Latest news with #UniversityofAlbany
Time Magazine
07-07-2025
- Climate
- Time Magazine
What Made the Texas Floods so Devastating?
At least 90 people have died and more than a dozen are missing after devastating flash floods hit central Texas over the 4th of July weekend. Search and rescue operations are still underway as more rain is expected to hit the battered region in the coming days. A number of conditions came together to cause the deadly floods, experts say. '[The storm was] fueled by warm and moist air combined with the leftovers of Tropical Storm Baryl on very interesting geography,' says Slobodan Simonovic, professor emeritus at the department of civil and environmental engineering at Western University. What caused the flash floods? The floods were triggered in part by the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry, which made landfall in Mexico at the end of last month. 'When you have a tropical cyclone, the system dies, but that system still puts lots of water vapor in the atmosphere,' says Aiguo Dai, professor of atmospheric and environmental sciences at the University of Albany, SUNY. 'The moisture stays in the air and travels with the winds, and in this case, it looks like some of the water vapor from that remnant moved into [central] Texas.' It's not uncommon for this to happen. Barry is the 20th tropical cyclone or remnant to cause over 15 inches of rain across interior Texas since 1913, according to the National Weather Service. Last fall, the remnants of Hurricane Helene led to devastating floods across the Appalachian region. In 2021, flash floods from the remnants of Hurricane Ida killed dozens of people in four states. Texas Hill Country, where much of the flooding took place this time, is often referred to as 'flash flood alley.' It's home to steep terrain and a lack of vegetation that creates a perfect storm for waters to rise quickly. 'In a mountainous, [sloping] terrain, the water can run very fast from the upper drainage area into a river basin and create a very fast rising river in a few hours,' says Dai. 'Downstream, people may not notice there's an intense storm upstream.' How is climate change impacting flash floods? Climate change will only make events like this more common. 'The transformation of increased temperature into heavier and more [frequent] precipitation, it's very simple proof that with continuous warming we will be facing more and more events like this,' says Simonovic. Tropical storms and hurricanes are only going to become more intense with climate change, as rising ocean temperatures intensifies evaporation, making the air wetter and leading to stronger and more destructive storms. Simonovic says that it's imperative that we begin to acknowledge that the realities of climate change are already here—and better plan to adapt to it. 'Things are changing, but also things changed. Losing 80 lives in Texas in the middle of 2025, it's really hard to accept. We have to be prepared, and prevent this from occurring more often.'
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Watertown hasn't had precipitation-free weekend since last year
May 23—WATERTOWN — Rainy weekends have been a real phenomenon that north country residents have been feeling for months on end. That's according to the latest data from the State Weather Risk Communication Center at the University of Albany, published on Facebook by the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. In fact, according to the data from SWRCC, the last time the Watertown area had a weekend without any precipitation was Dec. 14 and 15, 2024, a graphic shows. Phillip Pandolfo, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Buffalo, said the north country has been stuck in a cold, dreary pattern because of low pressure systems, which can be common in the spring. "They tend to stick around wherever they set up," he said. This current low pressure system came from the Midwest, Pandolfo said, and settled over Lake Ontario, bringing rain and cold to the north country throughout the week. "These types of weather systems are very normal in spring," he said. Memorial Day weekend is looking to be another rainy, cold end of the week before the weather starts to take a turn on Sunday with highs expected to be close to 60 degrees with a "lower end chance" of rain, according to Pandolfo. Memorial Day itself seems to be the best chance for a nice day as there is less than a 20% chance of rain with temperatures in the mid-60s, Pandolfo said. Another low pressure system is set to make its way into the north country again as the week progresses, but there is "a lot more uncertainty" about that system, Pandolfo said.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Liz Bishop to Retire From Albany Station After More than 50 Years
WRGB anchor Liz Bishop is retiring after more than 50 years. Bishop started working at the Albany, N.Y. CBS affiliate in 1973 while still attending University of Albany. She was hired as a weekend sportscaster, which was a rarity for women in the field at the time. "Liz's impact on our station and this community is certainly historic," said news director Stone Grissom. "Her career exemplifies the mark of a trailblazer. While we will miss her deeply, we celebrate everything she has accomplished and the legacy she leaves behind." Liz was part of what is widely recognized as the first all-woman newscast. In 2016, she was inducted into the New York State Broadcasters' Hall of Fame, and her interview with then-Senate candidate Hillary Clinton was featured on The Late Show with David Letterman. "As she signs off for the final time, Liz Bishop will leave behind not just an impressive footprint of exceptional journalism, but a powerful example of integrity, compassion, and dedication," said feneral manager Rob Croteau. "She has not only chronicled the history of the Capital Region – she has helped shape it." The station said it will celebrate Liz's career with a special tribute airing May 30, featuring highlights from her decades on the air and a look back at the moments that defined her career.
