Before and after aerial imagery reveals scope of deadly Oklahoma wildfires
Nearmap, an aerial imagery and geospatial data company, recently released a series of before-and-after images that show the catastrophic damage.
The imagery highlighted scorched vegetation and destroyed structures, with both residential homes and business buildings that were reduced to rubble.
Fire weather alerts were issued ahead of the firestorm as gusty winds, low humidity and dry conditions combined to ignite hundreds of wildfires across the Southern Plains on Friday.
The region was impacted by a powerful storm system that not only helped spark wildfires but also brought blizzard conditions to northern parts of the country and tornadoes across the South.
Locals in the hardest-hit communities described the fires as the worst they have ever seen.
Over A Dozen Killed As Powerful Storm System Unleashes Powerful Winds, Dust Storms Across Southern Plains
The Oklahoma Department of Health has reported at least 200 injuries related to the fires, including burns, cuts, falls, and other wind or fire-related injuries.
Many of the injured were treated for burns and smoke inhalation, while others suffered more critical ailments.
For those who escaped the flames, emergency shelters were set up to assist displaced residents.
Governor Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency for at least 12 counties, enabling agencies to mobilize resources more quickly and provide much-needed assistance.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, nearly three-quarters of Oklahoma is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, with one-third of the state currently in drought status.
These dry conditions, combined with gusty winds and the availability of dry vegetation, make the region especially susceptible to wildfires during spring and fall, which are typically the peak fire seasons.
Oklahoma Governor Vows To Rebuild Charred Home From Wildfires That Ripper Through State Killing
Officials reported that downed utility lines were the primary causes of some of the fires, with firefighters still working to contain the larger blazes.
The fires have burned nearly 200,000 acres across the Sooner State, according to Oklahoma Forestry Services.Original article source: Before and after aerial imagery reveals scope of deadly Oklahoma wildfires
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USA Today
5 days ago
- USA Today
Rare weather phenomenon could dump a month's worth of rain on the Northwest
A rare atmospheric river is unfolding across the Northwest to end the week, with over a month's worth of rain possible in some parts of Oregon and Washington, forecasters said. The rain event should tamp down wildfire danger but will soak anyone camping. The stream of moisture is unusual for the Pacific Northwest at this time of year, which typically experiences drier Augusts. It's forecast to bring 1 to 3 inches of rain to the Cascade Mountains and coastal areas, with varying rain totals elsewhere in both states. 'It's pretty unseasonal – it does happen from time to time but not very often in August,' Tanja Fransen, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Portland, told the Salem Statesman Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network. 'We certainly need it.' The rain began the evening of Aug. 14 and is expected to pick up in a second round the evening of Aug. 15 and morning of Aug. 16, before gradually giving way to sunnier skies on Aug. 17. Between 0.5 and 0.75 inches already fell in the last 12 hours with the heaviest amounts along the coast, the weather service in Seattle reported. In western Washington, 1.5 to 2.5 inches is expected in the coming days. "The storm would be considered formidable even during the middle of the wet season in the winter months," AccuWeather reported. Over a month's worth of rain could fall Rainfall totals from this rain event could surpass usual rainfall amounts for the whole month of August in parts of Washington and Oregon in just a few days, AccuWeather reported. Portland, Oregon, gets an average of just over half an inch of rain in August, and Seattle sees about 0.97 of an inch. Totals could be one to two times this amount, according to the outlet. The western slopes of the Olympic and Cascade mountains could see 4 inches of rain in some spots, AccuWeather said. Some of the rain could dip as far south as Northern California. "The rain will ebb and flow, so expect some periods that are heavier rain, then lighter rain, it may totally stop and then start up again," the weather service in Portland said. Rain a much-needed relief for dry Oregon The rain comes just as Oregon's drought has rapidly expanded and wildfire danger reaches its seasonal peak. More than half of Oregon is now classified as being under a moderate drought and most of the Willamette Valley and northwest Oregon is under a severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. 'It's going to help with the drought and wildfire danger, but it's also not a 'season-ending' event,' Fransen said. Oregon's weather is expected to heat back up again by next weekend and wildfires will remain possible throughout late August and September. Rain is coming starting after midnight tonight through midnight Sat/Sun am. It can be heavy at times. More details in this thread. (1/x) What is an 'atmospheric river'? On the West Coast, atmospheric rivers approach from the Pacific Ocean, carrying tremendous amounts of water. They occur most often during certain weather patterns, including El Niño, which can increase their frequency or intensity, though they can occur in other years as well. Atmospheric rivers are the largest transport mechanisms of freshwater on Earth, according to NASA. These long, narrow corridors of air heavy with moisture are sometimes called "rivers in the sky." How to prepare for an atmospheric river The weather service in Portland said residents should take these steps to prepare for the heavy rain:
Newsweek
15-07-2025
- Newsweek
Texas Drought Update As Popular Lake Hits Highest Level Since 2020
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. Repeated bouts of torrential rainfall have eliminated much of the drought that plagued Texas earlier this year. The heavy rain caused river levels to surge, which then funneled water into Texas reservoirs, including Lake Travis, a major reservoir near Austin. Lake Travis experienced a sharp rise in water levels following deadly floods over the July 4 weekend and has now hit its highest level since June 2020. "We have seen similar relatively large increases in the history of Lake Travis, which is in Flash Flood Alley," a spokesperson for the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), which manages the lake, told Newsweek. Why It Matters The dramatic turnaround in Lake Travis' water levels underscores the volatility of Texas' climate, where extreme drought can rapidly give way to destructive flooding. Prior to the rain, Lake Travis was only 43 percent of its capacity. At times over the past few years, water levels fell so low they exposed objects usually hidden underwater, such as an old concrete plant and pecan groves. An aerial view of Lake Travis. An aerial view of Lake Travis. RoschetzkylstockPhoto/Getty The recent floods, with some areas receiving more than 20 inches of rain, not only revived water levels but also led to deadly consequences and hazardous conditions for local communities. More than 100 people were killed, including 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic in Kerr County. Water officials stressed that sudden surges in lake levels are not unusual in the region, nicknamed "Flash Flood Alley" for its exposure to intense, rapid storm events. What to Know As of the most recent measurements from the U.S. Drought Monitor, roughly 23 percent of Texas was facing moderate drought conditions or worse. A map of the drought showed that it was concentrated in the southwest part of the state. The state's drought is much improved compared to three months ago, when the more than 58 percent of the state battled moderate drought conditions or worse. Lake Travis, part of the Highland Lakes system, has faced severe water shortages for years amid persistent droughts. These drought conditions were interrupted by sporadic heavy rains in 2024, but the relief was short-lived as dry conditions soon returned. Water loss due to evaporation also remained a major challenge. The deadly floods over the July 4 holiday marked a dramatic reversal for Lake Travis' water levels. In just days, the lake rose from 43 percent to 81 percent of its total capacity according to Water Data for Texas. As of Tuesday morning, the lake was at 670 feet, around 10 feet below its full capacity. It's the highest the lake has been since June 2020. Before the July 4 weekend, the water level was at just under 640 feet. The reservoir is prone to sudden rises and falls, with significant jumps in water levels documented throughout its history. Local officials warned of continued flood risks and high bacteria levels typical after flood events, and recommended that the public avoid the water until conditions stabilize. Experts say that the health of Texas reservoirs like Lake Travis depends on both weather patterns and conservation, as well as human factors like population growth and increasing water usage. The 2025 flood's impact is expected to restore short-term stability but illustrates the ongoing vulnerability of the state's water infrastructure to environmental extremes. What People Are Saying The LCRA spokesperson told Newsweek: "Levels in Lake Travis later this summer will depend on a combination of heat and wind, water usage in Central Texas and if/where we see continued rainfall in watershed." LCRA Executive Vice President of Water John Hofmann said in a press release about recreation at the lake after the floods: "Conditions for boating are better than they were a few days ago, but still require extra caution. Our crews have located and replaced most of the missing marker buoys damaged or displaced by the floods, but boaters still need to be extremely careful to avoid flood debris." What Happens Next Lake Travis water levels continue to rise as floodwaters move through the system. By mid-week Texas will see a respite from the heavy rain as high heat and humidity moves into the region, which could slow the lake's improvement or reverse its course.
Newsweek
13-07-2025
- Newsweek
Map Reveals States Experiencing Drought Conditions
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. A live map from highlighted which parts of the United States were experiencing the most pronounced drought conditions as of Friday. Why It Matters Drought can have serious implications for water supply. In 2022, Lake Mead—the largest reservoir in the U.S. by capacity—fell to critically low levels following years of drought. What To Know According to a map of drought conditions from the areas experiencing the most intense drought conditions as of Friday morning included parts of Utah, Arizona, Nevada, California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, and Montana. In Arizona and Nevada, this included the area just south of Lake Mead. Drought conditions were most widespread in the western U.S., although pockets of mild to severe drought intensity were scattered throughout the rest of the country, map showed. According to the latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor, drought conditions continued to ease across the Great Plains due to heavy rainfall. However, long-term drought persists in south-central Texas. Improvements were seen in parts of New Mexico, southwestern Colorado, and Arizona, while drought worsened in the Pacific Northwest and Northern Intermountain West. Most of the Corn Belt and Midwest remain drought-free, except for northern Illinois where conditions worsened, the agency said. Central to southwestern Florida saw drought end after heavy storms. The East, Ohio and Tennessee Valleys, and Lower Mississippi Valley are mostly drought-free, U.S. Drought Monitor said. Jay Lund, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of California, Davis, told Newsweek that climate change is making droughts in the U.S. harder in several ways. Higher temperatures increase evaporation from land and plants, reducing how much water reaches streams, reservoirs, and groundwater. Warmer temperatures cause snow to melt earlier or fall as rain, shifting streamflow to winter when it's less useful and harder to manage, Lund said. "There is some thought that more precipitation is happening in few storm events, which makes it hard to capture runoff from these events for use in drier times," he added. What People Are Saying Jay Lund, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of California, Davis, told Newsweek: "Perhaps the biggest aspect of these climate changes for the west is that they have exacerbated long-standing groundwater overdraft and overdraft of the huge Colorado River reservoirs, making these problems worsen at a broadly unacceptable rate. This is accelerating management discussions and changes that would have been even more strongly resisted otherwise." He continued: "The biggest vulnerabilities are to ecosystems and agriculture. Ecosystems are already on the ropes, and now must contend with higher temperatures, the new invasive species these bring, and worsening droughts. Agriculture, as the major water use in the West with low economic values for water will likely have to give up 10-20 percent of its least valuable irrigated acreage, which will harm many rural areas. Urban areas need relatively little water and have resources and expertise to manage—it will be more expensive, but manageably so if well led, except for some marginal communities." What Happens Next? The U.S. Drought monitor issues weekly updates regarding drought conditions in the U.S.
