US Gripped by Dual Weather Extremes: Hawaii Floods, Western Heat
The United States is being battered by a stark contrast of severe weather events, underscoring a pattern of climate-driven extremes. In Hawaii, a historic storm system has unleashed the worst flooding the islands have seen in two decades. The heavy rains, falling on already saturated ground, caused catastrophic flash flooding on Oahu and Maui, lifting homes and cars and causing an estimated $1 billion in damage. The deluge threatened a 120-year-old dam, prompting evacuation orders for thousands of residents as rescue crews worked to save hundreds of people. Officials closed multiple schools due to storm-related damage, with the governor urging residents not to take the storm lightly as more rain was forecast. Meanwhile, the western US, particularly the Southwest, is experiencing a record-breaking March heatwave that scientists say is uncharacteristic for this time of year. Forecasts from the National Weather Service show clusters of potentially record-breaking temperatures concentrated in states like Arizona, which typically do not see such scorching desert heat until the summer months. This extreme heat on the West Coast contrasts sharply with the blizzard conditions and severe thunderstorms impacting the eastern part of the nation. Experts analyzing these concurrent crises point to a clear climate change 'fingerprint'. The parade of ultra-extremes, from unprecedented heat and blizzards to catastrophic flooding, aligns with scientific predictions of a warming planet leading to more frequent and dangerous weather events. The simultaneous nature of these disasters across the country highlights the broad and varied impacts of the ongoing climate crisis.
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HIDOE: 13 Oahu, Big Isle and Molokai schools to close due to storm-related damage | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
A winter storm warning remains until 6 p.m. for the Hawaii island summits. Total snow accumulations of up to 10 inches are possible and wind gusts may reach as high as 60 mph. ... A flood watch remains for Oahu, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Kahoolawe and Hawaii island through this afternoon.
Jehovah's Witnesses ease policy ... and use of one's own blood ... Comprehensive global coverage of how religion shapes our world. See All Newsletters ... Rusia frena protestas por el bloqueo de una popular app de mensajería, pero la frustración persiste ... Scientists say a record March heat wave in the U.S. West shows climate change is already driving more dangerous weather extremes...
The forecast from the National Weather Service shows how clusters of potentially record-breaking temperatures are concentrated in the West, with the hottest conditions centered in Southwestern states such as Arizona, long accustomed to scorching desert heat, but usually not until summer months. While most extreme ...
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