NOAA radio station in Newton down with antenna damage ahead of severe weather
NEWTON, Ill. (WCIA) — Severe weather is expected to move through Central Illinois on Friday, but the NOAA weather radio station in Newton may be unavailable for that event after it went offline Thursday.
The National Weather Service for Central Illinois said on Facebook that station KXI_48, operating on a frequency of 162.450 MHz (channel 3), went offline due to damage to an antenna. 10 counties are affected by this outage, including Effingham, Clark and Cumberland Counties.
Officials said crews are working on getting it fixed but in the meantime, people in affected counties can change their channel to tune into he following alternate stations:
Clark County — KXI-47 in Paris, Channel 6
Cumberland County — KXI-49 in Salem, Channel 6
Effingham County — KXI-46 in Shelbyville, Channel 5
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Hurricane Barbara Forms, Becoming First of the Season – and Second Is Close Behind. Here's Where They Could Go
Hurricane Barbara has formed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, and Tropical Storm Cosme is expected to achieve hurricane status soon, according to the National Hurricane Center Barbara is about 155 miles southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico while Cosme is about 620 miles south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja, Calif. Forecasters with NOAA say there is a 50% chance of a below-normal season in the Eastern Pacific for 2025The first hurricane of the 2025 season has formed — and a second is close behind. Hurricane Barbara is the first hurricane to form in the Eastern Pacific Ocean this year, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The storm is currently about 155 miles southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico and moving northwest at about 10 mph, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Miami. It is expected to continue in this general motion 'for the next couple of days' as it begins to dissipate. In a public advisory, forecasters said it is 'possible' that Hurricane Barbara may experience 'some slight additional strengthening' on Monday, June 9, but is expected to start weakening on Tuesday, June 10. 'Barbara is likely near its peak intensity, as it only has about 6-12 more hours of a favorable environment,' forecasters said in a forecast discussion published on Monday. Gusty winds are expected along coastal areas of southwestern Mexico for the next day or so, while swells from the storm will impact portions of the coast for the next few days. Forecasters said the swells caused by the hurricane 'are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.' Barbara is expected to cross over 'increasingly cooler sea surface temperatures overnight' on Monday while 'mid-level relative humidity values' begin to drop, causing it to weaken. The storm is expected to become post-tropical in 36 hours and dissipate in less than three days. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Cosme is churning about 620 miles south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja, Calif., according to NWS Miami. As of Monday, the storm has maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and is expected to achieve hurricane status by the end of the day. Cosme is currently "moving toward the west-northwest near 6 mph," but is expected to "turn toward the north with a decease in forward speed is expected" overnight, forecasters said. "Rapid weakening" is expected to begin Tuesday night, and Cosme is expected to dissipate in four days," according to the storm's forecast discussion. Forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are predicting a 50% chance of a below-normal hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, in the Eastern Pacific for 2025. Anywhere between 12 to 18 named storms are expected in the Eastern Pacific in 2025, five to 10 of which are expected to become hurricanes, according to the forecast. Two to five of those hurricanes could become major storms, meaning they reach Category 3 status or higher. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Meanwhile, in the Central Pacific, forecasters said there is a 50% chance of a near normal season, with one to four tropical cyclones expected to form. Forecasters said there is a 60% chance of an above-average hurricane season in the Atlantic basin, with 12 to 19 named storms expected. Six to 10 of those storms are predicted to become hurricanes, with three to five of them potentially becoming major storms. Read the original article on People


Forbes
4 hours ago
- Forbes
Hurricane Season Is Here—Here's How Your Savings And Credit Can Protect You
The streets are flooded near Peachtree Creek after hurricane Helene brought in heavy rains on ... More September 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. When a hurricane hits, it doesn't just threaten your home—it can also take a direct hit on your finances. From lapsed insurance coverage to sky-high evacuation costs, financial gaps tend to show up during natural disasters when it's too late to fix them. And this year, the hurricane season could be fierce. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's outlook for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season calls for a 60% chance of an above-normal season. That means we could see as many as 19 named storms, with up to five major hurricanes. The season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, but don't wait to prep. By the time a storm is named, it's often too late to act. Even if you're far from the coast, you're not off the hook. Recent storms have proven that hurricanes can pack a punch hundreds of miles inland. But here's the good news: you can get ahead of the chaos. This guide walks you through five financial moves to protect your money, home and sanity before the next storm hits. Related: Compare rates on homeowners insurance from participating carriers through our partner Everquote Not all hurricane insurance is the same, and not all coverage starts immediately. "When a storm is approaching, it's often too late to add coverage," says Diane Delaney, executive director of the Private Risk Management Association, a nonprofit network of insurance industry leaders and influencers. 'Most flood policies also include a waiting period before coverage becomes effective.' Policy activation can take up to 30 days, so it's smart to act well before hurricane season peaks. Don't just go with the cheapest insurer; do your homework. A low price means nothing if your insurer can't pay up when disaster strikes. Use to vet insurers by checking consumer complaint records and reviewing their financial strength ratings from trusted agencies like AM Best and Standard & Poor's. These agencies assess an insurer's ability to pay future claims based on their financial reserves, past performance and risk exposure. A strong rating (like 'A' or better from AM Best) means the company is financially prepared to handle a surge in insurance claims after a major disaster, so help is there when you need it. Start by understanding what your current policy does and doesn't cover. Most standard homeowners policies cover wind but exclude flood damage, which requires separate coverage through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer. Make sure your home, personal belongings and any additional structures like garages or sheds are adequately insured. Know your deductibles and limits. Many hurricane-related claims are subject to separate hurricane or windstorm deductibles, which are often higher than your standard deductible and based on a percentage of your home's value. For most homeowners policies, the deductible applies each time you file a claim. In Florida and Louisiana, hurricane deductibles only apply once per season, not for every storm. Look for discounts. Delaney adds that many insurers offer discounts for storm-resistant upgrades, such as hurricane shutters, wind-rated garage doors or impact-resistant roofs. For instance, State Farm offers premium reductions in many states if you use impact-resistant roofing products like Class 4 shingles. But more importantly, Delaney says, these features can help determine if a company will even agree to insure you in the first place. "It's less about direct credits and more about positioning your property as a lower-risk, more insurable home," she says. Evacuations aren't just chaotic, they can be expensive. Between gas, hotel stays, pet boarding, takeout meals and lost income, even a short evacuation can drain your wallet fast. Start building a 'go fund' with at least a few hundred dollars. This emergency stash should be easy to access instantly, either through a checking account or a high-yield savings account (HYSA) that lets you move funds quickly. According to Forbes Advisor, some of the top HYSA rates are up to 5.84% APY as of June 2, far more than a typical savings account. That means your emergency fund doesn't have to sit stagnant—it can grow while you prep. Look for HYSAs with these features: We reviewed 370 accounts across 157 banks and credit unions to find the best high-yield savings accounts. Here are our top three picks to consider: Hurricanes bring a devastating effect: flooding. Terry Fraser, owner of Renco Home Improvements, says water is the real enemy: 'Most hurricane damage I deal with is actually water getting where it shouldn't. Get your gutters cleaned and make sure water flows away from your foundation.' His top upgrades? Good grading, long downspout extensions and sealing basement cracks. "Clean your gutters yourself, extend those downspouts [and] seal hairline cracks with epoxy kits from Home Depot,' he says. Steve Grant, COO at Guardian Home, a home improvement services company, says, 'If budget is a major concern, I would highly recommend installing plywood over the windows. It's a relatively low-cost solution that offers effective protection, and the wood can be stored and reused." His top three upgrades: reinforced windows and doors, hurricane-resistant roofing and a strong garage door. Grant says garage doors are often overlooked but can be a critical failure point. And here's a silver lining for homeowners sitting on more equity: you may be able to tap into one of the best home equity lines of credit (HELOC) to fund storm-proofing upgrades and possibly snag a tax break in the process. Through 2025, interest on HELOCs may be tax-deductible if the funds are used to 'buy, build or substantially improve' your primary or secondary home. That means things like impact-resistant roofing, storm shutters or reinforced garage doors could come with a financial perk. Just be sure to keep receipts and confirm deductibility with a tax pro. Grant also recommends prepping your credit, whether you have one of the top credit cards for emergencies or not. 'Make sure you have available credit and your cards are packed,' he says. This ensures you can front the cost of gas, food or lodging in case you need to evacuate and cash runs out. The best credit cards with 0% APR or low interest rates, or disaster relief options from banks and issuers may help bridge the gap if federal aid is delayed. While debit cards might work at the grocery store, they can fall short in critical situations. For example, if you need to rent a car, some companies will not accept debit cards at the time of pickup. Avis requires a credit card for its Select Series and many premium vehicles, and certain U.S. locations—like those in northern and central New Jersey or the Philadelphia area—won't accept debit cards for any rental. Hertz may also perform a credit check when you use a debit card, which could delay or block your reservation entirely. Credit cards, on the other hand, typically allow for faster booking, broader acceptance and access to benefits like rental car insurance, emergency travel assistance or temporary credit limit increases. Some credit card issuers even offer disaster relief options, including deferred payments or waived late fees, which can provide breathing room during recovery. Carry at least one major credit card with available credit when you evacuate, and make sure it's packed with your go-bag essentials. A no-annual-fee credit card is a smart backup to keep in your go bag during hurricane season, as it offers emergency spending power without adding to your annual costs. Our top choices for no-fee credit cards earn strong points or miles and include extras like cellphone protection, travel coverage and 0% intro APRs. If the power goes out, ATMs will go offline and card readers won't work. And while FEMA aid may come eventually, it's rarely immediate. Keep $200 to $500 in small bills stashed safely at home to cover essentials like gas, tolls or food during the first few days of disruption. Banks might close. Mobile banking might fail. Cash is still king in a blackout. This isn't your emergency fund for job loss, this is your storm stash. It should be accessible, not tucked in a long-term savings account. Consider small denominations, such as $5s and $10s, which are easier to use when exact change is needed or systems are down. Getting your finances in order is just one part of hurricane prep. Now's the time to stock up on food, water, meds and essentials for every family member, including pets. Build a plan that fits your household's specific needs, from accessible transportation to shelter options. Don't forget to download the FEMA app for real-time alerts and emergency resources. To get the FEMA app, head to the Google Play Store (for Android) or the Apple App Store (for iPhone). You can also text ANDROID or APPLE to 43362 (4FEMA), and you'll receive a direct download link for your device. The more you prepare now, the safer and less stressful your next storm season will be. Related: Compare rates on homeowners insurance from participating carriers through our partner Everquote
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Staff vacancies hit Texas weather offices as they brace for a busy hurricane season
FORT WORTH — With hurricane season underway and an above-normal activity forecast, some National Weather Service offices like Houston — where as many as 44% of positions are vacant — are operating with staff shortages, prompting concerns about their capacity to monitor future storms. The shortages stem from federal cuts that slashed roughly 10% of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's workforce and triggered a wave of early retirements. While no staff members from the Houston/Galveston office were laid off, several hundred employees at NOAA, which hosts the National Weather Service, took a voluntary early retirement package. Among those stepping down: Jeff Evans, longtime meteorologist-in-charge in Houston, who retired after 34 years with the NWS, 10 of those in Texas. He told KPRC Click2Houston that it was 'an honor and a privilege' to serve Texas through countless disasters. The Houston office has 11 vacancies — 44% of its regular staffing. The NWS provides weather warnings for tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires and floods, and produces river and hydrological outlooks and long-term climate change data. It serves as the forecast of record for many, including TV meteorologists, journalists and researchers, as well as emergency managers, who use it to plan for potential evacuations and rescue coordination during extreme weather events. Mark Fox, who usually works at the Oklahoma office, has stepped in to help as acting meteorologist-in-charge in Houston. Despite the strain, Fox and other local meteorologists say they're committed to delivering life-saving forecasts and supporting emergency preparedness. 'We can continue 24/7 with the staff that we have,' Fox said. 'If we need to augment staff to kind of help out and give some people a break, we can do that. But the mission is going to be fulfilled.' Hurricane season started June 1 and goes to November 30. NWS forecasters predict an above-normal hurricane season, citing warm Atlantic waters and weak wind shear, which are changes in the wind's speed and direction. The agency forecasts 13 to 19 named storms, three to five of which could become Category 3 or higher hurricanes with wind speeds of at least 111 miles per hour. For context, last year's forecast included 17 to 25 named storms and the season saw 18 named storms, 11 of which were hurricanes. Among them were Tropical Storm Alberto and Hurricane Beryl — a Category 1 that left millions of Texans without electricity for days. NOAA defines an average Atlantic hurricane season as one with 14 named storms, of which three are stronger hurricanes, based on data from 1991 to 2020. NOAA has a 70% confidence level in these predictions and warns that the peak of the season — typically late August through October — could be intense. The West African Monsoon, a key hurricane trigger, is also expected to be stronger than usual. However, Fox says, this isn't just about numbers. It's about readiness. 'It only takes one,' Fox said. 'We'll be watching the skies from here until the end of the season, and take whatever Mother Nature throws at us.' Since the start of the year, the National Weather Service has lost nearly 600 employees due to cuts ordered by the Department of Government Efficiency under the Trump administration. After backlash, earlier this month, 126 positions, including 'mission-critical' ones, were approved for hire as exceptions to a federal hiring freeze. Erica Grow Cei, a National Weather Service spokesperson, said these were approved to 'stabilize frontline operations' and added that the new hires will fill positions at field offices where there's "the greatest operational need." The nearly 600 employees that NWS has lost in the last six months has been about the same amount the agency lost in the 15 years prior, according to Tom Fahy, the legislative director for the National Weather Service Employees Organization, a union that represents weather service employees. Fahy called the quick exodus unprecedented, saying it "definitely disrupts the entire staffing requirements for the National Weather Service" in a way previous reductions did not. Jeff Masters, former NOAA Hurricane Hunter and a meteorologist who writes about extreme weather for Yale Climate Connections, says most of those roles won't be filled in time to help this hurricane season. 'This was done very inefficiently,' Masters said. 'First, all of the probationary employees were fired, then incentives were given to get the most experienced managers out through early retirement. Now they're trying to do some rehiring, and then it's just not being done very efficiently.' Masters said that the local offices have lost critical institutional knowledge and expertise. Nationwide, reduced staffing has also meant fewer balloon launches, which are essential for collecting upper-atmosphere temperature, humidity and wind speed data critical to accurate storm modeling. A reduction in launches may lead to larger errors in hurricane tracking, says Masters. Faced with these gaps, offices across the country are lending staff — either in person or virtually — to ensure continuous coverage during major weather events. Fahy said that this is what will keep Texas as whole 'in very good shape and ready for hurricane season.' 'It's kind of like binding hands and helping each other out wherever we can,' said Jason Johnson, hydrologist in charge at the NWS Fort Worth office. 'We've expanded our training so meteorologists and hydrologists in other regions are ready to support us if needed.' Despite the cuts, Johnson says Texas NWS offices remain focused on protecting lives and property. 'We're not expecting any drop in the quality or quantity of information that we provide,' he said. Local officials are also stepping up their preparation efforts. 'Now more than ever, local preparation is key,' said Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones, who represents portions of Houston, Katy, Stafford, Tomball and Waller, at a press conference. 'With drastic cuts… what we do here at home in Houston and Harris County is extra important.' Her office is hosting 11 hurricane preparedness workshops and has distributed hundreds of portable air conditioners, emergency kits, and bottled water. They also plan to clear more than 7 million feet of ditches to prevent urban flooding. 'We can't wait,' Briones said. 'So local government, with our nonprofit community, with our private sector, with our places of worship, our schools, this is up to all of us.' Meteorologists and emergency officials alike urge residents to stay informed, prepare emergency kits, and heed evacuation orders if issued. 'It's your responsibility to monitor the weather,' Fox, the meteorologist at the Houston office, said. 'On a beautiful day, just think about your plan — because when the time comes to act, it's too late to start planning.' Big news: 20 more speakers join the TribFest lineup! New additions include Margaret Spellings, former U.S. secretary of education and CEO of the Bipartisan Policy Center; Michael Curry, former presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church; Beto O'Rourke, former U.S. Representative, D-El Paso; Joe Lonsdale, entrepreneur, founder and managing partner at 8VC; and Katie Phang, journalist and trial lawyer. Get tickets. TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase.