Hailstorms, tornadoes strike Wisconsin amid latest burst of severe weather
Tornadoes, baseball-sized hail and destructive winds jolted parts of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois on Thursday afternoon amid a multiday stretch of severe weather.
The worst of Thursday's storms was focused on Wisconsin, including a tornado that struck New Richmond, Wisconsin, located about 40 miles northeast of Minnesota. The extent of the damage is still unclear, but local resident Tara Olson captured footage of the twister swirling nearby. This was one of multiple tornadoes reported across the region.
Large hail was common with most of the severe storms across the region with NOAA's Storm Prediction Center receiving over 150 reports of severe hail, ranging from the size of quarters to baseballs. One of the hailstorms tracked directly over Madison, Wisconsin, around the evening commute with the largest hail near the city measuring 2 inches in diameter. Another hailstorm pelted Milwaukee in the early evening with quarter-sized hailstones.
Nearly 55,000 electric customers were without power across the region on Thursday evening amid the storms, according to PowerOutage.us.
The severe weather threat is predicted to escalate on Friday afternoon as the storms shift from the Midwest to the Tennessee and Ohio Valleys.
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Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Hurricane season is here. NOAA is in shambles. What could go wrong?
Hurricane season in the Atlantic has officially begun. And while this year will likely be less extreme than in 2024 — one of the most destructive seasons ever, with the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record — it's still shaping up to be a doozy. Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predict 'above-average' activity this season, with six to 10 hurricanes. The season runs from June 1 to November 30. 60 percent: Chance of an above-normal hurricane season. 6 to 10: Hurricanes expected this season, meaning tropical storms with wind speeds reaching at least 74 mph. 3 to 5: Major hurricanes, or storms with wind speeds reaching 111 mph or higher. 13 to 19: Named storms, referring to tropical systems with wind speeds of at least 39 mph. NOAA says it will update its forecast in early August. At least three of those storms will be category 3 or higher, the forecasters project, meaning they will have gusts reaching at least 111 miles per hour. Other reputable forecasts predict a similarly active 2025 season with around nine hurricanes. Last year, there were 11 Atlantic hurricanes, whereas the average for 1991 to 2020 was just over 7, according to hurricane researchers at Colorado State University. A highly active hurricane season is obviously never a good thing, especially for people living in places like Florida, Louisiana, and, apparently, North Carolina (see: Hurricane Helene, the deadliest inland hurricane on record). Even when government agencies that forecast and respond to severe storms — namely, NOAA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA — are fully staffed and funded, big hurricanes inflict billions of dollars of damage, and they cost lives. Under the Trump administration, however, these agencies are not well staffed and face steep budget cuts. Hundreds of government employees across these agencies have been fired or left, including those involved in hurricane forecasting. What could go wrong? The primary reason is that Caribbean waters are unusually warm right now, Brian McNoldy, a hurricane expert at the University of Miami, told Vox. Warm water provides fuel for hurricanes, and waters in and around the Caribbean tend to be where hurricanes form early in the season. If this sounds familiar, that's because the Caribbean has been unusually warm for a while now. That was a key reason why the 2024 and 2023 hurricane seasons were so active. Warm ocean water, and its ability to help form and then intensify hurricanes, is one of the clearest signals — and consequences — of climate change. Data indicates that climate change has made current temperatures in parts of the Caribbean and near Florida several (and in some cases 30 to 60) times more likely. The Atlantic has cooled some since hitting extremely high temperatures over the last two summers, yet 'the overall long-term trend is to warm,' said McNoldy, a senior research associate at the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science. The other key reason why forecasters expect an ample number of hurricanes this year has to do with a complicated climate phenomenon known as the ENSO cycle. ENSO has three phases — El Niño, La Niña, and neutral — that are determined by ocean temperatures and wind patterns. And each phase means something slightly different for hurricane season. Put simply, El Niño tends to suppress hurricanes because it causes an increase in wind shear — the abrupt changes in wind speed and direction. And wind shear can disrupt hurricanes. In La Niña years, meanwhile, there's little wind shear, allowing hurricanes to form, and they're often accompanied by higher sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic. Right now the ENSO phase is, rather unexcitedly, neutral. That means there won't be the high, hurricane-blocking wind shear of El Niño, but the conditions won't be as favorable as they are in La Niña. This all leads to more unpredictability, according to climate scientists. When publishing the NOAA hurricane forecast last month, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who oversees NOAA, said 'we have never been more prepared for hurricane season.' Climate scientists have challenged that claim. They point out that, under the Trump administration, hundreds of workers at NOAA have been fired or otherwise pushed out, which threatens the accuracy of weather forecasts that can help save lives. FEMA has also lost employees, denied requests for hurricane relief, and is reportedly ending door-to-door canvassing in disaster regions designed to help survivors access government aid. 'Secretary Lutnick's claim is the sort of lie that endangers the lives of people living along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, and even those further inland unable to escape the extensive reach of associated torrential rains and flooding,' Marc Alessi, an atmospheric scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists, an environmental advocacy group, told Vox. 'Notwithstanding the valiant efforts of dedicated career staff, this administration has taken to actively thwarting the vital scientific work at agencies including NOAA that communities rely on to stay safe throughout hurricane season.' View Link According to Alessi, a handful of National Weather Service offices along the Gulf Coast — which is often hit by hurricanes — currently lack lead meteorologists. 'Missing this sort of expertise in the face of a projected above-average hurricane season could lead to a breakdown in proper warning and evacuation in vulnerable communities should a storm strike, potentially leading to more deaths that could have otherwise been avoided,' Alessi said. As my colleague Umair Irfan has reported, the National Weather Service is also launching weather balloons less frequently, due to staffing cuts. Those balloons measure temperature, humidity, and windspeed, providing data that feeds into forecasts. 'They've been short-staffed for a long time, but the recent spate of people retiring or being let go have led some stations now to the point where they do not have enough folks to go out and launch those balloons,' Pamela Knox, an agricultural climatologist at the University of Georgia extension and director of the UGA weather network, told Irfan in May. 'We're becoming more blind because we are not having access to that data anymore. A bigger issue is when you have extreme events, because extreme events have a tendency to happen very quickly. You have to have real-time data.' The White House is also trying to dramatically shrink NOAA's funding, proposing a budget cut of roughly $2 billion. In response to the proposed cuts, five former directors of the National Weather Service signed an open letter that raises alarm about what funding and staffing losses mean for all Americans. 'Our worst nightmare is that weather forecast offices will be so understaffed that there will be needless loss of life,' the former directors wrote in the letter. 'We know that's a nightmare shared by those on the forecasting front lines — and by the people who depend on their efforts.'
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
National Hurricane Center watching system off Florida for possible tropical development
Keep an eye open for potential tropical development of a system off Florida's coast in the coming days, especially if it remains offshore. The first indication of potential tropical development close to the southeastern United States appeared on the National Hurricane Center's tropical outlook Monday afternoon, June 3. ➤ Track all active storms ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Chances for development over the next two days ticked up slightly by 8 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, increasing from 0 percent June 2 to 10 percent. Meanwhile, storms continue to bring rain to much of Florida, with a flood watch issued for four counties in South Florida. Saharan dust moving across the Atlantic and moving into Florida this week is helping to keep the tropics quiet. The dust helps prevent storms from developing or strengthening. Historically, tropical systems in June develop close to the U.S., off the southeast coast or in the Gulf of America or Caribbean. Later in the season, storms typically form out of tropical waves moving off the coast of Africa. The Atlantic hurricane season officially began Sunday, June 1, and meteorologists from NOAA to AccuWeather are predicting an above-normal season. The first named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season will be Andrea. Here's the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center as of 8 a.m., June 3. A non-tropical area of low pressure is forecast to form near or offshore of the southeastern U.S. coast along a frontal boundary during the next couple of days, according to the National Hurricane Center. "If the low remains offshore, it could gradually develop some subtropical or tropical characteristics later this week while moving northeastward at 10 to 15 mph." Formation chance through 48 hours: low10 percent. Formation chance through 7 days: low, 10 percent. The National Hurricane Center also is monitoring a tropical wave in the eastern Atlantic. It's moving west at 11 mph. Forecasters urge all residents to keep an eye on the tropics and to always be prepared. The hatched areas on the National Hurricane Center's tropical outlook map indicate "areas where a tropical cyclone — which could be a tropical depression, tropical storm or hurricane — could develop," said National Hurricane Center Deputy Director Jamie Rhome. The colors make it visibly clear how likely a system could develop, with yellow being low, orange medium, and red high. The National Hurricane Center generally doesn't issue tropical advisories until there is a named storm, but there is an exception. "If a system is near land and there is potential for development, the National Hurricane Center won't wait before it issues advisories, even if the system hasn't become an actual storm. This gives residents time to prepare," Rhome said. A tropical wave is a system of low pressure that moves westward across the tropics. Waves can lead to the formation of tropical cyclones, under the right conditions, according to the National Weather Service. The majority of tropical cyclones develop out of tropical waves, which also are called easterly waves, according to NOAA. AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dan Kottlowski said 85% of all tropical storms can trace their origins to tropical waves. "If a tropical wave survives its journey westward, it will find increasingly warm waters and moist air as it approaches the Lesser Antilles, a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea," AccuWeather said. Historically, named storms that develop in June pop up off the southeastern coast of the U.S. and the Gulf of America, according to data from NOAA and the National Weather Service. By August, storms usually develop in the Atlantic or as they emerge as tropical waves off the coast of Africa. AccuWeather meteorologists said while the area off the southeastern coast of the U.S. has a low risk for development, heavy rain, rip currents and rough surf are all possible from mid- to late week. Another area being watched for potential tropical development between June 8 and June 13 is the western Caribbean and eastern Gulf of America. Over the next week to 10 days, moist and dry air will alternate over the Caribbean and as far north as Florida waters in the Gulf and Atlantic, according to AccuWeather. Saharan dust is expected to move into Florida by mid week, with some areas noticing hazy skies as early as June 3. It's expected to hang around into Saturday. ➤ 'Wall of dust': See impacts of Saharan dust, smoke from Canadian wildfires in Florida The next few days will bring multiple rounds of heavy rainfall and the potential for localized flooding, the National Weather Service Miami posted on X. One to 3 inches of rain is likely across most of South Florida June 3, with localized amounts around 6 inches. A flood watch has been issued for Broward, Collier, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Just over 4 inches of rain was recorded over the past 24 hours, the National Weather Service Miami reported at 7 a.m. ➤ Excessive rainfall forecast Along Florida's west coast and Southwest Florida, up to 5 inches of rain is possible in some locations, according to the National Weather Service Tampa Bay. The National Weather Service Melbourne warned residents of Central and east Florida while rain won't be continuous June 3, it will be heavy at times and lead to localized flooding. In Florida's Panhandle, localized heavy downpours are possible through Wednesday, June 4, along with gusty winds up to 40 mph. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Ninety-seven percent of tropical cyclone activity occurs during this time period, NOAA said. The Atlantic basin includes the northern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America, as the Gulf of Mexico is now known in the U.S. per an order from President Trump. NOAA and the National Hurricane Center are now using Gulf of America on its maps and in its advisories. The peak of the season is Sept. 10, with the most activity happening between mid-August and mid-October, according to the Hurricane Center. Systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center include: We will update our tropical weather coverage daily. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: NHC tracking system off Florida. See chances for tropical development
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
National Weather Service Launches New Hiring Spree After DOGE Cuts
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The National Weather Service (NWS) has announced that it will be hiring new meteorologists and specialists after a slate of terminations mandated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) after President Donald Trump's second term in office began. Why It Matters The federal agency, which provides weather, water, and climate forecasts and warnings to protect life and property, and helps enhance environmental awareness and preparedness, lost some 560 workers through layoffs and early retirement incentives earlier this year, according to CNN. What To Know A spokesperson for the weather service, Erica Grow Cei, told Newsweek that the agency is planning to hire additional staff members to "stabilize" the department. "NOAA [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration] leadership is taking steps to address those who took a voluntary early retirement option," she said. Cei also said the NWS will continue to "conduct short-term Temporary Duty assignments, and is in the process of conducting a series of Reassignment Opportunity Notices to fill roles at NWS field locations with the greatest operational need." "Additionally, a targeted number of permanent, mission-critical field positions will soon be advertised under an exception to the department-wide hiring freeze to further stabilize front-line operations," Cei confirmed. The National Weather Service's Office in Mount Holly, New Jersey. The National Weather Service's Office in Mount Holly, New Jersey. GETTY What People Are Saying Tom Fahy, legislative director of the National Weather Service Employees Organization, said: "The system is already overstretched and at some point it will snap. We are at the snapping point now." Republican Representative Mike Flood of Nebraska said: "For many years, the National Weather Service has provided regular weather forecasts across the country. With this hiring initiative, the White House is addressing challenges present in the [Joe] Biden years that were augmented after some staff took buyouts in recent months. "Hiring these positions will help ensure that the agency is able to deliver information the public relies on across the nation to stay safe amid severe weather. Thank you to President Trump for his leadership and for making this a priority in Nebraska and across the nation so the agency can deliver high-quality forecasts." What Happens Next The U.S. has now officially entered the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which began on June 1. In May, the NOAA said it is expecting "above-normal" hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year. NOAA's National Weather Service director Ken Graham warned for Americans to "be prepared" and "take proactive steps now to make a plan and gather supplies to ensure you're ready before a storm threatens."
