Latest news with #tornadoes
CBS News
15 hours ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Gov. Whitmer declares state of emergency several for Michigan communities after May 15 storms, tornadoes
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday declared a state of emergency for several communities following the severe storms and tornadoes on May 15. The declaration was issued for the city of Lansing, as well as Allegan and Baraga counties, where officials recorded 11 tornadoes, flash floods and storm damage. Under the state of emergency, state resources, such as financial assistance, will be available. The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, which is part of the Lake Superior Band of Chippewa Indians, is included in Baraga County's declaration, according to Whitmer's office. "These storms left a mark on Michigan especially in our capital city and in Allegan and Baraga counties," Whitmer said in a news release. "After major damage to infrastructure and essential services, we're stepping in to support local recovery efforts and help these communities get back on their feet. Michigan is no stranger to tough weather, and we always come back stronger." In Lansing, an EF-1 tornado caused severe damage to infrastructure and downed power lines and trees. State officials say debris blocked roadways, making it difficult for authorities and utility crews to respond. Two EF-1 tornadoes were recorded in Allegan County, reaching 95 mph and damaging 11 communities. State officials say recovery efforts remain two weeks after the storm. In Baraga County, four inches of rain resulted in flash flooding, impacting the Village of L'Anse Wastewater Treatment Plant. "We've been working with the affected communities since the storms first hit," said Captain Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. "Our priority is to ensure they have the support and resources needed. We'll continue to coordinate with local leaders, state agencies, and federal partners to help these communities navigate the recovery process." In May, Michigan recorded its 28th tornado this year. This year's number of tornadoes is the seventh highest reported in a year, one less than the 29 tornadoes confirmed in 1991. So far, 1974 holds the top spot with 39 confirmed tornadoes, followed by 2001 with 35 confirmed tornadoes, according to CBS News Detroit's NEXT Weather team.
CBS News
3 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Hurricane forecast cones don't show the full picture. Why inland threats can be devastating.
As Hurricane Milton demonstrated, a storm's impacts can stretch far beyond its center or the forecast cone. That's why meteorologists urge residents to pay attention to more than just the projected track — especially as the hurricane season grows more intense. What the hurricane forecast cone shows and what it doesn't When a hurricane is out over the ocean, meteorologists primarily focus on the forecast cone, which maps out where the center of the storm is expected to track over the next five days. It's a critical tool for anticipating landfall zones, but experts say it doesn't capture the full scope of a storm's reach. Once a hurricane approaches land, forecasters begin to shift attention from just the cone to the broader impacts on the surrounding region. That's because damaging effects, like heavy rain, tornadoes and power outages, can occur well outside the cone. Hurricane Milton: A cautionary example Hurricane Milton, which churned through the Gulf in early October 2024, serves as a stark reminder of the risks beyond the cone. While its forecast track pointed toward the Gulf Coast, South Florida experienced a rash of tornadoes that developed in the storm's outer rainbands — a full day before the hurricane made landfall. "These storms developed a good distance from the forecast cone," the NEXT Weather team reported, highlighting how far-reaching tropical systems can be. Rain bands tied to hurricanes can spawn severe weather events, including tornadoes and strong winds, many miles from the storm's center. Such events can knock out power for days, sometimes even weeks, regardless of whether the core of the storm comes close. "Increasingly we are seeing these outages for days and weeks," said Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center. "A lot of people struggle to understand they can lose power for that long and what they would do." Inland flooding poses another hidden risk Another underappreciated hazard is inland flooding, which can be triggered by bands of tropical rain repeatedly moving over the same area. While most public attention focuses on storm surge, flash flooding from heavy inland rain can block roads, damage homes, and trap residents for days. "If you stocked up and did your due diligence… you can confidently stay in your home for 1-2 days as those flood waters subside and not put yourself in danger in those conditions," Rhome said. Having enough food, water, and essential supplies for a multi-day stretch can eliminate the need to wade or drive through floodwaters in the aftermath of a storm, conditions that can endanger both you and first responders. A new hurricane forecast cone is coming In response to these far-reaching hazards, the National Hurricane Center plans to roll out an experimental version of the hurricane forecast cone in 2026. This new format will not only show the storm's projected path but also include inland hazards like wind, flooding, and the potential for tornadoes. The goal: make sure people understand that even if they're far from the forecast track, they're not necessarily safe from harm. As Hurricane Milton showed, the cone is just one piece of the puzzle. To truly stay safe, residents must monitor the entire system's impacts, no matter how far removed they may seem.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Record setting 20 inches of rain to end spring
Over the past two months, the Ozarks have received more than 20 inches of rain, driven by relentless waves of severe weather. 2025 dethroned an 80-year-old record for the wettest April and May combined. This made me curious about the record for any two months. So I dove into the record books to find out. I found these two months rank as the third-wettest on record for Springfield. Date Total Precipitation 1958 – June & July 23.81″ 1945 – March & April 21.01″ 2025 – April & May 20.86″ 1943 – May & June 20.85″ This recent stretch of heavy rainfall trails only the summer deluge of 1958 and the spring storms of 1945. What makes this especially noteworthy is the frequency and intensity of the storms, many of which brought tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail along with the rain. Missouri is tied for top spot in tornado count by state with a shocking 105 so far this year. Click here to check out the story Chief Meteorologist Jamie Warriner wrote recapping the active tornado season. As we head into June, as most locals know, we will slowly transition away from the stormier pattern into calmer and warmer conditions. This year will be no exception, especially once we get into the middle of the month. Regardless, April and May of 2025 have already secured their place in the weather history books. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Bloomberg
6 days ago
- Climate
- Bloomberg
The Trump Administration Is Rolling Out a New Way to Shrink FEMA's Role
When a series of deadly storms and tornadoes pummeled Arkansas in mid-March, downing power lines and tearing up homes, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders asked the federal government for money to not only help repair the damage, but also boost the state's defenses against future disasters. On May 8, President Donald Trump approved the state's request for funds to help individuals and families recover. But a week later, the Federal Emergency Management Agency told Huckabee Sanders, a Republican who was Trump's press secretary during his first term, that it was denying the second pot of money — the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program — to help the state rebuild stronger, according to a rejection letter seen by Bloomberg News. Later in the month, the agency denied a hazard mitigation funding request from Virginia, weeks after Trump approved other aid as part of a major disaster declaration for mid-February winter storms. Virginia officials say they "are exploring the appeals process but do not have any further details."
Daily Mail
25-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mail
Severe thunderstorms and wild weather across the country wreak havoc on Memorial Day Weekend holiday travel
Severe storms are expected to cause travel chaos over Memorial Day Weekend for millions of people across the South, Plains and Mississippi Valley. Two-inch hailstones and 70mph winds are likely to impact flights and local transport in several states from Texas to Alabama on Sunday, forecasters have warned. Severe storm advisories covers a population of 13 million people across several major cities including Memphis, Tennessee; Denver and Colorado Springs, Colorado; Birmingham, Alabama; and Oklahoma City and Tulsa in Oklahoma. The National Weather Service and AccuWeather have warned that tornadoes could even strike in some areas as thunderstorms are due to close in on Sunday afternoon. 'The main threats from severe thunderstorms include dangerous lightning, winds strong enough to snap tree limbs and hail large enough to damage vehicles,' AccuWeather meteorologists said. 'A few tornadoes cannot be ruled out as well.' The strongest storms are expected to target parts of the Texas Panhandle and western Oklahoma overnight into Memorial Day on Monday, though heavy rain is also set to impact as far east as Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Forecasters identified central Oklahoma as the danger zone for tornadoes, while Memphis, Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Birmingham are most at-risk for hail. Some areas have already experienced unprecedented rainfall for the time of year, with five inches of rain recorded in parts of Missouri over Saturday. As the ground becomes saturated, many metro areas could also experience flooding through the MWD vacation period, putting a dampener on plans to travel by car. Though safe from the worst of the incoming storms, parts of the North East have also also been deluged with an unseasonable amount of rain this month. It comes as meteorologists predicted an 'above average' hurricane season this year, urging Americans to start preparing for the worst now. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said on Thursday that there will likely be more named storms this year than in 2024, when 18 such storms were tracked. Overall, NOAA is predicting up to 19 named storms, 10 hurricanes, and five major hurricanes affecting the US this year. The National Hurricane Center noted that approximately 400 people died during 2024's hurricane season, the deadliest season since 2005. Ken Graham, the director of NOAA's National Weather Service, said: 'We've got to convince people of the danger.' 'Every Category 5 [hurricane] that has ever hit this country was a tropical storm or less three days prior,' Graham warned. Graham urged people to begin stocking up on emergency supplies, including gas and other essentials, before long lines form during an actual emergency. Laura Grimm, the chief of staff for NOAA, noted that the agency's prediction for 2024 'was right on the money.' When asked about funding cuts to NOAA by the Trump Administration, Graham noted that the National Hurricane Center remains 'fully staffed' and the cuts won't affect their 2025 forecasting. Overall, the National Weather Service is predicting that this hurricane season will likely surpass 2024, which saw 18 named storms 'The number one thing to do before hurricane season is know your threat. If you're along a river, you know to prepare for flooding,' Graham said. 'Know your evacuation plan if you're on the coast,' he added. Grimm recommended that Americans begin preparing for hurricane season now, before major storms start approaching the East Coast. He added that NOAA's hurricane tracking system is scheduled to undergo an upgrade this year that will make their forecasts throughout the 2025 season even more precise. Graham revealed that NOAA's five-day forecasts are now as accurate as a three-day forecast was in 2005, helping federal officials put out more accurate evacuation warnings in an emergency. The new warnings come after meteorologists at AccuWeather released their forecast for the 2025 season in March, which included a prediction of six major storms directly hitting the US this summer. That's the same number of storms that caused roughly $500 billion in damage in 2024, with Hurricanes Helene and Milton bringing the most destruction.
