| Wildfires cause significant disruptions throughout southern California |
| 17 Nov 2008 |
| Wildfires have caused significant disruptions throughout southern California since 13 November 2008. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared states of emergency in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Riverside and Orange Counties. Firefighters have not been able to fully contain fires in the towns of Anaheim, Corona, Yorba Linda and Brea. Approximately 50,000 people in the region have evacuated in recent days, though authorities lifted mandatory evacuation orders for approximately 25,000 people. The region's Santa Ana winds weakened on 16 November, allowing authorities to launch an aerial firefighting effort that made some progress. The situation has resulted in a thick cloud of smoke over Los Angeles that has reduced visibility and air quality. Traffic has been disrupted on most highways at various points, though most freeways reopened late on 16 November. Metrolink train services between Los Angeles and Orange County have resumed.
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| LA firefighters battle wildfires |
| 14 Oct 2008 |
| About 1,000 US firefighters are tackling wildfires near Los Angeles, which have caused two deaths, with 12,000 people driven from their homes. The first major wildfires of the season threaten hundreds of houses north of the city, in the San Fernando Valley. Southern California is vulnerable to wildfires between October and February when the warm, dry Santa Ana winds blow in, drying out vegetation.
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| British Airways flight diverted |
| 06 Oct 2008 |
| A British Airways flight originating from London and bound for Houston was diverted to Chicago’s O'Hare International Airport (KORD/ORD) on 5 October 2008 after the pilot reported a "situation" on board the aircraft. HazMat was called to the scene at the airport and all passengers and crew were safely cleared and taken off the aircraft without injuries. The Chicago Aviation Department did not know the specifics of the diversion, but unconfirmed reports claim that an investigation into a potentially flammable item in the cargo area was being conducted.
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| 'Certain death' warning over Ike |
| 12 Sep 2008 |
| Residents in one area of the Texas coastline have been warned they must evacuate before the arrival of Hurricane Ike or "face certain death". The National Weather Service issued the grave warning to those living in low-lying areas around Galveston Bay.
More than a million people in Texas have been advised to leave their homes before Ike hits late on Friday night. The storm has already killed more than 70 people in the Caribbean, with Haiti and Cuba particularly badly hit.
At 1200 GMT Ike was about 230 miles (370km) south-east of Galveston, with winds above 100 mph (160km/h).
The hurricane's predicted path will take it through Galveston and on to the US's fourth largest city, Houston.
Forecasters warned that because of the size of the storm, the low-lying coastal areas could be hit by a 20ft (6m) high surge of water.
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| Hurricane Ike continues to move toward the Texas coast |
| 11 Sep 2008 |
| Hurricane Ike continues to move toward the Texas coast on 11 September 2008. As of 1100 UTC, the storm was located approximately 575 mi/920 km east of Brownsville, Texas. The storm is moving west-northwest at approximately 10 mph/8 kt and has maximum sustained winds of approximately 100 mph/86 kt. According to meteorologists at Wilkens Weather Technologies, the storm is expected to make landfall in Freeport, Texas, which is located approximately 63 mi/101 km south of Houston, as at least a Category 3 hurricane at 0000 local time on 13 September. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for low-lying areas of Harris County, the western end of Galveston Island, Brazoria County (which is located south of Houston) and all of Matagorda County except for Bay City and Van Vleck. Voluntary evacuation advisories are in place for most areas along the coast; more mandatory evacuation orders will likely be issued on 11 September. Travelers should expect delays and cancellations at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (KIAH/IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (KHOU/HOU) in Houston as the storm approaches. Southwest Airlines will suspend flights at Hobby Airport beginning at 0900 local time on 12 September.
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| Hurricane Ike weakened to a Category 1 storm |
| 10 Sep 2008 |
| Hurricane Ike weakened to a Category 1 storm as it moved into the Gulf of Mexico on 9 September 2008. As of 1200 UTC on 10 September, the storm was located approximately 145 mi/230 km north of the western tip of Cuba and approximately 430 mi/695 km southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River. The storm is moving northwest at approximately 8 mph/7 kt and has maximum sustained winds of approximately 85 mph/74 kt. According to meteorologists at Wilkens Weather Technologies, the storm is expected to gain strength as it moves over warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico. The storm is currently projected to make landfall between Corpus Christi and Port Lavaca, Texas, on 13 September; however, all areas along the Texas coast remain at risk.
Texas officials will likely issue a mandatory evacuation order for coastal areas close to the Mexican border. Brazoria County has already issued an evacuation order that will begin at 1000 local time on 10 September. Authorities have implemented an evacuation plan for residents with special medical needs in the Corpus Christi area. The Texas Department of Public Safety will open an evacuation route for the Corpus Christi area on Interstate 37 beginning at 0900 local time on 10 September. Governor Rick Perry is expected to mobilize approximately 7,500 National Guard troops to assist in evacuation and recovery efforts.
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| Huricane Ike update |
| 09 Sep 2008 |
| Hurricane Ike is forecast to affect the Florida Keys until late on Tuesday 9 September. Strong winds, heavy rain, and some flooding is expected in the area. A mandatory evacuation of residents and tourists ordered over the weeknd of 6/7 September has now been cancelled, but tourists are being asked not to return to the Keys until Wednesday 10 September. Ike is expected to make landfall on the Texas or Louisiana coast over the weekend of 13/14 September. You should monitor weather reports for updates and follow the advice of the local authorities.
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| Hurricane Ike weakened to a Category 2 storm |
| 08 Sep 2008 |
| Hurricane Ike weakened to a Category 2 storm after making landfall near Punta Lucrecia, which is located approximately 510 mi/823 km southeast of Havana, on 8 September 2008. As of 1200 UTC, the hurricane was located approximately 20 mi/35 km south of Camaguey, Cuba. Ike is moving west across central Cuba at 14 mph/10 kt and has maximum sustained winds of 100 mph/86 kt with higher gusts. According to meteorologists at Wilkens Weather Technologies, Ike is expected to weaken over the next 24 hours as it moves over Cuba. The storm will enter the Gulf of Mexico on 9 September 2008. It is too early to accurately forecast where Ike will make landfall along the Gulf Coast of the United States. The Cuban government evacuated more than 900,000 people ahead of the storm. Authorities in Florida have issued a mandatory evacuation order for the Florida Keys. Key West International Airport (KEYW/EYW) closed at 1900 local time on 8 September 2008.
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| Tropical Storm Hanna located east of Melbourne, Florida |
| 05 Sep 2008 |
| As of 1200 UTC on 5 September 2008, Tropical Storm Hanna was located approximately 114 mi/185 km east of Melbourne, Florida, and approximately 425 mi/680 south of Wilmington, North Carolina. The storm is moving northwest at approximately 8 mph/7 kt. According to meteorologists at Wilkens Weather Technologies, the storm is expected to turn to the north later on 5 September. The storm has maximum sustained winds of approximately 65 mph/56 kt with higher gusts. Hanna is expected to make landfall along the North and South Carolina coast late on 5 September. Authorities have established evacuation centers in preparation for possible flooding. Charleston International Airport (KCHS/CHS) expects to stop receiving commercial flights at 1700 local time.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Ike weakened to a Category 3 storm on 5 September. As of 0900 UTC, the hurricane was located 460 mi/740 km north of the Leeward Islands and 660 mi/1,065 km east-northeast of Grand Turk Island. The hurricane is moving west at approximately 15 mph/143 kt; it is expected to turn slightly toward the west-southwest by 6 September. Ike has maximum sustained winds of approximately 125 mph/109 kt with higher gusts. The hurricane will likely hit the Bahamas on 7 or 8 September. It is too early to tell whether the storm will then track north toward the eastern United States or westward toward the Gulf of Mexico.
As of 0900 UTC on 5 September, Tropical Storm Josephine was located 664 mi/1,065 km west of the Cape Verde Islands. The storm is moving at approximately 9 mph/8 kt and has maximum sustained winds of approximately 50 mph/43 kt. The storm has disrupted shipping in the area; however, it is not currently known whether the storm will make landfall.
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| 800,000 homes in Louisiana are still without electricity due to Hurricane Gustav |
| 03 Sep 2008 |
| As of 3 September 2008 more than 800,000 homes in Louisiana are still without electricity due to Hurricane Gustav. The storm damaged a main transmission line in southern Louisiana; officials do not yet know when power will be fully restored. Oil and gas installations in the Gulf of Mexico sustained no significant damage from the storm. Residents will be officially allowed to return to New Orleans on 4 September. Authorities have lifted checkpoints on highways and roads leading to some parts of the city as residents start returning to Jefferson, St. Tammany, St. John and St. Charles parishes. Orleans parish will remain closed until 2359 local time on 3 September. Many areas of New Orleans still lack electricity and other utilities. However, Entergy, an electricity company, has repaired several damaged transmission lines and hopes to gradually restore power on 3 September. Few businesses are open in New Orleans; most grocery stores and gas stations remain closed. |
| Tropical Storm Gustav weakened to a tropical depression |
| 02 Sep 2008 |
| Tropical Storm Gustav weakened to a tropical depression on 2 September 2008. As of 0900 UTC, the depression was located approximately 135 mi/215 km northwest of Lafayette, Louisiana. The depression has maximum sustained winds of near 35 mph/56 kt with higher gusts and is moving northwest at 10 mph/16 kt. The storm is expected to produce significant rainfall over portions of Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. According to meteorologists at Wilkens Weather Technologies, the storm will weaken as it moves into northeastern Texas over the next 24 hours.
Louisiana state officials plan to announce on 2 September the details of a re-entry plan for the more than 2 million people who evacuated. New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin has instructed evacuees not to return yet. The city is still assessing damage and is in the process of restoring power and repairing the sewer system. Authorities will likely not allow evacuees to return until 3 September at the earliest. More than 780,000 people remain without power in Louisiana and Mississippi. Authorities have not yet announced when Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (KMSY/MSY) will reopen.
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| State of Emergency decalared in Florida due to tropical storm |
| 22 Aug 2008 |
| As of 0900 UTC on 22 August 2008, Tropical Storm Fay was located near Gainesville, Florida. The storm has maximum sustained winds of 45 mph/40 kt with higher gusts and is moving westward at 6 mph/5 kt. According to meteorologists at Wilkens Weather Technologies, the storm will likely continuing moving westward along the southeastern Gulf coast for the next four days. However, the storm will likely not strengthen, as it will remain far enough inland to avoid warm water. The storm is expected to produce significant rainfall over parts of northern Florida, southern Georgia and Alabama over the next 36 hours. The storm has already caused significant flooding in parts of Florida. President George W. Bush has declared a state of emergency, which will provide federal aid to Florida.
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| Service workers to strike at L.A airport |
| 21 Aug 2008 |
| On 20 August 2008 more than 2,500 service workers at Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX/LAX) voted to authorize their union to go on strike to demand better training, proper equipment, health care benefits and higher wages. The union includes janitors, baggage handlers, wheelchair attendants, security guards and cabin cleaners. More than 200 different subcontractors and airlines employ the workers, complicating the negotiations process. The union has not yet indicated when the strike will begin; however, it is expected to significantly disrupt operations at the airport. |
| Tropical Storm Fay was located east of Daytona Beach, Florida. |
| 21 Aug 2008 |
| As of 1200 UTC on 21 August 2008 Tropical Storm Fay was located 20 mi/30 km east of Daytona Beach, Florida. The storm has maximum sustained winds of 60 mph/52 kt with higher gusts. The storm barely moved on 20 August 2008. According to meteorologists at Wilkens Weather Technologies, the storm is expected to drift westward across the northern Florida Peninsula while gradually weakening into a low pressure system. The storm is expected to produce significant rainfall over northeastern Florida and southeastern Georgia. The storm has already caused significant flooding in parts of Florida. |
| Tropical storm weakens but heavy rainfall over Florida still expected |
| 20 Aug 2008 |
| Tropical Storm Fay weakened on 20 August 2008. As of 0900 UTC the storm was located near Cape Canaveral, Florida. The storm has maximum sustained winds of 50 mph/43 kt and is moving north at 7 mph/6 kt. The storm has spawned at least seven tornadoes across Florida. More than 95,000 homes are currently without power in south Florida. According to meteorologists at Wilkens Weather Technologies, the storm may regain some of its intensity over the next 24 hours as it moves over warm waters along the eastern coast of Florida. However, the possibility of it becoming a hurricane has significantly diminished. The storm will likely remain near the east-central and northeastern coast of Florida through 21 August. The storm is expected to produce significant rainfall over the eastern coast of north Florida and Georgia.
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| Florida braced for tropical storm |
| 19 Aug 2008 |
| Tropical Storm Fay has hit the south-west coast of Florida with heavy rains and strong winds. Forecasters had earlier warned that Fay could reach hurricane force, but later said the storm should weaken after making landfall. The storm crossed the Florida Keys and made landfall at about 0500 (0900 GMT) at Cape Romano, just south of Naples, with winds of about 60mph (96km/h).
A curfew was in place in Naples, but no serious damage was reported. With a state of emergency in place, Florida Governor Charlie Crist said about 500 national guard members had been deployed, with another 8,500 on standby. Power cuts were affecting about 5,800 residents on Marco Island, Collier County officials reported. They also said 148 people had spent the night in storm shelters. Further north in the Tampa Bay area, schools and government offices remained closed.
However an evacuation order in Pinellas County for mobile home residents and others in vulnerable areas was lifted when the storm failed to reach hurricane status.
Approximately 140 flights at Southwest Florida International Airport (KRSW/RSW) in Fort Myers have been delayed. There have also been some delays at Tampa International Airport (KTPA/TPA). According to meteorologists at Wilkens Weather Technologies, the storm will likely move in a north-northeasterly direction and will weaken over the next 24 hours.
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| Tropical storm will deliver several inches of rain |
| 05 Aug 2008 |
| As of 0900 UTC, Tropical Storm Edouard was located approximately 50 mi/80 km southeast of Port Arthur, Texas, and 85 mi/135 km east of Galveston. The storm is moving west-northwest at 12 mph/10 kt and has maximum sustained winds of 65 mph/56 kt. The storm is expected to deliver several inches of rainfall in coastal areas in southwestern Louisiana and southeastern Texas. According to meteorologists at Wilkens Weather Technologies, the storm will likely make landfall along the Texas coast near the border with Louisiana. It is possible that the storm may strengthen before making landfall.
Although the storm is not expected to significantly disrupt production at offshore facilities, several companies have evacuated non-essential workers from 23 production platforms and six rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. The Louisiana Offshore Oil Port and the Houston Ship Channel have shut down operations. The storm is expected to cause delays and cancellations at William P. Hobby Airport (KHOU/HOU) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (KIAH/IAH), both located in Houston.
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| Storm heads towards Texas |
| 04 Aug 2008 |
| Tropical Storm Edouard continues to move toward Texas on 4 August 2008. It is moving west at 8 mph/9 kt and has winds of 52 mph/45 kt with higher gusts. As of 0900 UTC, the storm was located approximately 295 mi/475 km east-southeast of Galveston, Texas. According to meteorologists at Wilkens Weather Technologies, Tropical Storm Edouard may reach hurricane status before landfall, which is expected between 0900 and 1300 UTC on 5 August. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect from the mouth of the Mississippi River to San Luis Pass, Texas. A Hurricane Watch is in effect from west of Intracoastal City, Louisiana, to Port O'Connor, Texas. The storm will likely disrupt production at offshore facilities in the Gulf of Mexico.
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| Quake rocks southern California |
| 30 Jul 2008 |
| An earthquake measuring 5.4 has caused buildings to shake across a wide area of southern California in the US.
The epicentre was 29 miles (46km) south-east of central Los Angeles, near Chino Hills in San Bernardino County, officials said.
The quake was felt as far south as San Diego but there were no reports of any serious casualties or damage. Offices and restaurants were evacuated, and residents reported cracks in the walls of their homes. The US Geological Survey initially said the tremor measured up to 5.8, but later downgraded its size.
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| Hurricane Dolly makes landfall |
| 24 Jul 2008 |
| Hurricane Dolly made landfall on South Padre Island in Texas as a Category 2 storm at 1300 local time on 23 July 2008. Dolly has since weakened to a tropical storm. As of 1200 UTC on 24 July, the storm was located approximately 50 mi/80 km east-southeast of Laredo, Texas and was moving west-northwest at 7 mph/6 kt with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph/43 kt. According to meteorologists at Wilkens Weather Technologies, the storm is expected to weaken as it moves farther inland over the next 48 hours. The storm has caused extensive flooding in parts of the Rio Grande Valley in south Texas and northeastern Mexico. In Mexico, the storm has caused extensive power outages in Matamoros, which is located across the border from Brownsville. The storm has also limited access to drinking water in the city. General Servando Canales International Airport (MMMA/MAM) in Matamoros, which did not sustain any damage during the hurricane, is closed until further notice.
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| Hurricane moving north west across Texas |
| 23 Jul 2008 |
| Hurricane Dolly continues to move toward the Texas-Mexico border on 23 July 2008. As of 1300 UTC, the storm was located approximately 55 mi/89 km east-southeast of Brownsville, Texas. It is moving northwest at 8 mph/7 kt and has winds of 75 mph/65 kt with gusts up to 104 mph/90 kt. According to meteorologists at Wilkens Weather Technologies, Hurricane Dolly may reach Category 2 status before landfall, which is expected between 1000 and 1200 local time (1500 and 1700 UTC) on 23 July. Hurricane Dolly will weaken as it travels over the Rio Grande Valley. The hurricane will likely cause significant flooding in portions of South Texas and northeastern Mexico. The hurricane has shut down approximately 5 percent of oil and natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico.
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| Tropical Storm Dolly continues to move toward the Texas-Mexico border |
| 22 Jul 2008 |
| Tropical Storm Dolly continues to move toward the Texas-Mexico border. As of 0900 UTC on 22 July 2008, the storm was located approximately 295 mi/475 km southeast of Brownsville, Texas, and was moving west-northwest at 15 mph/13 kt. The storm has maximum sustained winds of 58 mph/50 kt with higher gusts. According to meteorologists at Wilkens Weather Technologies, the storm is expected to strengthen to hurricane status on 22 July and make landfall near Brownsville late on 22 July or early on 23 July. Texas authorities have mobilized 1,200 National Guard troops and are readying evacuation plans. The hurricane will likely pass south of major oil installations in the Gulf of Mexico. Shell Oil and Chevron have evacuated workers from platforms in the western Gulf. The storm has not affected production at Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) facilities.
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| Calafornia fires continue to cause air polution |
| 04 Jul 2008 |
| Since 23 June 2008, northern California has been badly affected by wild fires. Parts of US Highway 1 at Big Sur between Los Angeles and San Francisco have been closed and areas around Santa Cruz, Yosemite, Napa County, Lake Tahoe, Humbolt and Mount Shasta are affected. Fires are also reported in Santa Barbara County in Southern California. Air quality in and around the city of Santa Barbara is poor due to smoke. You should follow the advice of the local authorities especially with regard to evacuation orders and also check local fire information on http://www.calfires.com . |
| Forest fires close Nth Carolina's Highway 1 |
| 27 Jun 2008 |
| Since 23 June 2008, northern California has been badly affectred by wild fires. Parts of US Highway 1 at Big Sur between Los Angeles and San Francisco have been closed and areas around Santa Cruz, Yosemite, Napa County, Lake Tahoe, Humbolt and Mount Shasta are affected. You should follow the advice of the local authorities and also check local fire information on http://www.calfires.com for advice.
You should also check with your hosts in the US if you intend to travel to areas which may be affected..
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