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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Dust from Sahara brings hazy skies to East Texas
TYLER, Texas (KETK) — Each year, large plumes of dust from the Sahara in Africa make their way across the Atlantic Ocean and sometimes find their way into the United States, including right here in East Texas. The technical name for this phenomenon is the Saharan air layer. What is a severe weather watch vs warning? These large masses of dust consist of fine particles from the deserts of the northern areas of the African continent, as well as extremely dry air. When the dust makes its way into our area, skies have a hazy tint and sunsets tend to be more vibrant. When the dust plumes are especially potent, you may even notice a thin layer of fine dust on your vehicle or other outdoor objects. Air quality can be negatively affected by Saharan dust, leading to congestion and respiratory issues, particularly in vulnerable populations. Because the air associated with these dust plumes is so dry, the Saharan air layer can suppress the development of tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean. Thicker dust plumes can even cause sea surface temperatures to drop due to the blockage of solar radiation. Tropical systems need plenty of moisture and warm sea surface temperatures to develop, so this combination is a substantial hinderance in tropical development. More dust is expected to move into the region over the coming days. Keep up with all of the latest information on East Texas air quality on KETK News. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
Coach's TikTok inspired drill leaves Texas students burned after crawling on hot track
TYLER COUNTY, Texas (KETK) — Several middle school students in Texas sustained first and second-degree burns after their coach told them to 'bear crawl' across a blistering hot track, leaving parents outraged and demanding answers. According to multiple parents from Woodville ISD who spoke with KETK News, the incident occurred on Monday during a 7th-period class led by Coach Kobe Adams. Students were reportedly given a choice between running the track or participating in a TikTok trend. 2-year-old tests positive for THC at Lufkin hospital, affidavit says Parents say the class chose the trend without knowing they would perform a one-hundred-yard bear crawl on a hot track surface. If they fell or their knees touched the ground, they would have to start over. As temperatures soared, students began complaining of intense pain in their hands. According to parents, some students reportedly resorted to spitting on their palms in an attempt to cool the burns. Parents say their children voiced their discomfort during the drill, but the activity continued. Coach Adams allegedly informed some parents before school dismissal that a few students had sustained minor injuries during the exercise. However, when parents arrived to pick up their children, many were shocked to find severe blisters, missing skin and visible signs of burn injuries. Several students were later taken to the hospital, where parents say they were diagnosed with first- and second-degree burns. Some families said they were contacted by school officials regarding the incident, but many are still seeking answers and accountability for what they describe as a preventable and negligent act. AFFIDAVIT: Parent arrested for giving vodka-laced Jell-O shots to kids at Tyler elementary Christmas party On Tuesday, the district released a statement addressing the incident: Woodville ISD is aware of the incident that occurred during a pre-athletics class at Woodville Middle School on Monday, May 19. We are equally as concerned with the reports as the community and are taking the matter seriously, as our students' well-being and safety is a top priority. The Superintendent and Campus Principal have launched a full internal review and are cooperating with local law enforcement. Currently, we are aware that students participated in an exercise program promoted on social media that involves bear crawling on the track. Due to the temperature of the track, the exercise resulted in some students reporting injuries. While federal privacy laws (FERPA) limit what we can share, we want to be clear: the employee actions described by the media do not reflect the values or expectations of Woodville ISD. The District is addressing all personnel matters in line with district policy, and can confirm the staff member involved has been removed from campus and will not be returning to the District. District and campus leadership are in direct contact with affected families and remain committed to transparency, accountability, and ensuring a safe, respectful environment for all students. Parents have addressed public comments on why students didn't stop the drill when they were in pain: 'This is an athletic coach and children are taught to listen to him and he's taught to train them and push them to become athletes. So people are saying the kids should've had common sense. No, they're doing what their coach is directing them to do because their coach is supposed to push them to do better. They didn't know their hands were being burned,' a parent told KETK News. KETK has reached out to the Woodville Police Department and the school district, but has not heard back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
East Texas school districts announce delays for Wednesday
SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas (KETK) — As East Texans prepare for below-freezing temperatures, school districts have announced class delays to ensure students and staff remain safe while on the road. Tuesday Morning Forecast: Chilly and rainy day ahead KETK News weather talk: Showers and a few rumbles of thunder are likely through the day today with high temperatures struggling to get much higher than the 50-degree mark. Tonight, rain will come to an end and temperatures will plummet into the 20s by Wednesday morning. There could be a brief period of wintry mix, especially closer to I-30, before the precipitation ends. Impacts are expected to be minimal, but there could be a few slick spots on area roadways. Sulphur Springs ISD classes will have a 2-hour delay on Wednesday following expected freezing temperatures. The district said they are concerned for those driving on bridges and county roads that are less traveled, as extremely low temperatures can cause ice on roads. 'These conditions can be especially difficult for our buses, parents and staff to navigate in early morning dark hours. Our priority is the safety of students and staff,' Sulphur Springs district officials said. Como Pickton CISD said classes will have a two-hour delay on Wednesday as the district expects rain on Tuesday night. Once it stops raining, temperatures are expected to be in the low 20s. Assistant Principal Jennifer Bunch said this has raised concerns for buses on the frozen backroads on Wednesday morning. As a result, buses will run on a two-hour delay. Tuesday's baseball and softball games have also been canceled. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
