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Winter Weather Sweeps Across the Country, with a Multi-Day Storm Creating Widespread Travel Hazards

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 2, 2022 AS OF 2:00 PM EST

Almost 80 million Americans are currently facing winter storm watches or warnings ahead of heavy snow and ice, according to The Washington Post. These warnings reach from the Mexican border up until Canada, with major cities that include Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Dallas in the storm’s path. The National Weather Service (NWS) Prediction Center tweeted a ‘large and significant’ winter storm is anticipated to start on the evening of Tuesday, February 1 and last until February 4, ushering in winter weather hazards that include heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain. The winter weather is anticipated to reach most of the United States; with a range of severe weather and anticipated challenges stretching from the Mid-to-Southwest and the East Coast.

EAST COAST WINTER STORMS 

The northeastern United States (US), including New England and the Mid-Atlantic states, experienced a significant winter storm that started on Friday, January 28 and continued through the weekend. In early reports from the National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Prediction Center (WPC), the storm was predicted to bring heavy snow and strong winds from Maine to as far south as Wilmington, Delaware. The key messages of the WPC warned travelers and predicted scattered power outages caused by strong or damaging winds, whiteout conditions, and coastal flooding or erosion. The Ocean Prediction Center (OPC) identified primary marine hazards as gale, storm, and hurricane force winds during the formation of the bomb cyclone, or bombogenisis, on Friday. The NWS also predicted significant impacts in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina, noting higher-than-average levels of snow and gusty winds. Following initial snowfall, the NWS issued an update predicting especially cold temperatures through Saturday and into Sunday morning. Upstate New York recorded minimum temperatures in the -30s on Sunday as a result of the strong winds and cold system. 

According to the NWS, some regions of the eastern US had as much as 30 inches of snow, with the greatest accumulations surrounding the Boston Metropolitan area and Long Island, New York. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker issued travel advisories throughout the storm and assured residents that the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) was addressing community needs in sheltering, food supplies, and rescue with power outages in mind. MEMA identified roughly 55,000 customers without power across the state. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency ahead of incoming snow and wind, calling for the activation of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ (NYSDHSES) Emergency Operations Center (EOC). She echoed Governor Baker’s message to avoid unnecessary travel and stay alert for changes caused by high winds. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, and Delaware Governor John Carney were among the state leaders to join Governor Hochul in calling for a statewide emergency in response to the winter storm. 

Twitter: NWS Eastern Region, Corrected Snowfall Reports

COLD FRONTS IN THE SOUTH

CNN is reporting that this week’s winter storm is expected to stretch over 2,000 miles and across 21 states, impacting more than 85 billion people, including areas across the Southern US starting Wednesday, February 2 through Sunday, February 6, when temperatures are expected to return to normal. In the southern US, the NWS WPC is warning of “frigid air” extending from the Great Lakes to the South High Plains due to the “emergence of arctic high pressure in the front’s wake” between Wednesday and Friday, causing impacted areas to experience temperatures 10 to 25 degrees below average. The New York Times reports that a combination of cold temperatures and wind chills could cause part of eastern New Mexico to feel like 20 to 25 degrees below zero, according to NWS Albuquerque meteorologist, Brian Guyer; likewise, Fort Worth, TX may see temperatures drop to 10 degrees below zero, according to NWS Fort Worth/Dallas meteorologist, Monique Sellers. 

Along with the frigid temperatures, experts are anticipating freezing rain and ice accumulation from Texas through the Ohio River Valley, including the potential for up to a quarter inch of ice accumulation in areas surrounding Dallas and Fort Worth, TX, according to the latest forecast by NWS Fort Worth/Dallas. In other areas of the South, like outside of Little Rock, AR, ice accumulation may reach as high as three quarters of an inch. The impacts of freezing rain and ice are significant, making travel dangerous and causing an increased risk of downed power lines and power outages. 

Twitter: NWS Fort Worth

Twitter: NWS Weather Prediction Center

MIDWEST WINTER STORMS

The NWS issued a winter storm warning across east central and northeast Kansas to Missouri, to remain in effect until noon CST Thursday, February 3. Winter Storm Landon is predicted to bring snow, sleet, and freezing rain over more than 1,8000 miles; from the Colorado Rockies to the Midwest Plains, according to The Weather Channel. CNN also reported the winter storm could stretch across 21 states, reaching over 85 million people under weather alerts. CNN meteorologist Brandon Miller forecast that Toledo, Ohio could experience the city’s greatest snowfall in 100 years, with a forecast of 16 inches, “which would rank behind 20.2 inches in 1900.”.

Twitter: Alex Lamers

The Midwest is anticipated to face two rounds of winter weather; NWS Chicago tweeted the first round of snow will continue through Wednesday afternoon, while the second round will continue through Thursday morning, with additional snow accumulations south of a line from Paxton, Illinois to Rennsselaer, Indiana. The same source also tweeted widespread snow totals could range between eight to 12 inches.

In anticipation of the impending severe weather, NWS has issued Hazardous Weather Outlooks, Winter Storm Warnings, Winter Weather Advisories, and Wind Chill Advisories for the areas expected to be impacted. The Dallas Morning News reports that preparations for the freeze are well underway in Texas, where Governor Greg Abbott and state leaders held a press conference on Tuesday to assure Texans that the state has spent the past year getting ready for another severe winter weather event in the wake of the 2021 winter storm. Notably, Texas’ power grid, which failed and caused severe power outages across the state last winter, has been inspected and prepared to withstand future storms, according to Brad Jones, interim Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) president and CEO.

Twitter: Ready.gov

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging residents and businesses in the path of this week’s severe weather to make preparations now, per a January 31st press release issued by FEMA Region 5. Acting regional administrator for FEMA Region 5, Moises Dugan, offers several key reminders when faced with severe winter weather, including avoiding all unnecessary travel, ensuring your vehicle’s gas tank is full and has emergency supplies, and checking on neighbors and friends in need of assistance. According to FEMA, winter storms can last from several hours up to several days; disrupt access to heat, power, and communications; pose additional risks for vulnerable populations like older adults, children, those who are ill, and pets; and can “create higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion.” In order to stay safe, it is important to pay close attention to local weather reports, The Emergency Alert System, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio for the latest warnings, watches, advisories, and to seek shelter immediately when instructed to do so.

The Hagerty Blog Team will continue providing information and updates on current events and disasters impacting the nation. Visit Disaster Discourse for the latest information.

Tsunamis Advisories and Snow Storms: Severe Weather Events Impact Most of the United States Throughout Month of January

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022 AS OF 12:00 PM EST

Over the past month, the United States (US) has experienced severe weather such as wildfires, tornadoes, Tsunami waves from the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga- Ha’apai Underwater Volcano eruption, and severe winter storms.

WINTER STORM IZZY

According to the Weather Channel, earlier this week, Winter Storm Izzy impacted 19 states and produced strong winds, ice, and significant snowfall across large portions of the US Midwest, East Coast, Southeast and mid-Atlantic. Some northern states recorded snowfall of over 16 inches and snow impacted southern states like Georgia and South Carolina causing dangerous road conditions and power outages. The storm caused significant delays and cancellations to air travel with thousands of flights being canceled beginning Sunday, January 16 to early into the week on January 17.

CNN reported that Winter Storm Izzy’s Storm System was the cause of multiple tornadoes across Florida including an EF-2 Tornado in Lee County Florida in the early morning of Sunday, January 16. Tornadoes caused thousands to lose power and caused damage to many homes and structures.

According to The Weather Channel, the Governors of Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia issued emergency declarations ahead of the storms on Friday, January 14. In preparation for the extreme winter weather, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia’s Governors activated their National Guards to assist with stranded motorists, storm damage, and other needs that would be brought on by the storm. Earlier this month, a winter storm caused several accidents on a 50-mile stretch of Interstate 95 south of Washington, DC. As a result, The New York Times noted numerous motorists were stranded on the interstate overnight, some for over 20 hours. 

Twitter: NWS Raleigh

As the weekend approaches, winter weather continues to pose dangers to southeastern states as the weekend approaches. AccuWeather meteorologists have reported that portions of the coastal southeast, from southeastern Virginia to the Delmarva Peninsula, could receive up to a foot of snow from late Thursday night to Saturday morning. A state of emergency has been declared in South Carolina and North Carolina due to the impacts expected from the wintry weather.

IMPACTS FROM THE TONGA TSUNAMI

Twitter: NWS Los Angeles

On the afternoon of January 14, the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga- Ha’apai Underwater Volcano erupted about 20 miles southeast of the coast of one of Tonga’s Islands. According to the BBC, the volcanic eruption caused a tsunami on Tonga’s largest island and caused Tsunami warnings and affects that impacted places as far as the US, Canada, and Peru. The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that Tsunami waves were felt in California, Alaska, and Hawaii. Street flooding and pier flooding was also reported in these areas with little damage to property. The NWS also reported that the volcanic eruption caused pressure fluctuations from shockwaves that were recorded around the world, including in Chicago.

Ready.gov

 The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages individuals to prepare and plan for disasters. It’s never too soon to prepare for an event. Individuals should follow the guidance of local authorities and remain safe. Another way to stay updated is taking advantage of real-time alerts available via the FEMA Mobile App and other local and national communication systems. FEMA encourages individuals to adhere to the guidance of local authorities in order to stay safe during wildfire events impacting their community.

The Hagerty Blog Team will continue providing information and updates on current events and disasters impacting the nation. Visit Disaster Discourse for the latest information.

2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season and Wildfire Recap

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021 AS OF 3:30 PM CST

As our climate continues to change globally, natural disasters continue to increase in both frequency and magnitude. This past year, the United States (US) saw particularly destructive hurricanes and wildfires across the country. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported 21 named storms for the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, while the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reports 54,350 wildfires this year, to date, that have burned over 6.8 million acres. Hagerty reported on the numerous climate-driven disasters over the course of the past year, including 29 Situation Status blog posts (Sit Stat), relaying real-time, critical information as soon as it was released to the general public.

2021 HURRICANES

The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season officially ended on November 30, 2021, after producing 21 named storms, according to NOAA. The storms included seven hurricanes – four of which were major hurricanes – and five rapidly intensifying storms that increased maximum sustained winds of at least 30 knots (kt) within a 24-hour window. 2021 is officially the third most active year since NOAA began tracking hurricanes in 1851, and the sixth consecutive above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. It was also the first time two consecutive hurricane seasons used the entire list of 21 storm names. 

2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season: NOAA

Eight storms hit the United States (US) coastline, including Category 1 Hurricane Elsa. The Weather Channel reported that the effects of Hurricane Elsa were felt from the Caribbean to Florida to New England. On July 1, Hurricane Elsa became the first hurricane of 2021, where it created flooding, rain, powerful winds, and isolated tornadoes, with impacts that stretched along the East Coast, including Tropical Storm Warnings issued for over 1,000 miles of the US coastline on July 8, 2021.

NOAA noted the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season was also one of the most expensive in US history. Hurricane Ida, the most expensive disaster of the year, is  responsible for over $60 billion in damages and ranks among the top five most expensive hurricanes in the US  since 1980. Hurricane Ida is tied as the fifth strongest hurricane to strike  the US—it first made landfall as a major hurricane in Louisiana on August 29, the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Hurricane Ida  devastated the power grids of Mississippi and Louisiana and caused flash and urban flooding across the coast of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) noted that, as of September 9, 2021, Hurricane Ida had caused 91 deaths across nine states. The Weather Channel  stated that Ida  also impacted the Eastern Seaboard, causing historic flooding and tornadoes in New England. While Ida was downgraded to a tropical depression as it traveled, it still produced up to 11 inches of rain in the northeast part of the country early in September, leading the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue a Flash Flood Emergency in parts of New York and New Jersey for the first time in US history.

2021 Weather and Climate Disasters: NOAA

Matthew Rosencrans, lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, said climate change was responsible for part of the historic season’s intensity, noting that “Climate factors, which include La Niña, above-normal sea surface temperatures earlier in the season, and above-average West African Monsoon rainfall were the primary contributors for this above-average hurricane season.” The impact of climate change on disasters is also evident in the 2021 wildfire season.

WILDFIRES in 2021

North American wildfires, unlike hurricanes, have no “season” as they occur year-round due to drought and increased temperatures across the country. According to the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), over half of the continental are considered “in drought,” impacting roughly 90 million individuals. Extreme and Exceptional Drought (D3 and D4), as categorized by NOAA, include crop loss and extreme fire risk; NIDIS’s Wildfire Management portal includes information on the overlap of current droughts and active wildfire events, the cascading impacts of heat and dry weather on wildfire preparedness, and resources communities can use to ensure they are prepared for extreme drought and wildfire events.

NIDIS: Current Drought Conditions and Active Wildfires Across the United States

According to the NIFC, wildfires have burned over 6,802,729 acres across 54,350 incidents to date in 2021. Optimistically, NIFC reports that this is slightly below the 10-year average, which is 7,228,178 acres and 54,485 incidents, but notes that 10 uncontained large fires continue to burn across Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and West Virginia. The NIFC recommends that residents of fire-prone areas review the wildland fire outlook by Predictive Services at the National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) to anticipate conditions for December through March of 2022. 

Throughout this year, the US has seen profound wildfire impacts and events. In April, the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) reported that the US was experiencing exceptional drought conditions across the Great Basin and West Coast. By May, California alone was fighting the Owens, Palisades, and Southern Fire, which burned over 8,000 acres in just 20 days. In June, the NIFC reported that the US entered National Wildland Fire Preparedness Level 4 (out of 5), deploying emergency response operations across the western US. As wildfire smoke traveled across the country, we saw the harmful air quality index (AQI) in cities as far east as Boston, Massachusetts and New York City, New York. In October, the western US grappled with the impacts of continued wildfire events,  like power outages and blackouts across the state of California. As the year comes to an end, the NICC and NIFC will continue to keep communities up-to-date on wildfire events into 2022. 

Know Your Alerts and Warnings: Ready.gov

Preparedness is Key

While the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season has concluded and the peak months of wildfires are behind us, it is still important to be prepared for weather-related disasters. Now is the time to update or create an emergency plan for your home and business, using the resources the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) makes available online. One of the most effective ways to stay prepared is to learn the myriad ways to access emergency alerts and warnings, including downloading the FEMA Mobile App to receive real-time alerts, bookmarking the active alerts search website provided by NOAA NWS, and understanding how local authorities issue emergency notifications in your community.

Severe Weather Creates Extreme Flooding, Excessive Rainfall, and Strong Winds Across the United States

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021 AS OF 3:30 PM EDT

The United States (US) has experienced severe weather from coast to coast, according to CNN. A bomb cyclone and atmospheric river event hit the West Coast earlier in the week on Sunday, October 24, while a powerful nor’easter struck the East Coast on the evening of Tuesday, October 26, with repercussions that are still being faced today.

West Coast

A convergence of torrential rain and high winds produced a bomb cyclone and atmospheric river event on the West Coast Sunday, October 24 and Monday, October 25 causing excessive rainfall, damaging winds, flooding, and mudslides across California’s Bay Area and the Pacific Northwest, according to USA Today. Over 350,000 homes and businesses in California, Washington, and Oregon experienced power outages. Two fatalities were reported in the greater Seattle area as extreme winds caused a tree to fall. Record-breaking rainfall of 4.02 inches was recorded in downtown San Francisco on Sunday, the city’s fourth wettest day in its recorded history. 16.55 inches of rain was recorded on Mount Tamalpais in Marin County; many other areas across the counties of Almeda, Contra Costa, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sonoma saw rainfall totals in excess of 8-14 includes, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Bay Area.

Santa Rosa Fire Department: Twitter

Evacuation orders and other warnings were issued in parts of San Francisco due to a potential for tree hazard, and in Santa Cruz and San Mateo Counties for those around the CZU Fire burn scar areas, as reported by NBC Bay Area; the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) also deployed resources to Santa Barbara County, Santa Cruz County, El Dorado County, and the County of Kern to monitor areas impacted by recent fires that were susceptible to burn scar. By 7:30 a.m. Sunday, October 24, multiple debris flows, or mudslides, forced authorities to shut down Highway 70 between Jarbo Gap and Greenville. While this extreme weather event delivered hazards and disruptions, the rainfall was a welcome relief for the fire and drought ridden areas and “should end our need – to a large degree – to fight [the Caldor] fire,” according to Christy Brigham, chief of resource management and science at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, as reported by the Associated Press.

East Coast

A powerful nor’easter struck southeast New England on the evening of Tuesday, October 26, stretching into early Wednesday, October 27, with damaging winds that downed trees and power lines throughout the region, according to The Weather Channel. Southeast Massachusetts was hit especially hard – the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) NWS recorded wind gusts of more than 70 miles per hour (mph) in southeast Massachusetts on Wednesday, October 27. The same day saw wind gusts reach up to 84 mph in Duxbury, Massachusetts and 94 mph at Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard, where the wind lifted a small aircraft at the New Bedford Regional Airport and deposited it onto a roadway. A bomb cyclone created the winds, which caused the pressure on Nantucket to drop 28 millibars (mb) over 24 hours on Wednesday, October 27. The same storm struck the New York City (NYC) area on Tuesday, October 26, dumping over three inches of rain across parts of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. 

The New York Times reported subway and commuter rail service in the region was delayed to allow employees to remove debris from the tracks, while numerous Massachusetts communities canceled school for the day. As of Thursday, October 28 morning, there are 324,043 outages in Massachusetts, according to PowerOutage.US – an improvement of over 400,000 customers in the state without power as of 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 27. 

AccuWeather meteorologists forecast more rain and winds will hit the Northeast on Thursday, October 28 as a storm moves across the center of the US towards southern Pennsylvania, northern Maryland, far eastern West Virginia, and northern Virginia. AccuWeather Meteorologist Adam Sadvary said that while the incoming “storm system isn’t forecast to be nearly as strong as the nor’easter which impacted the region earlier this week, additional heavy rainfall could further exacerbate flooding issues that are already in place.”

NWS Boston: Twitter

Storm Damage: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

To stay informed about severe weather events, NOAA NWS provides the latest alerts in your area. Another way to stay updated is through real-time alerts available via the FEMA Mobile App and other local and national communication systems. FEMA encourages individuals to adhere to the guidance of local authorities in order to stay safe during wildfire events impacting their community.

The Hagerty Blog Team will continue providing information and updates on current events and disasters impacting the nation. Visit Disaster Discourse for the latest information.

Thousands of California Structures Damaged or Destroyed as the State Surpasses 7,000 Wildfire Incidents This Year

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2021 AS OF 3:30 PM EDT

There have been over 7,000 wildfire incidents in the State of California in 2021, burning approximately 1.97 million acres, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). Fires have damaged or destroyed more than 3,000 structures, with one confirmed fatality. 

Active fires include the Alisal Fire, which started on Monday, October 11 and spans over 15,000 acres in the Santa Ynez Mountains. Containment for the Alisal Fire is only five percent, with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) reporting the number of firefighters combating the blaze has grown to 1,731, with more wildland firefighters expected to join in the coming days. Powerful northwest winds propelled the fire south over Highway 101 and towards the Tajiguas Landfill, and crews were also sent to protect Rancho del Cielo, the ranch belonging to former President Ronald Reagan, according to CNN.

AccuWeather: Twitter

Wildfires bring with them a host of other problems, including rolling electricity blackouts, air pollution, and transformed landscapes. Since late July, customers of PG&E Corporation (PG&E) have endured more than 400 blackouts, affecting an estimated 460,000 homes and businesses, according to a spokeswoman from the company. Generally, customers are given about two days’ notice before a public safety power shutoff; however, PG&E have enabled the circuit breakers on large areas of the grid to automatically shut off if there is an issue, leading to blackout with no warning for customers. PG&E says it is attempting to fine-tune the system to reduce the size and duration of blackouts. California Independent System Operator (ISO) CEO Elliot Mainzer (which is responsible for managing the flow of electricity for 80 percent of California) said that climate change is “forcing us to do things we never imagined,” including possibly ordering California utilities to spread power outages of a short duration to extend available electricity. 

Planning an evacuation route in case of wildfire: Ready.gov

Wildfires often strike communities with little notice, which is why the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges individuals to plan ahead. This includes learning and practicing your household’s evacuation routes, as well as preparing an emergency supply kit. To stay informed about wildfire events, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric (NOAA) National Weather Services (NWS) provides the latest alerts in your area in the form of “Red Flag Warnings,” which indicate when critical fire weather conditions are occurring or will occur shortly. Another way to stay updated is taking advantage of real-time alerts available via the FEMA Mobile App and other local and national communication systems. FEMA encourages individuals to adhere to the guidance of local authorities in order to stay safe during wildfire events impacting their community.

The Hagerty Blog Team will continue providing information and updates on current events and disasters impacting the nation. Visit Disaster Discourse for the latest information.

Keep track of Hagerty’s incident coverage here:

WILDFIRES 2021

California’s Fawn Fire Prompts State of Emergency, While Hurricane Sam is on Track to Bring Swells, Storm Surge to Us East Coast

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 AS OF 2:30 PM EDT

The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reports that 60 large fires are burning across 10 states. Collectively, these fires account for 3 million acres of land burned. More broadly, 2021 has seen a total of 46,190 wildfires across the country, with almost 5.9 million acres burned. Currently, the NIFC’s National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group (NMAC), the agency responsible for assessing fire risk across the United States (US), has put the country at National Preparedness Level 3.

Marcus Kauffman: UnSplash

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), the Dixie Fire is still the largest active fire in the state – having already burned 963,309 acres in the counties of Butte, Plumas, Shasta, Tehama, and Lassen since it began on July 13. The Fawn Fire is another active blaze in California, having burned 8,578 acres in Shasta County. The fire, which started on September 22, is 90-percent contained as of Thursday morning. According to CNN, the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office issued a criminal complaint against hiker Alexandra Souverneva in regards to the Fawn Fire, with authorities stating that while trying to boil drinking water, she may have committed arson. California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a state of emergency on Monday for Shasta County as a result of the Fawn Fire, which has resulted in the evacuation of thousands of residents and destruction of 185 structures. 

The lasting impact of wildfires, particularly ‘burn scars’ that result from fires destroying forest systems that hold soil in place, has brought about an increase in clouded water that is undrinkable for residents across the western US. According to Kaiser Health News, heavy rainfall following the wildfire season can create waterborne dangers, as chemical byproducts and heavy metals from burned structures mix with groundwater. Public health researcher Gina Solomon at the Public Health Institute in Oakland, California cautioned that smoke and ash from burned structures could also add toxic chemicals to the water supply, creating long-term problems for communities across the western US.

GeoColor: NOAA

In the east, Hurricane Sam – a major, Category 4 Hurricane – is approximately 365 miles north-northeast of the Northern Leeward Islands. The storm is moving north at 13 miles per hour (mph), with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph. While Sam is not predicted to make landfall in the US, it is expected to create swells and storm surge impacting Puerto Rico and the eastern US over the next several days. With nearly two months remaining in the Atlantic hurricane season, there is only one name left on the named storms list for the 2021 hurricane season. If it is used, it will only be the third time in recorded history that a second list of hurricanes and tropical storms names will be introduced.

Planning an evacuation route in case of wildfire: Ready.gov

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages individuals to prepare and plan for wildfires. As these events can develop rapidly, it is never too soon to prepare for a potential fire incident. Individuals should follow the guidance of state and local authorities. The Hagerty Blog Team will continue providing information and updates on current events and disasters impacting the nation. Visit Disaster Discourse for the latest information.

RELATED STORIES

  • Remember, Ready.gov provides information on how to prepare for Wildfire and how to keep you and your family safe.
  • FEMA America’s PrepareAthon: How to Prepare for a Wildfire
  • The Los Angeles Times regularly updated tracking of California Wildfires: California Wildfires Map
  • The National Fire Protection Association provides wildfire preparedness tips: link
  • Marin County provides a wildfire evacuation checklist: link
  • FEMA provides an information video about how to be prepared for wildfires: link

Keep track of Hagerty’s incident coverage here:

WILDFIRES 2021

KNP Complex Fire Grows Closer to Sequoia National Park, Prompting Closers, Evacuations

The 2021 incident overview for California to date has included 7,377 incidents, with fires that have burned more than 2.24 million acres and destroyed 3,285 structures. The country has remained at Preparedness Level 5 for 63 straight days, with the National Interagency Fire Center reporting 78 large fires and complexes actively burning across the country as of Wednesday. The fires have already burned 3.17 million acres with over 19,000 wildland firefighting personnel across federal, state, Tribal, and local agencies — including the United States [US] Army, National Guard, and their Canadian counterparts — working to contain fires across the country. 

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park Service: Instagram

The KNP Complex Fire, composed of the Paradise and Colony fires, has grown to 8,940 acres as of Wednesday, with a blaze that is approximately one mile from Sequoia National Park in Tulare County, California, home to the Giant Forest and 275-foot General Sherman tree (also referred to as the largest tree on Earth), according to the Los Angeles Times. The National Park Service has closed the park due to the threat, with Fire Information Officer Mark Ruggiero stating in a news conference that there was no “imminent” threat to the forest, “but that is a potential,” according to The Washington Post. InciWeb reported the fire was ignited by lightning on September 9 before growing significantly on Tuesday and merging with the Paradise and Colony fires. The fire is currently zero-percent contained; having more than quintupled in size from Monday to Tuesday afternoon, prompting the Tulare County Sheriff to issue a mandatory evacuation order for part of Three Rivers in California, while the rest of the community is under evacuation warning.

Other active fires include the Dixie Fire in the California counties of Butte, Tehama, Plumas, Lassen, and Shasta. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) reported the blaze has already burned 960,470 acres and is 86-percent contained, while the Caldor Fire in the counties of El Dorado, Alpine, and Amador has spread across 219,267 acres and is only 71-percent contained. 

Issy Bailey: Unsplash

The KNP Complex, alongside other fires in and around California, grew significantly on Tuesday night and continues to create unsafe air conditions due to heavy smoke and particulate matter (PM) in the air, according to the Sequoia and Kings National Parks Service. Air Quality Now’s Real Time Air Quality Index (AQI) reports that the Sequoia National Park’s Ash Mountain is currently experiencing a PM AQI of 649, which is extremely hazardous for residents. Typically, the AQI does not exceed 500, with AQI 500 being the most dangerous air quality conditions. Sierra News Online reported that all residents, regardless of health, should move to filtered, air-conditioned environments with closed windows. Additionally, individuals with existing respiratory conditions or vulnerable populations, such as young children and the elderly, are encouraged to remain indoors and monitor pollution levels if they absolutely must exit the home. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District manages AQI sensors and provides recommendations regionally based on fire and smoke dangers, and encourages impacted areas to sign up to receive hourly air quality information through the Real-Time Air Advisory Network (RAAN). 

Interactive Map of Air Quality: AirNow

President Joe Biden visited California earlier this week to discuss fire mitigation strategies with California Governor Gavin Newsom as the Caldor Fire and KNP complex threatened communities across the state. In response to the growing frequency and intensity of fire events, Governor Newsom announced that CAL FIRE will direct roughly $138 million to local fire prevention projects across the state. Grants will allow local organizations to take action to reduce fire risk under the Governor’s Wildlife and Forest Resilience Action Plan and the State’s Strategic Fire Plan. In accordance with those plans, the California 2020-21 budget advanced $1.5 billion in wildfire resiliency programming that increased on-site fire personnel and built on forest stewardship approaches in the state. As the state builds capacity for reducing and responding to major fires, residents are encouraged to make plans in case of evacuation or destruction in the meantime. 

Protect Yourself and Your Community: US Fire Administration

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges individuals to plan ahead for wildfire events that can strike a community on short notice and spread quickly. FEMA encourages individuals to stay on top of the latest alerts in their area, including monitoring of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric (NOAA) National Weather Services (NWS) “Red Flag Warnings,” which indicate when critical fire weather conditions are occuring or will occur shortly; and taking advantage of real-time alerts available via the FEMA Mobile App and other local and national communication systems. It is also critical that households dedicate time together well in advance of a wildfire to create a wildfire action plan; inclusive of emergency meeting locations and evacuation routes, a communication plan, and an emergency supply kit, according to CAL FIRE. FEMA implores individuals to heed the warnings of local authorities and immediately adhere to evacuation orders in order to stay safe during a wildfire.

The Hagerty Blog Team will continue providing information and updates on current events and disasters impacting the nation. Visit Disaster Discourse for the latest information.

RELATED STORIES

  • Remember, Ready.gov  provides information on how to prepare for Wildfire and how to keep you and your family safe.
  • FEMA America’s PrepareAthon: How to Prepare for a Wildfire
  • The Los Angeles Times regularly updated tracking of California Wildfires: California Wildfires Map
  • The National Fire Protection Association provides wildfire preparedness tips: link
  • Marin County provides a wildfire evacuation checklist: link
  • FEMA provides an information video about how to be prepared for wildfires: link

Keep track of Hagerty’s incident coverage here:

WILDFIRES 2021

Tropical Storm Nicholas Makes Landfall; Leaving Thousands without Power and Flooding Coastal Areas

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 202 AS OF 11:30 AM EDT

Tropical Storm Nicholas is approximately 15 miles south-southwest of Houston, moving slowly toward the Houston Metropolitan Area in Texas, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) National Hurricane Center (NHC). Nicholas made landfall as a hurricane shortly after midnight roughly 10 miles west southwest of Sargent Beach,Texas, with wind speeds of 75 mph, but has since been downgraded to a Tropical Storm. Nicholas is moving slowly north-northeast at 8 miles per hour (mph), with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. Tropical storm force winds reach outward up to 125 miles from the center of the storm, and life-threatening flash floods are forecast across the Deep South, ranging from the upper Texas coastal area to southern Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama for the next two days. 

GeoColor: NOAA

River flooding is also anticipated over parts of the upper Texas Gulf Coast and southern Louisiana to Mississippi, while Nicholas may also produce rainfall of 5 to 10 inches from the upper Texas coastal area towards central to southern Louisiana, far southern Mississippi, and far southern Alabama. There is additionally a risk of one to two tornadoes across the upper Texas Coast to southern Louisiana. The storm is anticipated to weaken further on Tuesday as it moves deeper inland, and Nicholas is projected to become a tropical depression by Wednesday morning. 

Radar Update from the NWS covering the Houston/Lake Charles Region: Twitter

As of 9 am CDT, the Houston Chronicle reported that 420,000 Texas residents were without power following Nicholas’ landfall. CenterPoint Energy, the managing agency for Harris County and surrounding areas, encourages residents to report outages to assist in the damage assessment and power restoration efforts already underway. Additionally, the power company recommends that Texas residents stay 10 feet away from downed power lines to prevent accidental electrocution or other harmful effects. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner encouraged Houston residents to continue watching weather reports and to follow social media channels for the Houston Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to keep updated on flooding and power outage impacts as Tropical Storm Nicholas passes through the City. He announced on Tuesday morning that he was meeting with OEM to discuss the overnight impact of the storm and to coordinate debris removal to bring Houston back to normal operations.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):Ready Flooded Roads

As Nicholas continues to move along the coast and inland, states and communities should begin preparing for tropical storm-like weather and flooding. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages individuals to take the necessary precautions and prepare for flash flooding. Flash floods can develop with little to no warning, quickly changing the surrounding area. FEMA suggests individuals seek higher ground, avoid walking or driving in flood waters, and heed the warnings of local authorities. Additionally, the National Weather Service (NWS) offers advice and guidance for those about to experience, currently impacted by, or previously affected by tropical storms and hurricanes. Individuals at risk are encouraged to secure their home, remain up-to-date with information from their local NWS office and local government/emergency management office, and follow guidance issued by local officials. 

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Tropical Storm Nicholas Approaches Landfall in Texas, with Heavy Rain and Flooding Expected

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Hurricane Center (NHC), Tropical Storm Nicholas is approximately 45 miles northeast of the mouth of the Rio Grande and approximately 140 miles south of Port O’Connor, Texas, moving north at 12 miles per hour (mph), with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. 

Nicholas is expected to make landfall along portions of the middle Texas coast as soon as Monday afternoon, including possible hurricane conditions extending from Port Aransas to San Luis Pass through the evening. Intense winds are projected to create dangerous storm surge conditions from San Luis Pass to Sabine Pass, including Galveston Bay; all areas that are currently under a Storm Surge Warning. Significant rainfall accumulation is expected across portions of the Texas and Louisiana coasts through the middle of the week, and the rain may cause flash and urban flooding, as well as moderate river flooding. Meteorologists are carefully monitoring Nicholas’s intensity over the course of the day on Monday, however, the conditions are expected to begin subsiding as the storm moves inland on Tuesday, according to National Hurricane Center senior specialist Eric Blake, as reported by Yahoo News.

GeoColor: NOAA

With Tropical Storm Nicholas projected to make landfall in Texas, Governor Greg Abott declared a state of emergency on September 11, deploying resources throughout the Gulf Coast to assist residents preparing for possible flooding, search and rescue operations, and medical needs. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm as well, anticipating significant potential for heavy rains and flash flooding throughout the state. On Sunday, Governor Abott and Governor Bel Edwards shared resources from the National Weather Service (NWS) to keep residents updated, including notices to avoid floodwaters, heed local warnings, and monitor emergency evacuation orders as they change. 

Tropical Storm Nicholas Projection across the Gulf Coast: Texas Division of Emergency Management

According to Bel Edwards, Louisiana residents, especially those impacted by Hurricane Ida two weeks prior, should continue to follow emergency orders and be aware of the possible destruction created by this storm as the state continues to recover from that disaster. As of Monday morning, over 116,000 Louisianans remain without power following Hurricane Ida’s destructive winds and rain, according to PowerOutage.us. 

FEMA Flood Safety: Source

As Tropical Storm Nicholas moves across the southern and middle coast of Texas, there is an increased chance of flash flooding, storm surge, and gusty winds. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages individuals to take the necessary precautions and prepare for flash flooding. Flash floods can develop with little to no warning, quickly changing the surrounding area. FEMA suggested individuals seek higher ground, avoid walking or driving in flood waters, and heed the warnings of local authorities. 

The Hagerty Blog Team will continue providing information and updates on current events and disasters impacting the nation. Visit Disaster Discourse for the latest information.

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Tropical Depression Mindy Brings Heavy Rainfall and Possible Tornadoes and Flooding to the Southeast US

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 AS OF 9:00 AM EDT

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Hurricane Center (NHC), Tropical Depression Mindy is approximately 80 miles south-southeast of Valdosta, Georgia, moving northeast at 20 miles per hour (mph). The center of the depression is forecast to move over southeastern Georgia this morning and reach the western Atlantic by late Thursday morning or early afternoon. Mindy is anticipated to create heavy rainfall across parts of southern Georgia and coastal South Carolina this morning that could result in isolated-to-scattered flash, urban, and small stream flooding, while tropical storm force wind gusts are also a risk across southeastern parts of Georgia. Total rainfall could reach 2 to 4 inches, with isolated maximum totals of 6 inches, over southern Georgia and coastal South Carolina, while tornadoes could be a potential hazard over parts of northern Florida and southern Georgia on Thursday morning.

Tropical Depression Mindy – GeoColor: NOAA

Mindy made landfall across the Florida Panhandle on Wednesday evening as a tropical storm in the same area that Tropical Storm Fred hit less than a month ago, according to AccuWeather, yet has been downgraded to a tropical depression as of Thursday morning. Over the span of the morning, Mindy caused over 12,000 power outages across the Florida Panhandle. According to PowerOutage.US, the bulk of the outages took place in Hamilton County, Leon County, Columbia County, Wakulla County, and Jefferson County. 

 Twitter: Philip Kotzbach

NOAA issued an outlook on the 2021 hurricane season in early August, predicting 15 to 21 named storms for the year and seven to 10 hurricanes by the end of the season, with Mindy identified by The New York Times as the 13th named storm of 2021. The new numbers are an increase from the same outlook in May, with the NOAA cautioning that this year’s hurricane season is expected to be above average, following the trend of last year’s record of 30 named storms.

Twitter: NWS Tallahassee 

FEMA: Ready Flooded Roads

As Tropical Depression Mindy brings rain and heavy winds to the southeast United States (US), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages individuals experiencing major flooding to take necessary and potentially life-saving safety steps during a flood. The most important step is to seek shelter away from the water, which may necessitate getting to the highest ground possible, or evacuating the area if directed to do so. Individuals should pay close attention to national emergency alerts or local alerting systems for the most up-to-date instructions. NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) offers additional critical safety measures, including avoiding all areas where water covers electrical outlets or cords (especially basements) and immediately evacuating if seeing or hearing signs of electrical activity. If directed to evacuate, lock your home and disconnect utilities if time permits, while you should turn around immediately if driving during a flood event. Additionally, as Mindy continues to move across many US regions, states and communities should begin preparing for tropical depression-like weather and potential tornadoes. 

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