Latest news with #severeStorms
The Independent
4 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Join scientists as they drive into hailstorms to study the costly weather extreme
As severe storms once again soak, twist and pelt the nation's midsection, a team of dozens of scientists is driving into them to study one of the nation's costliest but least-appreciated weather dangers: Hail. Hail rarely kills, but it hammers roofs, cars and crops to the tune of $10 billion a year in damage in the U.S. So in one of the few federally funded science studies remaining after Trump administration cuts, teams from several universities are observing storms from the inside and seeing how the hail forms. Project ICECHIP has already collected and dissected hail the size of small cantaloupes, along with ice balls of all sizes and shapes. Scientists in two hail-dimpled vehicles with special mesh protecting the windshields are driving straight into the heart of the storms, an area known as the 'shaft' where the hail pelting is the most intense. It's a first-of-its-kind icy twist on tornado chasing. 'It's an interesting experience. It sounds like somebody on the outside of your vehicle is hitting you with a hammer,' said Northern Illinois University meteorology professor Victor Gensini, one of the lead researchers. A team of journalists from The Associated Press joined them this week in a several-day trek across the Great Plains, starting Tuesday morning in northern Texas with a weather briefing before joining a caravan of scientists and students looking for ice. Driving toward the most extreme forecasts The caravan features more than a dozen radar trucks and weather balloon launching vehicles. At each site, the scientists load and unload drones, lasers and cameras and other specialized equipment. There are foam pads to measure hail impact and experimental roofing material. There are even special person-sized funnels to collect pristine hail before it hits the ground and becomes tainted with dirt. Already in treks across Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas, the team has found hail measuring more than 5 inches (13 centimeters) in diameter — bigger than a softball, but not quite a soccer ball. The team's equipment and vehicles already sport dings, dimples and dents that scientists show off like battle scars. 'We got a few good whacks,' said forensic engineer Tim Marshall, who was carrying roofing samples to see if there were ways shingles could better handle hail. 'I look at broken, busted stuff all the time.' At Tuesday's weather briefing, retired National Weather Service forecaster David Imy pointed to potential hot spots this week in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Computer models show the potential for a 'monster storm down here near the Red River" later in the week, he said. Acting on the latest forecasts, Gensini and other leaders told the team to head to Altus, Oklahoma, but be ready to cross the Red River back into Texas at a moment's notice. A few hours after his briefing, Imy had the opportunity to chase one of the bigger storms, packing what radar showed was large hail at 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) in the air. Because of the warm air closer to the surface, the hail was only pea sized by the time it hit the ground. But the outing still provided good data and beautiful views for Imy, who was with a group that stationed themselves about a half-mile from the center of the storm. 'Beautiful colors: turquoise, bluish green, teal,' Imy said, pointing to the mushroom shaped cloud dominating the sky. 'This is beauty to me and also seeing the power of nature.' A costly but overlooked severe weather problem This is not just a bunch of scientists looking for an adrenaline rush or another sequel to the movie 'Twister.' It's serious science research into weather that damages a lot of crops in the Midwest, Gensini said. Hail damage is so costly that the insurance industry is helping to pay for the mission, which is primarily funded by the National Science Foundation. 'These are the stones that do the most damage to lives and property,' Gensini said. 'We want the biggest hail possible.' A 2024 study by Gensini found that as the world warms from human-caused climate change, small hailstones will become less likely while the larger ones become more common. The bigger, more damaging ones that the ICECHIP team is studying are projected to increase 15% to 75% this century depending on how much the world warms. That's because the stronger updrafts in storms would keep stones aloft longer to get bigger, but the heat would melt the tinier ones. The experiment is unique because of the combination of driving into the hail and deploying numerous radars and weather balloons to get an overall picture of how the storms work, Gensini said, adding that hail is often overlooked because researchers have considered it a lower priority than other extreme weather events. Outside scientists said the research mission looks promising because there are a lot of unanswered questions about hail. Hail is the No. 1 reason for soaring costs in billion-dollar weather disasters in the United States, said meteorologist Jeff Masters, who cofounded Weather Underground and is now at Yale Climate Connections. 'Now a large part of that reason is because we simply have more people with more stuff in harm's way," said Masters, who wasn't part of the research. 'Insurance has become unaffordable in a lot of places and hail has become a big reason." In Colorado, hail is 'actually our most costly natural disaster,' said Lori Peek, director of the Natural Hazards Center at the University of Colorado, adding that 'hail does such incredible damage to property." ___ The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Severe storms and Northern Lights possible Sunday across Colorado
Colorado could see strong to severe storms on Sunday, especially along the I-25 corridor and Eastern Plains. Large hail and damaging winds are possible. Then, skies may briefly clear just in time for a rare chance to see the northern lights near Denver. We break down the latest forecast, timing, and visibility tips.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Weather Aware extended through Wednesday for strong to severe storms
Weather Aware Through Wednesday Strong to severe storms continue across Central Alabama this evening, bringing gusty winds, hail, and heavy rain. Overnight, the storms are expected to fade into a few showers. It will be mild and muggy, with lows in the 60s. The parade of upper-level waves will continue moving across Alabama on Tuesday and Wednesday along a stalled front. Another round of strong to severe storms is anticipated each afternoon and evening. On Tuesday, the SPC has placed Central Alabama under a Level 2/5 Slight Risk, reducing to a Level 1/5 Marginal Risk for severe storms. A Level 1/5 Marginal Risk is also forecast for Wednesday. These storms could produce gusty winds and hail. Heavy rain is expected as well, so be cautious of minor flooding issues. High temperatures will reach the lower 80s. Unsettled weather will persist on Thursday and Friday as another cold front approaches Alabama and gradually clears the state by Friday afternoon. Each day will bring scattered strong storms with gusty winds, hail, and heavy rain. High temperatures will range from the upper 70s to lower 80s. Weekend Outlook: The weather pattern will finally shift on Saturday, providing a break from the rain with a partly cloudy sky and lower humidity. High temperatures will be in the lower 80s. Sunday will be mostly dry, with only a slight chance of a shower. High temperatures will again be in the lower 80s. Be sure to follow the CBS 42 Storm Team: Follow Us on Facebook: Chief Meteorologist Dave Nussbaum, Meteorologist Michael Haynes, Meteorologist Alex Puckett, and Meteorologist Jacob Woods. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Denver weather: Severe storms for Pinpoint Weather Alert Day Saturday, more for Memorial Day weekend
DENVER (KDVR) — Saturday is a Pinpoint Weather Alert Day as severe storms are expected to hit many areas of Colorado. More chances for showers are expected through Memorial Day weekend. Things to do around Denver during Memorial Day Weekend Saturday brings potential for severe storms across the Front Range, foothills, and Eastern Plains. Look for cloudy skies and fog through the morning with temperatures today reaching into the upper 60s. Storms will develop as early as 1 p.m., especially down over the Palmer Divide. We'll see storms continue into the evening hours. Storms that develop have the potential for large hail, damaging wind and even isolated tornadoes. Sunday brings a cool down and clouds all day long. Look for light showers and drizzle in the morning, followed by storms in the afternoon. Sunday is under a marginal risk for severe storms as well. Monday will be similar, but the severe potential is lower. Temperatures rebound back into the 70s by Tuesday, but storms stick around for the work week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Humana Foundation Donates $50,000 to Support Long-Term Recovery in Tornado-Impacted Kentucky Communities
LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 22, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Humana Foundation, philanthropic arm of Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM), announced today a $50,000 contribution to advance sustained recovery efforts in Kentucky communities devastated by the most recent wave of severe storms and tornadoes. On Friday, May 16, powerful storms swept across the state, causing widespread destruction—particularly in Laurel and Pulaski Counties. The city of London experienced considerable damage, and residents across the region continue to grapple with the aftermath of a relentless spring tornado season. At least 19 lives have been lost in what has become yet another tragic weather disaster. In response to the recent tornadoes, the Humana Foundation is directing $50,000 to the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky to help address urgent needs and foster healing and restoration. This funding, part of the Foundation's unwavering commitment to helping communities in times of crisis, will help provide critical resources and assist individuals inundated because of this current catastrophe. "Our hearts go out to the people of Kentucky who are facing the aftermath of these unyielding storms," said Tiffany Benjamin, CEO of the Humana Foundation. "We are determined to uplift our communities, especially during this unfortunate time. With deep-rooted knowledge of the region, the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky is uniquely equipped to ensure these resources are directed where they're needed most." Humana employees are also actively contributing to a dedicated giving campaign, with the Humana Foundation matching all donations. Contributions will be distributed among a coalition of nonprofit organizations working diligently to assist the affected communities. These include the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund, United Way of Laurel County, Samaritan's Purse, and American Red Cross. To learn more about the Humana Foundation's health equity mission, visit About the Humana Foundation The Humana Foundation was established in 1981 as the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc. and is focused on health equity, working to eliminate unjust, avoidable and unnecessary barriers in health and healthcare. The Foundation fosters evidence-based collaborations and investments that help people in underserved communities live connected, healthy lives. As a steward of good health, the Foundation creates healthy emotional connections for people and communities and is shaping a healthier approach to nutrition to support lifelong well-being. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts Marvin HillHumana Corporate Communications502-580-3950mhill1@
