Latest news with #Raabe
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
NOAA predicts an above-normal 2025 Atlantic hurricane season
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season approaches, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a forecast: this year could be a very active hurricane season. This announcement comes as the Gulf Coast prepares to mark 20 years since Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and much of Southeast Louisiana. In the decades since, NOAA has significantly advanced its storm modeling technology. 'Providing life-saving forecasts that ensure people in harm's way are given critical time to heed warnings — that's our top priority,' said NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm. 60% chance of an above-normal season. 13 to 19 named storms expected. Six to 10 may become hurricanes. Three to five could reach major hurricane status (Category 3 or higher). Ken Graham, director of the National Weather Service, emphasized that the conditions are ripe for increased activity. 'One of the main drivers this year is warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures and lower wind shear, which allows storms to strengthen faster and last longer,' Graham said. While the numbers are alarming, officials stress that preparation, not panic, is key to staying safe. 'Prepare now and stay ready throughout the season,' Grimm said. Experts recommend that residents have a comprehensive hurricane plan, including an evacuation route, emergency food and water supplies, essential documents and a secure home setup. Kyle Raabe, president of Consumer Power at Generac Power Systems, cautioned against reactive behavior when storms hit. 'The biggest mistake people make when the power goes out is not having a plan. Because when you don't have a plan, you just kind of react,' Raabe said. He also reminded residents not to operate generators indoors or in garages and to stay away from downed power lines, which are a frequent danger during hurricanes. 'Leave those to the utility professionals. Just report it and let them take care of it,' Raabe said. Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Now is the time to prepare, stay informed, and ensure your family and home are ready. NOAA predicts an above-normal 2025 Atlantic hurricane season Amite woman killed in Tangipahoa Parish car crash Palou wins first career Indy 500 in thrilling finish Husband, wife each lose an arm while locked together during deadly Kentucky tornado Country music singer, former Georgia Southern football player arrested Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Living with Parkinson's after Agent Orange exposure
WASHINGTON (KELO/AP) — When the Iowa nonprofit Midwest Honor Flight brings veterans to the memorials of northern Virginia and Washington, the schedule is packed and the day is active. Jerry Raabe of Volga, S.D. was among the 85 honored veterans brought by the organization on May 6 to the National Mall and its Vietnam Veterans Memorial, where John David Hamilton Jr.'s name can be found. 'When I look at the wall today, I see his name up on the wall and my reflection at the same time,' Raabe said at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport a short time later. Rural SD hit hard by Noem's cut to FEMA grants Hamilton and Raabe went to Vietnam together. The wall includes more than 58,000 names of people lost in combat or missing in action. Even though he personally opposed the war in Southeast Asia as a conscientious objector, Raabe was drafted and served as a medic in the Army, earning a Bronze Star Medal for heroism in ground combat. 'I tried my best as a medic to save people, and hopefully I saved some people along the way,' Raabe said. While in Vietnam, he was exposed to Agent Orange, a herbicide widely used by American forces during the Vietnam War. Raabe says the Department of Veterans Affairs identified the defoliant as the cause of his Parkinson's disease: a disorder of the brain which impacts movement, balance and coordination. 'I've been doing speech exercises probably four or five times a week,' Raabe said. 'It helps with, also helps with the facial expressions and the swallowing, so because that's another symptom of Parkinson's, is that you'll have a softer voice, loose your ability to speak and also loose your ability to swallow.' He's also mindful of his mental health. There is no cure for Parkinson's. 'I got involved with a mindfulness or cognitive behavioral therapy because, again, as this disease progresses, I know that I'm going to face anxiety and depression because of it,' Raabe said. His son Ryan Raabe, who served as his dad's guardian on the trip, marvels at his father. 'It's just so hard for me to wrap my head around what he had to go through and what he had to sacrifice and for him to be able to live the life that he does the way that he does, giving to other people, caring about other people, giving us the best life that you could imagine, it was just, so proud to have him as my dad,' Ryan said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Oklahoma Caring Van providing vaccinations including measles
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Oklahoma families continue to worry as measles cases pop up in the state. State health leaders confirm that as of now, there are 10 cases, eight cases confirmed and two probable. Just last week, word of an exposure risk at OU Children's Hospital sparked concern. A program called The Oklahoma Caring Van travels around the metro and other areas in the state, offering childhood vaccines. The program, which began in October 1999, has given thousands of vaccinations to children in Oklahoma. 'Probable': Two additional measles cases reported, says OSDH With the recent measles outbreak raising the alarm for families, those with the Caring Van say it's more important now than ever to get vaccinated. 'I would say more and more people are seeking out the measles vaccine,' said Christina Raabe, a Nurse at Variety Care. As the outbreak continues to make its way across the U.S., health experts are trying to inform parents on why it is important to get the vaccination. 'We get a lot of questions on what do vaccines do,' said Raabe. 'So, we'll tell them that the vaccines help train your body to fight against the infection if they come in contact with it.' Measles was declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000, following a large vaccination rate across the country. Now, those rates are low again, causing an increasing likelihood of an outbreak. 'We are making sure that our community stays healthy and safe, you know, especially during this rough times,' said Rosalba Martinez with Oklahoma Caring Foundation. Rosalba said that the goal of the Caring Van is to travel around the metro and help those who may not be able to go to the doctor and get a vaccine. Just last week, a mother who went to the Caring Van was unfamiliar with vaccinations and was able to get the information needed to help her understand. 'She had never vaccinated her child, and she was worried about the outbreak,' said Rosalba. 'So, she came in, got her child vaccinated, and she had a conversation with the nurse, making sure that she understood and everything like that.' News 4 saw many families stop by with children of all ages to receive a vaccine. Nobody wanted to speak on camera, but they all said they were doing what they thought was right, to best protect their child. As the Caring Van continues to travel around the metro, the program says they are here to answer any questions or concerns families may have about vaccines. 'So they can make an informed decision for their family,' said Raabe. 'We obviously recommend vaccinating your children. We'll provide you with the information you need to make a good decision.' The Oklahoma Caring Vans provide all immunizations required by Oklahoma law for enrollment in schools or childcare facilities. Services are provided to children, from the ages of six weeks to 18 years old, at no charge, to those who qualify. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
