"Asheville one month after Helene faces long recovery"

"Asheville one month after Helene faces long recovery"

"One month after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on this corner of western North Carolina, the debris is everywhere.

Shade trees are cut into pieces, sitting on lawns, while ruined flooring and sheetrock pile up next to roads.

Bridges are cut in half, while homes, vehicles and appliances are strewn around, glued into riverbanks or resting in unexpected spots. The remains of a camper, several feet off the ground, are wedged into the railing of a city playground. A dirty blue sedan rests nearly upright, parked on a wooden fence.

If you spend any time on social media, new images or videos with fresh stories of destruction pop up every few days."

Continue reading the article online -> 

https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/4953827-hurricane-helene-recovery-asheville/

"Asheville one month after Helene faces long recovery"

Relief choices to help Hurricane Helene survivors

"Hayley Henson, spokesperson for the disaster relief nonprofit Operation Blessing said her community of Asheville, N.C., was blindsided by Hurricane Helene. The storm made landfall last weekend along Florida’s Gulf Coast and then carved a 500-mile path of destruction through the Southeast to the middle of the Appalachian Mountains.

“The good thing is that the water is now receded, but the bad thing is that the work to be done is so big that it is hard to even know,” Henson said.

Operation Blessing is among the national and local organizations — including some from Massachusetts — that are rushing to help those affected. Here is how to help."

Continue reading the article (subscription maybe required) ->

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/10/02/metro/hurricane-helene-donate-guide-nonprofit-natural-disaster-relief/

I found a charity in Asheville, NC to donate to. You can check out the Asheville Poverty Initiative ->    https://www.ashevillepovertyinitiative.org/

Relief choices to help Hurricane Helene survivors

Joe Landry: Hurricane of 1938 (video)

Want to catch up to the Joe Landry presentation on the Hurricane of 1938 that he presented to the Senior Center? Thanks to Franklin TV, you can!

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqbedPArimY

From Memorial Day to Hurricane Season, we get into climate impacts including spaghetti models (audio)

FM #1225 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1225 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist. We met to record via the Zoom conference bridge on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.  

We continued making sense of climate by working our way from Memorial Day weekend, the start of summer, and the hurricane season which is possible to be one of the most active. The warmth of the Atlantic Ocean is a key contributor to hurricane development.

This discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it helps me “make sense of climate”, we hope it helps with your understanding as well. 

If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session.  

The conversation runs about 32 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1225-making-sense-of-climate-45-05-28-24

--------------

Note: The Hurricane Season is June 1 through November 30. I think I said October 1, so I was off a few weeks.

Hurricane forecast from NOAA -> https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-predicts-above-normal-2024-atlantic-hurricane-season 

Record breaking heat in Atlantic Ocean -> https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2024/05/what-you-need-to-know-about-record-breaking-heat-in-the-atlantic/

Hydrogen powered boat  https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/05/20/metro/hydrogen-powered-boat-in-boston/

Wildfire season starting earlier, lasting longer  https://www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/wildfire-seasons-are-starting-earlier-getting-longer-rcna142231

Spaghetti model -> https://www.cyclocane.com/ewiniar-spaghetti-models/

** See the page that collects all the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.html 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

From Memorial Day to Hurricane Season, we get into climate impacts including spaghetti models (audio)

"NOAA predicts above-normal 2024 Atlantic hurricane season"

"NOAA National Weather Service forecasters at the Climate Prediction Center predict above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year. NOAA’s outlook for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to November 30, predicts an 85% chance of an above-normal season, a 10% chance of a near-normal season and a 5% chance of a below-normal season.

NOAA is forecasting a range of 17 to 25 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 8 to 13 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 4 to 7 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). Forecasters have a 70% confidence in these ranges.

The upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to have above-normal activity due to a confluence of factors, including near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, development of La Nina conditions in the Pacific, reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear, all of which tend to favor tropical storm formation."

Continue reading the hurricane forecast for 2024

https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-predicts-above-normal-2024-atlantic-hurricane-season 

Hurricane season approaches, is your name on this list?

"What do the names Beulah, Andrew, Camille, Felix, Katrina and Hugo all have in common? They were all names given to some of the most deadly and destructive hurricanes in US weather history and whose names have since been retired.

Over the years, new names have been added in their place and still many others have emerged as candidates for lists maintained by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season officially starts June 1 and this year is forecast to be an exceptionally active season."

2024 Hurricane Names

Alberto        Beryl

Chris            Debby

Ernesto        Francine

Gordon        Helene

Isaac            Joyce

Kirk             Leslie

Milton         Nadine

Oscar           Patty

Rafael          Sara

Tony            Valerie

William        

Shared from -> https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/05/03/metro/hurricane-names-2024-heres-the-list-for-storm-season/

For more about the names for hurricanes -> https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames.shtml

National Hurricane Center

Hurricane Franklin continues out in the Atlantic

Via the National Hurricane Center -> https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_at3.shtml?start#contents   as of 5 AM, Sunday, August 27, 2023

Hurricane Franklin continues out in the Atlantic

Wind Speed Probabilities for Hurricane Franklin

Tropical Storm Franklin moving slowly

The latest weather forecast from NOAA's Hurricane Center show the following:

Tropical Storm Franklin Discussion Number  19
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL       AL082023
500 AM AST Fri Aug 25 2023

Franklin has generally changed little during the past several hours. 

The storm remains strongly sheared with the low-level center 
partially exposed near the western edge of the main area of deep 
convection.  Cloud tops are quite cold on the system's east side, 
but the storm continues to lack convective symmetry.  The initial 
intensity remains 50 kt based on the earlier Air Force 
reconnaissance data, which is a little above the current satellite 
intensity estimates.

The storm is moving slowly to the east-northeast at about 5 kt in 
weak steering currents near the base of a broad mid- to upper-level 
trough.  A north to north-northwest motion is expected to commence 
tonight or early Saturday as ridging builds to the east of Franklin 
over the central Atlantic.  This motion should bring the core of the 
system to the west of Bermuda on Monday and Tuesday.  The storm is 
likely to turn northeastward and accelerate by the middle of next 
week when it should move in the faster flow between the ridge and a 
mid- to upper-level trough over eastern Canada and the northeast 
U.S.  In general, the models have shifted westward this cycle, and 
the NHC track forecast has been nudged in that direction.

Continued moderate to strong westerly vertical wind shear should 
limit strengthening during the next 12 to 24 hours.  However, more 
significant strengthening seems likely in a day or two when the 
shear decreases while Franklin remains over warm water and in a 
relatively moist environment.  Franklin is expected to become a 
hurricane over the weekend and should reach a peak intensity near 
major hurricane strength early next week.  The strengthening trend 
should end around day 4, at which time the storm is forecast to 
begin moving over cooler waters and into an environment of stronger 
shear. The intensity models are in fairly good agreement, and this 
forecast is quite similar to the previous one. 

 https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCDAT3+shtml/250841.shtml?

Tropical Storm Franklin moving slowly

Shared from -> https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at3+shtml/084425.shtml?cone

Tropical Storm Franklin, 1 of 4 being tracked

The current status for Tropical Storm Franklin:

"...FRANKLIN NEAR THE SOUTH COAST OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.. ...HEAVY RAINFALL AND POTENTIALLY LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING LIKELY OVER HISPANIOLA...
As of 5:00 AM EDT Wed Aug 23
the center of Franklin was located near 17.4, -71.3
with movement N at 10 mph.
The minimum central pressure was 1000 mb
with maximum sustained winds of about 50 mph."

Per NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCPAT3+shtml/230857.shtml

Details on the 4 disturbances currently active can be found online ->

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo.php?basin=atlc

Tropical Storm Franklin, 1 of 4 being tracked

TROPICAL STORM FRANKLIN - as of 8/23/23 - 8 AM Eastern

Hurricane preparations from the NWS Boston

NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) tweeted on Mon, Jul 10, 2023:

"Hurricanes never happen in New England, right? WRONG! 

Today (Monday) is the kickoff to Hurricane Preparedness Week! Now is the time to prepare. 

Check out this video to learn more!" 🌀https://t.co/zSmMdMZdkn

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/NWSBoston/status/1678403701818667008

video link -> https://youtu.be/V73YZbg9HrQ

"Franklin" is one of the Hurricane names for the 2023 Hurricane season

Today marks the first day of the Atlantic hurricane season, which will run until November 30. The long-term averages for the number of  named storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes are 14, 7, and 3,  respectively.

The list of names for 2023 is as follows:

Name         Pronunciation       Name         Pronunciation

------------------------------------------------------------

Arlene        ar-LEEN            Lee          lee 

Bret          bret                   Margot       MAR-go

Cindy         SIN-dee            Nigel        NY-juhl     

Don           dahn                   Ophelia      o-FEEL-ya  

Emily         EH-mih-lee         Philippe     fee-LEEP 

Franklin      FRANK-lin          Rina         REE-nuh

Gert          gert                      Sean         shawn

Harold        HAIR-uld           Tammy        TAM-ee

Idalia        ee-DAL-ya          Vince        vinss

Jose          ho-Zay                 Whitney      WHIT-nee

Katia         KAH-tya

Shared from ->  https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo.php

"Franklin" is one of the Hurricane names for the 2023 Hurricane season

Preparing for hurricane season 2023: How to organize your finances

"When it comes to preparing for hurricanes, financial readiness is as important as a flashlight with fully charged batteries. Leaving your home can be stressful, but knowing that your personal and financial documents are up to date, in one place, and portable can make a big difference at a tense time. Read on to learn how to identify and organize important papers before a disaster strikes.

Here are some steps to help you get started."

Continue reading the tips for organizing finances ->

https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/05/preparing-hurricane-season-2023-how-organize-your-finances 

Preparing for hurricane season 2023: How to organize your finances

NOAA predicts a near-normal 2023 Atlantic hurricane season

"The Atlantic hurricane season will bring an average number of ocean storms and hurricanes this year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa) said on Thursday.

Noaa forecasters estimate 12 to 17 named storms of which five to nine of those will develop into hurricanes and one to four will become major hurricanes during the 1 June to 30 November season.

The guidance came as experts considered the possible impacts this year of the El Niño weather system, which can dampen hurricane activity, and increasingly warm ocean temperatures, which can make storms more powerful.

“What it boils down to is: which is going to win or do they just cancel each other out and you end up with a near-normal season?” said Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach. “I respect them both.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required) ->

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/25/hurricane-season-2023-average-number-storms-predicted-el-nino

The NOAA press release ->

"NOAA forecasters with the Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service, predict near-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic this year. NOAA’s outlook for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, which goes from June 1 to November 30, predicts a 40% chance of a near-normal season, a 30% chance of an above-normal season and a 30% chance of a below-normal season.

NOAA is forecasting a range of 12 to 17 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 5 to 9 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 1 to 4 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges."

https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/2023-atlantic-hurricane-season-outlook 

A summary infographic showing hurricane season probability and numbers of named storms predicted from NOAA's 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook.  (Image credit: NOAA)

It’s National Preparedness Month. Are you ready?

It's National Preparedness Month. Are you ready? By Cody Rhew The 2022 hurricane season has been fairly calm, but we have a way to go. The season peaks in mid-September and runs through November. A lot can happen in that time, and not all hurricane related.   This year's heat waves, wildfires, violent storms, and extreme flooding are proof that severe weather and natural disasters can happen anytime, anywhere, and with little warning.  Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/08/its-national-preparedness-month-are-you-ready

It’s National Preparedness Month. Are you ready?

Governor Baker Proclaims July 10-16 as “Hurricane Preparedness Week”

Hurricane Preparedness Week, as proclaimed by Governor Charlie Baker, runs from July 10 – 16. All week, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) will engage local communities across Massachusetts to highlight the risk of tropical storms and hurricanes, and encourage residents to take steps to prepare. As part of MEMA’s commitment to diversity and equity in emergency planning, this year’s campaign will include information to equip those living with disabilities and specific medical needs.  

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency

“Hurricane Preparedness Week is an annual reminder of the hazards that the Commonwealth faces and how residents can prepare during hurricane season,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. "While it’s been 31 years since Hurricane Bob made landfall in New England, hurricanes and tropical storms remain a threat to Massachusetts and we ask residents to learn if they live in a hurricane evacuation zone, develop an emergency plan, build an emergency kit, and stay informed.”

Continue reading about how to prepare for hurricanes

https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-baker-proclaims-july-10-16-as-hurricane-preparedness-week

You can sign up for tropical weather outlooks from the National Hurricane Center

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo.php

Hurricane season opens June 1 - Are you ready to deal with weather emergencies and avoid scams?

"Today marks the first day of the Atlantic hurricane season, which will run until November 30. Long-term averages for the number of named storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes are 14, 7, and 3, respectively."

Shared from https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo.php?basin=atlc 

the first day of the Atlantic hurricane season

"Threats from hurricanes don’t come just from wind and rain, storm surges, flooding and rip currents, or tornadoes and landslides. Hurricane-related threats also come in the form of scammers who use those weather emergencies to cheat people. Some of the most common weather-related frauds and scams include people who promise to help you with clean-up or repairs, but disappear with your money; those who pretend to be FEMA or other government agencies; people who promise you a job – if only you pay to get it; and those who promise you a place to rent – if only you wire them the money to get the place sight unseen.

The FTC’s site, Dealing with Weather Emergencies, has practical ideas to help you get ready for, deal with, and recover from a weather emergency. It also has advice on how to recognize, avoid, and report frauds and scams."

Shared from https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/05/how-prepare-hurricane-season-2022-and-avoid-storm-related-scams

 

Are you ready to deal with weather emergencies and avoid scams?

How to prepare for hurricane season 2022 and avoid storm-related scams

How to prepare for hurricane season 2022 and avoid storm-related scams By Colleen Tressler Threats from hurricanes don't come just from wind and rain, storm surges, flooding and rip currents, or tornadoes and landslides. Hurricane-related threats also come in the form of scammers who use those weather emergencies to cheat people. Some of the most common weather-related frauds and scams include people who promise to help you with clean-up or repairs, but disappear with your money; those who pretend to be FEMA or other government agencies; people who promise you a job – if only you pay to get it; and those who promise you a place to rent – if only you wire them the money to get the place sight unseen. Read More ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/05/how-prepare-hurricane-season-2022-and-avoid-storm-related-scams

How to prepare for hurricane season 2022 and avoid storm-related scams

Atlantic #HurricaneSeason Outlook 2022 - above average active season forecast

Atlantic #HurricaneSeason Outlook 2022: 70% likelihood of 14-21 named storms of which 6-10 could become hurricanes, including 3-6 major hurricanes: http://bit.ly/2022AtlanticHurricaneSeasonOutlook… #HurricaneOutlook

Atlantic #HurricaneSeason Outlook 2022

hurricane name listing for 2022

Read the full outlook ->  https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-predicts-above-normal-2022-atlantic-hurricane-season

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/NOAAComms/status/1529120603273408513

MAEnergy Environment: Hurricane Safety Tips

MAEnergy Environment (@MassEEA) tweeted Fri, Aug 20, 2021:

🧵 To prepare for Tropical Storm #Henri and a potential power outage, here are some practical steps you can take to keep you and your family safe.

🔋 Make sure cellphones, laptops, and other electronics are fully charged.

⚡️ Power Outage Safety Tips:  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/hurricane-safety-tips

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MassEEA/status/1428790239124938761

MAEnergy Environment: Hurricane Safety Tips

Also from Boston Globe: 6 ways to prepare

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/08/20/metro/tropical-storm-henri-is-approaching-here-are-6-ways-prepare/

From MA Consumer Affairs -> Hurricane preparedness

http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/hurricane-preparedness-2021/

Tropical Storm Henri heads for New England, stay tuned for changes in the forecast

"Keep an eye on this one. The National Hurricane Center says the expected track of Tropical Storm Henri has shifted, meaning it’s more likely it will hit the Northeastern states at the end of the week.

“The forecast track of Henri has shifted toward the northeast coast of the U.S. this weekend and early next week, increasing the risk of direct storm surge, wind, and rain impacts in portions of the northeastern U.S. and Atlantic Canada during that time,” the forecasters said Wednesday , noting that Henri was on the verge of reaching hurricane strength. “Interests in these areas should closely follow the progress of Henri and check for updates to the forecast.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/08/18/metro/is-tropical-storm-henri-heading-our-way/

Since the Globe article was posted, NWS has further updated a shift more off the coast of New England.  For additional updates from the National Weather Service visit    https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#Henri

Tropical Storm Henri heads for New England