Tag Archives: Examiner.com

Slammed again – Northeastern U.S. gets another snowstorm while Thornton waits

January 27, 2011 Thornton Weather Leave a comment

Snowfall totals from the latest snowstorm to strike the northeastern United States. (Examiner.com) — Snowfall totals from the latest snowstorm to strike the northeastern United States. Click the image for a larger view. (Examiner.com)

Yet another major snowstorm pummeled the northeastern United States yesterday and last night, their third in less than a month. Snow totals in many areas from this single storm have far exceeded what Denver has received for its entire snow season thus far.

Snow began falling on Wednesday snarling evening commutes from Virginia to New York and picked up in intensity overnight.

Snowfall totals this morning include 18.9 inches at Newark Airport, 19.0 inches at Central Park and 15.1 inches in Philadelphia (click here to view the latest totals from across the region). These all dwarf Denver’s official seasonal total thus far of 12.1 inches!

Even President Barack Obama was not immune to the storm as Marine One, the presidential helicopter, was grounded due to the weather Wednesday. Returning from a trip to Wisconsin, the president took a motorcade back to the White House instead and spent an hour stuck in traffic.

As many as 400,000 residents across the northeast are without electricity as the unusually wet snow wreaked havoc with the utilities. Public schools are closed Thursday and many government offices followed suit with the only exception being emergency personnel.

New York area airports shuttered Wednesday causing flight delays and cancellations across the nation. The FAA reports that most should open late this morning or this afternoon.

Virtually every major city has reported seasonal snowfall totals so far this year far in excess of normal. New York City, Boston, Worcester and Providence all have accumulated more than a foot of snow above average.

Click the image to the left to view a slideshow of images of the snow around New York City (Examiner.com).

This story was originally featured by the Natural Disasters Examiner on Examiner.com. Remember that by visiting there you are supporting ThorntonWeather.com.

World Weather

Aussie teens learn what type of flotation device not to use in a flooding river

January 21, 2011 Thornton Weather Leave a comment

Two teens in Australia discovered that certain flotation devices aren't appropriate in a flooding river. (Trevor Pinder)

Sometimes you just can’t save people from themselves. With Australia battling flooding across four of its states, emergency officials have had their hands full providing relief and rescuing those affected by the disaster. The Natural Disasters Examiner reports about how the decision by a young couple to test the floodwaters with inflatable sex dolls earlier this week was not met with amusement by authorities.

The 19-year-old couple chose to enter the waters of the Yarra River near Melbourne with inflatable sex dolls to aid them in their swim. The rushing waters apparently were too much for the pair – and the dolls – and they soon found themselves in danger.

Don’t miss – NASA & NOAA satellite imagery of the flooding in Australia (Examiner.com)

The young lady held onto a tree while her companion and his doll stood watch and began yelling for help. A passerby called police and rescue units retrieved the couple from the river.

According to The Telegraph, officials told the couple that sex dolls were “not a recognized flotation device.” Authorities were not pleased to have had to divert resources for a rescue that should not have been necessary.

Flooding in Australia has become a disaster of gargantuan proportions as hundreds of thousands of acres across four states have been flooded. More than 30 people have been killed and tens of thousands of people are now homeless.

View more images of the water rescue here.

National Weather

California’s ‘big one’ may not be an earthquake

January 19, 2011 Thornton Weather Leave a comment

A 'super storm' like one that struck California 150 years ago would flood an area hundreds of miles long. (USGS / Google Earth)

California and earthquakes go together like coffee and a cup but a new study suggests that an entirely different kind of disaster may have a bigger impact. The U.S. Geological Survey gathered 117 scientists to evaluate a hypothetical – but possible – “super storm” and its impact on the Golden State.

At the end of 1861 and into the beginning of 1862 a very wet Pacific storm inundated California with rain. This storm turned much of the Sacramento Valley into an inland sea and flooded an area hundreds of miles long.

Today, California is the United State’s most populous state and it has the equivalent of the eighth largest economy in the world. The study shows that if a similar storm were to occur today the result would be disastrous.

The implications of this disaster scenario are tremendous and stretch far beyond California’s borders. Further, one has to wonder ‘what if’ Thornton and the Denver area were presented with a similar scenario?

Climate Change

Animated video depicts hypothetical global warming debate

January 16, 2011 Thornton Weather Leave a comment

A YouTube video puts a humorous - but thought provoking - spin on the debate about manmade climate change. (YouTube / Battlefield315)

From the high-minded forums in the scientific community to the halls of Congress to main street America, manmade climate change is a hot topic (pun intended). Some scientists would have us believe the debate is over, Congress uses the theory to impress new taxes on citizens, and Americans are left wondering what to believe.

This week NOAA announced that 2010 tied as the warmest year on record and many immediately seized on it as proof of manmade climate change. Despite many arguments to the contrary, it becomes difficult to have a rational discussion about the merits of these claims as both sides can become quite set in their beliefs.

A new video, while humorous, portrays a hypothetical debate between a global warming alarmist and a denier and offers up some serious questions and doubts about the theory. From former Vice President Al Gore’s role as global warming cheerleader to the revelation about the behavior of “climate scientists” seen in the wake of the Climategate scandal the video presents them all.

Despite erroneous information continually being discovered in alarmists’ claims, many, like the alarmist in the movie, choose to turn a blind eye. While humorous, the video does highlight many of the valid questions that are asked by those who have their doubts about manmade climate change.

Skeptics of the anthropogenic global warming theory need to remember that while man may not be responsible for the overall warming seen in recent decades, as custodians of this planet we do shoulder some burden. Rational actions to keep the planet clean, move us toward energy independence and ensure we aren’t causing damage need to be considered.

For more about climate change, head on over to the Climate Change Examiner.

Climatology

NOAA: 2010 ties as second warmest year on record

January 14, 2011 Thornton Weather Leave a comment

NOAA temperature anomaly map showing warmer than average temperatures across much of the globe in 2010. (NOAA) — NOAA temperature anomaly map showing warmer than average temperatures across much of the globe in 2010. View more images in the slideshow below. (NOAA)

Data released by NOAA puts 2010 into the history books as tying with 2005 as the warmest year globally since 1880. The newly released report is sure to fuel the ongoing climate change and global warming debate for the year to come.

The National Climatic Data Center’s information shows that the combined global land and ocean temperatures in 2010 were 1.12° F (0.62° C) above the 20th century average. This ties the year with 2005 as the warmest on record.

For more about climate change and global warming, visit the Climate Change Examiner

Land surface temperatures globally were the warmest on record as a temperature anomaly of 1.8° F (1.0° C) was recorded. The oceans fared better according to the NCDC with temperatures 0.88° F (0.49° C) above the 20th century average putting it in the books typing with as the third warmest on record.

The United States separately was warm as well although not in record-setting form. Warmer than average temperatures were recorded across much of the nation with the south being the exception. NOAA said that temperatures are increasing at a rate of 0.12° F per decade.

Continue reading NOAA: 2010 ties as second warmest year on record →

World Weather

Flooding in Australia reaches ‘biblical proportions’, turns deadly

January 3, 2011 Thornton Weather Leave a comment

Flooding in Stanthorpe, Queensland, Australia. Rising waters prompted one government officials to call it a disaster of 'biblical proportions.' (Flickr / Michael Jefferies) — Flooding in Stanthorpe, Queensland, Australia. Rising waters prompted one government officials to call it 'a disaster of biblical proportions.' (Flickr / Michael Jefferies) Click the image for more photos of the Australian flooding on Examiner.com.

Residents of Australia’s state of Queensland are facing an extraordinary deluge following record-setting rain. In recent weeks an unusually heavy rainy season coupled with Tropical Storm Tasha has affected an area of land bigger than France and Germany combined.

Queensland’s state treasurer Andrew Fraser told media last week, “It is a disaster of biblical proportions.”

NASA satellite measurements of the rainfall indicated from 10 to 16 inches of rain fell within a week. Many rivers have overrun their banks including the Fitzroy River which is sending water into the city of Rockhampton.

Disaster declarations have been made for an area encompassing 366,000 square miles and 41 of Queensland’s 73 municipalities. An estimated 200,000 residents are affected by the floods and tens of thousands have been evacuated.

Government officials said 22 towns were either entirely flooded or isolated by flood waters. At least 10 deaths have been attributed to the flooding and rivers have yet to crest.

For more, please visit the Natural Disasters Examiner:

National Weather

Northeastern U.S. paralyzed as nor’easter brings blizzard conditions

December 27, 2010 Thornton Weather Leave a comment

Before and after pictures of the northeastern U.S. show the impact of the hurricane-looking storm. (NOAA)

From the southern United States to the mid-Atlantic and New England a major winter storm has had a wide impact in recent days. Some areas of the south recorded their first Christmas snow in decades and as the storm moved further northeast it turned into a major blizzard.

Snow fell as far south as Jacksonville, Florida over the holiday and areas further north recorded moderate snowfall. Huntsville, Alabama saw 6 inches of snow; Raleigh, North Carolina saw 8.5 inches and Gatlinburg, Tennessee recorded 8.0 inches.

Those totals are minimal however to what is being deposited on a large area from New York City to Boston. Central Park has reported 13 inches and Brooklyn 17.5 inches. In New Jersey Atlantic City reported 19.0 inches while Foxboro, Massachusetts has seen 11.5 inches.

Don’t miss: Amazing time lapse video of East Coast blizzard as it struck New Jersey (Examiner.com)

Travel across the northeastern U.S. came to a standstill as travel by road, rail and air was impacted. Thousands of flights into and out of the area were canceled as airports in New York and New Jersey shuttered. Airlines at Denver International Airport were impacted by the storm and its ripple effect.

The nor’easter was imaged this afternoon by NOAA satellites that provided a birds-eye view of the area before and after the storm.

A furor erupted when the National Football League announced it would postpone the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings and move it to Tuesday. The league cited concerns for fan safety however many were quick to point out that it is highly unusual for the NFL to postpone a game based on snow of any amount.

Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell told FOX, “It’s an absolute joke. We’re becoming a nation of wussies.”

Certainly it is hard to see Denver taking similar measures in the face of a snowstorm. 🙂

We have provided complete coverage of the storm on Examiner.com – Please follow the links below for more details:

Story – Snowfall totals continue to climb from major East Coast blizzard
- Slideshow – Blizzard slams U.S. East Coast burying major cities in snow
Story – East Coast blizzard strands travelers across the nation
- Slideshow – Nor’easter slams East Coast snarling travel across the region
Story – NOAA satellites capture before and after images of East Coast blizzard
- Slideshow – NOAA satellites capture before and after images of East Coast blizzard

National Weather, Thornton Weather

More than 45% of nation covered in snow while Thornton remains dry

December 23, 2010 Thornton Weather Leave a comment

United States snow cover map as of December 23, 2010. Click for larger image.

Last year a pre-holiday snowstorm covered Thornton in a blanket of white ensuring we had a white Christmas. This year the color will be brown for the Front Range but a sizeable chunk of the United States will have snow on the ground for the holiday.

From North Dakota to Minnesota and Iowa, a major winter storm dumped nearly two feet of snow on the upper Midwest two weeks ago. The sheer weight of the snow was enough to collapse the Metrodome in Minnesota and send the Minnesota Vikings scrambling to find someplace to play football.

A new storm in recent days has brought flooding rains to California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah while the higher elevations in those states plus western Colorado see extraordinary snowfall. Over a five day period many areas were finding that even a yard stick isn’t tall enough to record the snow that has fallen.

Check it out: Video shows U.S. snow cover growing since season start (Examiner.com)

Thursday brings a slight chance for some precipitation but there will little if any accumulation from it. Those in Denver wanting a white Colorado Christmas will need to head for the hills. Some of the extraordinary snowfall totals recorded over the last few days include:

GOTHIC                               82.0
CRESTED BUTTE 6.2 N                  77.5
COAL BANK PASS                       48.0
RED MOUNTAIN PASS                    44.5
MOLAS PASS                           41.0
SILVERTHRONE 10 E                    32.0
DILLON 9 E                           29.0
BRECKENRIDGE 2 W                     28.0
WALDEN 16.3 WSW                      23.5
COPPER MOUNTAIN                      23.0
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS 1 SE               20.2
WOLF CREEK PASS 1 E                  18.0
VAIL 2.6 E                           14.4

For more on the nation’s snow situation, check out the story on the Natural Disasters Examiner.

National Weather, Natural Disasters

Oregon town struck by rare EF-2 tornado

December 16, 2010 Thornton Weather 1 Comment

An EF-2 tornado struck the town of Aumsville, Oregon on Tuesday damaging 50 structures. Click the image for a slideshow of the damage from Examiner.com.

Tornadoes are not usually asssociated with Oregon or December and certainly not the two of them together. Tuesday however that rarest of event did occur when an EF-2 tornado packing 110+ mph winds struck the town of Aumsville.

The first report of the tornado was at 11:59am PST when emergency personnel reported spotting the twister. Power was knocked out to thousands and several homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed. Two minor injuries were reported.

The National Weather Service completed their preliminary investigation of the twister and rated the tornado as an EF-2 with winds between 110 and 120 mph. At its maximum the twister was 150 yards wide and carved an intermittent path 5 miles long.

For more details on the tornado including video and a photo slideshow of the damage, please visit the Natural Disasters Examiner.

Natural Disasters

Navy “Angels” deliver help for kids in hurricane stricken New Orleans

December 13, 2010 Thornton Weather Leave a comment

Blue Angels live up to their name - deliver tons of toys to children. Click the image to view a slideshow. (Examiner.com)

Every child should have a toy under the Christmas tree but the sad reality is that there are those that go without. In New Orleans, the city is still recovering from Hurricane Katrina and many children have been forced to grow up all too soon and face the reality of a natural disaster. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels went into action recently to help ensure those kids are not forgotten on Christmas morning.

This extraordinary story comes our way from the Natural Disasters Examiner:

“Living up to the “angels” part of their name, the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration team flew their cargo aircraft Fat Albert on a mission of mercy. Partnering with Lockheed Martin, Toys R Us and other corporate sponsors the group’s actions ensure that the children affected by Hurricane Katrina will not be forgotten this Christmas.

“Starting from their home base in Pensacola, the gargantuan C-130 Hercules made stops in Atlanta and Dallas to gather up its precious cargo. The final stop was Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans in Belle Chasse, Louisiana on December 2nd.

“Over 1,000 toys weighing in at 169,000 pounds were delivered by the sailors and Marines. “

Our U.S. military performs hundreds of good deeds like this each and every day but many go unnoticed so it is nice to see the U.S. Navy get some recognition. Be sure to read the full story on the Natural Disasters Examiner and click the image above right to view a slideshow of this angelic mission.

Weather, natural disasters & climate news and information.