Latest news with #NationalWeatherService
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
2 tornadoes touched down in Indiana on June 18, NWS says. Here's where
Two tornadoes touched down near Lafayette as part of a line of storms that swept across several states June 18, the National Weather Service's Indianapolis office has concluded. The strong thunderstorms that knocked out power across Indiana the afternoon of June 18 spawned two EF0 tornadoes west and northwest of Lafayette as they skipped along a path across much of Tippecanoe County, the NWS said June 19. Most of the damage in the county was from straight-line winds, but the two tornadoes damaged trees and caused minor damage to two houses, according to the weather service. The tornadoes were a third to half a mile in length with estimated maximum winds of 75-80 mph, the NWS said. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Tornadoes touched down near Lafayette, Indiana, on June 18, NWS says
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Severe thunderstorm watch for 4 Massachusetts counties until Thursday night
On Thursday at 1:23 p.m. a severe thunderstorm watch was issued by the National Weather Service valid between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. in effect until 9 p.m. for Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester counties. Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away. To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations: Lightning safety plan: When venturing outdoors, it's crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place. Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it's a clear indication of nearby lightning. Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors. Indoors safety measures: Once you're indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors. These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways. Wait for the all-clear: After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities. It's important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution. When indoor shelter isn't available: If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety: Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk. Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees. If you're in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people. Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It's crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning. Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don't attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks. In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety. When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards: Beware of rapid water flow: Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away. Maintain safe driving distances: Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain. Slow down and drive with care: If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid. Choose your lane wisely: Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes. Prioritize visibility Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them. Watch out for slippery roads: Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery. Keep a safe distance from large vehicles: Don't follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely. Mind your windshield wipers: Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas. When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position. In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. Read the original article on MassLive.
India Today
6 hours ago
- Climate
- India Today
Heatwaves sweep Europe, US; London may touch 40 degrees this summer
Western Europe is grappling with an intense heatwave that began in the eastern regions and has now spread to the south and centre. Countries such as Spain and Portugal are witnessing temperatures soaring more than 15 degrees Celsius above normal in some areas. The heat is forecast to shift westward, potentially impacting major nations, including France, Italy, Germany, and the United Thursday, London recorded its hottest day of the year, with the temperature reaching 32.2 degrees Celsius at Heathrow. Forecasts suggest the mercury could climb even higher, raising questions about whether the UK might touch 40 degrees Celsius again this STATES FACES PARALLEL HEAT CRISISAcross the Atlantic, the United States is also reeling from unusually high temperatures for June. Heatwaves have struck parts of the Northwest, including Seattle, as well as states in the Southwest. The National Weather Service has issued heat alerts starting Friday, warning that the hottest temperatures of the season will first hit the Plains and then expand across the Midwest and Great Lakes. The heat is expected to persist throughout the Ohio Valley and the East Coast well into next week. These conditions are stressing public infrastructure, raising health risks, and drawing attention to the impacts of a warming CAUSES: OMEGA BLOCKING AND HEAT DOMESadvertisementIn Europe, the intense and prolonged heat is being driven by an Omega-blocking pattern. This occurs when a high-pressure system is flanked by two low-pressure systems, disrupting the usual west-to-east jet stream and causing weather to pattern, established over western and Central Europe, has led to temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in parts of Iberia, reaching the upper 30s in France, and the mid-30s in Central Europe and the Mediterranean. In the US, heat domes caused by similar high-pressure ridges are trapping warm air across vast CONTRIBUTING FACTORSSeveral meteorological and oceanic conditions are intensifying the current heatwave. A weakened North Atlantic jet stream is allowing prolonged high-pressure systems over both Europe and the US. In America, the jet stream's northward shift is drawing warm air from the Gulf of Mexico and northern Mexico into central and eastern regions, raising temperatures even in northern states like elevated sea surface temperatures around European coastlines are contributing to increased humidity and heat. The Atlantic Ocean has been warmer than usual, echoing conditions observed in June 2023 that led to similar heat CHANGE AT THE COREBeyond immediate weather patterns, climate change remains the underlying force driving the frequency and severity of heatwaves. Human-induced warming has made such events more common, longer lasting, and more intense. The last ten summers have ranked amongst the fifteen hottest on record in the just the past week, global warming is believed to have made extreme heat five times more likely in states like Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. Cities such as Phoenix and Dallas are experiencing elevated local temperatures due to the urban heat island Europe, Spain saw temperatures nearing 42 degrees Celsius as early as May 30, highlighting a trend of earlier and more extreme heat events. Climate change is also damaging ecosystems, with NOAA confirming the fourth global coral bleaching event affecting over 83 percent of the world's coral reefs. Melting ice and changing ocean conditions are disrupting marine life and contributing to sea level both Europe and the US brace for more scorching days ahead, the question remains - will 2025 be remembered as another climate milestone, or a warning still unheeded?Trending Reel
CBS News
6 hours ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Damaging Maryland storms knock out power, take down trees and power lines
Severe storm threat persists through the evening in Maryland Severe storm threat persists through the evening in Maryland Severe storm threat persists through the evening in Maryland Stormy weather knocked down trees, power lines, and took out power for tens of thousands of Marylanders on Thursday These strong to severe storms swept through the state with damaging winds, torrential downpours, and flooding in some areas. According to the National Weather Service, some parts of Maryland had hail and wind gusts of up to 70 mph. Maryland storm damage WJZ received photos of damage across the state. A large tree was knocked over along Gillis Falls Road at Watersville Road near Mount Airy. A video by Timothy Butz showed relentless rain pouring on Glen Burnie. @SteveSosnaWX Videos of the vicious storm that hammered Glen Burnie, Md. a bit ago. — TIMOTHY BUTZ (@timbutz70) June 19, 2025
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Severe thunderstorm threat for Northeast has 60 million people on alert
Parts of the Northeast are under the threat of severe thunderstorms on Thursday, with 60 million people on alert for severe weather. A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect up and down the I-95 corridor through 9 p.m. Thursday for cities including Richmond, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City. MORE: From severe storms to sizzling heat, Midwest and Northeast in store for whiplash weather change Severe thunderstorm warnings have also been issued in some areas, including in southeastern Pennsylvania. The main threat with these storms will be widespread damaging wind gusts to 75 mph. Hail and tornadoes are also possible. A "large and extremely dangerous" tornado was located over Landenberg in southeastern Pennsylvania around 5 p.m. Thursday, the National Weather Service said. In New York City, a teenager was struck by lightning in Central Park Thursday afternoon, police said. The teen is alert and conscious, police said. MORE: Hurricane Erick slams Mexico's Pacific Coast as a powerful Cat 3 storm The storms have led to power outages and flight cancellations along the East Coast. More than 500,000 customers across the Mid-Atlantic were without power as of Thursday evening, primarily in Virginia, Pennsylvania and Maryland, according to Nearly 600 flights have been canceled nationwide on Thursday, according to FlightAware, with New York's LaGuardia Airport the most impacted. ABC News' Melissa Griffin contributed to this report.
