Texas flood death toll rises to 131, dozens still missing amid new rain threat
The torrential July 4 storm dumped over a foot of rain in under an hour in Texas Hill Country — an area ominously nicknamed "flash flood alley" — triggering a lethal surge down the Guadalupe River basin.Recovery and search efforts have been further complicated by another round of storms. A National Weather Service flood watch forecasting heavy downpours of up to half a foot of rain was posted until Tuesday morning for a wide swath of central Texas extending from the Rio Grande east to San Antonio and Austin.Officials have halted recovery operations along the riverbanks due to renewed flooding concerns. Residents and search teams have been urged to seek higher ground.Abbott also announced that the Texas Legislature will convene a special session later this month to investigate the flood disaster's root causes, including emergency response and preparedness. He noted rising public concern over the 'lack of flash-flood warning sirens in Kerr County and staffing shortages at National Weather Service offices' due to earlier federal cuts.- EndsInputs from Reuters
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Economic Times
2 hours ago
- Economic Times
Arctic no more? Finland breaks record with 14 straight days over 30°C in shocking heatwave
Reuters Finland breaks heat record with 14 straight days above 30°C during 2025 heatwave, causing dry soil and forest fire warnings across the country. Finland has broken a national weather record with 14 days in a row over 30°C, said the Finnish Meteorological Institute. This new record beats the old one from 1972, which had 13 straight hot days, according to the report by Helsinki Friday, the temperature hit 30.3°C in Parikkala, confirming the 14th hot day in a row. This is now the longest and hottest heatwave ever recorded in Finland since 1961. Meteorologist Jani Sorsa said Finland has broken two records: A nationwide streak of days over 30°C. A local streak in Ylitornio's Meltosjärvi, where it was over 25°C for 15 days. That local record was also last set in 1972. On Friday, almost the whole country was hot, except for far northern Lapland, where it stayed a little cooler. West coast areas felt some relief from sea breezes, but most parts stayed dry and hot, according to the report by Helsinki Times. ALSO READ: Ozzy funeral: Where does Sharon Osbourne want to bury the iconic singer? Here's the place she has identified The reason for the heat is a strong high-pressure system that's been sitting over Finland for two weeks. Anniina Valtonen said the weather pattern has been slow-moving, which is why the heat hasn't left. Because of no rain, the top layer of soil is now very dry, and there are warnings for heat and forest fires all over Finland. The heatwave will likely continue through Saturday, and temperatures may cross 30°C again. But by Sunday, rain and thunderstorms are expected in Lapland and eastern Finland. More rain and thunder could spread from Satakunta to Ostrobothnia and the northeast by Sunday. Valtonen said a low-pressure system is coming, which might end the heatwave. If Saturday reaches 30°C again, the streak could grow to 15 days, but Sunday is uncertain, as per the report by Helsinki Times. No national emergency yet, but local authorities are warning people to stay safe, especially elderly people and those with illnesses. Swimming pools and beaches are packed, like Leppävaara pool in Espoo and Hamina of fans and air conditioners have gone up, as people try to stay cool. Coastal towns had a little break thanks to sea winds, but inland cities like Parikkala, Joensuu, and Seinäjoki saw the highest temperatures, according to the report by Helsinki Times. ALSO READ: JD Vance torches Microsoft for axing US jobs while doubling down on H-1B visas Ville Siiskonen said that southeastern and Northern Ostrobothnia areas felt the if the heatwave ends, next week will still be warm, but temps may drop below 30°C. Q1. How long has Finland's heatwave lasted? Finland's heatwave has lasted 14 straight days with temperatures over 30°C, setting a new national record. Q2. What caused the long heatwave in Finland? A stable high-pressure system over Finland caused the heatwave by keeping the weather hot and dry for two weeks.
India Today
17 hours ago
- India Today
Chicago flash flooding: Streets submerged, flights delayed, more rain ahead
Chicago experienced severe weather disruptions on Friday, with flash flood warnings, funnel clouds, and heavy rains impacting several National Weather Service issued a flood warning at 5:30 p.m. for DuPage and Cook counties after several locations reported rainfall totals between 3 and 5 inches. ABC7 Chicago meteorologists warned of additional rain expected between Friday night and Saturday morning, with additional storms likely Saturday afternoon. Flash flooding remains a concern, with rainfall rates exceeding 2 inches per hour still possible. Isolated tornadoes, while unlikely, haven't been ruled downpours flooded multiple viaducts, including one near Drake Avenue off 47th Street and Archer Avenue. Inbound Interstate 55 near First Avenue also saw high water levels. Video footage from 58th Street and Harlem Avenue showed residents attempting to navigate through deep floodwaters. People shared dramatic videos from the city showing knee-deep water as heavy rain brought chaos. The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a Flash Flood Warning until 2:45pm and a Flood Watch effective until 6 p.m. Persons along creeks, drainage ditches, and other waterways should take immediate precautions to protect life and National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a Flash Flood Warning until 2:45pm and a Flood Watch effective until 6 along creeks, drainage ditches, and other waterways should take immediate precautions to protect life and around, don't drown. Chicago OEMC (@ChicagoOEMC) July 25, 2025Air traffic was also impacted. Midway Airport reported delays of up to 45 minutes, while O'Hare experienced delays of approximately 25 minutes due to thunderstorms and temporary ground Greenwood experienced low water pressure caused by an electrical issue at the Southwest Pumping Station. In Darien, flooding occurred at the police department located at 1710 Plainfield Road. Deputy Police Chief Jason Norton confirmed that multiple rooms, including evidence storage areas, were affected. The building also experienced a temporary power worked through the day to pump out water from flooded buildings and streets. Several cars were stranded near Pinewood Park, prompting water rescues. Fortunately, no injuries were the National Weather Service issued a special statement after funnel clouds were spotted from LaSalle County to southern Cook showers and thunderstorms are expected later on Saturday, capping off a week of intense weather that had already brought down power lines and trees on Thursday.- EndsMust Watch
Economic Times
21 hours ago
- Economic Times
Severe thunderstorms sweep through Pennsylvania and Northeast bringing damaging winds hail and flash flooding risk
TIL Creatives Severe thunderstorms move across Pennsylvania and the Northeast with 60 mph winds penny sized hail and risk of flash flooding as warnings remain in effect A powerful line of thunderstorms tore across parts of Pennsylvania and the broader Northeast on Friday(July 25), triggering multiple severe weather warnings and putting millions under threat of damaging winds, large hail, and flash flooding. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning just after 3:20 pm ET for portions of south-central Pennsylvania, including Dauphin, Lebanon, Perry, northeastern Cumberland, northwestern York, and southwestern Schuylkill Counties. The warning remains in effect until 4 pm ET. Radar showed storms stretching from Tower City to Ickesburg, moving southeast at 35 mph, packing 60 mph wind gusts and penny-sized hail, strong enough to damage rooftops, trees, and power lines. Several highways including the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Interstates 78, 81, 83, and 283 are also under alert due to hazardous driving conditions.'Move indoors immediately,' the warning urged. 'If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.' The NWS emphasized that cloud-to-ground lightning is frequent in this storm system. These storms come on the heels of an oppressive heat wave gripping much of the region. The NWS also issued a Heat Advisory for multiple counties in Pennsylvania through 8 pm. Friday, with feels-like temperatures soaring past 100°F. That hot, humid air has created an unstable atmosphere ideal for violent storms. Farther east, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in place for New Jersey, Delaware, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island until 9 pm ET. In Morris County, New Jersey, a warning was issued until 3:45 pm for cities including Morristown, Dover, and Madison, as storms continue to track eastward.'It's all happening fast,' said Raul Martinez, a truck driver caught along I‑81. 'One minute I'm in the sun, the next I'm dodging fallen branches in the wind.'Emergency services are urging residents to avoid flooded roads, as heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding in low-lying areas. The NWS warned, 'Turn around, don't drown.'Residents are advised to monitor local alerts, keep phones charged, and seek shelter at the first sign of thunder or lightning. Severe weather could continue through the evening hours.
