Latest news with #weathermonitoring
BBC News
a day ago
- Climate
- BBC News
County Durham weather stations destroyed in speed camera mix-up
Three weather monitoring stations have been destroyed by vandals believed to have mistaken them for speed County Council said the monitors in Bradbury, Toronto and Tow Law had all been "deliberately damaged" over the last couple of said the cameras played a "vital role" in keeping roads safe during the winter as they helped the local authority decide when gritting crews should be deployed."The cameras are not used to monitor the speed of vehicles or for any other law enforcement purposes," a council spokesperson said. "They take precise readings of road and air temperatures, so we can determine the best time to send out our gritting crews."This helps to ensure the gritting process is as effective as possible in keeping roads clear of snow and ice."The council shared an image of one of the monitoring stations, which had toppled over a wall and into a field containing sheep. The pole of the station had been sawed in half. Temporary signs are displayed on the monitors, which explain they are weather stations, but the council is now arranging for permanent signs to be installed."We have nine weather stations across the county, and it's important they remain operational to provide accurate weather data for everyone's safety and convenience," the spokesperson who sees weather stations being damaged has been asked to contact the council. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
CBS News
17-07-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
NYC under heat advisory for another day. Map shows feels-like temperatures over 100.
New York City remains under a heat advisory Thursday, as high temperatures hit the 90s and feel more like triple digits. The National Weather Service allowed Wednesday's heat advisory to remain in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday. It's another First Alert Weather Day as we monitor the dangerous heat and humidity around the area. Warm, muggy conditions prevailed Thursday morning with a couple of showers out there. By the afternoon though, it will be all about that tropical feel, with heat index values around 100 degrees. We did, however, remove the threat of severe weather from our First Alert Weather Day headlines due to the scarcity of activity this afternoon. Even so, an isolated strong or even severe thunderstorm can't be ruled out. Thankfully, a cold front will push through tonight and usher in a cooler, drier air mass. This will pave the way for our "Pick of the Week," as we're expecting abundant sunshine and dew points in the 50s by tomorrow. Looking ahead to the weekend, Saturday still looks like the better half, with storms back in the forecast by Sunday.
BBC News
26-06-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Moorland weather test mast plan for Scout Moor II approved
Plans for a temporary weather-monitoring mast on moorland to measure wind conditions for the potential new Scout Moor II wind turbine development have been approved. Cubico Sustainable Investments has been given approval with conditions to erect a 91m (300ft) high meteorological mast with equipment on land west of Rooley Moor Road, bordering Rossendale and application was deferred last month to allow for public feedback on a separate, but linked, application for signs around the Rooley Moor site. No feedback was received on the signs, but objections regarding the mast, included damage to moorland peat and harm to nesting birds or sheep during lambing. 'Net zero targets' At the council planning meeting, objector Alan Rawsterne of Rooley Moor Neighbourhood Forum said his group opposed the whole Scout Moor II wind farm project. He said: "This weather mast would destroy peat-land that has taken 600 years to form. "The damage could not be undone. That alone should warrant refusal."But Mark Worcester, the planning agent representing Cubico said the mast would "represent a significant contribution to national net zero targets, greener energy and secure energy supplies". He said the data it would collect "is needed by banks, regarding finance and for wind turbine manufacturers"."This development would be wholly appropriate, in keeping with planning policies and sensitive to the area," he said, adding that there would also be a peat restoration a vote, the majority of councillors approved the plan, which had been recommended for approval, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Moorland weather test mast decision deferred
The decision on a bid to put up a temporary weather-monitoring mast and equipment on moorland has been deferred. Applicant Peter Rowe, of Cubico UK Development (Wind 1) Limited, based at Media City, Salford, is seeking permission for a temporary meteorological mast on land on Scout Moor, west of Rooley Moor Road, near Rossendale. The mast would measure wind over two years ahead of a potential plan for new wind turbines, called Scout Moor II. Council planning officers had previously recommended the scheme be approved with conditions. Rossendale Council's development committee considered the mast application this week and one objector and one supporter shared their views. Objections included concerns about potential damage to peat moors, wildlife and historical roads, and the visual impact on the land which is open countryside, but not common land or green belt. The council said remedial works would be done to the land once the mast was taken down. In recent days, a separate plan has been sent to Rossendale Council for proposed signs to warn people of construction work, if the mast gets the go-ahead. The signs consultation is expected at the end of May and councillors decided to defer the mast decision until then, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer. Moorland weather test mast plan decision looms Why a wind farm saga is entering its third decade Largest onshore windfarm could be built on moorland Rossendale Borough Council
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Objectors raise concerns over Scout Moor II weather mast plan
A planning application to put up a temporary weather-monitoring mast and equipment on Scout Moor – linked to a potential new wind farm – will be considered by councillors next week. Applicant Peter Rowe, of Cubico UK Development (Wind 1) Limited, is seeking permission for a temporary meteorological mast on land west of Rooley Moor Road, near Scout Moor in Rossendale. Cubico hopes to build the Scout Moor II wind turbine development in the area but first needs detailed weather information. Other elements of the mast plan include solar energy modules to power batteries for monitoring equipment, animal-proof fencing and security fencing. However, objectors have raised concerns about the mast application. Worries include potential damage to peat moors, wildlife and historic roads, and the visual impact. The area is used for outdoor activities such as walking, mountain biking and horse riding, with the Pennine Bridleway and Rossendale Way nearby. According to a report for councillors on Rossendale's development control committee, the site has been chosen because of its elevated position, which increases the accuracy of weather monitoring because of higher wind speeds. It is in open countryside but not common land or green belt. The report says factors to consider include sustainable development, building a strong economy; meeting the challenge of climate change, and conserving and enhancing both natural and historic environments. The proposed weather mast, known as a 'met mast', is needed to help Cubico gain a better understanding of wind patterns and to assist with the design, funding, construction and long-term operation of the Scout Moor II wind farm. Two years of wind data are needed before construction can begin. If planning permission is granted for a Scout Moor II wind farm, bosses say it can be delivered by 2030. Planning agent Thomas Lord, of Manchester-based Turley, is also involved. Various authorities have been consulted about the met mast including Greater Manchester Ecology Unit, which provides advice for councils. It has no objections, but says that markers should be fitted on mast lines, to protect flying birds. If mast construction starts within the bird nesting season, between March to August, an ecological 'walk-over' of the site and buffer area should be done before work starts by an experienced ornithologist to check for any signs of nesting birds. To protect peat and associated wildlife, good-practice construction measures should be imposed, the unit adds. But objections have been raised by Rooley Moor Neighbourhood Forum, the Norden, Bamford & Heywood Bridleway Association; Rossendale Civic Trust and ten members of the public, according to the planning report. The forum has worries about access routes, the potential impact on Catley Lane Head conservation area, the Cotton Famine Road and the national bridleway and wants alternatives to be considered. It has also asked if Cubico has the required permission to use vehicles on the moor. Forum trustees consider it to be 'totally unacceptable' to access a proposed loading area through Catley Lane Head and suggest Rochdale Council's conservation officer should be consulted. Rossendale Civic Trust has concerns too, including damage risks to Rooley Moor, Rooley Moor Road and stone sett sections. It urges Rossendale Council not to open-up or encourage 'damaging access to this sensitive site' and to give recognition to 'the possible, or probable, consequences of not giving due respect to the environment'. Other concerns include the visual impact of the mast, if approved. It would damage views from important viewpoints, such as Waugh's Well, Catley Lane Head, the Prickshaw conservation area and the Cotton Famine Road, objectors believe. READ MORE: Farmers urge walkers to keep dogs on leads after savage and fatal attacks on lambs When will the Red Arrows fly over Lancashire next? See exact dates Neighbouring Rochdale Council highways officers have been consulted, the report adds. Whilst initially objecting about the use of Rooley Moor Road, following changes to a construction method statement, officers are now satisfied, subject to a survey of Rooley Moor Road to ensure remedial works are undertaken if needed. Rossendale Council planning officers say the mast plan should be approved. The report adds: 'In light of the potential benefits to renewable energy generation facilitated by this development, and because the met mast is not likely to result in any long-term harm to the amenities of occupiers of any buildings, the landscape as viewed from the site or its surroundings, ecology, heritage assets, the safety of users of public rights of way, or aviation, it is considered the proposals are acceptable.' The report concludes that, subject to appropriate conditions, the mast plan is acceptable and in accordance with the Rossendale Local Plan and national planning guidance. Rossendale Council's development committee meets on Tuesday, May 13.
