ReportWire

Tag: APP Weather Stories

  • Prepare now: 10 tips to help you get through another winter storm in N.C.

    North Carolina is preparing once again for ice and snow.

    Related: A significant winter storm appears likely for North Carolina this weekend

    Here are some tips to stay safe and make the most out of these winter storms:

    Keeping warm

    A walk after a good snow is beautiful, especially in North Carolina. But you need to layer to really stay warm.

    Here’s the official word from North Carolina Emergency Management: “Wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing.”

    A couple of long-sleeved shirts and a sweatshirt under that winter jacket will go a long way to keeping everyone warmer when they go out to play in the snow. Long underwear helps, too.

    Taking care of pets

    Pets should not be left outside in winter storms, especially with the cold temperatures forecast for North Carolina this week.

    People should also make sure they’re stocked up on pet food and any medications their pets need before the storm hits.

    Livestock and other animals should be moved to a covered shelter and make sure they have plenty of food and fresh water. Remember, water bowls and troughs can freeze over when the temperature is well below freezing for too long.

    Supplies

    It’s not just pets who need supplies when a winter storm hits. The run on bread and milk has already begun in North Carolina. The governor this week warned that roads could be treacherous for a couple of days with this storm, so people need to make sure they have food and necessary medications.

    N.C. Emergency Management says homes should have at least three days of supplies in case the power goes out and the roads are bad. People should also have batteries on hand for flashlights and weather radios.

    Charge your devices

    People should make sure they keep their phones, battery packs and any other devices fully charged in case the power goes out.

    Reporting power outages

    If the power goes out, report it to the power company, not by calling 911.

    • Duke Energy: 800-769-3766
    • Duke Energy Progress: 800-419-6356
    • Dominion Energy: 866-366-4357

    The N.C. Department of Public Safety has an interactive map to see how many homes and businesses are without power across the state. The DPS site also has a list of numbers to report outages for other power companies and cooperatives.

    Using generators

    The No. 1 rule for power generators is to keep them outside and away from doors and windows. Generators put out carbon monoxide, which is poisonous.

    Every year the media has a story about someone getting very sick or dying because they were using a generator inside. Just don’t do it.

    Cooking while the power is out

    Using a gas or charcoal grill inside can be just as bad as a generator. Do not use a grill inside.

    But camp stoves and grills can be used to cook outside in the cold as normal.

    School closings and remote days

    Weather could impact many school districts across the state during the first part of next week.

    You can track any closings for your area here: Triangle | Coastal N.C. | Triad  | Charlotte  

    What about going sledding?

    Just because some schools decided to go with remote learning days, some kids will still get outside and play in the snow (at least for areas that get snow and not just an ice storm).

    Sleds have been hard to come by in North Carolina. The retailers who did have them will probably be sold out by now. But there are plenty of alternatives for improvised sleds: pool floats, dining hall trays, lids from big Tupperware bins, and anything else that’s reasonably flat and smooth can coast someone down a hill with the right amount of snow.

    Driving in snow and ice

    All the advice from public officials and meteorologists for those in the path of the winter storm is to stay home and don’t drive. But if you have to drive, here’s are some tips for winter weather driving from AAA:

    • Drive slowly. Always adjust your speed down to account for lower traction when driving on snow or ice
    • Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry and take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads
    • Increase your following distance to five to six seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop
    • Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal
    • Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it
    • Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads will just make your wheels spin. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill slowly
    • Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill

    Charles Duncan

    Source link

  • How unsafe heating practices can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning

    OHIO — The temperatures keep dropping outside. Many areas are experiencing sub-zero wind chills this week.

    The Ohio Department of Health is warning residents that while staying warm is important, heating yourself and your home safely can save your life. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can go undetected and cause serious damage to your health

    • ODH gave a variety of tips to help heat up your home safely

    • Unintential carbon monoxide poisoning causes 400 deaths a year, more than 100,000 visits to the ER and over 14,000 hospitalizations

    Heating up the home unsafely can come with the risk of fire, but it can also come with the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The problem with carbon monoxide is that it’s an odorless, colorless gas that goes undetected and can lead to oxygen deprivation, and even death. 

    In the United States, unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning causes 400 deaths a year, more than 100,000 visits to the emergency room and more than 14,000 hospitalizations. 

    ODH said, especially during the winter, the way people heat up their homes can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Here are some tips:

    • Use fireplaces, wood stoves or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside
    • Do not leak flue gas into the indoor air space
    • Don’t preheat or start your car inside a closed garage
    • Make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home and that they’re working
    • After storms, make sure outside stack or vents for dryer, stove, furnace and/or fireplace aren’t blocked for proper ventilation
    • Never use a charcoal or gas grill indoors
    • Never leave lit candles unattended
    • Never run a generator indoors (even the basement or garage)
    • Always place the generator at least 20 feet from the house with the engine exhaust directed away from windows and doors
    • Keep as much heat as possible inside your home
    • Check the temperature inside your home often during severely cold weather
    • Eat well-balanced meals to help you stay warm
    • Leave all water taps slightly open during severely cold weather

    Carbon monoxide affects the brain and heart the most, according to Mayo Clinic. Here are the symptoms to look out for:

    • Headache
    • Weakness
    • Dizziness
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Shortness of breath
    • Confusion
    • Blurred vision
    • Drowsiness
    • Loss of muscle control
    • Loss of consciousness

    If you feel as though you may be getting carbon monoxide poisoning, experts recommend getting fresh air immediately, such as opening windows or stepping outside, and get medical care immediately.

    For more information on carbon monoxide poisoning, click here.

     

    Lydia Taylor

    Source link

  • How to prevent pipes from freezing or bursting in cold temps

    CLEVELAND — With repeat periods of below-freezing weather, it’s possible for pipes to freeze. 

    The City of Toledo and AAA has these tips to help prevent it from happening to avoid unnecessary expenses and repairs, as well as to help keep the water running. 

    Eliminate drafts

    • Make sure windows and doors are tightly closed
    • Fill in cracks around windows and in walls

    Provide warmth

    • To help warm air circulate, open the door to where the pipes are located
    • Never use open flames to keep pipes warm; instead, put a lighted bulb near them
    • Use insulation or heat tape to wrap pipes to keep them warm
    • Allow warm air to reach pipes by opening the cabinet door below the sink

    Protect outside faucets and meters

    • Make sure to turn off water to the garden hose connections and also drain the exposed piping
    • Check for cracks in the outdoor meter cover and that it fits properly to avoid cold air getting in

    Turn on the water

    • Flowing water can help break up ice
    • Remember it’s less expensive to regularly run faucets in below-freezing temperatures than to repair a frozen or burst pipe

    What to do when pipes freeze

    • If no water comes out, it’s possible the pipes near a wall, door or window are frozen
    • Start by opening the faucet near the frozen pipe — this will release vapor from the melting ice
    • Then start warming the pipes near the faucet, working toward the frozen section (this can be done by using a hair dryer)
    • Once water starts flowing again, allow a pencil-sized stream of water flow through the faucet

    How to tell if pipes are frozen

    • Odd smells from a faucet or drain, which could mean it’s partially or completely blocked
    • Little to no water is coming out from a faucet
    • You can see frost or condensation on the exterior of the pipes
    • You touch the pipe and notice a spot that feels colder than the rest

    Lydia Taylor

    Source link

  • Northern lights could be visible for parts of the country on Monday night

    The northern lights could be visible across parts of the country tonight. A coronal mass ejection (CME) will likely arrive at Earth tonight, leading to elevated geomagnetic activity.

    Geomagnetic storms are responsible for the visual display of the northern lights, or aurora borealis.

    What You Need To Know

    • A Geomagnetic Storm Watch is in effect

    • The northern lights may be visible for parts of the U.S.

    • The Aurora Borealis is typically linked to winter viewings but can actually be seen all year


    A CME is an eruption of solar material and magnetic fields. There is a Geomagnetic Storm Watch in effect tonight, with a G4 predicted. According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, watches at this level are very rare.


    Aurora Borealis

    The sun is currently in an upswing of its 11-year solar cycle. Scientists notice more sunspots as they migrate toward the equator of the sun, and when their magnetic fields tangle, solar storms erupt.

    Earth’s magnetic field acts as a buffer to keep particles and energy ejected from the sun at bay. However, if the solar storm is strong enough, those particles can penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere, giving off light, creating the auroras we see.

    With such intense CMEs expected to arrive on Earth, the severe storm might make the northern lights visible in the northern U.S., with the best chance of viewing at higher latitudes. 

    Geomagnetic storms

    The energy from a solar storm is categorized by G levels. Tonight’s aurora forecast is a G4.

    (NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center)

    G1 would show a minor storm, G2 a moderate storm, G3 a strong storm, G4 a severe storm and G5 would mean an extreme storm.

    While these storms make the northern lights brighter and more visible in lower latitudes, the energy entering our atmosphere can cause disruptions to power grids, spacecraft operations and migratory animals.

    The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) uses a planetary k index, which goes from 0 to 9, to predict the visibility of the northern lights around the world. The higher the Kp values, the further south people can view the aurora.

    A Kp value of 8 is forecast for Monday night. 

    How to see and capture the auroras

    For the latest northern lights forecasts, check NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website or an aurora forecasting app.

    Make your best effort to get away from city lights and find somewhere dark. Experts recommend skygazing from a local or national park. And check the weather forecast because clouds can cover up the spectacle entirely.

    Many areas in northern latitudes should be able to see the northern lights with the naked eye. If you’re farther south, your smartphone cameras may also reveal hints of the aurora that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Long-exposure is your best bet to reveal all the colors in the night sky.

    When taking the photo, turn on “night mode” and place your phone on a steady surface. The longer the exposure, the better the photo will turn out!

    If you’ve taken any pictures of the northern lights, you can share your photos here.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • Bellamy Grove farmer says ‘so far, so good’ with cold temperatures

    INVERNESS, Fla. — It was a chilly Thursday night and early Friday morning for many across the Tampa Bay area.

    What You Need To Know

    • A chilly Thursday night and Friday morning was a cause for concern for some farmers protecting their precious crops against the frost

    • Bellamy Grove in Inverness was one of those farms that witnessed freezing temperatures
    • Farmer and owner Chuck Bellamy says he had a low of 27°F on Friday morning at his farm
    • The family-run farm has been around since 1930, providing vegetables and fruits to visitors and locals


    For those in areas like Citrus County, one farmer says he had to battle frost to protect his precious crops.

    Spraying water over plants, like those at Ferris Groves in Citrus County, creates a protective layer over the plants to help prevent frost damage. (Photo courtesy of Ferris Groves/Beth Waller)

    “Families come out, just like you see, and they have a great time,” said Chuck Bellamy, farmer and owner of Bellamy Grove. “And the kids really like it.”

    Tucked away on the outskirts of Inverness is a family farm that has been around for decades.

    “What I have available is cabbage and the big, sweet onions, the Vidalia-type,” Bellamy says. “I have the U-Pick strawberries, I have Hamlin oranges and honey bells available right now, but those are going to be over in about a week or two.”

    For thirty years, Bellamy has been carrying on the family business by selling roadside vegetables and operating the U-Pick strawberry farm.

    “From this stage to red berry is approximately 20 days,” Bellamy says. “You can also see on the same plant many different stages of growth.”

    There may be no produce he has sweeter than the strawberry. Bellamy says a few extra precautions had to be made Thursday night into Friday morning with a freeze watch threatening his crops.

    Ferris Groves, also in Citrus County, used frost protection irrigation to protect its strawberry plans from the cold. (Photo courtesy of Ferris Groves/Beth Waller)

    Ferris Groves, also in Citrus County, used frost protection irrigation to protect its strawberry plans from the cold. (Photo courtesy of Ferris Groves/Beth Waller)

    “Turned on the water at 3 o’clock this morning, and it was 33 (degrees),” Bellamy says. “We wound up with a low of 27 (degrees), and so far, so good.”

    Bellamy says they have about an acre of strawberries at his U-Pick farm. It takes an hour to 90 minutes to get the tiny fruit covered under protective tarps.

    “This frost cloth is supposed to take it down to about 28 degrees or so in order to protect them,” Bellamy says.

    It’s a lot of work but certainly worth the time because visitors showed up Friday to pick their share of strawberries.

    “New people show up and, like I said, some regular people showed up this afternoon and this morning already,” Bellamy says. “This is how I make my living. So when I’m open, this is how I make my living.”

    Calvin Lewis

    Source link

  • Coldest air of the season so far expected Friday morning

    A strong cold front comes through on Thursday, bringing chilly air through Saturday morning.

    What You Need To Know

    • Temperatures drop on Thursday

    • Cold air peaks on Friday morning

    • Some areas north of Tampa will fall to the 20s


    Ahead of the front, expect a chance of showers late Wednesday and into Thursday morning.

    It will be windy on Thursday with a north breeze bringing in colder air. 

    Temperatures fall to the 50s Thursday afternoon with colder air Thursday night.

    Lows will fall back to near freezing Friday morning anywhere more than a few miles inland even for Manatee and Sarasota counties.

    Lows in the 20s are likely for Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties.

    Highs will reach the 50s Friday afternoon with plenty of sunshine. Another freeze is possible north of Tampa on Saturday morning.

    The weekend will be slightly milder with highs in the 60s on Saturday. 

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Kyle Hanson

    Source link

  • Cold weather shelters in Bay area

    With colder conditions set for later this week, cold weather shelters may be opened in the Bay area.

    We’ll post a list of them, by county, below. Make sure to refresh this page for updates.

    PASCO COUNTY

    Pasco County is opening a Cold Weather Shelter on both sides of the county Thursday, Jan. 15 and Friday, Jan. 16.

    The shelters will open at 6 p.m. each day and close at 10 a.m. the following day. The locations are:

    • Shady Hills Mission Chapel, 15925 Greenglen Lane, Spring Hill
    • More info: 727-856-2948
    • First Nazarene Church of Zephyrhills, 6151 12th St., Zephyrhills
    • More info: 615-483-4356

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • ‘Wolf Moon’: 2026’s first full moon will also be a supermoon

    The first full moon of 2026 rises this weekend and it just so happens to be one of only three supermoons this year.

    What You Need To Know

    • The ‘Wolf Moon’ rises this weekend

    • It will one of only three supermoons this year

    • Saturday evening will be the best time to see it across the U.S.


    January’s full moon, called the ‘Wolf Moon’, will brighten the night sky throughout this weekend. It technically will peak at 5:03 a.m. ET Saturday morning, but the best time to see it will be after it rises above the horizon that evening. 

    The ‘Wolf Moon’ also happens to be a supermoon this year. This occurs when the moon is closer to earth (parigee) so it appears larger and brighter than normal. You’ll have to wait until November to see the next supermoon.

    Visibility looks good across the Central U.S. Saturday evening, but clouds could be an issue on the opposite coasts.

    Potential cloud coverage Saturday evening across the U.S. (weathermodels.com)

     

     

    According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the full moon gets its name due to it being a time you can hear the call of wolves. Though we know that happens year-round, the vocal calls of wolves can be haunting during the winter months.

    Other names given by various Native American tribes include Cold Moon (Cree), Center Moon (Assiniboin), and Freeze Up Moon (Algonquin).

    The next full moon will be the Full Snow Moon which will occur on Sunday, February 1st.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Ian Cassette

    Source link

  • ‘Wolf Moon’: 2026’s first full moon will also be a supermoon

    The first full moon of 2026 rises this weekend and it just so happens to be one of only three supermoons this year.

    What You Need To Know

    • The ‘Wolf Moon’ rises this weekend

    • It will one of only three supermoons this year

    • Saturday evening will be the best time to see it across the U.S.


    January’s full moon, called the ‘Wolf Moon’, will brighten the night sky throughout this weekend. It technically will peak at 5:03 a.m. ET Saturday morning, but the best time to see it will be after it rises above the horizon that evening. 

    The ‘Wolf Moon’ also happens to be a supermoon this year. This occurs when the moon is closer to earth (parigee) so it appears larger and brighter than normal. You’ll have to wait until November to see the next supermoon.

    Visibility looks good across the Central U.S. Saturday evening, but clouds could be an issue on the opposite coasts.

    Potential cloud coverage Saturday evening across the U.S. (weathermodels.com)

     

     

    According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the full moon gets its name due to it being a time you can hear the call of wolves. Though we know that happens year-round, the vocal calls of wolves can be haunting during the winter months.

    Other names given by various Native American tribes include Cold Moon (Cree), Center Moon (Assiniboin), and Freeze Up Moon (Algonquin).

    The next full moon will be the Full Snow Moon which will occur on Sunday, February 1st.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Ian Cassette

    Source link

  • ‘Wolf Moon’: 2026’s first full moon will also be a supermoon

    The first full moon of 2026 rises this weekend and it just so happens to be one of only three supermoons this year.

    What You Need To Know

    • The ‘Wolf Moon’ rises this weekend

    • It will one of only three supermoons this year

    • Saturday evening will be the best time to see it across the U.S.


    January’s full moon, called the ‘Wolf Moon’, will brighten the night sky throughout this weekend. It technically will peak at 5:03 a.m. ET Saturday morning, but the best time to see it will be after it rises above the horizon that evening. 

    The ‘Wolf Moon’ also happens to be a supermoon this year. This occurs when the moon is closer to earth (parigee) so it appears larger and brighter than normal. You’ll have to wait until November to see the next supermoon.

    Visibility looks good across the Central U.S. Saturday evening, but clouds could be an issue on the opposite coasts.

    Potential cloud coverage Saturday evening across the U.S. (weathermodels.com)

     

     

    According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the full moon gets its name due to it being a time you can hear the call of wolves. Though we know that happens year-round, the vocal calls of wolves can be haunting during the winter months.

    Other names given by various Native American tribes include Cold Moon (Cree), Center Moon (Assiniboin), and Freeze Up Moon (Algonquin).

    The next full moon will be the Full Snow Moon which will occur on Sunday, February 1st.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Ian Cassette

    Source link

  • ‘Wolf Moon’: 2026’s first full moon will also be a supermoon

    The first full moon of 2026 rises this weekend and it just so happens to be one of only three supermoons this year.

    What You Need To Know

    • The ‘Wolf Moon’ rises this weekend

    • It will one of only three supermoons this year

    • Saturday evening will be the best time to see it across the U.S.


    January’s full moon, called the ‘Wolf Moon’, will brighten the night sky throughout this weekend. It technically will peak at 5:03 a.m. ET Saturday morning, but the best time to see it will be after it rises above the horizon that evening. 

    The ‘Wolf Moon’ also happens to be a supermoon this year. This occurs when the moon is closer to earth (parigee) so it appears larger and brighter than normal. You’ll have to wait until November to see the next supermoon.

    Visibility looks good across the Central U.S. Saturday evening, but clouds could be an issue on the opposite coasts.

    Potential cloud coverage Saturday evening across the U.S. (weathermodels.com)

     

     

    According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the full moon gets its name due to it being a time you can hear the call of wolves. Though we know that happens year-round, the vocal calls of wolves can be haunting during the winter months.

    Other names given by various Native American tribes include Cold Moon (Cree), Center Moon (Assiniboin), and Freeze Up Moon (Algonquin).

    The next full moon will be the Full Snow Moon which will occur on Sunday, February 1st.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Ian Cassette

    Source link

  • Snow showers to affect New Year’s plans

    OHIO — As we wrap up 2025 and head into 2026, winter weather will impact New Year’s holiday plans around Ohio.

    What You Need To Know

    • Snow chances will be widespread across Ohio this evening

    • Along and ahead of another cold front, snow showers could be heavy at times, briefly reducing visibility

    • An Arctic cold front is responsible for another push of cold air moving in, and we’ll see even colder air returning Thursday

    Snow chances will be widespread across Ohio this evening, making for a messy New Year’s Eve forecast. 

    Along and ahead of another cold front, snow showers could be heavy at times, briefly reducing visibility and leading to messy roads. 

    We’ll see widespread snow north of I-70 late this afternoon into the evening, then progressing south as we move into your late night forecast. 

    Snow totals outside the Snowbelt won’t be a lot, but the timing will be important, with 1″ or so  quickly falling with some heavier bursts of snow. 

    An Arctic cold front is responsible for another push of cold air moving in, and we’ll see even colder air returning Thursday, with highs in the teens and 20s.

     

    Don’t forget, the Spectrum News App is a great resource to track Ohio’s wintry weather and stay up to date on the latest breaking news and information.

    Meteorologist Ashley Batey

    Source link

  • Winter storm packing snow, winds descends on Great Lakes and Northeast

    A wild winter storm brought strong winds, heavy snow and frigid temperatures to the Great Lakes and Northeast on Tuesday, a day after a bomb cyclone barreled across the Midwest and left tens of thousands of customers without power.

    What You Need To Know

    • A wild winter storm is bringing strong winds, heavy snow and frigid temperatures to the Great Lakes and Northeast

    • The storm forecast for Tuesday follows a bomb cyclone that hit the northern U.S. and left tens of thousands without power

    • Tens of thousands of customers were without power early Tuesday, with Michigan hardest hit

    • The National Weather Service predicts snow squalls and gusty winds for the Eastern U.S. New York’s governor warned of whiteout conditions in parts of the state

    The storm hit parts of the Plains and Great Lakes on Monday with sharply colder air, strong winds and a mix of snow, ice and rain, leading to treacherous travel. Forecasters said it intensified quickly enough to meet the criteria of a bomb cyclone, a system that strengthens rapidly as pressure drops.

    Nationwide, more than 120,000 customers were without power Tuesday morning, nearly a third of them in Michigan, according to Poweroutage.us.

    As the storm moved into Canada, the National Weather Service predicted more inclement weather conditions for the Eastern U.S., including quick bursts of heavy snow and gusty winds known as snow squalls. Blustery winds were expected to add to the arctic chill, with low temperatures dipping below freezing as far south as the Florida panhandle, the agency said.

    Some areas in western and upstate New York saw a foot or more of snow Monday and their totals could reach up to 3 feet this week, forecasters said. Strong winds on Monday, including an 81 mph gust in Buffalo, New York, knocked down trees and wires across the region, the National Weather Service said.

    “At this point, the worst does seem to be over, and we are expecting conditions to improve especially by later today,” said Andrew Orrison, a Weather Service meteorologist in College Park, Maryland.

    Videos on social media show people struggling to walk in the windy conditions and a waterway in downtown Buffalo clogged with tree branches and other debris stemming from a windblown surge from Lake Erie.

    Just south of Buffalo in Lackawanna, Diane Miller was caught on video being blown off the front steps of her daughter’s house and landing in some bushes. She wasn’t seriously hurt.

    “I opened her door and the wind caught me, and I went flying,” Miller told WKBW-TV.

    Winds were expected to decrease in speed Tuesday, but there could still be whiteout conditions in some areas, forecasters said.

    “If you’re in an impacted area, please avoid all unnecessary travel,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul warned said in a post on the social platform X.

    The fierce winds on Lake Erie sent water surging toward the basin’s eastern end near Buffalo while lowering water on the western side in Michigan to expose normally submerged lakebed — even the wreck of a car and a snowmobile.

    Kevin Aldrich, 33, a maintenance worker from Monroe, Michigan, said he has never seen the lake recede so much and was surprised Monday to spot remnants of piers dating back to the 1830s. He posted photos on social media of wooden pilings sticking up several feet from the muck.

    “Where those are at would typically be probably 12 feet deep,” or 3.6 meters, he said. “We can usually drive our boat over them.”

    Waves on Lake Superior had been expected to reach 20 feet on Monday, sending all but one cargo ship into harbors for shelter, according to MarineTraffic.com.

    Dangerous wind chills across parts of North Dakota and Minnesota plunged as low as minus 30 F, or minus 34 C, on Monday. And in northeast West Virginia, rare nearly hurricane-force winds were recorded on a mountain near Dolly Sods, according to the National Weather Service.

    On the West Coast, strong Santa Ana winds with isolated gusts topping 70 mph brought down trees in parts of Southern California where recent storms had saturated the soil. Downed powerlines forced the shutdown of a freeway north of Los Angeles for several hours on Monday. Wind advisories had expired by evening, but blustery conditions were expected through Saturday, along with thunderstorms.

    Rain on New Year’s Day could potentially soak the Rose Parade in Pasadena for the first time in about two decades.

    Associated Press

    Source link

  • Mother Nature continued to ravage North Carolina this year. A look back

    Hurricane Helene roared through the state’s mountains at the tail end of September 2024, and much of 2025 was spent in recovery-and-rebuild mode. While the previous year left a big aftermath to mop up, 2025 also saw plenty of new weather events that ripped at infrastructure and caused significant damage.

         What You Need To Know

    • 2025 got off to a difficult start with the new year beginning just months after Helene’s fury destroyed mountain communities

    • Springtime saw deadly tornadoes, leading to the deaths of two Asheville boys, and extreme heat plagued North Carolina in the summer

    • The autumn saw the collapse of more than a dozen coastal homes after storms created impacts 

    The year started with much of the state outside of the mountains ending a snow drought from previous winters. In the second half of January, snow even fell along the coast. Wilmington saw its first significant snowfall in seven years with just over 2.5″ in the Port City. 

    Tornadoes spun up in the spring, causing the deaths of two boys when a tree fell on their home, south of Asheville. Summertime brought extreme heat to the Tar Heel state with July being one of the hottest on record for some places, like the Triangle and beyond.

    It was hottest in Raleigh and tied for the hottest in Asheville. It was the second hottest July for Charlotte, Greenville and Lumberton.

    The season also saw an intense storm with strong weather that brought damaging wind gusts and instances of flash flooding. The late June storm hit hardest in Caldwell, northern Iredell and Catawba counties where thousands lost power and dozens of trees fell.

    On the heels of this storm came another as summer was also the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season. Tropical Storm Chantal came through July Fourth weekend and dumped rain that caused significant flooding for central parts of the state and other areas of the Carolinas. The flooding caused millions of dollars of worth of damage in addition to the storm leading to four deaths, producing tornadoes, and prompting scores of water rescues. 

    The storm also brought on record flooding the Haw and Eno rivers.

    In late August, Hurricane Erin passed by North Carolina’s coast well out to sea, but still churned up coastal impacts, including rough surf, with waves up to 20 feet high along the Outer Banks, and coastal flooding that caused erosion. Erin left destruction in its wake, bringing the beach inside some Outer Banks hotels, leaving owners and employees in a cleaning frenzy to prepare for Labor Day weekend.

    Hurricane Humberto came next and was also far out in the ocean when it passed N.C.’s coast but still created dangerous surf during the last leg of the tourist season. The coast couldn’t catch a break as Imelda then came in at the end of September, out to sea too, but still causing trouble in the form of rough seas and flooding. 

    As those storms and others battered the coast, more homes crumbled into the surf along the Outer Banks. According to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, 16 houses collapsed in Buxton and Rodanthe this year. 

    While early December saw a rare snow storm, the final months of the year have seen drier than normal conditions in most of North Carolina. Over half of the state is ending the year with a moderate drought. With below average precipitation forecast to continue through the winter months, the drought will be a concern we’ll monitor closely into 2026 as another growing season begins in the spring. 

    Elizabeth Townsend, Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • Extreme wind to blow through Ohio

    OHIO — As a warm front lifts north today, temperatures surge into the 60s and even near 70 for much of the state.

    As a warm front lifts north today, temperatures surge into the 60s and even near 70 for much of the state. Some records may fall today in southern Ohio. 

    While we’re tracking some rain this morning, we’ll be cloudy but mostly dry for the afternoon, allowing an opportunity to enjoy some milder temperatures.

    However, a strong cold front associated with the same area of low pressure moves in tonight, bringing a drastically colder air mass back to Ohio.

    Along the front, showers and even a few strong storms are possible, starting in western Ohio around 9-10 p.m., central Ohio around midnight, then exiting before sunrise. 

    Temperatures drop by nearly 20 degrees within an hour or two, and we’ll remain cold and windy through the day Monday.

     

    Winds along and behind the front could gust as high as 50-60 mph, with the strongest winds likely near Lake Erie. 

    Much of the state will be under a Wind Advisory if not a High Wind Warning tonight into tomorrow.

    Cold air sticks around through the New Year. 

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • Here are some of Ohio’s top weather events of 2025

    OHIO — In 2024, Ohio broke its record for most tornadoes in a year, making it the standout weather story.

    While Ohio didn’t have anything quite that big this year, there were still major weather events that affected communities, brought wonder across the skies and turned the Buckeye State into a winter wonderland. 

    January-February

    Starting the year off strong, a snowstorm affected all of Ohio. In early to mid-January, several counties had to go under Level 3 Snow Emergencies because the roads were too hazardous for travel. Many areas received accumulation, with some reaching up to almost 10 inches, especially in southwest Ohio. 

    In February, the far northeast Ohio region got walloped with snow. 

    March

    March 30 was a night parts of central and southwestern Ohio saw multiple tornadoes. 

    Seven tornadoes were confirmed that evening. Five of them were in Ohio and the other two were in Indiana. All tornadoes were also either an EF-0 or an EF-1. 

    Two barns were destroyed — on ein Fayette County and another in Warren Countnty. Additionally, multiple trees were damaged. 

    April

    Spring came roaring in, especially for Cincinnati. 

    The city witnessed historic flooding. The Ohio River crested at 60.79 feet on April 7, more than double its normal height and the highest level in over 28 years. 

    Hamilton County commissioners had to issue an emergency declaration to help mobilize recovery resources. 

    The flooding damaged multiple buildings, affected riverfront parks and closed down several roadways. 

    November

    For two years in a row, the Northern Lights danced across Ohio skies. 

    A burst of strong solar flares helped the Northern Lights be more visible in the U.S. more than ever. Those solar flares are created bursts of energy called coronal mass ejections, and when that energy hits the Earth, it can cause the aurora borealis. 

    December

    Ohio ended the year just as it started: with snow. 

    Just before winter began, a snowstorm blew through the state on the weekend of Dec. 13, dropping large amounts of snow in several cities. 

    With the snow also came Arctic cold. In some areas, wind chills dipped down into the negative double-digits. 

    [ad_2] Lydia Taylor
    Source link

  • How some of Santa’s little reindeer relate to the weather

    We all know that Santa travels the world on Christmas Eve on a sleigh pulled by eight… no, nine, reindeer! But are you aware of the weather tie-ins with Santa and his reindeer?

    What You Need To Know

    • Two reindeer are named after weather phenomena

    • Rudolph saved the day one Christmas Eve when fog covered most of the Earth

    • Santa uses forecasts from local meteorologists to plan his Christmas Eve flight

    (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

    We’ve all heard the tale of Rudolph, and we’ll cover that part of the story in a moment, but first, let’s start with two of Santa’s original reindeer.

    The original eight

    You know Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid, and Donner and Blitzen, but did you know that two of the reindeer are named after weather phenomena?

    But which ones?

    If you guessed Donner and Blitzen, you are correct!

    Donner, also sometimes called Donder or Dunder, is named after thunder. The name comes from the Dutch word for thunder.

    Blitzen, also spelled Blixen and Blixem, is named after lightning. The name also comes from a Dutch word meaning lightning.

    Santa’s reindeer were never officially named until the 1823 release of the poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” also known as “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” by Clement C. Moore.

    (AP Photo/Malin Moberg)

    Here’s an interesting reindeer fact.

    In the story “The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus” by L. Frank Baum, the author listed ten reindeer. Flossie and Glossie are Santa’s lead reindeer, while Racer and Pacer, Fearless and Peerless, Ready and Steady, and Feckless and Speckless are the rest of the team. 

    None of these names are weather-related terms.

    No offense to L. Frank Baum, but I’m glad we stuck with Clement C. Moore’s names for Santa’s reindeer.

    Rudolph leads the way

    I think we all know the story of Rudolph.

    This iconic reindeer showed up in 1939. Looked upon as a misfit (aren’t we all in some way), the other reindeer rejected Rudolph and made fun of him because of his red, glowing nose. Though that “little” abnormality came in handy “one foggy Christmas Eve.”

    In an unprecedented weather event, one never seen before or seen since, an “outbreak” of fog blanketed most of the planet, and it became impossible for Santa to make his flight on Christmas Eve around the world. 

    All was lost until Santa realized that Rudolph and his incredible nose could lead the way.

    This was Rudolph’s time to shine. (Pun intended.)

    (File Photo)

    And the rest is history. From that time on, Rudolph has been Santa’s lead reindeer.

    Santa’s Christmas Eve forecast

    Something you may not know is Santa Claus has a weather forecasting team at the North Pole.

    Some elves specialize in forecasting the weather around the world. These meteorologists give Santa an overview of the weather around the globe on Christmas Eve, but Santa depends on local National Weather Service and TV meteorologists to provide him forecasts for cities along his flight path.

    My daughter found out about this during a visit with Santa when she was about six years old.

    I had taken her and her younger brother to see Santa a few days before Christmas. As we were next in line, Santa saw us, stood up, walked over to me and asked, “Gary, what kind of weather am I looking at on Christmas Eve?”

    I gave him a quick forecast, he thanked me, walked back over to his chair and sat down as the next child climbed on his lap.

    The expression on my daughter’s face was priceless.

    “Santa knows you?” she asked as she looked up at me with a look of shock, confusion and pride. “Well, of course he does. Who do you think he gets his forecast from for this area? I’m a pilot, and he’s a pilot. I’m the perfect person to give him a ‘flight weather briefing.’”

    Talk about a priceless memory that I will always remember.

    (Gary Stephenson)

    In the Christmas Eve sky

    So on Christmas Eve night, if your skies are clear, look to the sky. You might see a red light moving across the sky. More than likely, it’s the beacon on an airplane, but it might, just might, be the glow of Rudolph’s red nose.

    And if the weather is not so clear, rest well knowing that Santa’s got a well-trained team of reindeer pulling the sleigh and an accurate forecast so he can safely complete his Christmas Eve journey around the Earth.

    I’ll finish my story with these final words.

    My wish for all of you is to have a safe and Merry Christmas. And to Santa and the reindeer, have a good flight!

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Chief Meteorologist Gary Stephenson

    Source link

  • How some of Santa’s little reindeer relate to the weather

    We all know that Santa travels the world on Christmas Eve on a sleigh pulled by eight… no, nine, reindeer! But are you aware of the weather tie-ins with Santa and his reindeer?

    What You Need To Know

    • Two reindeer are named after weather phenomena

    • Rudolph saved the day one Christmas Eve when fog covered most of the Earth

    • Santa uses forecasts from local meteorologists to plan his Christmas Eve flight

    (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

    We’ve all heard the tale of Rudolph, and we’ll cover that part of the story in a moment, but first, let’s start with two of Santa’s original reindeer.

    The original eight

    You know Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid, and Donner and Blitzen, but did you know that two of the reindeer are named after weather phenomena?

    But which ones?

    If you guessed Donner and Blitzen, you are correct!

    Donner, also sometimes called Donder or Dunder, is named after thunder. The name comes from the Dutch word for thunder.

    Blitzen, also spelled Blixen and Blixem, is named after lightning. The name also comes from a Dutch word meaning lightning.

    Santa’s reindeer were never officially named until the 1823 release of the poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” also known as “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” by Clement C. Moore.

    (AP Photo/Malin Moberg)

    Here’s an interesting reindeer fact.

    In the story “The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus” by L. Frank Baum, the author listed ten reindeer. Flossie and Glossie are Santa’s lead reindeer, while Racer and Pacer, Fearless and Peerless, Ready and Steady, and Feckless and Speckless are the rest of the team. 

    None of these names are weather-related terms.

    No offense to L. Frank Baum, but I’m glad we stuck with Clement C. Moore’s names for Santa’s reindeer.

    Rudolph leads the way

    I think we all know the story of Rudolph.

    This iconic reindeer showed up in 1939. Looked upon as a misfit (aren’t we all in some way), the other reindeer rejected Rudolph and made fun of him because of his red, glowing nose. Though that “little” abnormality came in handy “one foggy Christmas Eve.”

    In an unprecedented weather event, one never seen before or seen since, an “outbreak” of fog blanketed most of the planet, and it became impossible for Santa to make his flight on Christmas Eve around the world. 

    All was lost until Santa realized that Rudolph and his incredible nose could lead the way.

    This was Rudolph’s time to shine. (Pun intended.)

    (File Photo)

    And the rest is history. From that time on, Rudolph has been Santa’s lead reindeer.

    Santa’s Christmas Eve forecast

    Something you may not know is Santa Claus has a weather forecasting team at the North Pole.

    Some elves specialize in forecasting the weather around the world. These meteorologists give Santa an overview of the weather around the globe on Christmas Eve, but Santa depends on local National Weather Service and TV meteorologists to provide him forecasts for cities along his flight path.

    My daughter found out about this during a visit with Santa when she was about six years old.

    I had taken her and her younger brother to see Santa a few days before Christmas. As we were next in line, Santa saw us, stood up, walked over to me and asked, “Gary, what kind of weather am I looking at on Christmas Eve?”

    I gave him a quick forecast, he thanked me, walked back over to his chair and sat down as the next child climbed on his lap.

    The expression on my daughter’s face was priceless.

    “Santa knows you?” she asked as she looked up at me with a look of shock, confusion and pride. “Well, of course he does. Who do you think he gets his forecast from for this area? I’m a pilot, and he’s a pilot. I’m the perfect person to give him a ‘flight weather briefing.’”

    Talk about a priceless memory that I will always remember.

    (Gary Stephenson)

    In the Christmas Eve sky

    So on Christmas Eve night, if your skies are clear, look to the sky. You might see a red light moving across the sky. More than likely, it’s the beacon on an airplane, but it might, just might, be the glow of Rudolph’s red nose.

    And if the weather is not so clear, rest well knowing that Santa’s got a well-trained team of reindeer pulling the sleigh and an accurate forecast so he can safely complete his Christmas Eve journey around the Earth.

    I’ll finish my story with these final words.

    My wish for all of you is to have a safe and Merry Christmas. And to Santa and the reindeer, have a good flight!

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Chief Meteorologist Gary Stephenson

    Source link

  • 2025: Weather in Review

    As we close out 2025, here’s a look back at the wild weather experienced this year. From snow to wildfires to tornadoes to flooding, 2025 will be one for the record books.

    What You Need To Know

    • Record snow fell in southern states, including Louisiana, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi, in January

    • A tornado outbreak in May saw an EF3 in St. Louis and an EF4 in south-central Kentucky

    • For the first time in a decade, no hurricane made landfall in the United States



    It didn’t take long into the New Year for Mother Nature to become active.

    First big storm of the season Jan 3. to Jan 6

    On Jan. 3, a storm system moved onshore along the West Coast, producing snow in the mountains of Washington and Montana. The southern side of the storm produced severe weather, including the first tornado of the year in Northern California.

    As it moved east across the Great Plains and Midwest on Jan. 4 and 5, it intensified and pulled in moisture from the Gulf. Parts of Kansas, including the Kansas City metro, saw upwards of 12 to 18 inches of snow, nearly a season’s worth in one storm.

    The St. Louis metro accumulated 8 to over 12 inches, with Weldon Spring, Mo. being the big winner. The snow was so intense at one point, thunder snow was reported.


    Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport received 8 inches of snow, a new daily record, leading to canceled flights. At the height of the storm, the pressure dropped to 976 millibars, equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane.

    The southern side of the system on Jan. 5 produced severe weather in the Lower Mississippi River Valley, with 17 tornado reports and dozens of wind reports.

    The storm pushed east and was along the East Coast by Jan. 6. From Virginia to Pennsylvania and New Jersey, snow accumulated. Richmond, Va. experienced blizzard conditions leading to water outages, which took at least three days to fully restore.

    Southern snow Jan. 21 to 22

    Snow in the south happens, but it’s usually a few flakes, not half a foot or more. A large southern storm system brought big snows to states like Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida in late January. Pensacola, Florida, shattered its two-day snowfall record, accumulating 8.9 inches of snow.

    New Orleans was transformed into a winter wonderland, with snowball fights captured on Bourbon Street. For the first time it their history, the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, La., issued blizzard warnings.

    People walk around on Bourbon Street as snow falls in the French Quarter in New Orleans, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

    Snow wasn’t the only big weather event in January.

    Los Angeles wildfires

    The Santa Ana winds led to dangerous fires across California. 14 fires burned throughout the entire month, with the Pacific Palisades and the Eaton fires as the two largest. Tens of thousands of structures were damaged or destroyed, and fatalities are estimated in the hundreds.

    A car travels down East Mendocino Street as a wildfire burns in the hills near Eaton Canyon, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

    May 15 to 16 tornado outbreak

    Spring saw bouts of severe weather, with several storms producing destructive tornadoes. 

    In May, a deadly tornado outbreak hit the Midwest and Ohio River Valley, with more than 60 tornadoes reported. An EF3 tornado, with estimated winds of 150 mph, touched down in the Greater St. Louis area on May 16, bringing destruction across the northern part of the city and killing four people.

    Damage in the St. Louis metro after an EF3 tornado touched down on May 16, 2025. (Pic: NWS St. Louis)

    The same storm system produced a large EF4-rated tornado, with winds estimated at 170 mph, across south-central Kentucky. This long-tracked tornado caused 19 fatalities and billions of dollars in damage.

    Texas Hill Country flooding

    Turning to summer—During the early morning hours of July 4, the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry combined with Pacific moisture, producing heavy thunderstorms across the Texas Hill Country. Rainfall totals ranged from 8 to over 20 inches in just a few hours, leading to the dramatic rise of the Guadalupe River.

    Camp Mystic stands next a creek that feeds into the Guadalupe River, Monday, July 7, 2025, in Hunt, Texas, after flash flooding swept through the area. (AP Photo/Eli Hartman)

    One of the worst-hit areas was in Kerrville, Texas, where Camp Mystic, a girl’s summer camp along the river, flooded. The water rose so quickly that the camp did not have time to evacuate. Twenty-five campers and two teenage counselors perished during the devastating floods.

    Tampa hits 100 degrees

    2025 saw its fair share of weather records shattered. On July 28, the Tampa International Airport recorded the first triple-digit temperature since records began in 1890. The area hit 100 degrees!

    Hurricane season 

    Speaking of numbers… This was the first time in a decade that no hurricane had made landfall in the United States. However, in late August, Hurricane Erin brought dangerous surf and rip currents to the East Coast.

    Numerous houses along North Carolina’s Outer Banks fell into the sea because of coastal flooding and erosion.

    Five homes collapsed Tuesday in Buxton along North Carolina’s Outer Banks. (Spectrum News 1/Lauren Howard)

    Although no hurricane made landfall in the U.S., Hurricane Melissa made history as the third-most intense Atlantic hurricane and made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm with winds of 185 mph. The storm killed over 100 people and caused at least $10 billion in damage. 

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • 2025: Weather in Review

    As we close out 2025, here’s a look back at the wild weather experienced this year. From snow to wildfires to tornadoes to flooding, 2025 will be one for the record books.

    What You Need To Know

    • Record snow fell in southern states, including Louisiana, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi, in January

    • A tornado outbreak in May saw an EF3 in St. Louis and an EF4 in south-central Kentucky

    • For the first time in a decade, no hurricane made landfall in the United States



    It didn’t take long into the New Year for Mother Nature to become active.

    First big storm of the season Jan 3. to Jan 6

    On Jan. 3, a storm system moved onshore along the West Coast, producing snow in the mountains of Washington and Montana. The southern side of the storm produced severe weather, including the first tornado of the year in Northern California.

    As it moved east across the Great Plains and Midwest on Jan. 4 and 5, it intensified and pulled in moisture from the Gulf. Parts of Kansas, including the Kansas City metro, saw upwards of 12 to 18 inches of snow, nearly a season’s worth in one storm.

    The St. Louis metro accumulated 8 to over 12 inches, with Weldon Spring, Mo. being the big winner. The snow was so intense at one point, thunder snow was reported.


    Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport received 8 inches of snow, a new daily record, leading to canceled flights. At the height of the storm, the pressure dropped to 976 millibars, equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane.

    The southern side of the system on Jan. 5 produced severe weather in the Lower Mississippi River Valley, with 17 tornado reports and dozens of wind reports.

    The storm pushed east and was along the East Coast by Jan. 6. From Virginia to Pennsylvania and New Jersey, snow accumulated. Richmond, Va. experienced blizzard conditions leading to water outages, which took at least three days to fully restore.

    Southern snow Jan. 21 to 22

    Snow in the south happens, but it’s usually a few flakes, not half a foot or more. A large southern storm system brought big snows to states like Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida in late January. Pensacola, Florida, shattered its two-day snowfall record, accumulating 8.9 inches of snow.

    New Orleans was transformed into a winter wonderland, with snowball fights captured on Bourbon Street. For the first time it their history, the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, La., issued blizzard warnings.

    People walk around on Bourbon Street as snow falls in the French Quarter in New Orleans, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

    Snow wasn’t the only big weather event in January.

    Los Angeles wildfires

    The Santa Ana winds led to dangerous fires across California. 14 fires burned throughout the entire month, with the Pacific Palisades and the Eaton fires as the two largest. Tens of thousands of structures were damaged or destroyed, and fatalities are estimated in the hundreds.

    A car travels down East Mendocino Street as a wildfire burns in the hills near Eaton Canyon, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

    May 15 to 16 tornado outbreak

    Spring saw bouts of severe weather, with several storms producing destructive tornadoes. 

    In May, a deadly tornado outbreak hit the Midwest and Ohio River Valley, with more than 60 tornadoes reported. An EF3 tornado, with estimated winds of 150 mph, touched down in the Greater St. Louis area on May 16, bringing destruction across the northern part of the city and killing four people.

    Damage in the St. Louis metro after an EF3 tornado touched down on May 16, 2025. (Pic: NWS St. Louis)

    The same storm system produced a large EF4-rated tornado, with winds estimated at 170 mph, across south-central Kentucky. This long-tracked tornado caused 19 fatalities and billions of dollars in damage.

    Texas Hill Country flooding

    Turning to summer—During the early morning hours of July 4, the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry combined with Pacific moisture, producing heavy thunderstorms across the Texas Hill Country. Rainfall totals ranged from 8 to over 20 inches in just a few hours, leading to the dramatic rise of the Guadalupe River.

    Camp Mystic stands next a creek that feeds into the Guadalupe River, Monday, July 7, 2025, in Hunt, Texas, after flash flooding swept through the area. (AP Photo/Eli Hartman)

    One of the worst-hit areas was in Kerrville, Texas, where Camp Mystic, a girl’s summer camp along the river, flooded. The water rose so quickly that the camp did not have time to evacuate. Twenty-five campers and two teenage counselors perished during the devastating floods.

    Tampa hits 100 degrees

    2025 saw its fair share of weather records shattered. On July 28, the Tampa International Airport recorded the first triple-digit temperature since records began in 1890. The area hit 100 degrees!

    Hurricane season 

    Speaking of numbers… This was the first time in a decade that no hurricane had made landfall in the United States. However, in late August, Hurricane Erin brought dangerous surf and rip currents to the East Coast.

    Numerous houses along North Carolina’s Outer Banks fell into the sea because of coastal flooding and erosion.

    Five homes collapsed Tuesday in Buxton along North Carolina’s Outer Banks. (Spectrum News 1/Lauren Howard)

    Although no hurricane made landfall in the U.S., Hurricane Melissa made history as the third-most intense Atlantic hurricane and made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm with winds of 185 mph. The storm killed over 100 people and caused at least $10 billion in damage. 

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

    Source link