Weather

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 13, 2008 -- As directed by Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, acting governor, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources is working with the State Emergency Management Agency, federal, state and local agencies as well as the public on environmental concerns due to the flooding issues across the state.

"As we continue to monitor river levels, Missourians need to know that our state is prepared with resources and equipment to address flooding concerns," Lt. Governor Kinder said. "I encourage communities and Missouri families to take necessary steps to minimize potential flood damage and ensure their safety."    » read more »

June 13, 2008 -- Heavy rain and flooding in the west central part of Michigan overnight has caused the Department of Natural Resources to temporarily close Ludington State Park.

Campers that have reservations at Ludington State Park this evening or over the weekend are being contacted by DNR Central Reservation System staff. Campers who have been impacted by the recent storms will receive full refunds and will not be charged the cancellation fee.

According to local weather reports, this area of the northern Lower Peninsula received one foot of rain. Ludington is without power and some of the roads leading into the park are flooded and impassable. Park staff at Ludington encouraged campers to vacate the park and most did of their own accord.    » read more »

June 15, 2008 -- JOHNSTON - Below is the latest update on flooding in Iowa.

I. AREAS OF CONCERN
*NEW* Waterloo
Due to overnight severe weather in Northeastern Iowa, there are power outages in Black Hawk County.

Des Moines
750 National Guard soldiers are currently deployed in Des Moines.

Last night a levee breach in Des Moines’ Birdland Park Neighborhood resulted in the evacuation of more than 200 homes.

North High School is flooded.

Reported numbers in shelters by American Red Cross: Harding Middle School, 40 people; Callanan School, 5 people

Coralville
Members of the Coast Guard Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) assisted with getting recreational boats and three people out of the water in Coralville.

Iowa City    » read more »

Announce creation of www.flood2008.iowa.gov as a resource for latest information on flooding

June 15, 2008 -- JOHNSTON – Today at the Joint Forces Headquarters, Iowa Governor Chet Culver and Lt. Governor Judge announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved a Presidential Disaster Declaration for individual assistance for 6 new Iowa counties – Cedar, Jones, Louisa, Muscatine, Polk, and Winneshiek

Iowa River flooding, Amana, Iowa: Photo by BitHead (CC)    » read more »

12 June 2008 -- Tornadoes that ripped through the central United States have killed six people, including four teenagers at a Boy Scout camp.

Officials in the central state of Iowa say the four teenagers were killed and more than 40 other people injured when a tornado smashed into their campsite Little Sioux Scout Ranch in the western part of the state Wednesday.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff toured the site Thursday, calling the deadly storm system a "tragic act of God."

In Rome today, a White House spokeswoman said President George Bush was saddened to hear about the deaths of the teenagers and sends his condolences to their families.

Witnesses say the tornado struck so quickly there was little time to react.    » read more »

Maine CDC Advises Caution in Heat: Keep Cool, Drink Adequate Fluids, and Rest Frequently

June 9, 2008 -- With Maine heading into summer, it is important for all of us to prevent heat-related problems and to recognize the signs of heat illness early. Heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable, yet over the past 30 years more people have died in this country from heat than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined.

All Mainers should take some simple measures to prevent heat-related illness. However, those who are most susceptible include infants and young children, people 65 years old and older, people with a mental illness, and those who are physically ill with heart disease or high blood pressure.

These simple measures include:    » read more »

Action comes after severe weather moved through the state overnight

May 30, 2008 -- DES MOINES – Today, Iowa Governor Chet Culver has issued a disaster proclamation for Dubuque and Marion Counties following a series of severe storms that moved through the state last night.

Flooding in Ames, Iowa, May 30, 2008: Photo by Sarah Serendipity (CC)

"For the second time in less than a week, severe storms have once again hit our state," said Governor Culver. "State government stands ready to do its part to help those individuals in Dubuque and Marion Counties who have been affected by these storms.”    » read more »

HONOLULU -- The Coast Guard is urging all mariners to practice safe boating and be prepared for the 2008 hurricane season, which begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30.

Hurricane preparedness is a shared responsibility. Government agencies have a responsibility to alert citizens and respond to those in distress.

Hurricane aftermath: Photo by Scott Baldwin (CC)

Those in the path of an approaching storm have an individual responsibility to stay alert, heed warnings and insure the safety of themselves and their families.    » read more »

As Summer Approaches Governor Paterson Announces Cooling Assistance Available For Those Most In Need; New Yorkers Facing Serious Heat-Related Health Problems May Be Eligible to Receive Air Conditioners from State

Hundreds Die Every Year in United States from Heat-Related Illnesses
May 29, 2008 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson today announced New York State residents who are susceptible to heat-related illnesses can apply for home air conditioners.

New York Governor David Paterson: Photo courtesy NY Governor's office    » read more »

May 28, 2008 -- ATLANTA - Today Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue asked President Bush for a major disaster declaration to assist residents and local governments in Cherokee County with emergency response measures and aid for losses resulting from the severe weather and tornadoes that occurred on Tuesday, May 20, 2008.

“This is the third tornado event this spring that has disrupted the lives of our citizens and devastated one of our communities,” said Governor Perdue. “I am hopeful that our federal partners will recognize the extent of this damage and will render the appropriate assistance to help the residents of Cherokee County recover in the aftermath of this severe weather.”    » read more »

May 13, 2008 -- JEFFERSON CITY -- Missouri Governor Matt Blunt and Mark James, Director of the Department of Public Safety, today cautioned Missourians to be prepared as more bad weather is in the forecast for the southwest region of the state.

“Tornadoes are often times Mother Nature’s most violent storms, and the devastation I witnessed yesterday is as devastating as it is heartbreaking,” Gov. Blunt said.

Tornado: Photo by OAR/ERL/National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL)    » read more »

April 11, 2008 -- (JACKSON, Mississippi) — Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour today requested President George W. Bush and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to declare Hinds County as a major disaster area after the county sustained large amounts of damage from the severe weather and tornado outbreak April 4.

Tornado damage: Photo by Andrew Freese (CC)    » read more »

April 7, 2008 -- JACKSON, Mississippi - Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour today declared a State of Emergency for 12 Mississippi counties following a severe weather system and tornadoes which hit parts of Central Mississippi, including the Jackson Metro area. The Governor announced the State of Emergency while touring neighborhoods in Northeast Jackson, which were among the hardest-hit areas from Friday’s storm and tornadoes.

Tornado formation in Mississippi: Photo by Fujoshi (CC)    » read more »

Apr 7, 2008 -- LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe today declared Arkansas, Garland, Pulaski, St. Francis and Saline Counties state disaster areas due to damage caused by severe storms and heavy rains on April 3 and 4.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has informed Arkansas that requests for federal assistance related to the latest storms can be grouped with requests already made regarding recent flooding.

Tornado damage in Little Rock, Arkansas: Photo by David Quinn (CC)    » read more »

United Nations relief officials say nearly a million people across Southern Africa have suffered damaging effects from recent floods, cyclones and heavy rains.

The officials say severe weather that began last October has disrupted the lives of about 987,000 people.

They say Madagascar has been hardest hit, with more than 332,000 people affected by several cyclones and floods.

The floods and cyclones have destroyed homes, roads and crops across the region. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies says many families are living in temporary shelters, while others have lost their cattle and livelihoods.

The U.N. says the worst weather is over for another year, but problems could persist through the end of April.    » read more »