured the rural region.
The cold snap comes as records tumbled on a frosty US East Coast, with New York on Sunday shivering through minus 15.5 degrees Celsius (four degrees Fahrenheit) in the wake of a deadly winter storm blamed for at least 22 deaths last week. At the other end of the scale, Australia's largest city Sydney on Sunday recorded its hottest day since 1939, as the mercury soared to 47.3 degree Celsius.
Jan 11, 2018
KM
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/flooding-new-brunswick-...
Flooding widespread throughout New Brunswick after weekend storm
Some areas received more than 100 millimetres of rain in last 24 hours
A truck plows through a water loggedroad near Moncton Saturday. Heavy rains caused flooding and road washouts throughout the province. (Submitted by Wade Perry )
With some areas of New Brunswick receiving more than 100 millimetres of rain in less than 24 hours, flooding and washouts were widespread through the province Saturday.
This prompted the Department of Transportation to issue 'no-travel' advisories for several areas Saturday evening.
Kent County, Westmorland County, the greater Fredericton area, Chipman area, Northern York County, and Carleton County are all affected by the advisory.
The department is also advising that northwestern and northern New Brunswick are experiencing snowy conditions, causing slippery sections on some roads.
Residents said they had never seen water levels so high in Saint-Marie-De-Kent. (Submitted )
According to Environment Canada, Mechanic Settlement, which is located between Fundy National Park and Sussex, received the most rain in the province — at a whopping 129 millimetres between Friday and Saturday evenings.
Bouctouche received 109.6 millimetres, St. Stephen received 89 millimetres, Sussex and Fredericton received about 61 millimetres, and CFB Gagetown received 64 millimetres.
Van sinks into driveway
Robert Maillet, who lives in Saint-Marie-De-Kent, says the flooding near his property is the "worst it's been."
He lives on a hilltop, surrounded by horses, ponds and trees. Several of his family members live at the bottom of the hill.
His father-in-law, who's in his mid-seventies, Maillet said, drives up the hill every morning and night to see the horses.
However, on Saturday morning's drive up the hill, his cherry red Ford Windstar sank into a washout in the gravel driveway. He trekked up the rest of the hill by foot and told Maillet and his wife what had happened.
A van sank into Robert Maillet's driveway in Sainte-Marie-De-Kent due to flooding Saturday. (Submitted )
"We've been here 10 years now and it's the first time it's been that bad. It's the worst one we've had," Maillet said.
He's going to ask a friend with a tractor to pull the van out, but he's still trying to figure out how he's going to get his own vehicle off the property with the driveway so destroyed.
Everyone is safe so he's not too worried about the van and his property at the moment, he said.
"I guess I'll get some help get some friends and try to figure it out."
"At least we have power — watching Netflix and eating popcorn," he laughed.
"Not much you can do today."
'Ice wonderland'
Terry Girouard snapped this photo of a washout along Chemin Kay while on his travels near Sainte-Marie-de-Kent. (Terry Girouard)
Terry Giouard, also of Saint-Marie-de-Kent, spent his day Saturday roaming throughout eastern New Brunswick passing by fields of water, destroyed bridges and frozen trees that colour the landscape like an "ice wonderland."
Girouard was driving around snapping photos and shooting videos of the destruction, "just trying to see what's going on and keeping our friends on Facebook posted and updated."
"We don't get this kind of weather everyday, certainly in the winter."
Parts of Route 515 in Sainte-Marie-de -Kent, N.B. were completely under water Saturday. (Terry Girouard)
Gagetown cut off
The village of Gagetown was essentially cut off to the public Saturday afternoon due to a washout along Route 102.
It's times like these that the community feels the loss of the Gagetown ferry, which was cut in 2015, said Robert White, the village's deputy mayor.
A washout on Route 102 near the village of Gagetown has cut off public access to the community. Emergency vehicles are being allowed access through Base Gagetown nearby. (Submitted by Mark Hiscock)
"In situations like this, it was one of the extra lifelines that we have," he said.
The municipality has secured road access for emergency vehicles through Base Gagetown, he said.
White said he'd heard from a number of residents who had water coming into their basements Friday evening, but thus far there didn't appear to be a lot of damage to the village's infrastructure.
"We won't know the full extent of the damage until the water recedes.
Parts of Sussex temporarily evacuated
The town of Sussex issued a voluntary evacuation order for parts of the community Saturday morning, setting up an emergency shelter at Kingswood University.
The evacuation order affected between 80 and 100 people living near Trout Creek, but was lifted by noon.
Sussex fire chief Harold Lowe said some roads were closed in the community due to water on the roads "so we're still actively monitoring everything."
More than 20 firefighters and volunteers have been going door-to-door to check on residents since 3:30 a.m., he said.
"Sussex has a history of flooding … it's just part of what happens," he said.
"There are areas in town, when the water gauge gets to a certain level, then we, the town workers and volunteer firefighters, go door to door and we expand that as the water rises."
EMO watching some waterways
Route 101 between Blissville and Hoyt, N.B. was washed out Saturday morning. Heavy rains pummelled the province overnight Friday and into Saturday, causing road closures in some parts of the province and putting some communities at risk of flooding. (Joe McDonald/CBC )
Other areas of flooding include Hoyt, N.B., where New Brunswick's Emergency Measures Organization has provided boats to the local fire department in case they need to begin evacuating homes.
In Fredericton, the Red Cross reported that they are providing emergency food and lodging for two men displaced by flooding at their rooming house in downtown Fredericton.
Currently, NB-EMO is monitoring several rivers and waterways throughout New Brunswick that are at risk of flooding. These include Trout Creek in Sussex, the southwest Miramichi River, Canaan River, Kennebecasis River, Magaguadavic watershed including Lake Utopia, and the Nashwaak River near Fredericton.
Jan 14, 2018
Yvonne Lawson
The world's coldest village: Siberian outpost reaches near-record cold temperatures as thermometer BREAKS after recording minus 62C
Welcome to the coldest village on earth where the average temperature in January is -50C and inhabitant's eye lashes freeze solid mere moments after stepping outside.
The remote Siberian village of Oymyakon is the coldest permanently inhabited settlement in the world.
It was so icy in the Russian village that a new electronic thermometer conked out after recording a bone-cracking minus 62C.
Temperatures dropped so low in the Russian village that a new electronic thermometer broke at a bone-cracking minus 62C
The town's name translates as 'the water that doesn't freeze' and comes from the fact it sits above a thermal spring
The village is home to around 500 hardy people and in the 1920s and 1930s was a stopover for reindeer herders who would water their flocks from the thermal spring.
This is how the town got its name which translates as 'the water that doesn't freeze'.
The Soviet government later made the site a permanent settlement during a drive to force its nomadic population into putting down roots.
In 1933, a temperature of minus 67.7C was recorded in Oymyakon, accepted as the lowest ever in the northern hemisphere.
Lower temperatures are recorded in Antarctica, but there are no permanently inhabited settlements.
Daily problems that come with living in Oymyakon include pen ink freezing, glasses freezing to people's faces and batteries losing power.
Locals are said to leave their cars running all day for fear of not being able to restart them.
Rock solid earth makes burying the dead a difficult task. The earth must first have thawed sufficiently in order to dig, so a bonfire is lit for a few hours.
Hot coals are then pushed to the side and a hole just a few inches deep is dug. The process is repeated for several days until the hole is deep enough to bury the coffin.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5270725/Frost-breaks-thermo...
Jan 15, 2018
Jorge Mejia
Collision of more than 40 vehicles in highway of Saltillo, Mexico.
Municipal Police sources reported that around 9:30 p.m. (03:30 UTC) there was a multiple car crash of 46 vehicles on the bridge of Luis Echeverría and Nazario Ortiz Garza, with a balance of five injured.
Saltillo is located about 229.41 mi (369.20 km) South from Eagle Pass, TX.
Saltillo, Mexico (January 16, 2018)
Sources: Vanguardia & El Norte
Google Translation
https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&a...
Original URL
https://www.vanguardia.com.mx/articulo/mega-carambola-en-el-perifer...
Jan 17, 2018
jorge namour
CHAOS IN TURKEY - THE SEA SUBMERGES THE CITY OF IZMIR
JANUARY 18, 2018
The Turkish city of Izmir is submerged by the sea in these hours. For the authorities the phenomenon would be linked to the strong storm that is raging in the area. The streets of the city have become an integral part of the sea which has risen.
VIDEO
http://terrarealtime.blogspot.com.ar/2018/01/caos-in-turchia-il-mar...
https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=it&tl=en&js=y&...
Jan 18, 2018
Starr DiGiacomo
http://www.thebigwobble.org/2018/01/russias-yakutia-region-temperat...
Thursday, 18 January 2018
Russia's Yakutia region temperatures of -84℃ (-119℉) are shattering and bursting thermometers as INSANE cold to last through January
It's insane!
On Tuesday, in Russia's Yakutia region, temperatures dropped to an unbelievable 84 degrees below zero.
Temperatures are so low that thermometers are freezing and bursting.
For the Yakutians, cold Januarys are normal, so life typically goes on.
But Tuesday's temperatures were so cold, schools were closed and people had been advised to stay indoors.
The government has warned of emergencies at energy plants due to increased loads and warned everyone about the increased danger of fires from indoor heaters.
But for those with jobs to do, it's on with that extra layer, brave the freezing fog and get on with the day.
In the Magadan region, further to the south, it was a little warmer - a balmy 67 degrees below zero. Farther south, in the Krasnoyarsk region, it was a milder minus 40, although with wind chill it felt like 58 degrees below zero.
Even by Siberian standards, this year has been extremely cold, and the bad news is that these extreme temperatures are expected to last until the end of the month.
Blog Archive
Jan 18, 2018
KM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5284361/Three-killed-violen...
Four people are killed by falling trees as violent gales smash northern Europe, forcing Amsterdam's Schiphol airport to close
At least four people have been killed by falling trees as violent gales smashed northern Europe and forced Amsterdam's Schiphol airport to close.
The Netherlands bore the brunt of the severe winter storms - the second this month - as bitter winds whistled off the North Sea to hit the low-lying country with full force.
Amsterdam's Schiphol airport, one of the continent's busiest travel hubs, was forced to cancel all flights at one point as winds topped 86 miles an hour. Flag carrier KLM already had scrapped more than 200 flights before the storm while trains were halted across the nation as the winds caused chaos across the country.
Two Dutch men, both 62, have been killed by falling trees while a woman driver in Belgium died when her car was crushed as she travelled through a wood. A 59-year-old man was also killed at a camping site in the German town of Emmerich, near the Dutch border.
Footage has emerged of people tumbling across the street after being caught out by powerful gusts. Other clips show a lorry toppling over on a motorway and a roof being torn off a building.
Severe storms have caused chaos in the Netherlands and Belgium today. Footage has emerged showing powerful gusts sending people tumbling across the street in Holland
An agricultural building lies collapsed during a heavy storm in Meimbressen, central Germany, after the devastating storm
Road block: Winds were so powerful that they toppled this lorry on the A27 motorway in the Netherlands. It was filmed from a following vehicle
Three people have been killed by falling trees as violent gales smashed northern Europe forcing Amsterdam's Schiphol airport to close. Pictured: A fallen tree in Amsterdam today
A toppled crane next to a wind turbine in a field in Kirtorf, central Germany, after being blown over by the wind
Jan 19, 2018
jorge namour
THE WEATHER CHANNEL- FRANCE
Many rivers have been flooded this weekend due to repeated rains, in the image of la in dordogne
Flood of the Vézère January 21, 2018 (4m83 to 11:00
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gWgeT_fkFM
Jan 22, 2018
KM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5311005/Seine-keeps-rising-...
Paris on flood alert with officials preparing to evacuate priceless artworks from the Louvre museum as River Seine breaches its banks
Hundreds of people have been ordered from their homes in Paris amid a flood alert as officials prepare to evacuate priceless artworks from the Louvre Museum.
It comes after the River Seine reached more than 18ft on Thursday evening at the Austerlitz bridge in the east of the city and burst its banks.
It was expected to keep rising, reaching 20ft by Saturday - as high as the June 2016 flooding when authorities were forced to close several monuments, including the Louvre Museum.
Meteo France revealed that exceptionally high levels of rain this winter were to blame for the floods, with rainfall in Paris twice as high as normal
Paris police said in a statement on Thursday that 395 people have been evacuated protectively from their homes along the banks of the river in the Paris region.
Meteo France revealed that exceptionally high levels of rain this winter were to blame for the floods, with rainfall in Paris twice as high as normal.
In addition to the capital, where the Seine river is expected to keep rising until Saturday, other regions are threatened in the north and east of the country.
Paris police said in a statement on Thursday that 395 people have been evacuated protectively from their homes along the banks of the river in the Paris region
During this month's floods, seven departments in central France have been placed on alert for snow and ice
Thirteen departments across France remain on alert for floods as heavy rainfall continues to batter many areas.
During this month's floods, seven departments in central France have been placed on alert for snow and ice.
The Louvre Museum remains open for now but the lower level of the department of Islamic art has been closed to the public until at least Sunday.
Two years ago, the Louvre was closed for four days due to flooding and 35,000 artworks were moved to safe zones.
'Since then, a large number of reserve collections has been packed to ensure their rapid evacuation in the event of flooding, and staff have also been trained,' the Louvre said in a statement.
The situation was far less severe than during the 1910 Great Flood, when the Seine water level rose to more than 28ft, forcing many Parisians to evacuate their homes.
Jan 26, 2018
Juan F Martinez
Animals Instantly frozen when temperature drops to 60 below zero in Kazakstan.
Occurred On: Jan-25-2018
https://www.facebook.com/rorocontreraslopez/videos/10215073971901131/
https://www.liveleak.com/view?i=79c_1516870169&comments=1
Jan 30, 2018
KM
https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2018/01/239497/zagoura-ouarzazate-...
Southern Morocco Under Snow for First Time
Rabat – After several decades of extremely dry weather, residents in southern regions of Morocco finally woke up this morning to an unusual snowfall that currently impacted Ouarzazate, Taroudant and even Zagora, which has not experienced snowfall for fifty years.
Several photos and videos have been posted on social media depicting the cities covered with a huge layer of snow. Despite the freezing cold temperatures, many residents went outside to enjoy the unexpected snowfall.
El Houcine Yoabd, in charge of communication at the National Meteorology, told the media outlet le 360, that it has snowed in these regions due to a mass of air coming from Northern Europe.
“We are under the influence of a very low pressure of altitude, with very cold temperatures that can reach 0 or even 1 degree,” Yoabd said.
He also added that these drops in temperature accompanied by rainfall and snowfall in several parts of Morocco are expected to continue until next Thursday.
New weather alert released by the National Directorate of Meteorology on Monday forecasts temperatures ranging between -04 and 1°C and maximum of 5 to 9 °C in Ouarzazate.
These heavy snowfalls made travel absolutely impossible as the roads were blocked. There will be also delays in air traffic.
A video posted on social media shows a man from Tinzouline, a town 15 kilometres from Zagora expressing his joy over the snowing atmosphere.
Feb 2, 2018
jorge namour
Venice’s canals have run dry following weeks without rain
Friday 2 Feb 2018 1
http://metro.co.uk/2018/02/02/venices-canals-run-dry-following-week...
The unusual weather has left the city’s iconic gondolas stranded in mud as water levels drop to a reported record low of 70cm.
Low tides have caused chaos on the city’s waterways as traffic struggles to move, with striking images revealing gondolas languishing on the bottom of muddy canals creating a surreal atmosphere in the city. Venice has run dry before, in 2015 and 2016, despite regular and heavy flooding several times a year, making this the third year in recent years the city has suffered from low water levels.
Basements and ground floors in houses regularly flood with water affecting older homes.
How Venice would be without water? The low tide and the absence of rain show a surreal atmosphere in Venice
Feb 3, 2018
Stanislav
Record snowfall in Moscow
"4 February, 2017. Google translate. The heavy snowfall that covered Moscow on Saturday set a new record in the long-term observations of the weather: the amount of precipitation for February 3 was 5.1 millimeters. Such data appeared on the site of the Hydrometeorological Center.
Image source: tsargrad.tv
According to the agency, for February 3, the previous record value of precipitation in Moscow in 68 years was 8.9 millimeters. The record was set in 2008, recalls TASS . This year on February 3, from 9 am to 9 pm, there were 14 millimeters of precipitation." [3] - vesti.ru
References:
[1] Булыгина О.Н., Разуваев В.Н., Александрова Т.М.«ОПИСАНИЕ МАССИВА ДАННЫХ СУТОЧНОЙ ТЕМПЕРАТУРЫ ВОЗДУХА И КОЛИЧЕСТВА ОСАДКОВ НА МЕТЕОРОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ СТАНЦИЯХ РОССИИ И БЫВШЕГО СССР (TTTR)» Link
[2] http://www.pogodaiklimat.ru/monitor.php?id=27612
[3] 3 февраля в Москве выпало рекордное количество осадков. (2018, February 04). Retrieved February 05, 2018, from https://www.vesti.ru/doc.html?id=2983801
Feb 5, 2018
SongStar101
Russia sees coldest winter (ever) with temperatures dropping to minus 67C! (-88F!)
https://www.trtworld.com/europe/russia-sees-coldest-winter-with-tem...
Frozen eyelashes and broken thermometers. This is what winter in Russia looks like this year with the country experiencing record lows.
In the Siberian region of Yakutia, home to nearly one million people, brutal winters are a normal part of life.
But even there, the temperatures are unusual this year going as low as minus 67 Celcius.
In January, it came close to Russia's coldest temperatures ever and even broke some thermometers.
Researchers say that one of the reasons for such a cold winter is the moving of cyclones.
TRT World's Lucy Taylor reports on how some people in Russia are dealing with record lows.
Feb 6, 2018
KM
http://santiagotimes.cl/2018/02/04/at-least-6-killed-thousands-disp...
At least 6 killed, thousands displaced as strong storms hit Bolivia and Argentina
BUENOS AIRES/LA PAZ – At least six people have died in heavy flooding across the Andean nation of Bolivia, where days of rain have left thousands of people homeless, fields underwater and houses destroyed.
One man died when he was dragged away by a swollen river and five people were killed in road accidents caused by the rain, said the mayor of Cotagaita in the southern Potosi department.
After days of heavy rain, the flooding was reported in areas around Zacuiba, Camiri and Villamontes in Gran Chaco province.
Bolivia’s Deputy Minister of Civil Defence, Carlos Eduardo Brú, said that at least 50,000 people in seven of the country’s nine departments have been left homeless. The hardest-hit areas are near the southern border with Paraguay and Argentina.
Rural and Land Development Minister Cesar Cacarico said the flooding has also damaged 33,000 fields.
During a visit to the town of Tupiza in Potosi department, President Evo Morales promised to help victims rebuild and to provide farmers with seeds.
Authorities have now activated the Emergency National Operations Committee (COEN) to coordinate efforts to provide flood victims with aid.
Meanwhile, more than 60 000 people have been affected by floods and landslides in northern Argentina over the past couple of days. At least 10 000 people in Santa Victoria Este, Salta Province were evacuated and one person was killed as levels of Pilcomayo River reached record highs. The situation is further aggravated by heavy rainfall throughout the region.
The Government of Argentina said the operation was activated after the Pilcomayo River reached 6.78 m (22.24 feet) and projections of further flooding.
The worst affected is currently Santa Victoria Este in Salta Province, located near the border with Bolivia and Paraguay, where 10 000 people have been evacuated and hundreds of families are isolated and without communication after the flooding of Pilcomayo River.
Residents are receiving all our support and solidarity, the Secretary of Public Service of Tartagal, Miguel Parra, said, adding that all of their emergency teams are at their disposal.
The river is now close to 8 m (26.24 feet) and its flooding is described as the worst in a decade. Civil Defence of Tartagal called all those who can help to donate footwear, blankets and clothing.
At least one person was killed when her home was swept away in a landslide in Salvador Mazza, Salta Province. Four children narrowly escaped death when 32-year-old Miguel Angel Gimenez jumped into the Colorado River to save the family being carried away by the torrent, local media reported.
After the floods in Salta, the largest peak of the river is expected to reach Formosa Province within 24 to 48 hours, the government said February 2. The region is under maximum alert and authorities have already sent human resources, machinery and logistics.
At the time, floods affected the neighbourhoods of Santa Mónica, Tiro Federal, Ginés Benítez, Monseñor de Carlo, Santa Elena, Hipólito Yrigoyen, Sáenz Peña, Milenium, San José, Piñeiro, Nala, Pablo VI and Quinta Ocho.
While the county’s north is under massive rains, its eastern regions are battling wildfires that have already scorched 600 000 hectares (1.5 million acres) of land.
Feb 7, 2018
SongStar101
http://www.zetatalk.com/index/signma08.htm
The conservationists currently visiting Australia say climate change is raising sea levels and increasing the frequency of events like cyclones which will one day make some low-lying Pacific island nations uninhabitable.’
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Cyclone Gita: Tonga declares state of emergency as storm strengthens
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/12/tonga-state-of-emerge...
The island nation of Tonga has declared a state of emergency as it braces for the wrath of Tropical Cyclone Gita, which is bearing down on the island nation after causing widespread damage in neighbouring Samoa and American Samoa.
The Tongan government declared a state of emergency on Monday morning to allow its 100,000 inhabitants to prepare for the category four storm. Gita is expected to intensify into a category five storm in the coming hours, and is heading for Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia later in the week.
The cyclone was expected to hit Tonga at around 8pm local time. Evacuation centres had instructed people to be inside by 6pm.
Polikalepo Kefu, Tonga’s Red Cross communications manager, said the majority of Tongans were “very fearful”.
“We have not had a category five cyclone strike the main island before and everyone is wondering how strong is will be,” he said.
“Tourists have mostly evacuated or they are staying in their hotels and being looked after by their heads of mission.”
The Tongan National Emergency Management Committee said that at its peak Gita was expected to pack winds of up to 200kph, and people living in flood-prone or low-lying areas should evacuate.
Acting prime minister Semisi Sika said the state of emergency was enacted to minimise loss of life and give people time to trim trees, secure furniture, and safely stow their pets before moving to an evacuation centre.
Evacuation centres had been set up on the main island of Tongatapu, as well as Vava’u, Ha’apai and ‘Eua.
Local news website Matangi Tonga reported emergency preparations were hampered by shops being closed on Sunday.
The Fiji Meteorological Service was warning Gita could strengthen to a category five storm by the time it made landfall with Tonga and that the worst of the storm was forecast to hit in the middle of the night on the main island.
Ofa Fa’anunu, Tonga MetService director, told RNZ the main island of Tonga was low-lying and the northern shores were vulnerable to storm surges.
“We are worried because it looks like it will hit in the night time as well but heavy rain and flooding is always a problem on the main island with water settling because it is quite flat,” he said.
Gita was a category one storm when in struck American Samoa and Samoa over the weekend, with parts of both islands remaining underwater. Thousands of people lost communications and electricity, and health authorities were concerned about the spread of water-borne diseases, as well as dengue fever.
Red Cross Pacific Communication manager Hanna Butler said the clean-up in Samoa and American Samoa could take weeks or months, but a full-scale assessment of the extent of the damage was still being pieced together.
Feb 12, 2018
KM
http://strangesounds.org/2018/02/mysterious-wind-blows-down-trees-w...
Mysterious wind blows down big trees at once in Olympic National Park Washington – Small quake recorded – Weather experts baffled
What in the world could possibly blow down more than 100 trees in the middle of a national park when no other major weather event was recorded in the area? A mysterious incident, believed to be meteorological in nature, knocked down over 100 trees in a Washington state national park and has left weather experts baffled. The head-scratching event occurred in the early morning hours of January 27th at the Olympic National Park. Whatever the force was, it wound up knocking down dozens of fairly large trees in the forest which spawned a rumbling sound that drew concerned from people living nearby.
What in the world could possibly blow down more than 100 trees in the middle of a national park when no other major weather event was recorded in the area? Photo: Olympic National Park
Although initially presumed to have been a microburst based on the appearance of the downed trees, a local weather watcher named Cliff Mass dug deeper into the story and realized that it was really more of a riddle than that.
Nobody is able to explain what happened to these trees in a national park in Washington State. Photo: Olympic National Park
It would appear that the force needed to knock down these trees would have to have been considerable and a radar look at the region during that time indicates no such circumstances which could have conjured the mighty wind.
A look at other weather measurements also failed to yield any significant clues, although, intriguingly, a seismic recorder in the area did pick up some rumblings which are thought to have been created by all of the trees hitting the ground.
A small earthquake was also reported in the same region on the same day, Jan. 27, 2018.
According to Mass the only weather event which may even be remotely related to the weird tree fall could be a frontal zone due to have hit the area later in the evening and even he is weary of that explanation.
In the wee morning hours of Jan. 27, 2018, some kind of significant wind event managed to blow down 110 trees across a large swath of forest on the north shore of Lake Quinault, on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula.
The case has proven to be so perplexing that the fastidious researcher even joked that “perhaps the Sasquatch or alien visitation explanations should be taken seriously!”
With that in mind, it’s probably only a matter of time before someone puts forward a meteor-related theory for the mini-Tunguska event.
Feb 13, 2018
SongStar101
Cyclone Gita predicted to hit New Zealand on Tuesday
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/101538263/gita-predicted-to-hit-ne...
West Coast residents still reeling from a devastating storm a fortnight ago could be among those worst hit when Cyclone Gita, which wreaked havoc in Tonga, makes landfall.
MetService has issued a severe weather watch, warning the cyclone - likely to cross the country late Tuesday or early Wednesday - could bring highly impactful severe weather" to central New Zealand.
More than 100 millimetres of rain could fall within 24 hours in regions including Canterbury, Marlborough, Nelson, parts of the West Coast, Wellington and Horowhenua.
Gale-force winds, with gusts of up to 180kmh in the Southern Alps, and costal inundation are also being predicted, with Nelson and parts of the West Coast likely to be worst affected.
READ MORE:
* Cyclone Gita will be 'a significant storm' when it reaches NZ - Met...
* Warning to prepare for heavy rain
* Tongan families carve out new reality post-Gita
Civil Defence and Emergency Management director Sarah Stuart-Black said Gita "has the potential to pack a punch and cause a lot of disruption".
Feb 18, 2018
jorge namour
Heavy rainfall, flooding hit Israel on a stormy Saturday
02.17.18
https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5117745,00.html
Tour bus with 50 Ukrainian tourists extracted from Tze'elim Stream after it got stuck; parts of highways 31 and 90 closed due to inclement weather conditions.
Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and hail hit Israel Friday night, continuing into Saturday morning.
The Israel Police's Ein Gedi rescue unit, with the help of the Arad Police, extracted a bus with some 50 tourists from Ukraine around 5:30am after it got stuck in the Tze'elim Stream. No one was hurt.
Meanwhile, highway 31 was blocked for traffic between Arad and the Dead Sea after rocks fell onto the road.
Hail in Kiryat Malachi
Feb 18, 2018
KM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5415431/New-Zealand-blasted...
New Zealand blasted by heavy dump of SNOW as ex-cyclone Gita wreaks havoc and turns weather patterns on their head
New Zealand's weather has taken a bizarre turn as Cyclone Gita unleashes damaging winds and rainfall on the country, with a heavy dump of snow hitting the ski fields of the South Island.
Coronet Peak has had about 10-15cm of snow at the base of its ski fields, and snow drifts of more than one metre have blanketed the Remarkables.
Ski manager Ross Lawrence toldStuff across the area there was 50cm of snow on average, but he didn't expect it to last long.
'Remember it is only February so the sun will come out again soon,' he said.
Some parts of the Remarkables ski area, located in the south of New Zealand's South Island, received a metre of snow after ex-Cyclone Gita wreaked havoc further north
At Coronet Peak, 10-15cm of snow dusted ski fields in an unseasonable dump (pictured)
Because it is still summer in New Zealand, the hefty dump of snow isn't expected to last long
In Golden Bay, slips have turned the one road out into a river, which has left roughly 6000 residents and visitors trapped. Authorities say it will take days until they are able to reopen even one lane of Takaka Hill Road.
A state of emergency remains in place in five districts, but has been lifted in Christchurch and the Grey District.
On Wednesday, more than 120 schools and 70 early learning centres were closed as the result of the storm.
The tropical storm devastated the Pacific island nations of Fiji and Tonga last week.
Tens of thousands were without power on Tuesday night as locals were warned to prepare for floods, huge waves and gusts of winds reaching close to 200km/h.
New Zealand Defence Force troops were deployed as reports emerged of homeowners trapped on their roofs by flood waters.
More than 60 tourists, mostly from China, were reportedly trapped inside two tour buses in Whataroa, on the South Island, as the eye of the storm passed through.
The council has urged people to stay inside and not to travel unless it is absolutely necessary.
Even before the storm hit in full force, heavy rains in the centre of New Zealand caused flooding in Christchurch, prompting a warning from Mayor Lianne Dalziel.
'The full impact of the storm will be felt overnight and tomorrow morning,' she said, urging residents of low-lying areas to evacuate.
'We are expecting homes to be flooded.'
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said troops had fanned out to areas likely to be the hardest hit and the national Civil Defence office in Wellington was on standby to help.
'My message still to people is please look out for your local warnings and expect disruption to travel and please just be careful,' she told reporters at parliament.
Cyclone Gita hit the Pacific island nations of Fiji and Tonga last week, packing winds up to 275 km/h.
Fiji escaped major damage but Tonga suffered widespread destruction and flooding. Earlier, the storm had caused extensive damage in Samoa and American Samoa.
Feb 21, 2018
Gerard Zwaan
UK and Europe to be plunged into it's coldest period for years as a dominant high-pressure system brings in frigid Arctic air from Syberia
A dominant high-pressure system is developing over northwestern Europe and is set to plunge the area into Arctic type conditions for the next ten days at least.
Western Europe and the UK will suffer their coldest period of the winter with many countries having to endure their coldest spell in years.
According to the Met Office, cold air will spread from Syberia carried from the jet stream towards the UK and western Europe.
Normally the jet stream this time of the year meanders across the Atlantic bringing cloudy, rain and mild weather, however later in the week the jet stream will take on an unusual path coming in from the northeast bringing in Arctic temperatures
By Monday it will turn very cold more widely and this will probably be the start of the coldest spell of the winter.
Many places will remain dry into the start of next week, but snow showers are expected to develop in some places, particularly across eastern and southern England.
The cold easterly wind will persist bringing a significant wind chill which will make it feel several degrees colder than thermometers indicate.
The high pressure over Scandinavia bringing the cold easterly flow is expected to remain in place for several days and there are signs that the cold spell in the UK and parts of Europe is likely to last well into next week and perhaps into the following week.
Indeed, there is potential for this cold spell to be the coldest for several years in parts of the UK and Europe”.
March 1st is the start of meteorological Spring, but this year the first week of March is likely to feel distinctly wintry.
Feb 22, 2018
KM
http://floodlist.com/america/usa-canada-midwest-ontario-floods-febr...
USA and Canada – 2 Dead, 1 Missing as Rivers Overflow in Midwest and Ontario
Days of rain combined with snowmelt have pushed rivers and streams out of their banks in several US Midwest states and southern Ontario, Canada.
In the Midwest, NWS reported rivers above major flood stage in 19 locations, 54 above moderate flood stage and 131 above minor flood stage.
Rivers above flood stages in Midwest USA, as of 22 February, 2018.
Purple – major flood stage; Red – moderate flood stage; Orange – minor flood stage. Image: NOAA / NWS
In the USA, 2 people have reportedly died as a result of the flooding. A young child is missing after a vehicle was swept away by flood water in Ontario.
Further heavy rain brought by a winter storm from Wednesday 21 February has also affected areas further south. Flash flood warnings are in effect for parts of Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Shreveport in Louisiana recorded 95 mm of rain in 24 hours to 22 February.
Illinois
The Illinois River threatened to flood parts of Marseilles, south west of Chicago. A mandatory evacuation notice was issued on Wednesday, 21 February.
The City of Marseilles said “Due to rising river levels we are issuing a mandatory evacuation for residents South of IM Canal and East of Main St This includes Mill St. Residents have 5 to 6 hours to evacuate.”
The Illinois River at Morris reached 23.79 feet late on 21 February, above major flood stage of 22 feet.
In Peotone, south of Chicago, a woman died when she lost control of her car and drove into flood water.
Michigan
In Fairplain Township, Montcalm County, Michigan, a young girl died in standing water in her family’s backyard on Wednesday 21 February, according to the Associated Press.
Evacuations were carried out in Croton Township, Newaygo County, as the Muskegon River burst its banks. The Muskegon River at Croton Dam crested at 11.51 feet early on 21 Wednesday. Newaygo County Emergency Services said:
“Moderate flooding is occurring on the Muskegon River. Inundation of homes, roads, and structures is occurring. If you live within the impacted area, and you have not already done so, you should evacuate now.”
Authorities in Lansing, Michigan, declared a state of emergency and recommended the evacuations in vulnerable areas after the Grand River rose.
“While the rain has stopped, we are expecting significant flooding in certain areas of the city,” said Mayor Andy Schor.
“Declaring a State of Emergency allows us to have all hands-on deck to proactively provide the necessary information and resources to protect our residents. The City of Lansing is prepared for emergencies like this, thanks to the efforts of our Emergency Management Center, first responders, city employees and the support of the American Red Cross and volunteers.”
As of 22 February, the Grand River at Lansing stood at 14.06 feet. The National Weather Service predicts the Grand River in Lansing will crest at 14.6 feet, nearly three feet above flood stage by late Thursday.
Indiana
In Elkhart and Goshen, local officials declared a state of emergency. About 20 people had been evacuated from homes in Elkhart by emergency crews using boats.
The St Joseph River at Elkhart stood at 28.4 feet on 22 February, above major flood stage of 27 feet.
The Elkhart River at Goshen crested on 21 February at 12.49 feet, well above the 11 feet major flood stage.
The St Joseph River at South Bend reached record levels of 12.9 feet on 21 February (previous record was 10.9 feet set in 1993). Major flood stage is 9 feet.
South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg said:
“The City has formally declared an emergency. Please be patient with closures and detours as the situation is still evolving. This is now a 500-year flood.”
Record flooding is also occurring in Niles, where the St. Joseph River stood at 16.87 feet on 21 February. The previous record was 15.1 feet set in 1950.
Wisconsin
Surface flooding in the Janesville area of Wisconsin left people stranded in vehicles. Police and firefighters carried out flood rescues.
The Sugar River at Albany reached 17.31 feet on 21 February, well above major flood stage of 14 feet.
Ohio
Parts of Ohio have seen flooding since 16 February.
The Ohio River at Cincinnati crested on 20 February at 55.38 feet, but remains swollen and above minor flood stage (52 feet) as of 22 February at 54.03 feet. NWS predict river levels will remain above minor flood stage for the next 5 days at least.
Ontario, Canada
Torrential rains and mild temperatures pushed The Grand River in southern Ontario burst its banks on Wednesday, 21 February.
Local media report that about 4,900 people in roughly 2,200 homes were under an evacuation order covering neighbourhoods surrounding the river in Orangeville.
Also in Orangeville, a young child is still missing after a car he was in was swept off a flooded road and plunged into the Grand River.
The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management in Ontario also reported flooding in the city of Brantford. The office said:
“Flooding caused by an ice jam on the Grand River is affecting the City of Brantford and surrounding area, forcing evacuations, road closures and impacting local infrastructure.
The City of Brantford has declared an emergency due to flooding and is urging residents in low lying areas to evacuate.”
Rainfall, 24 hours to 21 February, 2018
Midwest, USA
Ontario, Canada
Feb 22, 2018
Starr DiGiacomo
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/denver-temperature-drops-72-degrees-in...
Temperature in Denver plummets 72 degrees in 40 hours, officials say
DENVER -- Sitting at a mile above sea level and in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is known for having an extreme climate. But the most recent temperature swing ranked as one of the biggest ever observed, CBS Denver reports.
According to the National Weather Service in Boulder, after a high of 69 degrees at 2:27 p.m. Sunday, Denver's official low hit 3 below zero just over 40 hours later Tuesday at 6:45 a.m.
The 72 degree drop tied for the eighth biggest swing ever noted in a period of two days or less. It also landed in the top 20 biggest temperature swing events for Denver since records began in 1872, according to the National Weather Service.
Neither the 69 degree high or the 3 below zero low were new daily records but they were close. Sunday's record high was 73 degrees set in 2016 and Tuesday's record low was 5 below zero set in 1955.
Oddly enough it was the second time in just four months that such an extreme temperature swing was observed. In October 2017 the temperature dropped 71 degrees between the 25 and 27.
Feb 23, 2018
jorge namour
Heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms and showers of HAIL on the Medina SAUDI ARABIA
2018-02-24
http://www.alriyadh.com/1664299
TRADUCED
https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ar&tl=en&js=y&...
Heavy rain continued on Madinah accompanied by thunderstorms and showers of hail that included parts of the city and its environs
Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah has been living in the rain since the early hours of the morning.
On the other hand, heavy rains on Madinah, accompanied by thunderstorms and hail showers, resulted in the disruption of traffic on the Medina-Yanbu road.
Feb 24, 2018
Yvonne Lawson
Flood fears rise as wicked storm system tears across southern, central U.S.
LOUISVILLE – A violent storm system with relentless rains and fierce winds that pounded the southern and central U.S. over the weekend could lead to treacherous flooding in the days ahead.
The system that stretched from Texas to the Canadian maritime provinces left a path of destruction as it cut eastward Sunday: Homes were leveled, trees uprooted, cars demolished. Five people were killed, two in suspected tornadoes. Emergency crews struggled to keep up with calls from drivers stranded by rising floodwaters in many locations.
Flooding will continue to be a threat this week as more rain falls and runoffs continue, Accuweather said. More than 200 river gauges reported levels above flood stage from the Great Lakes to eastern Texas, the Weather Channel reported.
By Sunday, the river gauge near downtown Louisville showed the Ohio River at 34.9 feet. The normal level is about 12 feet. In 1997, the water was measured at 38.8 feet; roughly 50,000 homes flooded, and the Louisville area alone saw $200 million in damage.
Floodwaters on the Ohio River in Louisville and Cincinnati are at their highest level in about 20 years, the Weather Channel said Sunday. The river was forecast to reach moderate flood stage along the southern border of Ohio and West Virginia in the coming days, according to the National Weather Service.
In Adairville, Ky., Dallas Jane Combs, 79, died after a likely tornado struck her home, the Logan County Sheriff’s Department told TV station WKRN.
Two bodies were also recovered from submerged vehicles in separate incidents in the state Saturday
Feb 26, 2018
jorge namour
Go home NOW! Train bosses urge commuters to leave work immediately or face being stranded as Britain prepares to be battered by the final fury of Storm Emma's snow, ice and 90mph winds
Friday, Mar 2nd 2018
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5453283/Send-help-Ambulance...
Two police forces declare 'major incidents' as Army is drafted in to help rescue those trapped in their cars
South Central Ambulance Service appeals for 4x4 owners to help move its staff around in severe conditions
Southern Rail, which runs services to Sussex, urged passengers to complete their journey before 3pm
London Waterloo will close at 8pm tonight as services on South Western Railway wind down from 6pm
Residents bring hot drinks, food and blankets to drivers trapped on M62 in Greater Manchester overnight
** Stranded by the snow? If it is safe to do so, please email your pictures to: pictures@mailonline.co.uk *
London Waterloo, the UK's busiest train station, will close at 8pm today as services on South Western Railway wind down
An aerial view of a snow covered Cramlington in Northumberland today as the severe weather conditions continue
Commuters have been urged to leave work immediately to catch a train home or be stuck in snow before 90mph Storm Emma and the 'Beast from the East' hit Britain with a final blast of blizzards, ice and flooding.
Thousands of drivers and train passengers were left stranded overnight as extreme weather continued to wreak havoc today with roads brought to a standstill by blizzards - before black ice causes further chaos tomorrow.
Eight vehicles have crashed on the A38 westbound in Devon as drivers struggled to battle through the adverse weather conditions, according to Highways England.
Today, Southern Rail, which runs services to Sussex, urged passengers to complete their journey before 3pm - while London Waterloo will close at 8pm tonight as services on South Western Railway wind down from 6pm.
Hospitals have cancelled operations and doctors are battling to visit vulnerable patients as the NHS struggles to deal with the fallout from the conditions, while ambulance services are begging the public to help with their 4x4s.
Some 4,000 properties in Wales and South West England were left without power this morning, along with 5,000 in Derbyshire - while Kent Police received an astonishing 100 calls to crashes in the space of just 30 minutes.
Seven flood warning have been issued across the South West and North East telling people to take 'immediate action', as well as 20 alerts - including one for the River Thames between Putney and Teddington in London.
Roads and railways have been rendered impassable by the coldest start to March on record;
The Army was called in as part of a major rescue operation to reach motorists trapped on roads;
Freezing rain and snow is sweeping across the UK throughout today as communities remain cut off;
Five commuter trains were stuck on frozen tracks throughout the night for more than 15 hours;
Half a metre of snow was measured in two areas and strengthening winds are still causing blizzards. CONTINUE...
Mar 2, 2018
Juan F Martinez
3' 6 inches at noon , midnight will be worse at noon Ocean Bluff, MA
https://www.facebook.com/buzzkill.murphy/posts/10212348422364488
Mar 2, 2018
Juan F Martinez
The roof at the entrance to the airport's Terminal 2 collapsed as gusts reached speeds of 109kph (67 mph) following a torrential downpour at approximately 3:30pm local time on Sunday.
“It really felt like the end of the world, so frightening. The wind was so strong that it seemed like it would break the glass,” one netizen said, as cited by the Hong Kong Free Press.
https://www.rt.com/news/420530-airport-roof-china-collapse/
Mar 5, 2018
KM
http://www.weathernationtv.com/news/one-rarest-clouds-ever-forms-ne...
It is called a horseshoe cloud… Because, well, it’s shaped like a horseshoe.
Christy Grimes caught a glimpse of what the National Weather Service calls “one of the rarest clouds ever.”
Grimes shot the photos near Battle Mountain Thursday and sent them to the National Weather Service office in Elko, Nevada.
So, with it being one of the rarest clouds, everyone is stuck wondering how the clouds form.
The Elko National Weather Service office gave this great explanation:
So, if you ever see a horseshoe cloud, make sure to snap a photo, because you’re one of the lucky ones.
Mar 10, 2018
Gerard Zwaan
Britain will be battered by thunderstorms as heavy rain sweeps across the country before another big freeze this weekend
By MARK DUELL FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 11:21 GMT, 12 March 2018 | UPDATED: 11:29 GMT, 12 March 2018
Britain will be hit by thunderstorms today as parts of the country endure a miserably wet start to the week.
Bursts of heavy rain are falling across the Midlands and South East of England today, before up to two inches falls across South Wales and the South West on Wednesday and further downpours arrive on Thursday.
Temperatures will reach as high as 57F (14C) this week but conditions will return to chilly at the weekend as colder air arrives from Poland and sees the mercury plunge as low as -3C (27F) as well as bringing the odd flurry of snow.
Horses from Gordon Elliott's yard on the gallops below dark clouds at Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire today
Willie Mullins horses on the gallops on a misty preview day this morning ahead of the 2018 Cheltenham Festival meeting
Up to 0.4in (10mm) of rain is expected today, before Wednesday brings 0.8in (20mm) widely and 2in (50mm) in South West England and South Wales – and then another 0.8in on Thursday.
Today will be mostly cloudy and wet in England and Wales, while there will also be light rain in Scotland and Northern Ireland – before downpours continue to fall over most of Britain overnight.
Met Office forecaster Martin Bowles told MailOnline: 'We've got a low pressure centre right over London and that's got occlusions wrapped round it. Over most of England and Wales today, there's going to be a fair amount of rain.
'In particular in the South East, Midlands and perhaps London, we do expect there to be some big convective clouds - possibly thunderstorms, but more heavy bursts of rain for a time in those areas.
'There's a risk of thunder but its certainly not guaranteed and most people wont see it. More significantly will be some short heavy bursts of rain which could give some localised flooding in dips in the road.'
As the night progresses the rain will ease and clear in central England, with tomorrow morning bringing brighter conditions from the West and some sunny spells – despite a few isolated light showers in the afternoon.
Wednesday will have light and patchy rain, though more persistent and possibly wintry in Scotland. Thursday will then be very wet again with a band of rain moving in from the west that will track across the UK through the day.
Mr Bowles continued: 'Tomorrow we've got a ridge of high pressure across the country, so it will be dry for most of us. Temperatures up to 12C (54F) in the South.
'Into Wednesday, we get another low pressure system coming in from the West which later will bring some heavy rain into western parts. But on the eastern side of the country, a fairly mild, probably sunny day.'
Looking ahead to the weekend, Mr Bowles said: Over the weekend we're expecting it to go a little bit colder again. We're going to be getting an easterly flow from Poland.
'It will probably be cold and dry, though you could get the odd flurry on the eastern side of the country. We do expect colder than average weather over the weekend and into next week.'
Temperatures are expected to get to 12C (54F) tomorrow and 14C (57F) on Wednesday, with minimum temperatures only down to 5C (41F) in the South and 3C (37F) in the North.
But conditions will then fall to 10C (50F) on Friday and 8C (46F) on Saturday and Sunday, with overnight lows of -3C (27F) possible along with a widespread frost over the weekend.
Parts of Britain enjoyed a mild weekend with Wiggonholt in West Sussex reaching 15.3C (60F) on Sunday, one day after Kew Gardens in South West London got to the same temperature on Saturday.
Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5490187/UK-weather-Britain-...
Mar 12, 2018
KM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5509449/Freak-winds-knock-p...
Terrifying footage shows freak winds ravaging a Chinese city knocking people off their scooters and ripping WALL off high-rise buildings
This is the terrifying moment strong gusts of wind hit central China during dramatic seasonal change.
Video emerged showed gale-force winds blowing over scooter riders and stripping a wall off buildings.
The freak weather conditions, mostly observed over central China's Henan Province, recorded wind speeds up to 54 mph, measuring level nine on the Beaufort scale, according to China Meteorological Administration
Strong gust of winds ripped a layer of tiles off a building in central China (left). The wind, measuring up to 62 mph, brought destruction to the city last week (right)
Incredible footage from the provincial capital, Zhengzhou, showed at least three scooter riders being knocked off their vehicles and floored by the winds as they tried to ride along a straight road, which became a sudden wind tunnel.
The riders can hardly get up off the ground as the gale presses them downwards, the clip shows.
Another footage, believed to be taken by a nearby resident, captured the moment tiles on the exterior wall of a commercial building stripped off and crashed onto the ground.
Fortunately, no pedestrians can be walking below at the time, resulting in no injuries, while the building's management personnel also sealed off the area immediately.
Motorists were knocked off their bikes and struggled to get up under strong wind (left). A train of security gate was also blown away in the wind (right)
A video from the city of Xinxiang in Henan showed a residential community's rolling retractable gate being blown away in its entirety.
The structure slides along the ground and threatens to run over security guards, who were able to jump out the way.
Staff at the Hengda Jinbiianxia residential community said it spent them an hour to find the gate and fix it in place again.
Local residents in Henan Province reported widespread property damage because of the gale-force winds, but so far no injuries have been revealed.
Mar 16, 2018
jorge namour
Friday, 16 March 2018
"Day Zero" Wrangell Alaska has declared a water emergency and could be the 2nd city to run out of water this year along with Cape Town in SA
http://www.thebigwobble.org/2018/03/day-zero-wrangell-alaska-has-de...
Wrangell.
Wrangell Alaska has declared a water emergency and could be the 2nd city to run out of water this year along with Cape Town in SA.
City officials say the Southeast community has about one month of supply left.
So, they're asking residents to cut way back on use.
Those conservation measures and more rainfall could solve the problem.
The city said it will "aggressively monitor and strictly enforce" water restrictions for residents.
These mandates include no outside water usage, fixing plumbing leaks and reducing everyday consumption.
"Obviously nobody's watering anything outside yet because it's still too cold.
But there's going to be an urge to want to wash your cars," city manager Lisa Von Bargen said. "Please refrain from doing that, and washing of decks or driveways or paved surfaces or things like that."
Residents who don't comply will get a verbal and written warning.
Further violations could bring a $500 fine.
Wrangell does not have a water metering system.
The city issued a red alert.
This comes less than three weeks after it announced a lesser yellow alert.
The water shortage is two-fold.
There isn't enough raw water because the island hasn't gotten much rainfall.
And, the water treatment plant isn't cutting it.
Through its filtration process, it's losing hundreds of thousands of gallons a week. "Every time we do filter cleanings we're dumping approximately 150,000 gallons of water which is a ridiculous loss because there's no way to recoup that," Von Bargen said.
Further South on the Western Coast this week, parts of Oregon where declared a drought emergency after low levels of rain and snowfall this winter and the same problem has hit most of California.
Cape Town residents in South Africa are forced to queue at communal taps at 200 water points-likely under police or military guard-to collect a daily ration of 25 litres (6.6 USA gallons). CONTINUE...
Mar 16, 2018
jorge namour
In London, the relève of the royal guard at Buckingham Palace took place under a snowstorm yesterday. Source: Youtube / tour London
march 18 2018
https://www.facebook.com/lameilleureinfometeo/videos/10160171859855...
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The Weather Channel
Strasbourg woke up under 8 inches of snow. This is the most important snow fall of this winter 2017-2018 in this city! FRANCE
Mar 18, 2018
KM
http://www.kbtx.com/content/news/Hail-storm-hits-Brazos-Valley-4772...
Hail storm hits Brazos Valley hard
An aggressive hail storm hit parts of the Brazos Valley Sunday afternoon leaving some golf ball and baseball size hail behind.
KBTX received reports and photographs of dented cars and broken windows on vehicles across the Brazos Valley.
Caldwell and northern Walker County were especially hit hard, with many residents seeing larger than baseball sized hail in their yards.
The storms that blew through packed a ton of wind, too. Emergency management in northern and northeastern Walker County reported several trees down, some of which had fallen on homes. Wind gusted near 80 mph, but it is unclear if a tornado caused the damage.
Viewers in Snook also reported heavy wind from the storm that blew through Sunday afternoon.
There have been no immediate reports of injuries from the storms.
Mar 19, 2018
KM
http://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2018/mar/19/15-killed-in-keny...
15 killed in Kenya floods, scores of families displaced
Kenyans pass through a flooded road in Nairobi, Thursday, March 15, 2018. Flooding caused by heavy rain on Thursday posed difficulties for those traveling to work. (Photo: AP)
NAIROBI: Kenyan officials said Friday that at least 15 people have drowned and scores of families have been displaced across the East African nation during two days of heavy rainfall that caused flooding in urban and rural areas.
The deaths happened as flood and river waters swept through Kenyan towns that had experienced drought months earlier, officials said. Kenya declared the drought a national disaster that put thousands of people at risk of starvation last year.
Four of those killed were in a truck carrying charcoal in Kitui County that was swept away by the flooded River Enziu. Mwingi East Police Chief Paul Munene said four of the truck's eight occupants were rescued before the truck was engulfed with water.
The deluge also submerged vehicles in Nairobi's affluent neighborhoods and flooded middle class areas. Porters made a booming business carrying commuters to work on their backs.
Clogged storm drains in Nairobi and other parts of Kenya are a perennial problem during the typically long rainy season. Nairobi Governor Gideon Mbuvi blamed his predecessor's administration for diverting funds meant to repair the capital's drainage system.
Metrological Director Peter Ambenje said the heavy rains are expected to continue for another five days.
Mar 19, 2018
SongStar101
Snow blankets Northern Hemispheres in start of Spring!
After widespread 3-to-6 inch amounts, snow tapering off around Washington
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2018/03...
Here are some of the latest accumulation totals we have in, mostly in the 3-to-6-inch range:
----------------------------------------------------------
Huge Snowfalls in Spain
https://www.inthesnow.com/huge-snowfalls-in-spain/
March has been a snowy month in Europe, continuing on a very snowy winter across most ski areas, but unusually one part of the continent appears to have been receiving more snow than any other: Spain.
The latest figures this week show up to 85cm (nearly three feet) of snow since Sunday.
Snow has been falling across the country and Spain’s highest resort, also Europe’s most southerly, Sierra Nevada down on the Mediterranean Coast, has had 45cm of fresh snow in the last 72 hours, building now to a 4m base, the deepest in the country, but up in the Cantabrian Mountains and out west in the Sistema Central they’re saying it’s the most snow in modern times.
==============================================
Where To Ski or Board Snow Report and Forecast for Canada and USA to 24 March, 2018
https://www.inthesnow.com/where-to-ski-or-board-snow-report-and-for...
They’re calling it the ‘March miracle’ in the US as – after a dry warm winter in the West and a dry warm February (after a snowy start to the winter there) in the East – it now seems that it won’t stop snowing!
It’s the West and California that is having the most amazing snowfall once gain. At Squaw Valley there’s now been 5 metres of snow since the start of March, two metres of that falling in 48 hours at the end of last week. So cover is looking exceptional for the spring skiing period.
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Spain and Germany are blanketed with snow and ice as the spring gets off to a freezing start across Europe
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5523539/Spain-Germany-blank...
Snow fell across large parts of Europe on Tuesday as the continent remained in the grip of cold weather despite it being the first official day of spring.
The Spanish islands of Menorca and Majorca saw a dusting of flakes as seven regions across the north of the country were put under snow and ice warnings and dozens of schools were closed in Catalonia.
Snow also fell across the majority of Germany with Berlin particularly badly affected. Temperatures in the city were not set to rise above 3C.
In Croatia, melting snow and ice has caused record flooding around the capital Zagreb while flakes continue to fall further to the east.
According to authorities, the Sava river had reached record water levels, surpassing the previous record by four inches.
The flooding has meant that residents are refusing to leave their properties, resulting in supplies being taken to them by emergency crews.
Mar 22, 2018
KM
http://floodlist.com/australia/australia-queensland-cyclone-nora-fl...
Australia – More Floods in Queensland After Torrential Rain From Ex Cyclone Nora
Torrential rainfall from ex Tropical Cyclone Nora in northern Queensland, Australia caused rivers to reach some of the highest levels seen in almost 20 years. Emergency services were called on to rescue over 40 people from the flooding. This is the fifth serious flood event in the state in the last few weeks.
Port Douglas recorded 593 mm of rain in 24 hours to 26 March, 2018. Abingdon Downs Station
recorded 405 mm of rain in 24 hours the next day.
During Monday, Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said they observed rainfall in excess of 100 mm per hour to the west of Cairns and near Tully.
Rainfall in Queensland, Australia, 21 to 28 March 2018. Image: BoM
Rivers
BoM said the Barron river reached its highest level in 18 years and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) issued an Emergency Alert for people in Caravonica, Kamerunga and Lake Placid.
QFES said: “The Barron River is now at Major Flood levels and critical heights are now being reached. Properties in this area may experience flooding. You should warn neighbours, secure your belongings and consider what actions you need to take if the water levels continue to rise.”
Levels of the Barron river have since fallen. However Major Flood Warnings for the Murray and Herbert rivers and a Moderate Flood Warning for the Tully river remain in place.
Rescues and Evacuations
Over 40 people were rescued from floodwaters at two Cairns caravan parks (Brinsmead and Redlynch) on Monday night.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said “More than 40 people have been evacuated from two caravan parks in Cairns overnight and rainfall is likely to continue throughout today. It’s important for everyone in far north Queensland to be aware of current conditions and warnings, and steer clear of floodwater.”
Two people were rescued from their vehicle in Cairns early on Tuesday, while a person was saved after clinging to a tree at Yorkeys Knob in northern Cairns.
Flooded road in northern Queensland, Australia, after torrential rain from ex Tropical Cyclone Nora, March 2018. Photo: QFES
Wildlife Warnings
There could be dangers lurking beneath the surface of floodwater, and Queensland’s Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch today urged residents in Far North Queensland to take care.
Ms Enoch said floodwater could contain harmful and contaminated material, and also dangerous wildlife. Bull sharks, crocodiles and snakes could be on the move, and could turn up in flooded areas.
“Crocodiles could be on the move in search of a quiet place to wait out flooding,” Ms Enoch said.
“They usually prefer calmer waters but during periods of flooding they can move into new areas where they haven’t been seen before.
“Bull sharks could also be lurking in the water. Over the years, bull sharks have been spotted in floodwaters in Queensland, including last year following Cyclone Debbie.
“It is important to remain vigilant and avoid floodwaters – you never know what is lurking underneath the surface.”
Minister Enoch also said residents should watch out for snakes.
“Snakes are very good swimmers and may turn up in unexpected places,” Ms Enoch said.
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Iris
From late this week, all eyes will be on ex-Tropical Cyclone Iris in the Coral Sea, which formed near Vanuatu on 25 March, 2018.
This system is now a tropical low and is expected to move towards the Queensland coast over the coming days.
Mar 28, 2018
jorge namour
Flying Rocks Endanger Travellers in Reynisfjara - ICELAND
March 29, 2018
http://icelandreview.com/news/2018/03/29/flying-rocks-endanger-trav...
Travellers became endangered due to rocks flying all over.
Travellers in Reynisfjara were in great danger yesterday as strong winds caused rocks to become airborne and fall upon visitors to the area, Vísir reports. The Ring Road, route 1, was closed yesterday in the municipality of Öræfasveit due to the severe weather. Gusts of wind reached more than 40 metres per second, and the road to Mýrdalssandur was closed as well due to sandstorms.
A group of Chinese travellers, on a 3-day stopover in Iceland, found themselves in severe danger as the conditions became apparent once on site. Ragnar Heiðarsson, a bus driver, brought the group to Reynisfjara yesterday morning. "It was not just a sandstorm on the beach, there were rocks flying and the group was in trouble. They went to beach so I had to fetch them and lead them back. Some crawled back but what I was most afraid about were the cars. The rockstorm was so heavy that my windows were nearly shattered".
Ragnar said that the folks were in severe danger
Mar 29, 2018
jorge namour
The drought has left no trace of life in the Laguna aculeo, Región Metropolitana - Chile.
APRIL 1 2018
https://www.facebook.com/SismoMundial/photos/a.806107496124749.1073...
MAP: https://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laguna_de_Aculeo
Apr 1, 2018