Latest news with #BrittaMerwin
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Hurricane Season Update: Storm Alvin Could Form Wednesday
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. The first storm of the 2025 Eastern Pacific hurricane season could form as early as Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), which reports that a low-pressure system south of Mexico is likely to develop into a tropical depression or tropical storm, Alvin. Why It Matters The 2024 hurricane season resulted in substantial losses, with storms impacting the Gulf and Caribbean regions. Major storms like Hurricane Beryl struck the Caribbean and Mexico, and later storms, including Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, caused fatalities and economic losses estimated at $78.7 billion and $34.3 billion, respectively, according to the BBC, citing National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data. What To Know "Environmental conditions remain favorable for further development, and a tropical depression or tropical storm is expected to form later today or tonight as the low moves generally west-northwestward at around 10 [miles per hour]," the NHC said in a Wednesday morning update. The tropical rainstorm is expected to continue developing today, potentially reaching tropical depression or tropical storm status as it moves northwest. As it tracks farther over the Pacific later this week, it may intensify into a hurricane, forecasters at AccuWeather said. A forecast map from AccuWeather shows the system's expected path. A forecast map from AccuWeather shows the system's expected path. AccuWeather However, by the weekend, the system is likely to weaken as it approaches Mexico, encountering cooler waters and stronger wind shear. Despite this, it could still deliver locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds along parts of Mexico's west-central coast from late week into the weekend, according to AccuWeather. A tropical depression is a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained surface winds of 38 mph or less, according to the NHC. In contrast, a tropical storm features sustained winds ranging from 39 to 73 mph. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season began on May 15. It runs through November 30. What People Are Saying Fox Weather meteorologist Britta Merwin said: "That's usually how things work for the [Eastern Pacific]. You know, our water temperatures cool significantly off of Baja. This will generally be indirect impacts because, although this is tracking towards Baja and also the Pacific coast of Mexico, it will no longer be a tropical system at that point because the water temperature is significantly cooler." AccuWeather meteorologist Dan Pydynowski told Newsweek: "Both the Atlantic and East Pacific name lists rotate every 6 years. Storms with major land impacts are 'retired.' A meeting every year of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) determines which names from the previous year should be retired. Storm list names are maintained and updated by the WMO." What Happens Next AccuWeather meteorologists are forecasting 14 to 18 tropical storms and seven to 10 hurricanes in the eastern Pacific for 2025. In comparison, the historical averages are 15 tropical storms and four hurricanes.
New York Post
22-05-2025
- Climate
- New York Post
Rare May nor'easter brings cool wind and rain ahead of Memorial Day weekend
A rare May nor'easter is sweeping across the Northeast on Thursday, bringing a cool, windswept rain to millions hoping to get an early jump on Memorial Day weekend travel. A nor'easter doesn't need snow to fall. Advertisement It's simply an area of low pressure with strong northeasterly winds off the Atlantic Ocean. Two areas of low pressure – one across the interior and another off the mid-Atlantic coast – are causing misery. The interior low-pressure system already packed a punch in western Pennsylvania on Wednesday evening as a line of severe thunderstorms rolled through the Pittsburgh area, prompting a Tornado Watch and a few radar-indicated Tornado Warnings. The National Weather Service office in Pittsburgh said crews would be surveying damage in Butler, Washington and Allegheny counties after possible tornadoes on Wednesday. Advertisement The NWS said a tornado was already confirmed in Butler after video showed the twister ripping the roof off a salt shed. Storms also brought some heavy rain that led to flooding in Pittsburgh. As the rain and wind pick up in intensity on Thursday, impacts will become more widespread. FOX Weather Meteorologist Britta Merwin was at Smith Point on Long Island in New York on Thursday morning as she was pelted by rain and wind. Advertisement 3 A rare May nor'easter is sweeping across the Northeast bringing a cool, windswept rain to millions before Memorial Day. FOX Weather 'We'll have breakers about 1 to 3 feet,' Merwin said. 'It's an offshore wind, so of course that's going to impact the shape of the waves. As we go into this evening, the winds are going to pick up because this is truly just the beginning of our late-season nor'easter.' The storm's impacts were felt in New York City earlier Thursday morning. A video shared from Brooklyn shows rain that was falling during the morning commute. Advertisement The coastal low-pressure system has been taking shape south of Long Island in New York. The low is expected to continue to strengthen and peak in intensity on Thursday afternoon. 3 Rain and wind picked up in intensity, and will become more widespread. FOX Weather It's expected to bring a steady, sometimes heavy rain from the New York City tri-state area up through New England. Rain totals are expected to range from 1 to 2 inches, with some locally higher amounts in elevated terrain and along the Northeast and New England coasts. Flash flooding is also a possibility, and NOAA's Weather Prediction Center has placed portions of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine under a Level 1 out of 4 threat. Wind will also be a problem, especially from eastern Long Island up through the New England coast. Wind gusts higher than 40 mph are likely, with some gusts expected to exceed 55 mph. Advertisement While winds of that strength likely won't take down too many trees, there could be delays at major airports across the region, especially in Boston. 3 The storm's impacts were felt in New York City on Thursday morning. Getty Images Wind alerts have been posted for much of the New England coast through Friday morning. Strong winds could also cause issues at the beach. While astronomical tides are not particularly high, a 1.5- to 2.5-foot water rise is still possible. Advertisement If that occurs, minor coastal flooding could be a concern. Coastal Flood Advisories are also in effect for portions of the Northeast and New England. In the highest peaks of New Hampshire's White Mountains, the nor'easter will pull in enough cold air to produce off-season snow accumulation, mainly above 1,500 feet. The heaviest snow will fall on peaks above 3,000 feet in the Presidential Range, including Mount Washington in New Hampshire.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Late-season nor'easter to lash East Coast ahead of Memorial Day weekend with 'cold, windswept heavy rain'
Fast Facts: Widespread rain totals of 1-2 inches are possible, with locally higher amounts in Pennsylvania and New York. Over 50 million people across the mid-Atlantic and Northeast face the risk of flash flooding, with a Level 2 out of 4 threat posted on Wednesday. Gusty winds between 30 and 40-plus mph are likely along the coasts of New England and Long Island. NEW YORK – A late-season nor'easter is expected to bring rounds of rain and strong winds to parts of the East Coast. By Wednesday, more than 50 million Americans will face the risk of flash flooding ahead of the Memorial Day weekend. As low pressure shifts into the mid-Atlantic, the FOX Forecast Center said showers and thunderstorms will spread across the region on Wednesday and Thursday. Heavy rain is possible, particularly from Virginia into parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. "We will bring in more rain, which could trigger some isolated flood concerns," FOX Weather Meteorologist Britta Merwin warned. "As we go into Wednesday and Thursday, this truly turns into a wind and rain event for the Northeast." A Level 1 out of 4 threat of flash flooding has been posted for much of the region from Wednesday into Thursday morning, with a Level 2 out of 4 threat issued for portions of southwestern Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia, eastern Ohio and far western Maryland. How To Watch Fox Weather Computer forecast models are in agreement that the system will be relatively fast-moving, so the rain will not persist for as long as earlier guidance suggested, the FOX Forecast Center said. However, a coastal low will develop into a nor'easter off the New York coast and bring widespread rain and strong winds across the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, continuing through at least midday Friday. Rain totals should generally remain around 1-2 inches, with locally higher amounts in the higher elevations and right along the Northeast and New England coasts, closer to the area of low pressure. "A late-season nor'easter likely brings cold, windswept heavy rain to the region late Wednesday into early Friday," the National Weather Service office in Boston said. The strongest winds are expected on Long Island and near the New England coast, where the area of low pressure will develop. Wind gusts of up to 35-40 mph are possible. Since the winds will be blowing from the northeast off the Atlantic Ocean, the area of low pressure can be considered a nor'easter. This week's nor'easter will be relatively late in the season for one to occur. While they can develop at any time of the year, nor'easters are most common between September and April when the jet stream is stronger and more active. What Is A Nor'easter? Along with the rain, temperatures will fall well below average. In New York City, for example, high temperatures will be stuck in the mid-50s on Wednesday and Thursday. This is almost 20 degrees below average for late May. Fortunately, unlike recent weekends, most of the Northeast is expected to dry out in time for the Memorial Day weekend, with some sunshine returning to the forecast. However, leftover showers and gusty winds could linger across upstate New York and New England through Saturday before conditions improve by Sunday and Memorial article source: Late-season nor'easter to lash East Coast ahead of Memorial Day weekend with 'cold, windswept heavy rain'
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Central US on high alert Monday for dangerous tornadoes, giant hail and destructive winds
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – After several days of potent and deadly storm activity, the central U.s. will remain under a heightened risk of severe weather on Monday. The FOX Forecast Center warns that a wide region from Kansas and Oklahoma extending into parts of Missouri and Arkansas is expected to experience severe thunderstorms. By early afternoon, eastern Kansas, Oklahoma, northern Texas and the Ozarks will be primed for severe storms to develop. Significant damage was reported in western Kansas early Monday morning after powerful storms produced tornadoes that damaged numerous homes and brought down trees and power lines amid a rare Tornado Emergency. How To Watch Fox Weather A concerning Level 4 out of 5 severe weather threat includes major cities like Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman and Broken Arrow in Oklahoma, as well as Fort Smith, Arkansas. "The thunderstorm development that we're expecting later today could produce some very large tornadoes," FOX Weather Meteorologist Britta Merwin said. St. Louis Food Truck Owner Killed During Storms Leaves Behind 7 Children: 'He Always Showed Up With A Hug' Some of the tornadoes could be intense (EF-3 or stronger), with very large hail and severe winds. Multiple lines of severe storms will push eastward into Missouri and Arkansas, carrying the threat of damaging winds and embedded tornadoes. Severe thunderstorms will rumble into Tuesday across parts of the Ohio Valley and the mid-Mississippi and Tennessee valleys, with the potential for more damaging winds, large hail and a few tornadoes. Thunderstorms may already be ongoing Tuesday morning, especially across Illinois, Indiana and possibly Kentucky. "You have to think about these outlooks sometimes as a continuing story," Merwin said. "What develops later today is going to be dragging into the overnight into tomorrow." As temperatures and humidity climb throughout the day on Tuesday, the atmosphere will become unstable. This can set the stage for strong to severe storms in multiple areas. Kentucky Tornadoes: Nearly 2 Dozen Dead As Severe Weather Outbreak Tears Across Ohio Valley A Level 3 out of 5 threat for severe storms includes major Tennessee cities like Memphis, Nashville, Clarksville and Murfreesboro, as well as Huntsville, Alabama. Farther south, ingredients will come together to provide an environment favorable for supercells. Initial supercells will pose a risk of all severe storm threats, including the potential for strong tornadoes. With the atmosphere not being disturbed, an organized line of storms will develop and push eastward by Tuesday evening. By Wednesday, the cold front will be along the mid-Atlantic and Carolina coastlines. With any daytime heating, there is a chance of severe storms from Virginia to southeastern Georgia, especially in the afternoon, the FOX Forecast Center article source: Central US on high alert Monday for dangerous tornadoes, giant hail and destructive winds
Newsweek
13-05-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Millions Told To Stay Out of Sun in Texas
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. An early-season heat wave is gripping Texas, with temperatures forecast to surpass 100 degrees Fahrenheit across much of the state. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued heat advisories covering a vast portion of Central and South Texas, warning millions of residents to take precautions. Why It Matters Authorities are urging people to stay out of the sun, hydrate frequently, and check on vulnerable individuals such as older adults. File photo: Residents cool off in the Liz Carpenter Splash Pad at Butler Park on July 16, 2023 in Austin, Texas. File photo: Residents cool off in the Liz Carpenter Splash Pad at Butler Park on July 16, 2023 in Austin, Texas. Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP via Getty Images What To Know The average first 100-degree-Fahrenheit day in cities such as Austin typically arrives in mid-July. Instead, meteorologists now predict some of the highest-ever May temperatures in recorded history, which could set hundreds of daily records throughout the state. "This is the type of weather that we anticipate at the end of July, beginning of August—not May," FOX Weather meteorologist Britta Merwin said. "We're losing like two months of comfortable air." The NWS said that parts of south-central Texas, including the cities of Austin and San Antonio, could see heat index values up to 109, with the service warning that hot temperatures and high humidity could lead to heat illnesses. "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, check up on relatives and neighbors," the NWS advised. Elsewhere in the state, heat index values up to 112 were forecast for inland Kleberg, Nueces, and San Patricio Counties on Wednesday. Up to 114 would be possible in Duval, Jim Wells, La Salle, Live Oak, McMullen, and Webb Counties. The service added that a moderate risk of heat-related impacts on Tuesday would increase to a major to extreme risk on Wednesday. "This kind of extreme heat in May is not just unusual—it's a clear signal of our changing climate," said Kristina Dahl, vice president of science at the nonprofit Climate Central. "Temperatures this high, this early in the year, would have been extremely rare in the past. But, due to human-caused climate change, these dangerous heat waves are becoming more frequent, more intense, and more disruptive." Map Shows Record Heat Hitting Texas What People Are Saying NWS San Angelo said on X, formerly Twitter, Monday: "It will feel more like summer Tuesday and Wednesday with highs exceeding 100 degrees. Please follow heat safety precautions." NWS Corpus Christi said on X, Monday: "A HOT week coming up with some record high temperatures in the forecast! This will be a prolonged early-season heat wave that starts tomorrow and continues into at least early next week." NWS Austin/San Antonio said on X, Tuesday: "Record highs today with most locations reaching triple digits. Potentially historic and unusually hot high temps continue with most areas reaching 100 or higher each afternoon, many records likely to be tied or broken." What Happens Next At the time of writing, the latest heat advisory was set to remain in effect until 9 p.m. Wednesday.
