ReportWire

Tag: Rochester

  • An anomalously quiet Atlantic hurricane season so far

    An anomalously quiet Atlantic hurricane season so far

    [ad_1]

    Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean spans June through November and this year was forecasted as one for the record books, thanks to several climatological features. 

    What You Need To Know

    • 2024 was forecasted to be the most active Atlantic Hurricane Season on record

    • Through early Sept. 2024 there have only been six named storms

    • “Atlantic Niña” could have contributed to the lack of developing systems


    However, as we approach the midway point between the season, the under performance, so far, in the Atlantic basin has many questioning whether the season was over forecasted or the second half will see an “explosion” of activity.

    2024 Atlantic Season predictions

    Both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Colorado State University (CSU) made their seasonal forecasts back in May and had above average, ranging from 17 to 25 tropical cyclones (named storms) for NOAA and 23 named storms for CSU.

    The average number of named storms is around 14 per season. So why the extreme forecasts?

    The factors that contributed to the high number of storm predictions include near-record warmth of the Atlantic Ocean water temperatures and a La Niña. The La Niña creates a cooling of the equatorial Pacific Ocean temperatures but also reduces the wind shear and Atlantic trade winds, resulting in favorable conditions for storm development.

    Strong start to the season

    The season began strong. Alberto formed in mid-June over the southwestern part of the Gulf of Mexico.

    Next came Beryl, a long-lived storm that formed late June, south of Cabo Verde and traversed the Atlantic Ocean, intensifying into a Category 5 hurricane on July 2, becoming the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record.

    A vehicle is stranded in high waters on a flooded highway in Houston, on Monday, July 8, 2024, after Beryl came ashore in Texas as a hurricane and dumped heavy rains along the coast. (AP Photo/Juan A. Lozano)

    Other storms that followed included Hurricane Debby and Hurricane Ernesto. Here’s a look at the 2024 hurricane season so far.

    By mid-August, conditions in the Atlantic went quiet. A lull that lasted several weeks.

    Early September saw the Atlantic wake up, with Francine forming on Sept. 9 in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico from a tropical wave that crossed the Atlantic the week prior. 

    “Atlantic Niña”

    The sea surface temperatures (SSTs) of the North Atlantic remained extremely warm for much of the year. However, since early June, the central equatorial Atlantic has been about 0.5 to 1.0 degrees Celsius colder than average for this time of the year.

    Dubbed, “Atlantic Niña,” this phenomenon has shifted the track of the “seed” storms, or disturbances that move west off the coast of Africa into the Atlantic Ocean and typically develop into intense storms. According to NOAA, “a stronger West African Monsoon, the track of these waves has shifted north toward cooler waters and overall, less conducive conditions needed for tropical cyclone formation.”

    As of early September, the cooling of the central equatorial Atlantic has weakened with tropical activity expected to increase. NOAA suggests that even in active seasons, there can be periodic lulls in activity and is still forecasting a well above-average season.

    Still a lot of the season to go

    “We are just coming up on the halfway mark of the hurricane season, usually the time of peak activity,” says Dr. Frank Marks, a meteorologist in the Hurricane Research Division of NOAA/Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory.

    Location is key. “For the month of September into early October, the most likely place to watch for tropical cyclone development is still the central Atlantic in the Caribbean. However, there is always a possibility of a tropical cyclone developing in the Gulf of Mexico along an old front.”

    Stressing that systems that form in the Gulf of Mexico are dangerous, “As they are likely to strike land in 2-3 days rather than being able to track them across the Atlantic for a week or more.”

    As for whether this season will be a bust for forecasters, Dr. Marks explains it like this. “Each hurricane season is different, with different changes in the weather patterns that affect the likelihood of storms to form. You need to remember that as Mark Twain once said, ‘Climate is what you expect, but weather is what you get.’”

    Unfortunately, as history has proven, it doesn’t matter the total number of storms per season because it only takes one storm to make landfall in your area and cause devastation.

    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.

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • Francine is strengthening; Tropical Storm and Hurricane Warnings issued

    Francine is strengthening; Tropical Storm and Hurricane Warnings issued

    [ad_1]

    Francine has formed in the Gulf of Mexico, becoming the sixth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Tropical Storm Francine has formed in the Gulf of Mexico

    • It’s forecast to strengthen into a hurricane

    • It will make landfall along the Gulf Coast this week


    Francine is a tropical storm with max winds of 65 mph. It’s slowly moving north-northwest in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico.

    The storm will slowly move off the coast of northeastern Mexico and southern Texas during the next day or so. It will then turn toward the northeast and speed up as it heads to the central Gulf Coast.

    The tropical-storm-force winds extend 160 miles outward from the center, meaning this is a large storm and impacts will be far from the center of the storm.

    It’s forecast to strengthen into a hurricane and could become a hurricane late Monday night or early Tuesday. It is expected to make landfall around Louisiana sometime late Wednesday.

    Regardless of development, this system will bring heavy rainfall to parts of the Gulf Coast and Deep South beginning Tuesday night. However, there is still uncertainty in the exact track and specific impacts. 

    The highest rainfall totals look to be around Louisiana and up the Mississippi River Valley, where flooding is possible through mid-to-late week.

    Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings are issued for parts of the western and central Gulf Coast, and Hurricane Watches and Warnings are in effect across southern Louisiana.


    Here’s a look at the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season so far.

    More Storm Season Resources


    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.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • September hurricanes that brought devastation to the U.S.

    September hurricanes that brought devastation to the U.S.

    [ad_1]

    September is the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season.

    This is because wind shear, the change of speed and/or direction of the wind with height, is weaker, and the ocean waters are extremely warm.

    Sept. 10 is typically the last day for peak tropical activity. From then on out, activity declines, but this doesn’t mean we won’t see powerful storms.

    Let’s look back in recorded history to some of the strongest storms that occurred during September.

    What You Need To Know

    • Most tropical activity occurs during September

    • Storms can form across the entire Atlantic basin

    • The average peak of activity during hurricane season occurs on Sept. 10


    The 2000s

    Damage from Hurricane Ian in Fort Myers, Fla. in 2022. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

    Hurricane Ian in 2022: First forming on Sept. 24, Ian traveled through the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf and the Atlantic, making five total landfalls.

    Ian made its first and second landfall in Cuba and Dry Tortugas, Fla. as a Category 3 hurricane, a third and fourth landfall in Cayo Costa, Fla. and near Punta Gorda, Fla. as a Category 4 hurricane and a final landfall in Georgetown, S.C. as a Category 1. 

    The hurricane affected Florida severely, with tens of thousands of structures damaged or destroyed. Catastrophic storm surge occurred on Florida’s west coast, reaching 10 to 15 feet near Fort Myers.

    Historic flooding occurred in some areas, getting over 20 inches of rain. The highest total was 26.95 inches in Grove City, Fla.

    Ian was responsible for 156 deaths, and became the third costliest hurricane on record, causing $112.9 billion in damage. 

    Two people ride past debris piled up on the beach in Galveston, Texas after Hurricane Ike hit the coast. Courtesy: AP/Matt Slocum.

    Hurricane Ike in 2008: Our next hurricane takes us back to 2008 when a tropical wave slid off the coast of Africa at the end of August. It developed into a tropical depression on Sept. 1, and on the same day, became a tropical storm.

    Ike became a hurricane on Sept. 3, underwent rapid intensification, and became a major hurricane later that same day. By the morning of Sept. 4, it reached a maximum intensity of 145 mph.

    Ike first made landfall in Cuba as a Category 4 hurricane, bringing devastating impacts then weakening.

    After, it moved into the Gulf of Mexico and regained strength, reaching Category 2 status before making landfall near Galveston, Texas on Sept. 13.

    Ike’s slow movement and large wind field led to a storm surge up to 20 feet. It destroyed all homes on the Bolivar Peninsula, submerged roads with floodwaters and blocked roads with fallen debris.

    Ike killed 74 people in the state of Texas, alone.

    Its northeast movement brought impacts far north to the upper Midwest and Northeast, causing extensive wind damage and leaving millions of people without power for over a week.

    Hurricane Rita in 2005: The 2005 Atlantic hurricane season will forever be a memorable one, with many powerful storms impacting the U.S. that year.

    Only a few weeks after Hurricane Katrina, Rita developed into a tropical depression near Turks and Caicos on Sept. 18.

    It tracked west for several days and underwent rapid intensification in the Gulf of Mexico, becoming a major Category 5 hurricane on Sept. 21. Rita weakened to a Category 3 hurricane right before making landfall in southwest Louisiana on Sept. 24.

    Rita caused $18.5 billion in damage, bringing up to 15 feet of storm surge to the coast of Louisiana and Texas. It destroyed or damaged most homes.

    Rita’s storm surge overtopped the levees that were newly repaired from Hurricane Katrina’s destruction the month prior, worsening the devastation across the city of New Orleans.

    Hurricane Ivan floods Gulf Breeze, Fla. Courtesy: AP/John Bazemore

    Hurricane Ivan in 2004: Ivan formed in the central Atlantic on Sept. 2, tracking west-northwest for a week while intensifying.

    It first brushed by Jamaica, Cuba and the Cayman Islands, fluctuating between a Category 4 and Category 5 hurricane before weakening to a Category 3 hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico.

    Ivan then made landfall near Gulf Shores, Ala. as a major Category 3 hurricane on Sept. 16.

    Once again, the storm surge was the primary cause of damage, destroying and washing away many homes.

    Ivan also produced over 100 tornadoes throughout 9 different states and dumped heavy rainfall along its path, racking up $20.5 billion in damage.

    Ivan then moved eastward back toward the Atlantic Ocean, curved back toward Florida, moved over the Gulf of Mexico for a second time, and made a second landfall in Louisiana as a tropical depression.

    Luckily, it weakened quickly and didn’t produce any big impacts the second time around.

    The 1900s

    Hurricane Floyd in 1999: Floyd first originated as a tropical wave that moved off the coast of Africa on Sept. 2.

    It traveled west and intensified to a major Category 4 hurricane while traveling through the Bahamas.

    Floyd then turned north and paralleled the Florida coast, weakening and making landfall at Cape Fear, N.C. as a Category 2 hurricane.

    It brought heavy rain, tornadoes and a high storm surge.

    The peak of the storm surge, which reached 10 feet, occurred at high tide, and devastated the state.

    Nearly every river in eastern North Carolina reached flooding stage. Floyd dropped 17 inches of rain, which only added to the flooding.

    The cyclone caught many people unprepared, and emergency crews had to make more than 1700 water rescues.

    Floyd traveled up the east coast and also brought major flooding to northeastern cities, destroying many homes and businesses and leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power for days.

    The 1938 New England Hurricane floods Providence, R.I. Courtesy: AP

    The 1938 New England Hurricane: The New England Hurricane of 1938 first developed near the Cape Verde Islands on Sept. 9 and tracked toward the U.S.

    It continued up the east coast and eventually made landfall on Long Island, N.Y. as a major Category 3 hurricane on Sept. 21.

    Further inland, on the same day, the hurricane made a second landfall as a Category 3 hurricane between Bridgeport and New Haven.

    Storm tide reached close to 17 feet for areas, destroying many homes. Montauk temporarily became an Island.

    Many residents received little warning about the hurricane, which led to a deadly outcome. Around 500 to 700 people died.

    The Great Miami Hurricane of 1926: Back in 1926, the government centralized storm warnings from their D.C. office, then distributed those warnings to other weather offices.

    However, on the morning of Sept. 17, less than 24 hours before Florida felt the hurricane’s effects, the state didn’t receive any warnings. It wasn’t until the afternoon when the Miami Weather Bureau Office got the go ahead to post-tropical storm warnings.

    That same night, those warnings became hurricane warnings.

    By the morning on Sept. 18, the hurricane that no one prepared for made landfall in Miami, Fla. as a major Category 4 hurricane.

    The hurricane killed over 100 people in Miami.

    Many people were unfamiliar with hurricanes at the time, and while the eye was passing, they thought the hurricane was over.

    The calm lasted about 35 minutes before the wind battered the coast again, and a 10-foot storm surge quickly pushed water on land, leading to a massive amount of destruction.

    The 1800s

    The Cheniere Caminada Hurricane of 1893: Also known as The Great October Storm, it first developed in the Caribbean Sea, bringing impacts to the southern areas of Mexico.

    It then moved into the Gulf of Mexico and intensified to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Cheniere Caminada, La., completely wiping the town off the map.

    Sixteen-foot storm surge flooded the entire town, and strong winds added to the destruction.

    Overall, over 2000 people died, making this hurricane one of the deadliest weather events in history.

    The 1875 Indianola Hurricane: Our last stop takes us to 1875 when a cyclone just started brewing off the coast of Africa on Sept. 1. It made its way west, intensifying, and first passing through the Caribbean.

    It emerged in the Gulf of Mexico where it slowly made its way to Category 3 status and made landfall on Sept. 16 near Indianola, Texas.

    The hurricane devastated the town, and wind gusts leveled many homes. Hundreds of people died when the storm surge washed everything away.

    The town tried to rebuild, but 11 years later, another hurricane destroyed the town, leaving the city to be abandoned.

    Atlantic hurricane season

    With the peak of hurricane season so close, we urge you to always stay prepared. This is when we see activity ramp up.

    96% of Category 3, 4 and 5 hurricanes occur from mid-August to mid-October. This isn’t to say that all hurricanes that develop will make landfall in the U.S., but it is always best to stay prepared for any scenario.

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

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Shelly Lindblade

    Source link

  • Storms across the Eastern U.S. and Gulf Coast could disrupt Labor Day travel

    Storms across the Eastern U.S. and Gulf Coast could disrupt Labor Day travel

    [ad_1]

    Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, and the weather could slow you down.

    If you’re traveling in the western U.S., it will be dry through Labor Day with no slowdowns. If you’re traveling anywhere else in the country, here’s what you need to know about the forecast this weekend.

    What You Need To Know

    • Strong storms are possible in the Northeast and Appalachians on Saturday

    • The storm threat shifts to the East Coast on Sunday

    • Texas and the Gulf Coast will see rain chances all weekend thanks to a disturbance in the Gulf

    • The western U.S. remains dry through Labor Day weekend


    Saturday

    A cold front will be swinging toward the East Coast, bringing showers and storms on Saturday. 

    Severe storms could produce heavy rainfall with gusty winds from the central Appalachians into the Northeast on Saturday. Parts of the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes will also see potential for strong storms.

    Along with the potential for some strong winds within storms, locally heavy rainfall is possible across parts of the Eastern U.S. Rainfall totals could exceed an inch locally from Kentucky northward to New England.

    A disturbance in the northern Gulf of Mexico will also bring some heavy rainfall to the central Gulf Coast. For I-10 travelers, locally heavy rainfall could cause some flooding issues stretching from coastal Texas across southern Louisiana and southern Mississippi.

    Sunday

    The cold front bringing storms on Saturday and Saturday night will continue to push toward the coast on Sunday. It will bring a low-end threat for severe storms stretching from the Mid-Atlantic to New England.

    Heavy rain and gusty winds are possible within storms through Sunday morning and Sunday afternoon, especially along the I-95 corridor. Rainfall totals around this area could climb up to an inch, with the highest totals in North Carolina.

    The disturbance in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico will continue to bring heavy rainfall to parts of the Gulf Coast and across Texas, so any travel in those areas could be soggy.

    Monday

    Rain and storm coverage on Labor Day will be limited to the South and Southeast, with parts of Texas seeing the best potential for heavy rainfall, especially central and west Texas.

    The cold front that moves through the eastern 2/3 of the country will have pushed through by then, allowing high pressure to build in with cooler and drier weather across the Central U.S. and Northeast.

    Aside from Texas, most areas will see minimal impacts from weather traveling around the country.

    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.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • August’s full Sturgeon Moon will also be a supermoon

    August’s full Sturgeon Moon will also be a supermoon

    [ad_1]

    This month’s full moon will peak on Monday just before 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time and will be the first of the supermoons this year.

    What You Need To Know

    • August’s full moon is known as the Sturgeon Moon thanks to abundant lake sturgeon that was caught in the Great Lakes in late summer

    • This is the start of a string of supermoons that will commence in November

    • The moon will look “super-sized”

    Nicknamed the Sturgeon Moon, it will appear larger and brighter than the other full moons seen thus far this year.

    What’s a supermoon?

    “A supermoon is when Earth’s lunar sister’s orbit is at its closest to the planet and when it is full,” explains Spectrum News’ space expert Anthony Leone.

    Adding, “We don’t always get them because the moon’s orbit is more of an oval. So, when the moon is at its closest orbit to Earth, called a perigee, we get a supermoon.”

    He says during this time the moon will appear brighter and look “super-sized.”

    This moon is also considered a “Blue Moon,” which has nothing to do with the color. According to NASA, the third full moon that occurs in a season that has four full moons denotes the third one as a seasonal Blue Moon. A monthly Blue Moon would be the second full moon that occurs during the month.

    Alternative names

    According to the farmer’s almanac, names of moons corresponded with entire lunar months and were derived from Native American, Colonial American and European sources.

    The full moon was dubbed the sturgeon moon thanks to the abundant native freshwater fish caught during late summer in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain. These prehistoric-looking fish provided an important staple for Native Americans in that region.

    There are nearly 30 species of sturgeon worldwide, including the lake sturgeon found in the Great Lakes. The sizes of these fish have evolved from the size of a bass to the size of a car. Unfortunately, due to overfishing in the 19th century, pollution and habitat damage, the lake sturgeon is rare.

    Alternative moon names include Flying Up Moon, a Cree term for when young birds leave the nest. Corn Moon, Harvest Moon, Ricing Moon and Black Cherries Moon all refer to a time of maturing crops.

    More supermoons?

    If you can’t witness this month’s supermoon, Leone says there will be plenty more opportunities. “We will get a celestial treat this year. We will get four supermoons in a row, from August through November.”

    He mentions that September’s supermoon will be extra special. “It will also fall on a partial lunar eclipse. This will give the moon a bit of a reddish color to it and that’s because of the way Earth’s atmosphere refracts light.”

    Check your local forecast here to see how clouds may affect your viewing.

    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.

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • George Santos expected to plead guilty in fraud case, sources say

    George Santos expected to plead guilty in fraud case, sources say

    [ad_1]

    Sources tell NY1 that former Republican Congressman George Santos is expected to plead guilty in a deal with federal prosecutors that will allow him to avoid his corruption trial next month.

    Santos, who represented parts of Queens and Long Island until he was expelled from Congress last year, is scheduled to appear in court in Suffolk County on Monday afternoon.

    Santos is facing 23 felony charges, accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from donors and spending some of the money on lavish personal expenses. Shortly after he was elected in 2022, The New York Times reported extensively how Santos colorfully fabricated much of his life story.

    While Santos had previously insisted that he would fight the charges in court, it appears that he has changed his mind.

    Neither Santos nor federal prosecutors would comment on Monday’s scheduled court appearance. On Santos’ social media account, the former lawmaker made no mention of his legal troubles, instead offering a negative movie review to the new film “Alien Romulus.”

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Ernesto becomes a hurricane north of Puerto Rico

    Ernesto becomes a hurricane north of Puerto Rico

    [ad_1]

    Ernesto has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane. It passed by Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands early Wednesday, bringing torrential rainfall and tropical storm force winds. It continues to produce widespread flash flooding across the eastern Caribbean.

    Ernesto formed in the western Atlantic Ocean, becoming a tropical storm on Monday, Aug. 12, and became a hurricane on Wednesday, Aug. 14. It’s the fifth named storm and third hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.

    What You Need To Know

    • Ernesto is a hurricane

    • It’s moving toward Bermuda

    • It will continue to strengthen


    Ernesto is moving northwest to the north Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands with max winds of 75 mph. It’s expected to strengthen as it moves further into the western Atlantic. It could become a major hurricane as it approaches Bermuda.

    Widespread, heavy rainfall could lead to more flash flooding and mudslides across Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands through Wednesday morning and early afternoon. The storm has brought rough coastal conditions as well across the eastern Caribbean.


    Most models have Ernesto passing near Bermuda as a hurricane Friday night into early Saturday morning.

    Ernesto isn’t expected to directly impact the U.S., but large swells will reach the East Coast late this week into the weekend that will cause life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents.

    Here’s a look at the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season so far.

    More Storm Season Resources


    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.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • The Perseid meteor shower peaks late this weekend

    The Perseid meteor shower peaks late this weekend

    [ad_1]

    One of the best meteor showers of the year peaks late this weekend into early next week. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The Perseid meteor shower has up to 100 meteors per hour

    • The best time for viewing will fall between midnight and dawn

    • This meteor shower comes from the debris of Comet Swift-Tuttle

    The Perseid meteor shower peaks Sunday night into Monday, but you can catch them the rest of this weekend and even into early next week. While you can spot meteors zooming across the sky after dark, your best opportunity will be after midnight.

    As the night goes on, the constellation Perseus–where the meteors appear to originate­–will rise higher in the northeast sky. However, you can look anywhere overhead, not just in that direction.

    The good news is that the moon won’t be full yet, meaning the light won’t wash out the meteors.

    In ideal conditions, this show produces 50 to 100 meteors per hour, or about one or two every minute. Go find a dark place away from city lights and let your eyes adjust to the darkness for at least 15 minutes. 

    The Perseids produce long, bright trails, making it one of the more visual annual showers.

    You might be inclined to photograph these spectacles of light. Like in May, when the northern lights were visible, the best way to capture space phenomena is using a DSLR camera on timer and low exposure. 

    If opting for your smartphone, it’s best to put it on a tripod or stable platform. Go to settings and use long exposure or night mode. 

    In this long exposure photo, a streak appears in the sky during the annual Perseid meteor shower in 2016. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

    In this long exposure photo, a streak appears in the sky during the annual Perseid meteor shower in 2016. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

    We see the Perseids in the late summer as the Earth passes through the dust and debris that Comet Swift-Tuttle leaves behind. The “shooting stars” actually come from grains that are about the size of Grape Nuts, according to Sky & Telescope, that burn in the atmosphere as they zip by at over 130,000 miles per hour.

    The nuggets of Grape Nuts cereal are a good approximation of the cometary dust grains that create meteor showers.

    The nuggets of Grape Nuts cereal are a good approximation of the cometary dust grains that create meteor showers. (Courtesy of Sky & Telescope)

    Hopefully clouds don’t get in your way! Check your local forecast here. But if clear skies aren’t in the cards Saturday night, don’t worry. That’s when they should be most active, but the Perseids don’t suddenly start and stop; you can try looking any time around the peak.

    This isn’t the last meteor shower of the year. See the others coming up, along with other night sights, right 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.

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • Tropical Storm Debby bringing heavy rainfall

    Tropical Storm Debby bringing heavy rainfall

    [ad_1]

    Debby has weakened into a tropical storm again as it continues to push inland over the Florida Panhandle. Debby made landfall near Steinhatchee, Fla., early on Monday, Aug. 5 as a Category 1 hurricane. It will continue to move inland in the Southeast U.S.

    Debby strengthened into the second hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. It formed into a tropical storm on Saturday, Aug. 3, and became a hurricane on Sunday, Aug. 4. Debby is the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.

    What You Need To Know

    • Debby is a tropical storm

    • It made landfall near Steinhatchee, Fla. on Monday, Aug. 5, as a Category 1 hurricane

    • It’s forecast to stall out and bring heavy rainfall to the Southeast U.S.


    Debby is weakening as it pushes inland. It’s a tropical storm with max winds of 50 mph and is slowly moving northeast. It moved inland along Florida’s Big Bend coast near Steinhatchee and made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane with max winds of 80 mph early on Monday morning.

    The track of Debby has it moving across the northern Sunshine State, then moving back over the Atlantic where it will scrape the southeastern coast. It looks to stall along the Southeast coast for several days, bringing inches to possibly feet of rain to the region.

    Tropical Storm Warning

    • St. Augustine, Florida to South Santee River South Carolina

    Storm Surge Warning

    • Georgia and South Carolina coast from the Mouth of the St. Mary’s River to South Santee River South Carolina

    Debby looks to cross the northern part of Florida and eventually it will slow down to a crawl. This would bring days of rain to the coastal Southeast for areas from Savannah to Charleston.

    Areas of flash flooding are possible through the week. The highest rainfall totals will be in parts of coastal Georgia and South Carolina, where significant flooding is expected. 

    There is a high risk of excessive rainfall for the next three days.

    Rainfall totals will climb up to 12 to 15 inches this week with locally higher totals possible

    Here’s a look at the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season so far.

    More Storm Season Resources


    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.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Neighbors help clean up after Minnesota state senator’s home tagged with racist graffiti

    Neighbors help clean up after Minnesota state senator’s home tagged with racist graffiti

    [ad_1]

    Minnesota lawmaker says they were targeted by racist graffiti


    Minnesota lawmaker says they were targeted by racist graffiti

    00:49

    ROCHESTER, Minn. — Police in Rochester are investigating after a state lawmaker’s home was tagged with racist graffiti.

    Rep. Kim Hicks, DFL-Rochester, says it happened early Saturday morning.

    Her home and political signs for the Biden and Harris campaigns were defaced with swastikas, racial slurs and Ku Klux Klan signatures.

    Hicks says her home security video showed two or three people spray painting her property — but she says it won’t change her approach to her job.

    “We don’t scare easily, so we’re just going to keep talking to folks about the vision we have for Rochester and for Minnesota,” Hicks said. “This isn’t who Rochester is. This isn’t who Minnesota is. This is a small group of people who have hate in their heart.”

    Neighbors and other DFL lawmakers came over to help repaint what they could and get rid of the graffiti.

    Hicks is running for reelection and says her diverse family and her position as a lawmaker makes her a target.

    [ad_2]

    WCCO Staff

    Source link

  • The bioluminescent beetles and how we can protect them

    The bioluminescent beetles and how we can protect them

    [ad_1]

    It’s summer, and you might spend your days at the pool, or hiking on the trails, but popular nighttime activities include catching those glowing beetles. Whether you refer to them as fireflies or lightning bugs, the glow of these insects becomes magical.  

    What You Need To Know

    • Lightning bugs and fireflies are the same beetle, just have different names depending on your location

    • The biggest threat to the beetles right now is habitat loss

    • Lightning bugs (fireflies) are flying, bioluminescent insects


    The ideal weather for these beetles is warm and humid. Unlike most humans, they thrive under these conditions. That’s why summer is when they are present.

    Bioluminescence

    “Fireflies use a trick called bioluminescence to create their amazing light,” says Dan Zarlenga, with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).

    The insects contain an enzyme called luciferase, which produces light, yet very little heat. The glow we see, he adds, “is similar to the chemical reactions much like we see in glow sticks.”

    Remi Lynn holds a lightning bug on a warm summer night. (Spectrum News/Stacy Lynn)

    Is it a firefly or lightning bug?

    One could guess how they got their name, but why do some refer to them as fireflies and others say they are lightning bugs? “Lightning bug and firefly are just different popular names for the same type of insect,” says Zarlenga. But the naming convention comes down to location.

    About ten years ago, Joshua Katz, then a PhD candidate from the NC State Department of Statistics, mapped out results from a survey he created on the name of these insects. The results showed nearly 40% of participants used the terms firefly and lightning bug interchangeably, whereas around 30% only referred to them as lightning bugs and the other 30% only considered them fireflies.  

    Based on his map, areas to the west of the Rockies are more likely to call them fireflies, whereas the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and South are more inclined to refer to them as lightning bugs. New England, Florida and Texas use the terms interchangeably.

    Small but mighty

    You can find beetles in less developed areas, like forests or meadows or even your backyard, anywhere that contains wood or leaf litter. “The females lay their eggs late summer in wet soil, rotting wood and damp leaf litter,” explains Zarlenga. 

    The larvae, known as glowworms, live in this damp environment. The worms may be wingless, but he says these larvae are “voracious predators with jaws containing toxins to overpower snails, slugs and other prey.”

    Once they reach the mature or adult stage, usually in late spring, they can fly. However, they only last for approximately two months. The light they emit is a means of communication, especially for mating.

    When done mating, some females will flash their light for their next meal. They will attract additional males to consume.

    Habitat loss

    These beetles thrive in warm weather with minimal light pollution. What is threatening their population is habitat loss, says Zarlenga. “Such as paving over fields and forests where they live and the use of pesticides and herbicides, which hurt their numbers by killing them too.”

    Excess light pollution isn’t good for lightning bugs either. “It confuses and disrupts their flashes used in communication and mating activities,” he adds.

    He says to help the fireflies, “We urge people to limit or avoid the use of these chemicals in their yards, leave some leaf litter and portions of tall grass as habitat, and reduce the use of artificial light.”

    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.

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • Here’s why standing near a tree during a storm is dangerous

    Here’s why standing near a tree during a storm is dangerous

    [ad_1]

    Unfortunately, August alone has tallied six lightning deaths in the United States. 

    What You Need To Know

    • August’s six lightning deaths brings the 2022 total to 14 so far

    • Some of the deaths happened when people were under or near a tree

    • Ground current affects a larger area than the strike itself

    (NOAA)

    It’s been a tragic month for lightning deaths, including a Central Florida woman who was killed by lightning while waiting for her daughter to get off the school bus. Reports say lightning hit a nearby tree. Earlier this month, three people near the White House were killed when lightning struck the tree they were under.

    Being under a tree is one of the leading causes of lightning casualties. But why is being under–or even near–a tree so dangerous?

    When lightning strikes a tree, the energy travels out along the ground’s surface. The ground current affects a larger area and can lead to multiple injuries or deaths.

    John Jensenius with the National Lightning Safety Council says the most recent multi-fatality incidents all have one feature in common: trees. 

    When it rains, don’t seek shelter under a tree. Find a building or a hard-topped vehicle and don’t wait until the last minute to seek shelter. Lightning can strike more than 10 miles away from a thunderstorm.

    If you can hear thunder, you are in danger of being struck by lightning, even if it’s not raining where you are. 

    Remember: “When thunder roars, go indoors!”

    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.

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Juli Marquez

    Source link

  • Here’s why standing near a tree during a storm is dangerous

    Here’s why standing near a tree during a storm is dangerous

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Seven people have been killed in the U.S. this year by lightning and two of them have been in Florida. 

    Based on the past 10 years, the U.S. averages 12 lightning deaths through July 22.

    What You Need To Know

    • Seven people have been killed in the U.S. in 2024 by lightning and two of them have been in Florida

    • Some of the deaths happened when people were under or near a tree

    • Ground current affects a larger area than the strike itself


    A 19-year-old man was struck and killed Sunday, June 30 in Davie, Florida, while walking in a park.  He was under a tree when the lightning struck.  

    Florida leads the nation in lightning deaths, now with 90 since 2006, including the two this year.

    Both Florida lightning fatalities this year were related to walking in parks.  The National Lightning Safety Council offers these tips to people planning to go out for a walk.

    http://lightningsafetycouncil.org/Graphics/Tips-For-Walkers-And-Runners.png

    Being under a tree is one of the leading causes of lightning casualties. But why is being under–or even near–a tree so dangerous?

    When lightning strikes a tree, the energy travels out along the ground’s surface. The ground current affects a larger area and can lead to multiple injuries or deaths.

    John Jensenius with the National Lightning Safety Council says the most recent multi-fatality incidents all have one feature in common: trees. 

    When it rains, don’t seek shelter under a tree. Find a building or a hard-topped vehicle and don’t wait until the last minute to seek shelter. Lightning can strike more than 10 miles away from a thunderstorm.

    If you can hear thunder, you are in danger of being struck by lightning, even if it’s not raining where you are. 

    Remember: “When thunder roars, go indoors!”

    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.

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Juli Marquez

    Source link

  • Full buck moon peaks on Sunday morning

    Full buck moon peaks on Sunday morning

    [ad_1]

    This month when the full moon peaks on Sunday at 6:17 a.m. Eastern Time, it will be the climax of the full buck moon, aptly named for those furry, even white-tailed, creatures who possess the woods and fields alike.

    What You Need To Know

    • Full July moon peaks Sunday morning but will be visible this weekend

    • Named the full buck moon for male deer that shed their antlers

    • Origins come from several sources, including Native Americans


    The origins of the name come from several sources, including Native Americans, early American settlers and even European foundations. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, it gets its name from the time of the year when male deer or bucks shed their antlers.

    Other names include the Berry Moon, Thunder Moon, Halfway Summer Moon, Salmon Moon and Feather Molting Moon.

    You can download the moon app to see when the moon will rise from your location. 

    Does the full moon make people or animals act differently? Here are five myths about the full moon.

    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.

    [ad_2]

    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • What we know about the suspect in apparent assassination attempt of Donald Trump

    What we know about the suspect in apparent assassination attempt of Donald Trump

    [ad_1]

    The man identified as the shooter in the apparent assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump was a 20-year-old from a Pittsburgh suburb not far from the campaign rally where one attendee was killed.

    Investigators were working Sunday to gather more information about Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, who they say opened fire at the rally before being killed by Secret Service days before Trump was to accept the Republican nomination for a third time.

    What You Need To Know

    • The man identified as the shooter in the apparent assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump was a 20-year-old from a suburb of Pittsburgh not far from the campaign rally where one attendee was killed
    • Authorities say Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, opened fire at the rally on Saturday, days before Trump was to accept the Republican nomination for a third time
    • Relatives of Crooks didn’t immediately respond to messages from The Associated Press
    • His father, Matthew Crooks, told CNN late Saturday that he was trying to figure out “what the hell is going on” but wouldn’t speak about his son until after he talked to law enforcement



    An FBI official said late Saturday that investigators had not yet determined a motive. Two spectators were critically injured, authorities said.

    Relatives of Crooks didn’t immediately respond to messages from The Associated Press. His father, Matthew Crooks, told CNN late Saturday that he was trying to figure out “what the hell is going on” but wouldn’t speak about his son until after he talked to law enforcement.

    A blockade had been set up Sunday preventing traffic near Crooks’ house, which is in an enclave of modest brick houses nestled in the hills of blue-collar Pittsburgh.

    Crooks’ political leanings were not immediately clear. Records show Crooks was registered as a Republican voter in Pennsylvania, but federal campaign finance reports also show he gave $15 to a progressive political action committee on Jan. 20, 2021, the day President Joe Biden was sworn in to office.

    Public Pennsylvania court records show no past criminal cases against Crooks.

    The FBI released his identity early Sunday morning, hours after the shooting. Authorities told reporters that Crooks was not carrying identification so they were using DNA and other methods to confirm his identity.

    Law enforcement recovered an AR-style rifle at the scene, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation.

    An AP analysis of more than a dozen videos and photos from the scene of the Trump rally, as well as satellite imagery of the site, shows the shooter was able to get close to the stage where the former president was speaking.

    A video posted to social media and geolocated by the AP shows the body of a person wearing gray camouflage lying motionless on the roof of a building at AGR International Inc., a manufacturing plant just north of the Butler Farm Show grounds where Trump’s rally was held.

    The roof where the person lay was less than 150 meters (164 yards) from where Trump was speaking, a distance from which a decent marksman could reasonably hit a human-sized target. For reference, 150 meters is a distance at which U.S. Army recruits must hit a scaled human-sized silhouette to qualify with the M-16 rifle.

    Investigators believe the weapon was bought by the father at least six months ago, two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press.

    The officials said federal agents were still working to understand when and how Thomas Crooks obtained the gun. The officials were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity

    [ad_2]

    Associated Press

    Source link

  • Photo Gallery: Beryl’s impacts across the Caribbean, Mexico and U.S.

    Photo Gallery: Beryl’s impacts across the Caribbean, Mexico and U.S.

    [ad_1]

    Beryl was the first hurricane to make landfall in 2024.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Weather Staff

    Source link

  • State trooper in Rochester crash that killed 18-year-old Olivia Flores charged with manslaughter

    State trooper in Rochester crash that killed 18-year-old Olivia Flores charged with manslaughter

    [ad_1]

    OWATONNA, Minn. — A Minnesota State Patrol trooper was charged Tuesday in May’s fatal crash that killed an Owatonna high school cheerleader and injured five others. 

    The crash happened at the intersection of 12th Street Southwest and Apache Drive Southwest in Rochester. Documents say that Shane Roper, a 32-year-old trooper with eight years of experience, was driving his squad car with “excessive speed” and without his lights on when he hit a Ford Focus that was trying to make its way through the intersection. The impact then caused the two cars to hit a Toyota Rav4.

    Before the crash, Roper was following a separate driver that he suspected had committed a petty traffic offense. According to the charges, he activated his emergency lights and accelerated to 98 mph on Highway 52 and slowed when he existed onto 12th Street Southwest. When he got onto 12th Street Southwest, he turned off his emergency lights and accelerated to 83 mph in a 40 mph zone.

    Documents say that he wasn’t able to brake fast enough, nor could he avoid the collision. He struck the Ford Focus while going at least 55 mph.

    The driver of the Focus said Roper’s squad car was as fast as “a rocket,” and other witnesses described it as “flying,” “in a blink of an eye,” and “hauling a**.” None of the witnesses heard emergency lights or a siren, documents say.

    The passenger of the Ford Focus, 18-year-old Olivia Flores, was killed in the crash. The two others in the Focus were injured, as well as the two in the Toyota Rav4. Roper also had a passenger with him at the time, a “ride-along,” who was also injured.

    In a statement weeks after the crash, Roper said he was trying to “close the gap” between his squad and the vehicle he suspected of the traffic violation. He said he was not in active pursuit, was not paying attention to his speed, and thought his lights were still activated. Roper added that he attempted to “clear” the intersection before he entered it.

    Documents say that Roper’s driving records reveal four prior crashes due to his “inattentive driving or excessive speed.” Three hours before the fatal collision on May 18, he was driving over 99 mph on “numerous occasions” while trying to initiate traffic stops, even at one point traveling 135 mph in a 55 mph zone without his lights or siren. Court documents also note that he has had consistent driving-related training over his eight years with the State Patrol. 

    The charges say Roper’s driving conduct on May 18 was “grossly negligent” and “disregarded the safety and lives of other individuals on or near the roadway.”

    Roper was charged with second-degree manslaughter, one count of criminal vehicular homicide and five counts of criminal vehicular operation, as well as reckless driving and careless driving charges. Second-degree manslaughter carries a maximum 10-year sentence.

    “We express our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Olivia Flores and to the other community members affected by the tragic fatal crash,” Chief of the Minnesota State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic said. “The conduct alleged in the criminal complaint is concerning and does not align with the State Patrol’s core values.”

    Roper remains on paid investigative leave, which is in line with the troopers’ labor contract.

    Note: The above video first aired on May 20, 2024.

    [ad_2]

    WCCO Staff

    Source link

  • Beryl expected to restrengthen into Hurricane, make landfall in Texas Monday

    Beryl expected to restrengthen into Hurricane, make landfall in Texas Monday

    [ad_1]

    Tropical Storm Beryl is expected to restrengthen as a Category 1 hurricane as it heads for the Texas coast.

    It made another landfall early Friday morning on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, just northeast of Tulum. It made its second landfall as a Category 2 storm with max winds of 110 mph. Beryl’s third landfall is forecast to be on the Texas coast early Monday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Beryl was the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record

    • It moved through the Caribbean and made landfall in Mexico on Friday

    • The center of Beryl is forecast to approach the Texas coast on Sunday and then make landfall on the Texas coast on Monday


    Beryl is currently a tropical storm with max winds of 60 mph and it’s moving northwest in the Gulf of Mexico, moving away from Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

    There is an increasing risk of damaging hurricane-force winds and life-threatening stom surge in portions of the Texas coast late Sunday into Monday, where Hurricane and Storm Surge Warnings are in effect.

    Tropical storm conditions are also expected to be felt in a portion of northeastern Mexico.

    These are the following tropical alerts in place:

    Hurricane Warning

    A Hurricane Warning is now in effect for the Texas coast from Baffin Bay northward to Sargent.

    Tropical Storm Warning

    A Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect for the Texas coast north of Sargent to High Island.

    Storm Surge Warning

    A Storm Surge Warning has been issued from North Entrance of the Padre Island National Seashore northward to San Luis Pass, including Corpus Christi Bay and Matagorda Bay.

    Storm Surge Watch

    A Storm Surge Watch has been issued along the Texas coast east of High Island to Sabine Pass.

    Models have Beryl turning northwest this weekend once it moves into the Gulf of Mexico. It is expected to make another landfall early Monday around South Texas.

    Beryl so far

    Beryl formed on Friday, June 28, becoming the second named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. It became a hurricane on Saturday, June 29, and on Sunday, June 30, it became the earliest Atlantic Category 4 storm on record.

    It was the earliest major hurricane (Category 3+) to form in the Atlantic basin since 1966, and the third earliest major hurricane to form on record.

    It made landfall on Carriacou Island in Grenada on Monday, July 1, as a strong Category 4 with max winds of 150 mph. It was the earliest Category 4 storm to make landfall in the Atlantic basin on record.


    Late on Monday, July 1, Beryl moved back over the southeastern Caribbean Sea and continued to strengthen into a Category 5 hurricane. It became the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record, breaking the prior record held by Hurricane Emily in 2005 by two weeks.

    With max winds of 165 mph, it also made Beryl the strongest July Atlantic hurricane on record.

    As Beryl moved across the Caribbean Sea, it brought strong winds, heavy rain and dangerous storm surge and waves to the southern coast of the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

    It moved toward Jamaica as a major hurricane, and its eyewall brushed past the southern side of the country. It didn’t make landfall on the island, but Hurricane Warnings were issued. 


    It also closely moved past the Cayman Islands after passing Jamaica. 

    Beryl made its second landfall just northeast of Tulum on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It moved inland on the morning of July 5, as a Category 2 hurricane with max winds of 110 mph.

    We’ll continue to monitor the latest tropical development. You can see other areas with development potential here.

    Check to see how the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is going so far.

    More Storm Season Resources


    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.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Hurricane Beryl now Category 2 with 110 mph winds

    Hurricane Beryl now Category 2 with 110 mph winds

    [ad_1]

    As of the latest advisory Thursday night, Hurricane Beryl is a Category 3 hurricane as it passes southwest of the Cayman Islands. It will potentially make another landfall on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

    Beryl was the earliest Category 5 hurricane to form in the Atlantic Basin, and it was the earliest Category 4 to make landfall on record after passing through the southern Windward Islands on Monday, July 1.

    What You Need To Know

    • Beryl was the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record; it is now Cat 3 with 115 mph winds

    • It made landfall on Carriacou Island in Grenada on Monday, July 1

    • It’s moving west-northwest across the Caribbean Sea


    Beryl is currently a Category 3 hurricane with max winds of 115 mph and it’s moving west-northwest through the Caribbean Sea. 

    It is moving closely by the Cayman Islands, bringing hurricane-force winds and damaging waves through early Thursday. Strong winds, dangerous storm surge, damaging waves and areas of flooding are expected in the Cayman Islands, where a Hurricane Warning remains in effect.

    Beryl should remain a hurricane as it approaches the Yucatan Peninsula and Belize late on Thursday. It will eventually enter the Bay of Campeche and the southwestern Gulf of Mexico this weekend.

    These are the following tropical alerts in place:

    Hurricane Warning:

    • Little Cayman and Cayman Brac
    • The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico from Puerto Costa Maya to Cancun

    Hurricane Watch:

    • The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico south of Puerto Costa Maya to Chetumal
    • The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico north of Cancun to Cabo Catoche

    Tropical Storm Warning:

    • The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico south of Puerto Costa Maya to Chetumal
    • The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico north of Cancun to Cabo Catoche

    Tropical Storm Watch:

    • Coast of Belize from south of Chetumal to Belize City
    • The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico west of Cabo Catoche to Campeche

    Beryl will continue its path west-northwest as it moves through higher wind shear, which should lead to gradual weakening, although it will remain a dangerous storm in the Caribbean Sea.

    Most models have Beryl moving back of the Bay of Campeche and the southwestern Gulf of Mexico as a tropical storm this weekend.

    It’s too early to tell if Beryl will have any direct impact on the U.S., but it’s important to follow the latest updates, especially in the western Gulf of Mexico.

    Beryl so far

    Beryl formed on Friday, June 28, becoming the second named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. It became a hurricane on Saturday, June 29, and on Sunday, June 30, it became the earliest Atlantic Category 4 storm on record.

    It was the earliest major hurricane (Category 3+) to form in the Atlantic basin since 1966, and the third earliest major hurricane to form on record.

    It made landfall on Carriacou Island in Grenada on Monday, July 1, as a strong Category 4 with max winds of 150 mph. It was the earliest Category 4 storm to make landfall in the Atlantic basin on record.


    Late on Monday, July 1, Beryl moved back over the southeastern Caribbean Sea and continued to strengthen into a Category 5 hurricane. It became the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record, breaking the prior record held by Hurricane Emily in 2005 by two weeks.

    With max winds of 165 mph, it also made Beryl the strongest July Atlantic hurricane on record.

    We’ll continue to monitor the latest tropical development. You can see other areas with development potential here.

    Check to see how the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is going so far.

    More Storm Season Resources


    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.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Hurricane Beryl now Category 2 with 110 mph winds

    Hurricane Beryl now Category 2 with 110 mph winds

    [ad_1]

    As of the latest advisory Thursday night, Hurricane Beryl is a Category 3 hurricane as it passes southwest of the Cayman Islands. It will potentially make another landfall on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

    Beryl was the earliest Category 5 hurricane to form in the Atlantic Basin, and it was the earliest Category 4 to make landfall on record after passing through the southern Windward Islands on Monday, July 1.

    What You Need To Know

    • Beryl was the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record; it is now Cat 3 with 115 mph winds

    • It made landfall on Carriacou Island in Grenada on Monday, July 1

    • It’s moving west-northwest across the Caribbean Sea


    Beryl is currently a Category 3 hurricane with max winds of 115 mph and it’s moving west-northwest through the Caribbean Sea. 

    It is moving closely by the Cayman Islands, bringing hurricane-force winds and damaging waves through early Thursday. Strong winds, dangerous storm surge, damaging waves and areas of flooding are expected in the Cayman Islands, where a Hurricane Warning remains in effect.

    Beryl should remain a hurricane as it approaches the Yucatan Peninsula and Belize late on Thursday. It will eventually enter the Bay of Campeche and the southwestern Gulf of Mexico this weekend.

    These are the following tropical alerts in place:

    Hurricane Warning:

    • Little Cayman and Cayman Brac
    • The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico from Puerto Costa Maya to Cancun

    Hurricane Watch:

    • The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico south of Puerto Costa Maya to Chetumal
    • The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico north of Cancun to Cabo Catoche

    Tropical Storm Warning:

    • The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico south of Puerto Costa Maya to Chetumal
    • The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico north of Cancun to Cabo Catoche

    Tropical Storm Watch:

    • Coast of Belize from south of Chetumal to Belize City
    • The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico west of Cabo Catoche to Campeche

    Beryl will continue its path west-northwest as it moves through higher wind shear, which should lead to gradual weakening, although it will remain a dangerous storm in the Caribbean Sea.

    Most models have Beryl moving back of the Bay of Campeche and the southwestern Gulf of Mexico as a tropical storm this weekend.

    It’s too early to tell if Beryl will have any direct impact on the U.S., but it’s important to follow the latest updates, especially in the western Gulf of Mexico.

    Beryl so far

    Beryl formed on Friday, June 28, becoming the second named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. It became a hurricane on Saturday, June 29, and on Sunday, June 30, it became the earliest Atlantic Category 4 storm on record.

    It was the earliest major hurricane (Category 3+) to form in the Atlantic basin since 1966, and the third earliest major hurricane to form on record.

    It made landfall on Carriacou Island in Grenada on Monday, July 1, as a strong Category 4 with max winds of 150 mph. It was the earliest Category 4 storm to make landfall in the Atlantic basin on record.


    Late on Monday, July 1, Beryl moved back over the southeastern Caribbean Sea and continued to strengthen into a Category 5 hurricane. It became the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record, breaking the prior record held by Hurricane Emily in 2005 by two weeks.

    With max winds of 165 mph, it also made Beryl the strongest July Atlantic hurricane on record.

    We’ll continue to monitor the latest tropical development. You can see other areas with development potential here.

    Check to see how the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is going so far.

    More Storm Season Resources


    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.

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link