Latest news with #JosephDames
CBS News
02-06-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Northern lights expected in Minnesota this week, but clouds may not cooperate. Here's when you could see them
A strong geomagnetic storm on Monday and Tuesday means there could be a chance to see the northern lights dance overhead in Minnesota. Unfortunately the weather on Monday won't cooperate — NEXT Weather Meteorologist Joseph Dames says the aurora borealis won't be visible due to stormy and rainy skies. The geomagnetic storm Monday evening is rated a G1 — minor — and on Tuesday, it'll be even weaker. But Tuesday, a partly cloudy forecast indicates there might be a chance for viewing the lights. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the southern extent of where the aurora could be visible is just north of the Minnesota-Iowa border. NOAA The storm was stronger on Sunday evening, when Gabe Zago was able to capture a photo of the lights near Cloquet. Gabe Zago To have the greatest chance at seeing the aurora, move to more remote locations, away from highly-populated areas. Make sure to have a clear view of the north. The very best viewing area would be in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, officially recognized as the closest International Dark Sky Sanctuary. The colors of the lights depend on the type of particles in the atmosphere. Oxygen gives off green colors, which are the most common. It also gives off red, but the color is more difficult to see.
CBS News
29-04-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Rising flood worries in Minnesota sparking questions about insurance coverage
Rise in extreme rain events is adding concerns about flood insurance Rise in extreme rain events is adding concerns about flood insurance Rise in extreme rain events is adding concerns about flood insurance Springtime in Minnesota typically means melting snowpack and eyes on flood-prone rivers. But a rise in extreme rain events is adding to concerns. It is raising questions about insurance coverage. Heavy rain events are becoming more frequent and intense in Minnesota due to worsening droughts and flooding as a result of climate change. "We're having a change in these weather patterns where we have these really extended dry stretches, which is not good for the ground, and then turning over into these really big bursts of heavy rain because warm air is holding more moisture," said Joseph Dames, WCCO NEXT Weather Meteorologist. We witnessed catastrophic flooding from extreme rain across Minnesota in June 2024. Areas affected included Mankato, Waterville and Northfield in Southern Minnesota, and Duluth in the north. Approximately half of flood damage now occurs outside mapped flood zones, according to the Minnesota DNR. After devastating storms, homeowners face a serious problem beyond drying out — paying for the cleanup. "Flood insurance isn't included in the standard homeowner's insurance policies, and most Americans don't know that," said Bankrate Insurance Analyst Kathleen Howley. Howley says homeowners can buy add-ons for additional protection on items like water backup & sump pump failure. To get protection from major flooding, a separate policy is needed. Most get it through the National Flood Insurance Program run by FEMA. The national average annual cost for one of those policies was $870 in 2024. Private flood policies are also available. Experts in insurance and weather are calling on all homeowners to consider flood insurance because they believe it's going to be a continued issue. Bankrate has more on how homeowners can assess their area's flood risk and protect themselves financially here.
CBS News
07-02-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Why Minnesota's snow total forecast for latest storm has dropped
MINNEAPOLIS — A storm system is set to arrive in Minnesota late Friday, likely bringing several inches of snow for the Twin Cities. Earlier forecasts showed the potential for up to 9 inches of snow in parts of the state, including the metro. But the latest accumulation models have dialed totals down a bit. The WCCO NEXT Weather Team says based on six different forecast models, the metro could see between 2-6.5 inches of accumulation by late Saturday — though a narrow band may see more. Meteorologist Joseph Dames says it will be fluffy snow, with central Minnesota and western Wisconsin still the general area for the highest snow totals. The National Weather Service predicts between 3-6 inches will fall in the metro, and it's issued a winter weather advisory for most of Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Dakotas from Saturday at midnight through 6 p.m. Parts of eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin are also in an ice storm warning. A NEXT Weather Alert has also been issued due to potential impacts on state roads. So why the big change in snow total predictions? Dames reminds us that weather models are always going to change as we near an event. "The closer we are to that event, the more clear the forecast is. That means, there will be a contrast between weather data from three days ago, and even a few hours before the snow arrives," Dames said. What's changed in the last 24 hours? The amount of moisture has come down, meaning we won't have as much to work with to build some of the massive snow totals that were indicated in previous weather models. And Dames says there are signs of dry air preventing some areas from seeing snow until later in the night. What hasn't changed? Dames say the general timing and location of the snow is still the same. "It will happen late Friday night closer to midnight and will continue through Saturday morning," he said. The system will exit in time for Super Bowl Sunday, but it will usher in a string of days with single-digit highs and subzero lows, likely leading to some cold weather advisories.
