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Tornado’s & severe storms put 34 million at risk, kill more than 40 and sweep across several counties in the US South and Midwest
The belt of severe storms that killed at least nine people in the Midwest on Tuesday 28th February 2012, crashed east through Tennessee, where officials reported that three people died and several homes were destroyed. Severe storms struck central Tennessee, between Nashville and Knoxville, with reports that a tornado touched down near Crossville. Several others were injured after becoming trapped under houses destroyed in the storms. Emergency officials were working to rescue those trapped and several … Read entire article »
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Tornado’s & severe storms put 34 million at risk, kill more than 40 and sweep across several counties in the US South and Midwest
The belt of severe storms that killed at least nine people in the Midwest on Tuesday 28th … Read more »
Lebanon struck by unusually extreme weather
Lebanon was struck with severe snow and torrential rains across the country on Friday 17th February 2012, closing roads in Tannourine, Zahle and the Bekaa, as a freak storm caused havoc and … Read more »
Italy shivers as Europe is plunged into chaos by “The Big Freeze”
Severe snow and extreme cold in the Italian capital, Rome, have taken a toll on one of its architectural wonders, the Colosseum. The Colosseum had to shut its doors to tourists after … Read more »
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Widespread Flooding in Australia and the affect of La Nina
Unprecedented floods affecting large parts of Queensland in Australia have so far killed 17 people and … Read more »
Hurricane Force Winds Cause Damage to Scotland & Northern England as Decembers Cold Gives Way to Milder Conditions
On Thursday 3rd February 2011, Storms caused damage to property and closed roads in parts of Scotland. Shetland … Read more »
Largest March Snow Storm on Record Hits Burlington In The United States
As of mid-afternoon Tuesday March 8 2011, the National Weather Service office in South Burlington measured 24.3 … Read more »
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Lebanon struck by unusually extreme weather
Lebanon was struck with severe snow and torrential rains across the country on Friday 17th February 2012, closing roads in Tannourine, Zahle and the Bekaa, as a freak storm caused havoc and lasted throughout the weekend. Snow some 1.5 meters deep, covered Tannourine and Batroun, causing the Tannourine-Laqlouq road to be blocked. Two meters of snow also blocked the Tannourine-Hadath al-Gibbe road, leaving only the road connecting upper Tannourine to lower Tannourine open. Heavy rains on Friday 17th February 2012, disrupted the local telecommunications networks and power lines in Tannourine. In Zahle, east Lebanon, snowploughs worked hard to clear the Dahr al-Baidar road, part of the main Beirut-Damascus road, while snow also blocked the main Zahle-Tarshish road. Meanwhile … Read entire article »
Italy shivers as Europe is plunged into chaos by “The Big Freeze”
Severe snow and extreme cold in the Italian capital, Rome, have taken a toll on one of its architectural wonders, the Colosseum. The Colosseum had to shut its doors to tourists after parts of the massive structure started to crumble and fall. The loosening of plaster masonry and stone has been attributed to ice forming on the walls. The damage is a result of what is known as a “freeze-thaw cycle.” This cold spell is exceptional. “Maybe every 30 years it gets this cold, but it’s very rare.” Most nights so far in February 2012 have been subfreezing in the city. Moreover, there have been two outbursts of snow that have left an accumulation of wet … Read entire article »
Extreme cold and snow brings chaos to Serbia
In the Serbian capital Belgrade, boats sank as the River Danube began to thaw after being hit by weeks of freezing temperatures. A rapid thaw has brought chaos to Belgrade, where ice has damaged boats, barges and floating restaurants. The thick ice has covered one of Europe’s busiest waterways during the recent freeze, but is starting to break up as temperatures rose on Sunday 19 February 2012. In the centre of Belgrade, boats crashed into each other but there were no immediate reports of casualties. One boat owner said the ice had moved so fast, that boats could not be saved. “The damage will be hundreds of thousands of Euros for sure.” Only a “handful” of … Read entire article »
US-based scientists find link between La Nina and Flu pandemics
US-based scientists have found that the last four pandemics all occurred after La Nina events, which bring cool waters to the surface of the eastern Pacific. Flu-carrying birds may change migratory patterns during La Nina conditions. However, many other La Nina events have not seen novel flu strains spread around the world, they caution. So while the climatic phenomenon may make a pandemic more likely it is not sufficient on its own – and may not be necessary either. La Nina is the opposite of El Nino. The two collectively making up the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO). ENSO affects weather and precipitation and humidity around the world but the effects are very varied. Nevertheless, the … Read entire article »
Austria hit by severe snow and blizzards with the risk of avalanches extremely high
The authorities say the probability of avalanches is extremely high and widespread. Nearly 2,000 homes have been without power and on Friday, around 15,000 tourists and locals were snowed in at ski resorts on the Arlberg mountain. The roads there are now open again, but others in the region remain shut. More heavy snow is predicted over the next few days. To … Read entire article »
India’s mango season severely delayed due to cyclone Thane and erratic climate
There is some disappointing news for mango lovers as the crop is likely to be delayed this year. Cyclone Thane and unusual weather have affected flowering and could negatively impact the crop. Mango is cultivated in frost-free tropical and sub-tropical climates. More than a third of the world’s mangoes are produced in India while the Krishnagiri district is a major producer of … Read entire article »
“Atmospheric Bomb” hits Sweden after storm “Dagmar” causes widespread damage
A new low pressure system with strong winds and heavy rainfall made landfall towards Sweden. It passed over central Sweden on Wednesday 4 January 2012 bringing rain and snow over most of the country, as well as gale force winds in the south and along the coast. The storm exhibited a very strong low pressure system, which can be best described as an ‘Atmospheric Bomb’ as the pressure drops so suddenly. The storms power produced gale force winds speeds of up to 35-40 metres per second. Many people are still without power after storm “Dagmar” hit on Tuesday December 26th 2011. Sweden has not had winds as strong as those recorded during recent weeks for years with … Read entire article »
Tropical cyclone Funso and tropical depression Dando leave a trail of destruction In South East Africa.
The tropical cyclone in the Mozambique Channel menaced the south-eastern coast of Africa with potentially damaging winds and flooding this weekend (Friday 20 January 2012) and heading into early next week. The compact system is displaying a well-defined, low-level circulation, and has sustained winds of over 115 mph. The showers and thunderstorms from Funso have already triggered localised flooding downpours on both sides of the channel. Funso is expected to turn away from land and continue to strengthen as it gains some distance from land. The area has already seen significant adverse tropical weather this month. Tropical cyclone Chandra made landfall in western Madagascar early in the month. Next, Tropical depression Dando landed in southern Mozambique near … Read entire article »
Unusual cold snap strikes North India as death toll rises to 135.
The death toll in a cold wave sweeping through northern India has risen to around 135, media reports say. The majority of deaths were in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Punjab and Haryana are among the other northern states badly hit when the cold spell hit from around the 16 December 2011. Most deaths have taken place among the homeless and the … Read entire article »