Over 1.5m Americans Told To Stay Out of Sun on 4th of July
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Heat-related advisories were in place across four states on Friday, July 4, with the National Weather Service (NWS) warning of "dangerously hot conditions" in some areas.
Why It Matters
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that extreme heat can lead to heat-related illnesses, especially in older adults, young children, and individuals with chronic medical conditions.
Symptoms may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, dizziness and nausea. The agency reports that more than 700 people die annually in the U.S. due to extreme heat.
Rising temperatures can also worsen ground-level ozone, adding to health risks.
New Yorkers cross 41st Street and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan during a heat wave on June 25, 2025 in New York City.
New Yorkers cross 41st Street and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan during a heat wave on June 25, 2025 in New York City.
CraigWhat To Know
An extreme heat warning, which the NWS issues when "extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring," was in effect for northeast Minnesota, including Crow Wing, Aitkin, Pine, Koochiching, Cass, Itasca, Carlton and Saint Louis counties.
The warning also covered the northwestern Wisconsin counties of Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Sawyer, and Washburn counties.
Heat index values, which reflect how hot it feels to the human body when both humidity and air temperature are considered, between 95 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit were possible in these regions, the NWS said.
"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room if possible, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors," it advised.
Meanwhile, less severe heat advisories were in place across parts of North Dakota and Alaska, as well as Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Northeast and southeast portions of North Dakota could see heat index values up to 101, the NWS said.
It advised residents in affected areas to wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, and limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
In Alaska, heat advisories covered parts of the state's interior, northern and northwest areas.
The NWS expected hot temperatures ranging from 75 to 90 across the affected areas. "Individuals not accustomed to these unusually hot temperatures for this region may experience heat-related illnesses," it warned.
What People Are Saying
The National Weather Service forecast office, Duluth, Minnesota, said on X, Thursday: "A Heat Advisory is in effect Friday for all areas except the North Shore when very warm temperatures in the mid-80s to low 90s F and dewpoints in the upper-60s to low-70s F will create Heat Index values in the low to upper-90s."
NWS Grand Forks, North Dakota, said on X, Thursday: "Heat and humidity will combine to create heat impacts Friday afternoon. Apparent temperatures will rise to over 100 degrees in spots. Impacts will be highest for those out in direct sunlight. Make sure to stay hydrated and move to a cooler area if needed."
What Happens Next
At the time of writing, the extreme heat warning for Minnesota and Wisconsin was in effect until 8 p.m. CDT.
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Associated Press
an hour ago
- Associated Press
Flash floods like the one that swept through Texas are the nation's top storm-related killer
The monstrous, swift-moving flood that swept through the Hill Country of west-central Texas Friday, killing at least 13 and leaving nearly two dozen missing, was a flash flood, the nation's top storm-related killer. Flash floods form rapidly According to the National Weather Service, a flash flood is flooding that begins within six hours, and often in as little as three hours, of heavy rainfall. Waters rise so quickly that people are caught off guard, according to the weather service.. Many people run into trouble while traveling. If at home or work, the water can rise so quickly people are trapped before they have time to think about escape. That is just what happened to residents along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County and the surrounding area after at least 10 inches (25 centimeters) poured from the sky early Friday morning. There was advance notice in TexasOn Thursday afternoon, the National Weather Service issued a flood watch, estimating rising water of up to 7 inches (17 centimeters) in spots. A 'watch' means conditions are favorable for a flood and people should be prepared, but hazardous conditions might not develop. But the watch was upgraded to a flood warning overnight, a notice that impacted 30,000 people. A warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring, the weather service says. Flash floods are deadly Last year, 145 people died in flash floods, according to the weather service. On average over the past 30 years, floods have claimed 127 lives annually. Floods trap people in vehicles Nearly half of all flood-related fatalities involve vehicles. Many people don't realize that a car becomes difficult to control in just 6 inches (15 centimeters) of water and can be swept away in as little as 18 inches (46 centimeters). So instead of finding a detour, too often people try to drive through water at underpasses or other low-lying areas. Flash floods can happen anywhere It can happen anywhere, according to the weather service, which says that 'the normally tranquil streams and creeks in your neighborhood can become raging torrents if heavy rain falls overhead.' An area can be flooded even without rain — if it's downstream of a torrential rainstorm and a swollen stream heads its way.
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Floods kill 6 in Hill Country flooding; some children are reported missing
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'That includes water rescue teams, sheltering centers, the National Guard, the Texas Department of Public Safety," Abbott said in a statement. "The immediate priority is saving lives.' Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick cautioned residents in his own statement. 'I urge Texans in impacted areas to heed the guidance of their local officials," Patrick said. The National Weather Service said a flash flood emergency is ongoing in South-Central Kerr County, including the Guadalupe River. The portion of the river near Hunt had reached the second-highest level on record, the weather service said. As of 1:30 p.m. Friday, a flash flood emergency remained in effect in South-Central Kerr County, including the Guadalupe River and areas like Hunt, Center Point, Kerrville and Comfort. The Guadalupe River near Hunt reached the second-highest level on record, the National Weather Service said. In addition, the river level near Comfort has crested at 34.76 feet. That's over 6 feet over flood stage and is the fifth-highest level on record for that area. A flash flood warning has been extended eastward along the Guadalupe River into Comal County, including in Spring Branch. Floodwaters from the Guadalupe River will spill into Canyon Lake over the next couple of days, likely raising lake levels by several feet. Radar shows that the heaviest rain has moved northward, toward Travis and Williamson counties. However, light to moderate rainfall continues across regions hit hardest by the flooding, including Kerr, Gillespie, Bandera, Kendall and Comal counties. Rain will likely continue into the late afternoon, subsiding after 3 to 4 p.m. Upward of 12 inches of rain has fallen over parts of the Hill Country, most notably South-Central Kerr County. An additional 1 to 2 inches is possible through Friday afternoon. County Judge Rob Kelly confirmed to Hearst Newspapers six deaths. 'We can confirm but we are afraid there may be more,' he said. 'They are still looking.' Kelly initially said at least six died, but later, he and other county officials declined to cite specific numbers of dead or missing. 'Suffice it to say, this has been a very devastating and deadly flood,' Kelly said during a news conference. He said there had been 'dozens' of water rescues, but declined to provide updated casualty numbers, saying officials had been advised not to do so. He did not say by whom. Kelly, who lives along the Guadalupe River, said flood waters had reached his home office. Asked whether the county had a warning system that might have sounded an alert as the Guadalupe rose, he said: 'We do not have a warning system.' He bristled at the suggestion that the county might have taken precautions to prevent loss of life. 'Rest assured, no one knew this flood was coming,' Kelly said. 'This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States. We deal with floods on a regular basis. When it rains, we have water. We had no reason to believe this was going to be anything like what happened here, none whatsoever.' He said authorities had established two reunification centers: one at Ingram Elementary School at 125 Brave Run West in Ingram, the other at the Arcadia Live, a historic theater on Water Street in Kerrville. 'What we need is cooperation and prayers,' Kelly said. He encouraged people to donate to the American Red Cross and specify that the money go to victims of the Guadalupe River flood. Emergency crews carried out rescues before dawn at an RV park near Howdy's Restaurant in Kerrville, which also has been damaged by floodwaters. Lorena Guillen, owner of Howdy's, said she noticed heavy rains around 2:30 a.m., so she walked to the river's edge to check the water's height. She said everything looked fine, but an hour later, the flash flood came in. 'The sheriff's (office) came knocking on doors, and we started getting people out,' Guillen said. 'By then, it was too late for the campers.' Every RV parked in the RV park below the restaurant had been swept away, Guillen said. She estimated 28 RVs had been using that area. Guillen estimates the water rose 40 feet. The restaurant was damaged. It has no running water and the propane tank was carried away in the flood. 'It's total devastation ... helicopters are flying in, rescuing people trapped in trees, It's bad,' Guillen said. The Kerr County Sheriff's Office said 'catastrophic' floods have resulted in 'fatalities,' though the agency said it would not release further information until next of kin are notified. The sheriff's office said it is working with a local and state agencies to respond to calls and rescues. A reunification point has been set up at the Walmart at 2106 Junction Highway. Texas 27 at Cypress Creek in Comfort and FM 1350 east of Center Point will be closed by TxDOT until water recedes, according to the city of Boerne. 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Please check for updates. The Austin American-Statesman contributed to this report.
New York Times
3 hours ago
- New York Times
Live Updates: Frantic Search for the Missing After At Least 13 Killed in Texas Flood
Nearly half of all flash flood deaths are vehicle-related, experts say, which is why you should never drive into a flooded street. When heavy rainfall occurs in a short period of time, rushing water can deluge homes and basement apartments, overtake cars and knock people off their feet. Flash floods can develop quickly, within hours or even minutes; and they often catch people off guard, killing an average of 88 people in the United States each year. 'Flash floods occur when there's just too much water coming in too fast,' said Bonnie Schneider, a meteorologist and author of 'Extreme Weather.' And climate change is compounding the risks: Warmer air holds more moisture, Ms. Schneider said, which can lead to heavier, more intense rainfall. Though flash floods are scary, experts say you can increase your odds of survival by staying informed and having a plan. Here's what to do in advance — and in the moment — to get through a flash flood safely. Understand the difference between the various alerts. The National Weather Service currently issues severe weather alerts in English and Spanish. If there's a 'flash flood watch,' according to the service, flooding is not guaranteed, but conditions are favorable enough for it to be possible, so be prepared to change your plans. A 'flash flood warning' means a flash flood is imminent or already occurring, and you should immediately move to higher ground if you're outside or in a basement apartment. The most dire alert is a 'flash flood emergency,' which indicates that not only is flooding occurring, but it's posing a severe threat to human life. In 2021, New York City received its first notification of this type during heavy rainfall caused by Hurricane Ida. Before a flood Make a plan Long before rain is on the radar, the first step is to figure out how your family will communicate, meet and evacuate if there's a flash flood emergency. How will you escape from your home if needed? Who will be responsible for your children? Where will you meet if your family becomes separated? The American Red Cross has printable templates to help guide your conversation. You'll also want to evaluate the flood risks to your home, work and school, as well as the routes between them. The flood maps developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency are a good place to start. (If you live in a flood zone, you might also want to consider purchasing flood insurance.) Prepare a 'go bag' now If you need to leave your home in a hurry, it's crucial to have an easily accessible emergency kit packed with supplies. Consider adding shelf-stable food; water or a portable filtration system; a change of clothing; a headlamp or flashlight with batteries; a phone charger; cash; and a first-aid kit. If you have pets, don't forget food, leashes and portable bowls for them, too. also advises creating 'password-protected digital copies' of important paperwork, like birth certificates, identification cards, insurance policies, wills, deeds and titles. If this seems like overkill, it's not, said Dr. David Markenson, chief medical officer at American Red Cross Training Services. 'The human nature side is obviously not to worry,' he said. And many people think, ''It's not going to happen to me.'' But having a plan can help you make better choices in an emergency, said Sabine Marx, a senior trainer at Columbia University's National Center for Disaster Preparedness. As she described it, she wouldn't want to 'have to come up with this decision on the spot when I'm also possibly fearing for my life.' During a flood Stay alert If a storm is in the forecast or underway, pay attention to local weather alerts via your phone, radio or TV. In the case of a power outage, a battery-operated radio can come in handy. Be prepared to evacuate If there's a chance you may have to leave your home, gather essential items that are not already in your 'go bag' — driver's licenses, credit cards, medications and key documents — and seal them in a waterproof pouch. (A plastic freezer bag works just fine.) Make sure your phone is charged and, if you have time, unplug small appliances so they won't get fried by electrical surges. Move valuables to a higher floor (if you have one). If you live in a basement apartment, be extra vigilant when it comes to monitoring rainstorms, said Julie Munger, founder of Sierra Rescue International, an organization that has trained swift-water rescuers for 35 years. If you believe you may be in danger, she recommended immediately moving to a higher floor or evacuating to another location. (To find an emergency shelter, text SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362.) FEMA warns against climbing into a closed attic, as you could become trapped by rising floodwaters. If necessary, climb onto the roof. If you find yourself in the worst-case scenario, with water rushing into your apartment, you need to act fast, Ms. Munger said. 'Don't wait, don't grab anything, just exit,' because if you can't get out, she added, your only option is to 'hope that the water doesn't fill up the apartment completely.' According to Dr. Markenson, it's essential to follow updates closely, since conditions can change rapidly. If you're told to evacuate, do it. Check road closures on your state's department of transportation website before heading out if there's time, and take an alternate route if you encounter a flooded road. The biggest issue with flash floods, Dr. Markenson said, is that people don't always evacuate when they're told to do so. But by trying to ride it out, he warned, you'll endanger yourself and rescuers. Avoid floodwaters when possible The best thing to do is avoid all floodwaters if you can — or, as the National Weather Service's grim catchphrase urges: 'Turn Around Don't Drown.' It takes just six inches of fast-moving water to knock you off your feet, so unless you're ordered to evacuate, staying where you are is usually the safest choice. (Flash floods generally pass quickly.) The most immediate risk of entering floodwaters is drowning, but you may also get exposed to various harms floating around the water, like human, animal and industrial waste; physical objects like cars, lumber and other debris; stray animals like rodents and snakes; and downed power lines. If you're caught in your car Sometimes flash flooding happens when you're out and about, and you may suddenly find yourself in a life-threatening situation. Nearly half of all flash flood deaths are vehicle-related, which is why you should never ignore barriers. 'Don't drive into a flooded street, period,' Ms. Munger said. 'There really is no better advice.' Not only is it difficult to gauge water depth and road conditions, but just 12 inches of water can float your car and 18 inches can carry off your SUV or pickup truck. 'Everybody tends to underestimate the force of the water,' Ms. Munger said. 'It takes very little current to wreak havoc.' That said, if your car does get taken by floodwaters, first, roll down your windows, said Lynn Burttschell, an emergency medical worker, rescue swimmer and founder of Wimberley Rescue Training. If they won't budge, he recommended breaking the glass with an escape tool (like the one in this Wirecutter guide, which you can store in your glove compartment) or using the metal pole of your headrest as a ram. It's important to open the windows, Mr. Burttschell said, because 'if the water continues to rise, then that car fills up and becomes more of a rock instead of a bobber floating downstream.' Then, unbuckle your seatbelt and grip it as you climb onto the roof and call 911, Mr. Burttschell advised. Do your best to remain with the car until help arrives. Lie down on the roof to keep yourself stable, and don't tie yourself to the car, in case it rolls. During his 32-year career, Mr. Burttschell has found that people who stay with their cars survive at much higher rates than those who abandon them, simply because it's easier for emergency services to spot a vehicle than a person. 'I really don't ever recommend leaving the vehicle,' he said. To make yourself more noticeable, you can also turn on your hazard lights, activate your car's alarm with your key fob and, if possible, honk the horn. If you're walking, hiking or camping If you happen to get caught in a flash flood while on foot, run perpendicular to the water and 'get to the highest point possible,' Ms. Munger said — whether that means heading into the nearest building and racing up the stairs, climbing a tree or clambering onto a truck. The bigger and heavier the object, the better, she said, since it will be less likely to float away. If you do get swept away, don't attempt to stand up, as you risk trapping your foot in a drain, fence or other object. Instead, Ms. Munger advised swimming perpendicular to the current, as you would with a rip tide, until you get to safety. Since you'll be fighting against drainages, debris and the current, she warned this is extremely difficult, even for strong swimmers. 'People need to realize that most people who lose their footing in a flash flood don't get out,' she said. As for camping or hiking, Ms. Munger advised researching the region's weather patterns and forecast before setting out. If there might be a rainstorm upstream of your destination, she suggested camping above any rivers, rather than beside them. If water starts to rise where you are, head immediately to higher ground. If you're on an underground train or subway The subway is 'the last place you want to be' during a flash flood, Ms. Munger said. 'Because eventually, if the storm drains are overwhelmed, there's no other place for the water to go.' Your best defense, in other words, is to avoid it altogether. If you do find yourself underground during a flood, Ms. Munger urged exiting the station as swiftly as possible — even if that means forcing your way up flooded stairs. If you're on a train that is stuck, don't leave it until you're instructed to do so, said Eugene Resnick, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York. Take flash floods seriously While some of these steps may sound inconvenient, the reality is that following them could save your life. 'You never want to be in a position where you're looking back, or others are looking back, and saying: 'Why didn't you just heed simple advice?'' Dr. Markenson said. Or, as Ms. Munger put it: 'It's going to be much more of a hassle and much more tragic when you don't make it home.' Susan Shain is a freelance journalist and future New York Times fellow based in Madison, Wis.
