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JD Vance to spend summer family holiday in the Cotswolds
JD Vance to spend summer family holiday in the Cotswolds

The Guardian

time20-07-2025

  • Politics
  • The Guardian

JD Vance to spend summer family holiday in the Cotswolds

He made his name with a memoir set among the hillbillies of the rugged Appalachians – yet it seems JD Vance now favours altogether more gentle hills. For his family's holiday this year the US vice-president is understood to have chosen the Cotswolds, where Land Rovers outnumber pickup trucks. Vance, his wife, Usha, and their three young children are expected next month to rent a property in the region – an increasingly popular choice for wealthy tourists – soon after Donald Trump, the US president, finishes a stay in Scotland. Earlier in August, Vance and his family are expected to visit London, despite the vice-president having said – shortly before last year's presidential election – that the city was 'not English any more.' In February, Vance lashed out at European governments – including that of the UK – accusing political leaders of suppressing free speech, failing to halt illegal migration and running in fear from voters. 'In Britain and across Europe, free speech, I fear, is in retreat,' he told the Munich Security Conference, listing a string of cases he claimed were evidence. Britain was singled out for arresting a man praying near an abortion clinic. But while Vance might enjoy the Cotswolds – home to the Chipping Norton set whose ranks include David Cameron and Jeremy Clarkson – a different reception could await when he later travels on to Scotland, which is home to anti-Trump sentiment. In his Munich speech, Vance hit out at the Scottish government over abortion rights, saying it was distributing letters to citizens whose houses lay 'within so-called safe access zones', warning them that 'even private prayer within their own homes may amount to breaking the law'. He added: 'The government urged readers to report any fellow citizens suspected guilty of thought crime in Britain and across Europe.' A spokesperson for the Scottish government said Vance's claim was inaccurate. It appeared to be a reference to the introduction of safe access zones within 200 metres of abortion clinics, banning any form of harassment. 'Private prayer at home is not prohibited within safe access zones and no letter has ever suggested it was,' added the spokesperson. Vance's trip to the UK comes at a time when tourist traffic going in the opposite direction has plummeted against the backdrop of Trump's policies and rhetoric. The number of UK residents visiting the US was down 14.3% in March compared with the same month in 2024, official figures showed. However, Britons continue to make up the largest number of overseas visitors to the US.

JD Vance to spend summer family holiday in the Cotswolds
JD Vance to spend summer family holiday in the Cotswolds

The Guardian

time20-07-2025

  • Politics
  • The Guardian

JD Vance to spend summer family holiday in the Cotswolds

He made his name with a memoir set among the hillbillies of the rugged Appalachians – yet it seems JD Vance now favours altogether more gentle hills. For his family's holiday this year the US vice-president is understood to have chosen the Cotswolds, where Land Rovers outnumber pickup trucks. Vance, his wife, Usha, and their three young children are expected next month to rent a property in the region – an increasingly popular choice for wealthy tourists – soon after Donald Trump, the US president, finishes a stay in Scotland. Earlier in August, Vance and his family are expected to visit London, despite the vice-president having said – shortly before last year's presidential election – that the city was 'not English any more.' In February, Vance lashed out at European governments – including that of the UK – accusing political leaders of suppressing free speech, failing to halt illegal migration and running in fear from voters. 'In Britain and across Europe, free speech, I fear, is in retreat,' he told the Munich Security Conference, listing a string of cases he claimed were evidence. Britain was singled out for arresting a man praying near an abortion clinic. But while Vance might enjoy the Cotswolds – home to the Chipping Norton set whose ranks include David Cameron and Jeremy Clarkson – a different reception could await when he travels onward to Scotland, which is home to anti-Trump sentiment. In his Munich speech, Vance hit out at the Scottish government over abortion rights , saying it was distributing letters to citizens whose houses lay 'within so-called safe access zones', warning them that 'even private prayer within their own homes may amount to breaking the law'. He added: 'The government urged readers to report any fellow citizens suspected guilty of thought crime in Britain and across Europe.' A spokesperson for the Scottish government said Vance's claim was inaccurate. It appeared to be a reference to the introduction of safe access zones within 200 metres of abortion clinics, banning any form of harassment. 'Private prayer at home is not prohibited within safe access zones and no letter has ever suggested it was,' added the spokesperson. Vance's trip to the UK comes at a time when tourist traffic going in the opposite direction has plummeted against the backdrop of Trump's policies and rhetoric. The number of UK residents visiting the US was down 14.3% in March compared with the same month in 2024, official figures showed. However, Britons continue to make up the largest number of overseas visitors to the US.

Heavy rain threatens flash flooding across 11 states
Heavy rain threatens flash flooding across 11 states

The Independent

time19-07-2025

  • Climate
  • The Independent

Heavy rain threatens flash flooding across 11 states

More than 30 million Americans face a significant threat of dangerous flash flooding across 11 states, including the Midwest, Ohio Valley, and Appalachians, from this weekend into next week. The flooding is attributed to a tropical rainstorm, which, though not expected to become a named storm, will bring substantial moisture northward from the Gulf Coast. Forecasts predict 2 to 4 inches of rain from Iowa to the Appalachians, with some localized areas potentially receiving as much as 13 inches, leading to pockets of severe flash flooding. This weather event follows recent major flooding in Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, and deadly flash floods in Texas, contributing to a year when flash flood reports are 70 percent above the historical average. Experts link the increased frequency of extreme rainfall and flooding events, including '1,000-year floods,' to human-caused climate change, as a warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture.

Rounds of flooding downpours, severe storms to target Eastern US
Rounds of flooding downpours, severe storms to target Eastern US

Yahoo

time13-07-2025

  • Climate
  • Yahoo

Rounds of flooding downpours, severe storms to target Eastern US

Conditions will remain conducive for thunderstorms to produce excessive rainfall and damaging wind gusts through the end of this week from the Appalachians to the Atlantic coast, AccuWeather meteorologists warn. The combination of lingering moisture and weak fronts moving in slowly from the central United States will be enough to set off rounds of slow-moving, but potent thunderstorms. The highest risk to lives and property is from torrential rainfall. One issue with storms in the summertime is when they erupt, they can grow skyward and move very slowly at the same time--just like they do in tropical rainforests or jungles. This has the potential to unload a tremendous amount of rain. In localized areas, 2-4 inches can fall in an hour's time and quickly overwhelm storm drains, streets, highways and small streams. Adjacent locations a mile or even just several blocks away may receive little or no rainfall. On Tuesday, this same setup triggered deadly flash flooding in Ruidoso, New Mexico, and inundated streets and cars in downtown Chicago. Areas from New England to the mid-Atlantic, southern Atlantic and Appalachians will be locked into this pattern into the weekend. The areas of torrential downpours and severe thunderstorms will shift from day to day as the weak fronts from the Midwest approach and depart. "We are concerned about the flash flood threat being enhanced from Durham, North Carolina, into central Virginia, which is in the area that received 2-12 inches of rain this past weekend from Tropical Storm Chantal. The ground across this area is already saturated," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tyler Roys said. As AccuWeather accurately predicted, Durham was hit again by torrential rain and flash flooding on Wednesday evening. Drivers are strongly urged not to attempt to drive through flooded roads. Where possible, turn around or move the vehicle to higher ground as water may still be rising or the road may have been washed away, and vehicles can stall or float into dangerous, deep and fast-moving the app? Unlock AccuWeather Alerts™ with Premium+ "It is estimated that in this area and other parts of the East, as little as an inch of rain per hour can lead to flash flooding, and the atmosphere is capable of unleashing rainfall of two to three times that amount," Roys explained. Given the deadly and disastrous flooding events of late, people camping or living along the floodplain of small streams, which are most prone to flash flooding in the Eastern states, are urged to have an audible means of receiving flash flood alerts 24 hours a day. Residents and visitors should be aware of the quickest means to get to higher ground should flash flooding occur. A flash flood watch means weather conditions are conducive for flash flooding. A flash flood warning means flash flooding is imminent at the location specified--move to higher ground immediately. Along with the likelihood of flash flooding with the weather pattern will be zones of severe thunderstorms on a daily basis into the weekend. Just as this setup is conducive to storms with torrential rainfall, some storms are likely to produce powerful wind gusts in certain locations. Tall thunderstorms and downpours can produce a downward rush of air that spreads out as it reaches ground level. These downburst or microburst winds can knock over trees, trigger power outages and cause property damage, similar to some tornadoes. On Friday, the risk of severe thunderstorms with high winds will ease a bit, and that lull may last into part of the weekend in the Northeast. However, on Saturday, the next round of severe thunderstorms will march across the Great Lakes and the Ohio Valley. As the front associated with the severe weather continues to move along during the weekend, the risk of severe weather is likely to increase in the Appalachians and eastern Great Lakes on Sunday. As severe thunderstorms and torrential downpours affect the major metro areas of the East into this weekend, substantial and long-lasting travel delays can unfold in a matter of minutes. Severe thunderstorms can prompt ground stops at the airports, while flooding downpours can bring traffic to a standstill on some of the major highways. Thunderstorms will make a run for the coastline on Monday next week. However, drier air and surface high pressure will likely prevent storms from pushing into some major cities in the I-95 corridor such as Boston and New York City. If the storms speed up, there is a greater chance of them making it to those areas later in the afternoon, which could potentially slow down the evening commute. Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts™ are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.

A look at some of the deadliest floods in the US in the last 25 years
A look at some of the deadliest floods in the US in the last 25 years

The Independent

time06-07-2025

  • Climate
  • The Independent

A look at some of the deadliest floods in the US in the last 25 years

Flooding has caused an average of more than 125 deaths per year in the United States over the past few decades, according to the National Weather Service, and flash floods are the nation's top storm-related killer. Here's a look at some of the most deadly flooding nationwide in the past 25 years. Texas, July 2025 Authorities are still assessing the deadly effects of heavy rains that caused devastating flash floods in Texas Hill Country, leaving at least 32 people dead and many others missing as frantic parents sought word about their daughters unaccounted for at a girls camp near the Guadalupe River. Searchers used helicopters, boats and drones to look for victims and to rescue stranded people in trees and from camps isolated by washed-out roads. Hurricane Helene, 2024 Hurricane Helene struck Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee and Virginia in September 2024. The storm caused about 250 deaths, according to the National Weather Service. Many of those who died in Helene fell victim to massive inland flooding, rather than high winds. Helene was the deadliest hurricane to hit the mainland U.S. since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The storm decimated remote towns throughout the Appalachians and left millions without power, cellular service and supplies. In North Carolina alone, Helene was responsible for 108 deaths, according to the state's Department of Health and Human Services. Kentucky, 2022 Raging floodwaters in eastern Kentucky in late July of 2022 led to 45 deaths, AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tyler Roys said Saturday. The floods destroyed homes and businesses and caused significant damage to schools, roads, bridges and water systems. The disaster robbed thousands of families of all their possessions. Tennessee, 2021 Twenty people were killed when creeks near the small Middle Tennessee town of Waverly overflowed after more than more than 17 inches (43 centimeters) of rain fell in the area in less than 24 hours in August 2021. Homes were washed off their foundations, cars were wrecked and businesses were demolished. The dead included twin babies who were swept from their father's arms. Hurricane Harvey, 2017 Hurricane Harvey barreled into Texas in August 2017 as a powerful Category 4 storm. Harvey hovered for days as it trudged inland, dumping several feet of rain on many Gulf Coast communities and the Houston area. Harvey killed at least 68 people, according to a National Hurricane Center report. All but three of the Harvey deaths were directly attributed to freshwater flooding, which damaged more than 300,000 structures and caused an estimated $125 billion in damage. West Virginia, June 2016 A rainstorm that initially seemed like no big deal turned into a catastrophe in West Virginia, trapping dozens of people during the night and eventually leaving 23 people dead around the state. Superstorm Sandy, 2012 Superstorm Sandy was a late fall freak combination of a hurricane and other storms that struck New York and surrounding areas in October 2012. Sandy killed 147 people, 72 in the eastern U.S., according to the National Hurricane Center. More than 110 deaths were attributed to drowning, Roys said. Mississippi River, 2011 Heavy rainfall in several states, plus a larger-than-normal slow melt, led rivers in the Mississippi River Basin to swell and flood in 2011. Flash floods associated with these storms caused 24 deaths across Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee in April and May, according to the National Weather Service. Hurricane Ike, 2008 Hurricane Ike struck the southeast Texas Gulf Coast in September 2008, creating a storm surge as high as 20 feet (6 meters) in the island city of Galveston. Ike then poured more than 4 feet (1.2 meters) of rain on Houston, destroying thousands of cars and leaving hundreds of thousands of families with flood-damaged homes. In all, Ike was responsible for more than 100 deaths, many caused by flooding. Hurricane Katrina, 2005 Hurricane Katrina is the deadliest flood event in the U.S. in the past 25 years. The storm crashed into the Gulf Coast and caused devastating flooding when levees failed in New Orleans, where people had to be rescued by boat and helicopter from rooftops. The costliest storm in U.S. history, Katrina caused nearly 1,400 deaths and an estimated $200 billion in damages. Tropical Storm Allison, 2001 Tropical Storm Allison caused 41 deaths, mostly attributed to flooding caused by 40 inches (101 centimeters) of rain that fell in Texas and Louisiana, Roys said. Allison remained a threat for days as its remnants lingered after making landfall in June 2001, causing major flooding in Houston.

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