Latest news with #JeanineSantucci
USA Today
09-07-2025
- Climate
- USA Today
Before and after satellite images show devastating impact of Texas floods
New satellite images illustrate the force and path of the devastating July 4 flood waters that washed out homes and vegetation along the Guadalupe River in Texas. More than 100 are dead as the search for more than 160 missing people continues in Kerr County, which received the brunt of the flooding impacts. The death toll has steadily risen while search and rescue teams, in addition to volunteers, comb through debris. The last "live rescue" was made on Friday, July 4, said Jonathan Lamb with the Kerrville Police Department, and the chances of finding survivors dwindle as time passes. Live updates: Search teams scour for more than 160 still missing in Texas flooding Before and after satellite images provided by Maxar Technologies show the effects the flooding had on the area surrounding Camp Mystic. According to its website, Maxar Technologies is a "leading provider of secure, precise geospatial insights." Satellite images show effects of Texas flooding The Guadalupe River before and after flooding Girls still missing from Camp Mystic At least 27 of the flooding deaths were children and counselors at Camp Mystic, a beloved girls' Christian camp that sits along the river. It, along with homes and campgrounds in the area, was inundated in the early morning hours on Friday with little time to act. There are still five missing campers and one counselor from the camp, officials said. More photos from the aftermath of Texas flooding Contributing: Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@
USA Today
08-07-2025
- Climate
- USA Today
'Relief is in store' for flood-devastated Texas as thunderstorms taper off
The National Weather Service said the threat of severe weather is low, but some flood warnings are still in effect. The flood-ravaged parts of central Texas may get a break from severe weather as thunderstorms began to shift eastward. The National Weather Service said scattered thunderstorms may produce heavy downpours across Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas on July 8, but they will "largely taper off" by night as they move east across the region. "After several days of active thunderstorms and torrential rains, resulting in catastrophic flooding across south-central Texas, some relief is in store during Tuesday," forecasters said. More storms may pop up farther east across the Deep South and southern Appalachians during the day on July 9, but they will "die down considerably" by that night. Strong storms that produce gusty winds and localized flooding are possible in other parts of Texas, but the threat of severe weather is low, according to the National Weather Service in Fort Worth. Minor flooding is forecast, and flood warnings will remain in effect for some areas of the state, including along the Guadalupe River near Bloomington, Texas. Death toll rises from weekend storms Extreme flooding began in the Texas Hill Country around 4 a.m. on July 4 as thunderstorms dumped more than 10 inches of rain on the region. The relentless rain overwhelmed the Guadalupe River, causing it to surge over 26 feet in less than an hour, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said. The rain didn't let up and the flood risk persisted in the central part of the state over the next few days. The death toll has risen to at least 104, including 27 children and counselors from the beloved Camp Mystic, a storied Christian girls camp in hard-hit Kerr County. Ten Mystic campers and one counselor are still missing. Contributing: Jeanine Santucci and Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The best summer AC temperature? Experts have an unpopular answer.
Summer 2025 is here and temperatures are reaching dangerous levels, making air conditioning important for comfort and safety. But what temperature should you set your thermostat at? The answer is a balancing act between energy savings, comfort and safety. 'It is essential to stay cool during hot weather — use air conditioning or go to a cool place where you feel comfortable,' Dr. Michelle Morse, New York City's acting health commissioner, said in a statement. 'Heat is dangerous, but taking certain precautions can prevent illness and protect your health.' People also have bills to pay as AC demand skyrockets. Here are ways to stay cool while balancing budgets. Summer 2025 brings killer heat. Here are some surprising ways to stay safe. The best temperature to set your air conditioning is 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you wake up, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program. Energy companies in Florida, Maryland and Missouri also recommend thermostats at 78 degrees during summer months. Not many people follow this recommendation, as a 2021 Consumer Reports survey showed. And a 2024 poll from the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, found 72 degrees was a favorite among readers. But setting your thermostat at a higher temperature can maximize efficiency. As temperatures ideally drop at night, people should set thermostats 4 degrees warmer when they go to sleep. If you're away from home, you can avoid unnecessary energy usage by setting temperatures 7 degrees warmer, the energy department said. Even 7 to 10 degrees, for around 8 hours daily, can save up to 10% annually on cooling and heating. Since windows bring in heat, window curtains can help keep indoors cooler. Look for air leaks — such as windows, baseboards and doors — and seal them to keep cool air in and hot air outside. Reduce use of appliances that generate heat, such as stoves or ovens. Use fans to circulate cool air, but don't use them as your only cooling device. There are other methods to stay cool, which USA TODAY compiled here. You should also check on others who may be more vulnerable to heat-related illness, including young children, older people and people with chronic health issues. If it gets too hot, look for a nearby cooling center. Even public areas, such as malls, museums or pools, can give critical respite. Contributing: Jeanine Santucci and Greta Cross, USA TODAY. Eduardo Cuevas is based in New York City. Reach him by email at emcuevas1@ or on Signal at emcuevas.01. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Experts say this is best AC temperature amid heat wave
USA Today
22-06-2025
- Climate
- USA Today
What temperature to set your thermostat during summer heat wave?
AC units can be lifesaving, but there are other tips to keep homes cool. Millions of Americans are facing hot, humid temperatures at the start of summer. Across the Midwest and Northeast, over 40 million Americans are under extreme heat watches on June 20. Some states could reach into the 100s with high humidity. New York and Washington, D.C., could see temperatures surpass 90 degrees for up to a week. For people with air-conditioning, window units and central air will be humming for days on end. While staying safe and staying cool is paramount, people must also balance their bills. Here are tips to efficiently cool homes at the start of a scorching summer. Hot and humid: Heat advisory for millions as 'dangerous' temperatures kick off summer What's the best temperature to set AC? The U.S. Department of Energy recommends keeping temperatures inside comfortable and at a level that controls for humidity. People should also try to lower the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures to help save money. Energy Star, an Environmental Protection Agency program promoting energy efficiency, recommends setting ACs to 78 degrees for comfort and efficiency when you wake up. Energy companies, including in Missouri, Maryland and Florida, recommend thermostats at 78 degrees during summer months. Few Americans follow this recommendation, though. A Consumer Reports survey in 2021 said people with central air set their median temperatures to 72 degrees. No respondents selected temperatures warmer than 76 degrees. When sleeping, ideally when outdoor temperatures drop, people can set temperatures 4 degrees warmer. Thermostats that are programmable can regulate these temperatures, according to Energy Star. Meanwhile, installing thermostats further from areas that receive cool or heat, like a window with an AC unit that takes in sunlight, can help regulate temperatures. What about when I'm away? The energy department says keeping a house warmer when you're away can avert unnecessary energy use. Energy Star recommends setting temperatures 7 degrees warmer when you're away from home. Just a 7- to 10-degree difference, for about eight hours each day, can save as much as 10% a year on cooling and heating costs, the energy department said. Other ways to stay cool Climate and AC More people are using air conditioning in the country, EPA data suggests. That's in part because we experience more hot days due to a warming climate. Contributing: Jeanine Santucci and Greta Cross, USA TODAY; Steven Howe, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle; Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal; Greg Giesen, Delaware News Journal; and Manahil Ahmad, The Bergen Record.
USA Today
21-06-2025
- Health
- USA Today
The best summer AC temperature? Experts have an unpopular answer.
To save energy and money, experts say to set your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you wake up. Here's why. Summer 2025 is here and temperatures are reaching dangerous levels, making air conditioning important for comfort and safety. But what temperature should you set your thermostat at? The answer is a balancing act between energy savings, comfort and safety. 'It is essential to stay cool during hot weather — use air conditioning or go to a cool place where you feel comfortable,' Dr. Michelle Morse, New York City's acting health commissioner, said in a statement. 'Heat is dangerous, but taking certain precautions can prevent illness and protect your health.' People also have bills to pay as AC demand skyrockets. Here are ways to stay cool while balancing budgets. Summer 2025 brings killer heat. Here are some surprising ways to stay safe. What's the best temperature to set your AC? The best temperature to set your air conditioning is 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you wake up, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program. Energy companies in Florida, Maryland and Missouri also recommend thermostats at 78 degrees during summer months. Not many people follow this recommendation, as a 2021 Consumer Reports survey showed. And a 2024 poll from the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, found 72 degrees was a favorite among readers. But setting your thermostat at a higher temperature can maximize efficiency. What temperature should the thermostat be when I sleep during summer? As temperatures ideally drop at night, people should set thermostats 4 degrees warmer when they go to sleep. If you're away from home, you can avoid unnecessary energy usage by setting temperatures 7 degrees warmer, the energy department said. Even 7 to 10 degrees, for around 8 hours daily, can save up to 10% annually on cooling and heating. Other summer energy tips There are other methods to stay cool, which USA TODAY compiled here. You should also check on others who may be more vulnerable to heat-related illness, including young children, older people and people with chronic health issues. If it gets too hot, look for a nearby cooling center. Even public areas, such as malls, museums or pools, can give critical respite. Contributing: Jeanine Santucci and Greta Cross, USA TODAY. Eduardo Cuevas is based in New York City. Reach him by email at emcuevas1@ or on Signal at emcuevas.01.
