4 days ago
Live Updates: Weather Tidbits, August 13
Tropical Storm Erin could strengthen into a hurricane by this weekend and its forecast path has shifted slightly this morning. We have the latest for you here, but there are plenty of other weather headlines to cover right here in the United States and beyond this Wednesday:
(10:02 a.m. EDT) Farewell To A Legend
From managing editor Sean Breslin and the entire team:
We would be remiss if we didn't close out today's live blog by honoring one of our own. Today is senior digital meteorologist Chris Dolce's final day at after a tremendous 24-year run. We wish him nothing but the best at his next stop! To honor his incredible 24 years with the company, here's a look at a map from June 2001, the month he started as an intern:
(09:50 a.m. EDT) 3 Deaths Confirmed In Chattanooga Flooding
At least three people died in Tuesday evening's flash floods during historic rainfall in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Hamilton County Office Of Emergency Management confirmed that a mother, father and a child died when a large tree fell on a car in the suburb of East Ridge.
The Associated Press reports that county officials will tour the damage in the area this morning.
(09:43 a.m. EDT) Beauty Amid Wildfire Destruction
Photographer Sigma Sreedharan shared a gorgeous photo of a glowing red and orange sunset over the Puget Sound on Tuesday evening.
The stunning colors are intensified by the smoke from wildfires in Washington state. Several large fires are currently burning there, but how and why does the smoke create these kinds of eye-catching sunsets and sunrises? We have answers for you here.
(09:30 a.m. EDT) Ground Stop At Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport
Thunderstorms caused a ground stop at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport within the last 30 minutes. The FAA also reported gate hold and taxi delays on departing flights as long as 29 minutes. Arrival delays clocked in around 15 minutes.
Meteorologist Tiffany Savona says, 'Showers and storms continue to impact the DFW area with the heaviest rain just south of the metroplex. 2 to 3.5 inches of rain has already fallen prompting flash flood warnings.'
(09:17 a.m. EDT) Distant Hurricanes Can Still Pose A Danger
From senior meteorologist Chris Dolce:
Erin will most likely steer clear of the U.S. East Coast next week as it turns north and then northeast, potentially threatening Bermuda. That said, beachgoers from Florida to the Northeast region will still need to be alert since high surf generated by the future hurricane will contribute to a dangerous rip current threat next week. Past history has shown how distant hurricanes can contribute to rip current deaths on the East Coast, so make sure you heed warnings if headed to the beach next week.
(09:01 a.m. EDT) Storms, Flooding Expected In Northeast Today
From managing editor Sean Breslin:
Could some of the nation's biggest metros experience strong storms this afternoon? That's what we'll be watching for along the Interstate 95 corridor. Cities like New York City, Philadelphia and even Boston could see powerful storms, so be sure to check the forecast for the latest timing before you plan your evening commute.
(08:45 a.m. EDT) Record Flooding Expected From 'Glacial Outburst' Near Juneau, Alaska
From meteorologist Jennifer Gray:
Several schools are closed and residents have been urged to evacuate ahead of record flooding expected due to rainwater and snowmelt flooding downstream from the Mendenhall Glacier. Peak flooding is expected between 8 a.m. and noon local time (noon to 4 p.m. EDT) today. Juneau has experienced record flooding in recent years, but this event could break a record yet again. You can read more about this story here.
(08:29 a.m. EDT) Pope's General Audience Moved Indoors Due To Heat Wave
From senior writer Chris DeWeese:
As high temperatures continue to impact much of southern Europe today, the Pope's weekly General Audience was moved indoors. Pope Leo typically holds this weekly event, which is a reflection on a piece of religious scripture, in St. Peter's Square, but it was held in the Paul VI Hall instead. Temperatures in Rome have already hit 102 degrees today.
(08:13 a.m. EDT) Typhoon Podul Makes Landfall In Taiwan
Schools and government offices were closed today as Typhoon Podul crossed southern Taiwan. The storm made landfall shortly after noon local time but no major damage was reported. One person was reported missing as the storm moved back out to sea and headed toward China.
(08:00 a.m. EDT) Second-Wettest Day In Chattanooga Causes Flash Flood Chaos
Schools are closed across Hamilton County, Tennessee, today after flash floods swamped the Chattanooga area. More than 6 inches of rain fell Tuesday evening and dozens of people had to be rescued from their vehicles and homes. Part of Interstate 24 that was shut down due to flooding and floating cars was reopened Wednesday.
