Comment by KM on May 23, 2022 at 3:09pm

https://strangesounds.org/2022/05/powerful-derecho-storm-slams-onta...

Powerful derecho storm slams Ontario and Quebec, Canada, killing 5 and leaving trail of destruction

Damaging winds, some as high as 80 mph, raced from the Michigan border all the way to Quebec City causing deaths and injuries and damage.

Ontario and Quebec derecho on May 21 2022

Ontario and Quebec powerful derecho storm on May 21 2022

Five people are reported dead after severe thunderstorms raced through parts of Canada on Saturday, according to Environment Canada.

“There were five fatalities reported and a few others injured as a result of the strong winds with this line of thunderstorms,” read a weather summary for Ontario and the National Capital Region. “There was also extensive damage to trees, power lines and buildings. There were also overturned cars reported as well as widespread power outages.”

The line of thunderstorms developed near Sarnia, a city in Ontario, late Saturday morning and tracked over southern Ontario towards Ottawa Saturday afternoon, according to Environment Canada.

The storm left more than 350,000 customers without power, and “many power outages continue today,” the agency said Sunday.

Storms also swept through central Quebec on Saturday, resulting in broken tree limbs, uprooted trees, damage to buildings and “more than 500,000 homes without power,” Environment Canada said.

Hydro Quebec said on its website that restoration of service progressed overnight and Sunday morning, and close to 500 crews were mobilized on Sunday.

Comment by KM on May 20, 2022 at 1:04am

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/tornado-saskatchewan-ke...

Saskatchewan

Photos, videos show apparent tornado touch down in southern Sask.

Eyewitnesses say tornado formed suddenly near Keeler, Sask. around 7 p.m. CST

An apparent landspout tornado on the ground south of Keller, Sask. reported on May 17, 2022.

A landspout tornado appeared to touch down in south central Saskatchewan Tuesday night.

While not confirmed by Environment and Climate Change Canada as of 9 p.m. CST, the tornado was spotted by Rob Been near the village of Keeler—about 45 kilometres northwest of Moose Jaw—around 7 p.m. CST.

Been told CBC News he was taking a post-supper nap when he was awakened by loud thunder. The next thing he knew, a tornado appeared to be forming.

Unconfirmed tornado near Moose Jaw, Sask.

2 days ago

1:56

There were several eyewitness accounts of an unconfirmed tornado in the Moose Jaw, Sask. area on Tuesday evening.

"You're awestruck at just the sheer power and the volatility of it," said Been.

"The winds came up so quick, the hail came down in a hurry. That thing formed almost out of nowhere."

Environment and Climate Change Canada did not issue a warning for a possible tornado in the area, however a severe thunderstorm warning was in effect at the time. Portions of central and southeastern Saskatchewan were placed under severe thunderstorm watches shortly afterward.

Eric Dykes, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, said the intensity of this storm was unexpected.

"There were no supercell tornadoes in the area at that moment. Radar didn't indicate too much at the time storms were expected, but severe storms were not expected to that degree last night.

Been said he isn't aware of any damage close to his property at this time. He still can't believe how close he was to the storm.
"Being a truck driver, I've seen tornadoes off the in distance before but never this close," he said. "Kind of as close as I'd like to get, honestly."

Dayle Bueckert also found herself surprisingly close to the storm.

The Saskatchewan farmer was driving with her kids north along Highway 2 from Moose Jaw when she spotted the apparent landspout tornado.

"It formed right in front of me and I was like, 'whoa, this is crazy,'" she said. "I wasn't going to stay in the storm so I continued driving ... I only got mostly rain and hail."

Bueckert said hail varying between pea to nickle size fell at their home near Eyebrow.

As for damage, Bueckert and her husband are planning to assess their recently-seeded canola farm near Keeler Wednesday morning.

Meteorologist Dykes also received reports to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

"We did get one report that was called in to us, a gentleman said that he did see it. And he believes that he saw it on the ground for about 15 minutes."

Dykes says they will be looking for more eye-witness reports of the possible tornado before they classify it. He encourages people to come forward with their photos and videos. He says so far there have been no reports of injuries or fatalities associated with this weather event.

If confirmed, Tuesday's landspout tornado could be the first reported in Saskatchewan in 2022.

Comment by KM on May 15, 2022 at 6:29am

https://floodlist.com/america/canada-floods-alberta-northwestterrit...

Canada – Thousands Evacuate Floods in Alberta and Northwest Territories

Ice jams, rain and melting snow have caused rivers to overflow in northern parts of Canada. Whole communities have been ordered to evacuate in Northwest Territories and hundreds have been displaced in northwestern Alberta Province.

Floods in Hay River, Northwest Territories, Canada, May 2022 Photo : Town of Hay River

Northwest Territories

An ice jam caused flooding of the Hay River in Northwest Territories, Canada, from 07 May 2022. Around 250 residents pre-emptively evacuated their homes in the town of Hay River and surrounding areas.

The government of Northwest Territories said levels of the river remained high but steady for the following days as ice held in the river channel due to cool temperatures.

However levels jumped 1.7 metres as “ice began to shift on 11 May with an ice jam from upstream moving into the downstream ice jam near town. This shift in ice caused water levels to increase rapidly through the Town of Hay River and K’atl’odeeche First Nation,” the government said.

“Water levels are extremely volatile right now and impacted by ice in the channel. Rapid changes in water levels are possible,” the provincial government added.

Officials in Hay River town said floodwaters had reached the downtown area. An evacuation order is in-place for entire Town of Hay River and Kátł’odeeche First Nation. “Everyone must leave,” the provincial government said. The nearby towns of Yellowknife and Fort Smith are serving as host communities for the town wide evacuation.

Northwest Territories government also reported ice jams on the Mackenzie River at Jean Marie River and at Wrigley, adding that water levels are slowly increasing further downstream on the Mackenzie River, as is normal for this time of year.

Alberta

Meanwhile about 280 km (175 miles) south of Hay River, local officials declared a state of emergency on 09 May 2022 after snowmelt and heavy rain caused flooding in Chateh and John D’or Prairie in northwestern Alberta Province. Around 1,000 people evacuated their homes in Chateh, according to local media reports. On 10 May the community of Paddle Prairie also declared a state of emergency and around 30 homes were evacuated.

Calgary

Officials in the City of Calgary were busy making preparations for possible flooding in spring and early summer, eager to avoid any repeat of the 2013 floods in the city when 5 people died and 80,000 were evacuated.

In a statement of 12 May 2022, the City said water levels in the Glenmore Reservoir and Ghost Reservoir have been lowered to create more room for potential flood water.

In addition to seasonal preparations, Calgary is in a better position to be protected from flooding thanks to significant infrastructure investments. According to officials, these investments have reduced flood risk by 55 per cent and potential flood damages by $90 million every year.

A continuous flood barrier from the Peace Bridge to the Reconciliation Bridge will be in place this year, helping protect wide areas of the city. Construction has also begun on the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir (SR1) west of the city.

“Once complete, SR1 is a complete game changer for Calgary, protecting thousands of residents that live and work along the Elbow River and downtown Calgary from a 2013-size flood,” said Sandy Davis, Team Lead of River Engineering. “Working with the higher gates at the Glenmore Dam, this infrastructure will reduce damages by over $3 billion through the next century, safeguard Calgary’s downtown, the region’s economic engine, protect critical public infrastructure like roads and CTrain lines and vital services like our drinking water and wastewater treatment plants that we all depend on.”

Comment by KM on April 14, 2022 at 3:58am

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10715789/Montana-North-Dak...

Montana and North Dakota are hit by 'one-in-a-century' blizzard that has already dumped 47 INCHES of snow and closed I-94: Fears 20-foot tall snowdrifts will bury homes

A historic blizzard has pummeled much of the central U.S.
Meteorologists predict snow to continue piling up in Montana and North Dakota until Thursday, as well as in some of the neighboring states
Many communities will be hit with a deep freeze reaching single digit and sub-zero temperatures
The midwest and southern states will face tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, high winds, heavy rain and hail
Some communities expecting tornadoes were already struck by damaging storms on Tuesday
23 people were injured after a twister rolled through Texas

Historic storms have pummeled parts of the U.S. with blizzards, record-breaking hail and tornadoes, causing widespread damage across the central and southern states.

Montana and North Dakota were slammed by the spring snowstorm, which featured 60mph winds and whiteout conditions with up to 47 inches of snow.

The winter storm is expected to continuing piling snow on residents through Thursday.

Much of the region has already reported at least one foot of snow, while forecasters predict most areas will see two feet of accumulation by the time the system passes. At least one mountain community had already reported nearly four feet of snow Wednesday morning.

The entirety of Interstate 94 was closed for nearly a day, however the North Dakota Department of Transportation has reopened the highway between Bismarck to Jamestown. The remainder of the interstate is expected to remain closed for the foreseeable future.

A No-Travel Advisory remains in effect for the state as meteorologists predict the spring snowstorm could become one of the biggest in a quarter century.

A separate weather system brought thunderstorms, high winds, heavy rain and hail across the midwest and into the south.

Nearly two dozen people were injured after a tornado struck Texas Tuesday night and although the damage was significant, officials report there was no loss of life.

Baron Weather forecasters claim the severity of the multiple storm systems remains uncertain, noting that some communities remain under 'enhanced risk' of tornadoes and fires.

Montana and North Dakota were slammed by a spring snowstorm Tuesday. The system is expected to continuing piling snow on residents through Thursday. A pedestrian is seen walking through the snow in Bismarck, ND on Wednesday

The storm has left much of North Dakota bracing whiteout conditions. This picture was taken in Bismarck on Tuesday afternoon, with a weather radar barely visible through the blizzard

A No Travel Advisory remains in effect for much of North Dakota and Montana as meteorologists predict the spring snowstorm could become one of the biggest in a quarter century. An icy, snow-covered ND road is pictured on Tuesday

This graphic shared by News12 shows snowfall totals for the 24 hours up until Wednesday afternoon, with Pony in Montana recording 47 inches of snow

Historic storms have pummeled parts of the U.S. with blizzards, record-breaking hail and tornadoes, causing widespread damage across the central and southern states

The same storm system responsible for tornadoes in the south is responsible for record-setting snow in the northern Plains.

Billings, Montana reported 13.9 inches of snow Tuesday, making it one of the snowiest days the community has seen in decades, AccuWeather reported.

The last time Billings saw that much snow accumulated in one day was May 11, 1981 when 15 inches piled up.

Other areas of Montana reported three to four feet of accumulation. Albro Lake, located in the mountains of southwestern Montana, reported 47 inches of snow. Nearby Pony, Montana record 36 inches.

However, forecasters claim the worst of the storm is lingering over the central part of North Dakota, where visibility remains low.

Airports across the state have cancelled almost every arriving and departing flight that was scheduled Wednesday, after numerous delays on Tuesday, KFYR reported. It is unclear if flight routes will resume Thursday.

Residents across the state have prepared to be snowed in for the next few days and several school districts have already opted to close schools until the storm system passes.

'It's a little windy, it's a little cold. I don't know, it's not that bad if you have your earbuds in or something, just kinda jam out, take it a minute at a time, and have at it,' Gus Lindegren of Bismarck told the tv station, noting he was trying to get ahead of the snow.

'I grew up on a farm in North Dakota, and I don't get too excited about blizzards. You just prepare for them, don't do anything dumb,' echoed Mike Deisz, also of Bismarck.

Rick Krolak of the National Weather Service office in Bismarck said the storm brought to mind the blizzard of 1997 that hit on April 4 of that year, dumping up to two feet of snow in some areas, knocking out power to thousands of residents and leaving motorists stranded on major highways.

'Its definitely looking like its going to pack a punch,' he said of the storm.

Comment by KM on April 13, 2022 at 5:28am

https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/alberta-spring-snow-apri

SNOW-WAY: Parts of Alberta just got some heavy spring snow

Albertans know we usually aren’t out of the snowy woods until we get past the May long weekend, and parts of Alberta just got a heavy dump of spring snow.

Let’s just say the Easter bunny may have a heck of a time navigating Fort McMurray next week, thanks to a hefty amount of snow they got overnight Saturday into Sunday, April 10.

The northern Alberta city can expect a further five centimetres of the white stuff to fall today according to Environment Canada, on top of the already large amount they’ve already received.

It’s set to be cold too thanks to strong winds tonight pushing the temperature to feel like -19°C overnight. Not very spring like at all!

“Yeah only called for roughly 5cm overnight and easily 20-30 cm came down,” claimed one Fort McMurray resident on how much snow had fallen in the city in a tweet. You just gotta love that sneaky Alberta spring snow!

“The Weather Gods got this forecast WWWAAAAYYYYY off…. cleaned a foot of snow off my truck TWICE since midnight last night,” one person jokingly tweeted.

Comment by Gerard Zwaan on April 5, 2022 at 2:54pm

Record-breaking cold hits Europe, causing widespread damage to agriculture

April 5, 2022

Unseasonably cold weather hit parts of Europe over the past weekend, following warmer-than-normal temperatures in previous weeks that caused rapid greening of flora. Damage to agriculture is widespread but it seems it’s not as bad as it was last year when a similar cold episode happened. The worst affected countries were France, Germany, Spain and Austria.

According to Jason Samenow and Kasha Patel of The Washingon’s Post Capital Weather Gang, temperatures plummeted 11 – 18 °C (20 – 30 °F) below normal, triggering harsh frosts and shocking early-blooming plants and crops in several countries.¹

“It’s still difficult to evaluate the damage caused by the frost, but orchards and vineyards have been impacted,” Jean-Marc Touzard, director of research at the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), said.

The national minimum temperatures dropped to -1.5 °C (29.3 °F) overnight Sunday and early Monday, April 4, 2022, marking the country’s coldest morning since 1947, according to data provided by Meteo France.

While Mourmelon in the Marne department east of Paris saw record temperatures of -9.3 °C (15.2 °F), French mountainous regions recorded -21.5 °C (-6.7 °F), setting a new April record.

For France, April 1 -3 were the coldest first three days of April since at least 1930, according to French meteorologist Guillaume Séchet.

Growers across the affected regions burned candles, sprayed water and used wind turbines in efforts to protect their crops from freezing temperatures, AFP reported.²

“Frost is a normal thing in early April. What’s less normal is for the plant to already be developed at that point,” winemaker Thomas Ventoursa said.

“Since 2016, we have had three big frost episodes and it’s true that it makes you seriously wonder about the future of our trade in this period,” Ventoursa added. “Everyone is tense because after the very poor harvest of 2021, we were at least expecting something normal.”

“It’s very bad. It hit hard overnight. A lot of fruit growers are affected,” Christiane Lambert, president of the FNSEA farmers’ union, told AFP.

In the Tarn-et-Garonne department in the southwest, Damien Garrigues sprayed his apple trees to cover buds in ice in a bid to protect them from even lower temperatures.

“For now it’s not as bad as last year,” he said, noting he lost 20 percent of production in 2021.

Big losses are expected for plum growers in the Lot-at-Garonne department, but not as bad as last year when 100% of plums were destroyed by a cold snap.

The agriculture ministry said it’s too early to draw conclusions about the damage as it’ll only be visible after a few days.

References:

¹ Record-setting cold snap hits Europe, stunning spring crops – The Washington Post

² French fruit, vineyards endure coldest April day in 75 years – AFP

Featured image credit: Global Times (stillshot)

Source: https://watchers.news/2022/04/05/record-breaking-cold-hits-europe-c...

Comment by KM on March 21, 2022 at 1:57am

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10630585/Massive-Texas-wil...

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declares a disaster as massive 45,000-acre Eastland Complex Fire burns through at least 50 homes and leaves a sheriff's deputy dead

Firefighters continue to tackle the Eastland Complex Fire, which has burned through 45,000 acres and was only around 15 percent contained as of Saturday
The fire started on Thursday has quickly spread because of the dry conditions and wind gusts of more than 40mph in large parts of the state
On Friday, Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster in the 11 counties hardest hit by wildfires after confirming that at least 50 homes had been destroyed
On Thursday, Eastland County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Deputy Barbara Fenley died helping resident escape the blaze

A declaration disaster was issued in 11 Texas counties as a massive wildfire that has burned down at least 50 homes and left a sheriff's deputy dead continues to spread.

Firefighters are tackling the Eastland Complex Fire, which has burned through 45,000 acres and was only around 15 percent contained as of Saturday, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service fire.

The fire started on Thursday and has quickly spread because of the dry conditions and wind gusts of more than 40 mph in large parts of the state.

On Friday, Gov. Greg Abbott declared a disaster in the counties hardest hit by wildfires after confirming that dozens of homes had been destroyed by the flames.

About 18,000 people live in Eastland County. In the town of Gorman, about 475 homes were evacuated, but officials don't yet know how many structures may have burned, Texas A&M Forest Service spokesman Matthew Ford said.

The Texas A&M Forest Services warned that fires could also affect parts of Oklahoma and Kansas, and Nebraska warned of an extreme fire risk.

Videos of the blaze posted to social media show the blaze form into what appears to be a 'fire tornado'

Flames pictured spreading quickly through dry grass as the wildfire spread because of the dry conditions and wind gusts

The flames from the Eastland Complex Fire seen on Thursday night. Since it has started the wildfire has burned through 45,000 acres

La Paloma fire activity is seen in Starr County on Friday. The fire has burned through an estimated 1,036 acres and is 80 percent contained

Priscilla Maynard is pictured in front of a burned home Friday near Carbon, Texas as a firefighters struggle to contain a wildfire spreading throughout Eastland County

On Thursday, Eastland County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Deputy Barbara Fenley died helping resident escape the blaze.

According to the Sheriff's Office, Fenley was going door to door, getting residents to evacuate their homes and the last time she communicated she indicated she was going to check on an elderly person in Carbon, Texas.

'With the extreme deteriorating conditions and low visibility from smoke, Sgt. Fenley ran off the roadway and was engulfed in the fire,' the sheriff's statement said.

The 51-year-old leaves behind a husband and three sons.

'She didn't care who you were or what you did. She was always going to be there; Doesn't matter if you were 5 years old or 85 years old, she was going to take care of you,' her son Jon told NBC 5.

The Cisco Police Department posted a tribute to their 'sister' and said she will be deeply missed.

'She was a special servant and an attribute to our profession. We will kneel in prayer for her family, friends and colleagues as they mourn. RIP dear friend, you will be missed.'

Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush commended the 51-year-old's bravery.

'Deputy Fenley was killed while trying to save citizens from the fires burning across West Texas last night. Her service to our state will not be forgotten,' Bush posted on Twitter.

Comment by KM on March 20, 2022 at 3:02am

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPasCeCEMWg

USA – Floods Cause Traffic Chaos in Alabama

Storms in Alabama, USA brought heavy rainfall and flash flooding on roads and highways in the Birmingham Metropolitan area on 16 March 2022.

Floods in Homewood AL, USA, March 202.

Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency reported flooded roadways, water rescues and cars washed away from the road due to flood waters. The agency warned motorists to avoid travel in the warning areas including metro Birmingham, Fultondale, Hoover, Vestavia, Homewood and Mountain Brook.

The agency added, “Some parts of Birmingham around UAB and Hoover around Bluff Park have seen nearly 5 inches (130 mm) of rain with these storms. Please stay out of these areas.”

Local media said multiple motorists became stranded in the floods. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service were called on to carry out 8 flood rescues. One person sustained injuries and was hospitalized after being rescued from a vehicle trapped in flood waters. One person was in critical condition and taken to St. Vincent’s Hospital after he was swept away by floodwaters and rescued by bystanders.

Four people died in devastating flooding in areas of Alabama including Birmingham in October 2021.