Latest news with #Plains
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Severe storms to continue as calendar turns to June
Friday offered a break from thunderstorms in the Plains. The stormy corridor shifted back into the Plains on Saturday. Unfortunately for storm-weary residents, AccuWeather meteorologists say that more severe weather is on the way. Thunderstorms that are expected to form in southern Kansas and northern Oklahoma on Saturday night will dive southward into Sunday morning. This could give residents of places like Oklahoma City an early wakeup call. From there, the storms will lose some of their intensity and may largely fall apart as they head toward Dallas by mid-morning on the app? Unlock AccuWeather Alerts™ with Premium+ However, storms are likely to redevelop Sunday afternoon. While they could form as far north as Dallas, they can be a bit more numerous farther to the south. The focus will be in Texas, with cities such as Waco, Austin and Houston all in the risk zone for Sunday afternoon and evening. Hail, flooding and isolated tornadoes will all be possible. A much wider expanse of real estate will be at risk for severe weather on Monday. "A dynamic pair of storms set to march into the western United States this weekend are expected to work in tandem to prompt a risk for severe weather across the center of the nation on Monday, with hail, damaging winds and the potential for a few tornadoes being the main concerns," explained AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham. Other factors will come together to continue the severe weather into Tuesday and Wednesday. A fast-moving river of air in the upper atmosphere, known as the jet stream, will begin to strengthen over the Plains. In addition, warm and humid air will be flowing northward from the Gulf. A cold front moving eastward will also act as focusing mechanism for the thunderstorms. The cold front will collide with a preceding warm air mass. This difference in temperature will be another ingredient for the severe storms. The severe risk on Tuesday will extend from southwestern Wisconsin and western Illinois southwestward to northern Texas on Tuesday. This will be east of the area at risk the previous day. The front will continue eastward on Wednesday. One difference on Wednesday will be a loss of some of the energy in the atmosphere. While the initial energy weakens, a new storm will be moving into the southern Plains. "Another wave of low pressure is expected to roll out of the Rockies and into the central United States into midweek, which can keep the risk for severe weather in place across the center of the nation," said Buckingham. Even in the absence of severe weather, that new area of low pressure moving along the front will enhance rainfall. In parts of this area, the rainfall will help to alleviate a developing drought. Meanwhile, other places such as central and southern Missouri, southeastern Kansas and Oklahoma have had rainfall well above the historical average in May. For example, Springfield, Missouri, has received 7.57 inches of rain. Well over half of that came in just a three-day span. Therefore, some rivers and streams may be be elevated and any excessive rain could cause localized flooding. Showers and thunderstorms will continue to progress eastward to end the week. Meanwhile, the next cold front will be moving into the Plains by next weekend. AccuWeather meteorologists will continue to monitor any potential for severe weather with that front in the coming days. 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.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Tahaad Pettiford withdraws from NBA draft, elects to return to Auburn
Tahaad Pettiford withdraws from NBA draft, elects to return to Auburn Great news! Auburn guard Tahaad Pettiford will return to the Plains for his sophomore season. Auburn basketball's outlook for the 2025-26 season is clearer now that a key piece of last season's Final Four roster is set to return. Tahaad Pettiford shared on Instagram Wednesday that he will return to Auburn for his sophomore season after testing the NBA draft waters. He averaged 11.6 points and 3.0 rebounds for the Tigers last season, primary in a bench role in relief of starting guard Denver Jones. Pettiford entered NBA draft consideration last month after hinting at a possible return following Auburn's Final Four run. However, he made it clear that he would only leave Auburn if he received a first-round grade. Despite seeing his stock rise following the Final Four and his performance at the NBA draft combine, he felt that returning to the Plains would benefit his development. "I was happy to go through the process, getting feedback from NBA teams," Pettiford said in an interview with ESPN. "Going back to Auburn is a better situation for me. I see myself being a higher pick next year. It wasn't 100% this year, so I didn't want to take that chance." Before Pettiford announced his return, Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl said that he felt his squad would be much better with Pettiford on the floor. "If he decides to come back to Auburn, we'll be a lot better team," Pearl said of Pettiford. "If he came back, there would be more on him. And I think he's looking forward to that possibility — that I'm going to ask him to do a little bit more, so he can show out a little bit more." Pettiford is Auburn's only returning contributor from the 2025 Final Four squad, and will now see his role increased at the point guard position. He will join newcomers Keyshawn Hall, Keshawn Murphy, Filip Jovic, and Kevin Overton in Auburn's new-look starting five. Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Memorial Day Weekend Weather Forecast: Sluggish Storm To Bring Heavy Rain, Severe Weather To Plains, South
Whether you are traveling or planning outdoor activities, weather conditions this Memorial Day weekend could be a factor to weigh into your decision-making, especially in the central and southern U.S. Travel, particularly by car, is expected to be busy this year with AAA anticipating that a record 45.1 million people will venture at least 50 miles from home over the holiday period. Here's a look at where rainfall could slow some down and how a nationwide temperature split might factor into your activities. -Saturday: The first day of the holiday weekend could feature wet weather in two areas. Scattered showers from departing low pressure combined with cool temperatures over Upstate New York and New England favor making plans indoors. Otherwise, some clusters of showers and storms could dampen plans in spots over the Plains southeastward to parts of the lower and mid-Mississippi valleys. Localized heavy rainfall might trigger flooding, especially in the Ozarks of southern Missouri and northern Arkansas as well as adjacent parts of southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma. Severe storms could pack large hail, wind damage and an isolated tornado, especially in much of Oklahoma. -Sunday: Those expecting to spend time outdoors from the Plains into portions of the South might be wise to have a Plan B just in case. Areas shaded in green below have rain chances at some point during the day, so check the timing for your location on or The Weather Channel App on Sunday morning before you venture out. Heavy rain could produce a flash flood threat, especially from Oklahoma into southeast Kansas, southern Missouri and much of Arkansas. Isolated severe storms in the Southern Plains could unleash strong winds, large hail and possibly an isolated tornado. A few remaining showers are possible in the interior Northeast. The West should be mostly trouble-free when it comes to any precipitation concerns, except for perhaps some thundershowers in the Colorado Rockies. -Memorial Day: The sluggish-moving weather system will nudge a bit farther south and east on Monday. That means rain and thunderstorms will plague much of the South and Plains. This could mean a washout in locations shaded darker green in the map below. The rainfall could also be heavy, resulting in localized flash flooding in portions of the South. Scattered severe storms could impact Texas with high winds and hail. Once again, the West should be trouble-free for most, but we can't rule out some showers and storms in the Central and Southern Rockies. The Northwest might also see a few showers. -Great Lakes, Northeast Keep Their Cool: The general theme is that high temperatures will be below average for at least part of the holiday weekend in these regions. Highs in the 60s and lower 70s are commonplace all three days, with even some 50s in upstate New York and New England on Saturday requiring a jacket. -South Sweats: Florida, the Gulf Coast states and Texas to the south of Interstate 20 will see summer-like heat in the upper 80s and 90s on Saturday and Sunday, so a pool or a beach is a great place to hang out and cool off. Increasing rain and thunderstorms on Monday will knock temperatures down in much of the South, except Florida and South Texas. -Western Contrast: The Southwest will feel like summer unless you are in coastal Southern California, where the Pacific Ocean's influence keeps it cooler. Lower elevations of the Northwest and Rockies will generally be in the 60s and 70s. Chris Dolce has been a senior digital meteorologist with for nearly 15 years after beginning his career with The Weather Channel in the early 2000s.
Hamilton Spectator
08-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Where Infrastructure Meets Impact: Plains Midstream Canada Expands with Invest Alberta
Fort Saskatchewan, AB, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Plains Midstream Canada, a subsidiary of Plains All American (Plains), and Invest Alberta celebrated the successful startup of Plains' natural gas liquids (NGL) fractionation facility in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. Plains utilized their existing infrastructure, and support from Invest Alberta and other strategic partners to provide customers with a quick-to-market solution. As part of the over $200 million investment in the Alberta economy, Plains created over 350 jobs during the project and is adding additional connectivity and further integrating the expansion into its NGL value chain. QUOTES 'Alberta is proud to be a global leader in energy. This expansion by Plains is a powerful example of how companies continue to choose Alberta for its strong workforce, reliable infrastructure, and pro-investment climate. It's another vote of confidence in our province's future and great news for our economy.' -Premier Danielle Smith. 'Alberta has some of the largest natural gas and natural gas liquids reserves in the world. Projects like this one are a key part of making Alberta a supplier of low emissions energy and the petrochemical-based products that define modern life. We congratulate Plains on advancing the natural gas liquids supply chain that will make Alberta and its Industrial Heartland a global petrochemical leader.' -Brian Jean, Minister of Energy and Minerals. 'Despite international economic uncertainty, Alberta's pro-business environment continues to draw world-class companies to our province. Plains' investment in Alberta sends a clear message - investing in Alberta isn't just forward-thinking, it's good business.' -Matt Jones, Alberta Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade. 'Alberta's Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin is one of the key resource growth basins across North America. Plains is proud to provide essential midstream infrastructure solutions to its customers and celebrate this expansion in Alberta.' -Michelle Podavin, President, Plains Midstream Canada. 'Alberta's energy sector is more important than ever. This expansion by Plains demonstrates the long-term value of welcoming investments into Alberta as the benefits continue to flow, years after the initial investment was made. We are thrilled to celebrate this contribution to the Alberta economy while creating jobs for Albertans.' -Rick Christiaanse, CEO of Invest Alberta. About Invest Alberta Invest Alberta engages the world and provides high-end tailored support to companies, investors, and major new projects. With team members strategically positioned in key markets around the world, Invest Alberta works to break down barriers so businesses can start up, scale up, and succeed without limits. To date, Invest Alberta has supported investments of nearly $27.6 billion and created 38,887 jobs since its inception in 2020. Investments are in sectors ranging from energy and agriculture to tech, aviation, life sciences, and beyond. For more information, visit . About Plains Plains Midstream Canada is a subsidiary of Plains All American (Plains), which is a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns and operates midstream energy infrastructure and provides logistics services for crude oil and natural gas liquids (NGL). Plains owns an extensive network of pipeline gathering and transportation systems, in addition to terminalling, storage, processing, fractionation and other infrastructure assets serving key producing basins, transportation corridors and major market hubs and export outlets in the United States and Canada. On average, Plains handles approximately eight million barrels per day of crude oil and NGL. More information is available at .
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former NWS directors warn staff cuts could lead to unnecessary deaths during severe weather
Five former directors of the National Weather Service are warning that additional cuts to the agency's staffing could lead to unnecessary deaths during severe weather such as tornadoes, wildfires and hurricanes. 'Our worst nightmare is that weather forecast offices will be so understaffed that there will be needless loss of life. We know that's a nightmare shared by those on the forecasting front lines—and by the people who depend on their efforts,' they wrote in an open letter published Friday. The former directors — who served between 1988 and 2022 — said that between the Trump administration's cuts to probationary workers and personnel reductions through buyouts, the weather service's staffing has been reduced by more than 10% during the busiest time for severe storm predictions. They said they're also concerned about the Trump administration's budget request for the next fiscal year, after the administration outlined in a letter to Congress a $1.52 billion proposed cut for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the weather service's parent agency. 'NWS staff will have an impossible task to continue its current level of services,' they wrote, if further cuts are implemented. 'Some forecast offices will be so short-staffed that they may be forced to go to part time services." Want to know more about how NWS cuts could cause meteorologists to miss detecting a tornado? Watch Hallie Jackson Now on NBC News Now, today at 5PM EST. Their outcry against cuts at the weather service, and the NOAA more broadly, shows that the agencies are a political pressure point as the Trump administration seeks to slash the size of government. Meteorologists said cuts to weather service staffing have led to less effective forecasts, which has spurred some bipartisan backlash in Plains states where severe weather claims many lives. The letter, which was sent to journalists by a publicist and also circulated on social media, was signed by the former weather service directors: Louis Uccellini, Jack Hayes, U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. D.L. Johnson, U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. John J. Kelly Jr. and U.S. Air Force Col. E.W. (Joe) Friday. Louis Uccellini during a news conference in Maryland in 2016. They added: 'As former directors of the National Weather Service, we know firsthand what it takes to make accurate forecasts happen and we stand united against the loss of staff and resources at NWS and are deeply concerned about NOAA as a whole.' In a statement, the weather service said it wouldn't discuss internal personnel and management matters. It acknowledged that it was juggling staffing concerns. 'We continue to provide weather information, forecasts and warnings pursuant to our public safety mission,' the statement said. 'The National Weather Service is adjusting some services due to temporary staffing changes at our local forecast offices throughout the country in order to best meet the needs of the public, our partners and stakeholders in each office's local area. Work is underway to restore services at local forecast offices around the country.' The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Forecasts during severe weather last month in Nebraska helped to clarify concerns about the cuts and prompted one congressional Republican to speak out. On April 17, as thunderstorms threatened Iowa and Nebraska, the weather service forecasting office in Valley, Nebraska, near Omaha, launched a special weather balloon at 3 p.m. to assess the risk from the storms, but it did not launch a regularly scheduled 7 p.m. balloon because of staff cuts. The Valley office was one of more than 10 sites where the weather service announced it would cancel balloon launches because of staffing shortages. Independent meteorologists said the 7 p.m. balloon launch near Omaha could have helped forecasters identify the risk of tornadoes sooner. Storms that appeared to be mostly a hail threat in data from the 3 p.m. weather balloon ended up producing six tornadoes that tracked across eastern Nebraska. After the storm, Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., said he took steps to intervene. In an April 25 news conference recorded by NBC-affiliate WOWT in Omaha, he said he learned the Valley office's staffing had fallen from 13 forecasters to eight, leaving it little choice but to halt weather balloon operations. After raising the issue, he told reporters he had received a call from the White House agreeing that changes were needed. Soon after, the weather service sent two forecasters to fulfill a temporary assignment at the Valley office. 'We've changed the policy across the country, and these temporary duty assignments are available for forecasters to go to all the other understaffed weather stations,' Flood said, adding that temporary assignments could become permanent and that weather forecasting offices would be allowed to do some new hiring. He said he planned to introduce legislation to classify forecasters as public safety workers, a measure that would likely exempt them from federal buyouts and other staff-cutting policies. 'They are clearly public safety. And that's something that we need to do in Congress,' Flood said. Rick Spinrad, former NOAA administrator under then-President Joe Biden, said the weather service was not a bloated target for budgetary cuts. 'The weather service is costing every American 1 cent per day,' Spinrad said. The staffing cuts have affected more than just weather balloon launches. Last month, the weather service office in Sacramento, California, sent a memo to local media partners saying that it would reduce overnight staffing and stop answering public phones, among other changes. Friday, one of the former directors, said he was particularly concerned that additional cuts could further stress overnight staffing. 'The worst case scenario we could have if this situation continues would be the development of a severe storm that would start after midnight,' he said, adding that overnight decisions by the weather service and local emergency planners could be the difference between sirens waking people up to a danger, such as a tornado. 'We have holes throughout the weather service now that are not well thought out.' This article was originally published on
