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Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Monday, August 29, 2022
It’s National Preparedness Month. Are you ready?
Tuesday, July 12, 2022
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.”
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
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
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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."
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Are you ready to deal with weather emergencies and avoid scams? |
Friday, May 27, 2022
How to prepare for hurricane season 2022 and avoid storm-related scams
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How to prepare for hurricane season 2022 and avoid storm-related scams |
Thursday, May 26, 2022
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 |
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hurricane name listing for 2022 |
Saturday, August 21, 2021
MAEnergy Environment: Hurricane Safety Tips
🧵 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
MAEnergy Environment: Hurricane Safety Tips |
Thursday, August 19, 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.”
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Tropical Storm Henri heads for New England |
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Bracing for the 2021 Hurricane Season
Above-normal activity predicted for this hurricane season. Learn more in this America Counts story. |
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Thursday, June 3, 2021
Federal Trade Commission: Getting ready for hurricane season 2021
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Sunday, May 16, 2021
National Weather Service readies for the 2021 hurricane season. Are we ready?
The weather is so nice and warm, after being confined indoor for winter (and due to COVID=19) it is about time we could enjoy it. Did you know that hurricane season officially starts soon? Alerts started on May 15. The season officially opens June 1.
Sign up for alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS) https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
Additional info on service enhancements for this season as well as info on the social media accounts to track https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/NHC_new_products_services_2021.pdf
"Today, May 15th, marks the first day of routine issuance of the
Atlantic basin Tropical Weather Outlook in 2021. This product
describes significant areas of disturbed weather and their potential for tropical cyclone formation during the next five days. The Tropical Weather Outlook is issued from May 15 through November 30 each year. The issuance times of this product are 2 AM, 8 AM, 2 AM, and 8 PM EDT. After the change to standard time in November, the issuance times are 1 AM, 7 AM, 1 PM, and 7 PM EST.
A Special Tropical Weather Outlook will be issued to provide
updates, as necessary, in between the regularly scheduled issuances of the Tropical Weather Outlook. Special Tropical Weather Outlooks will be issued under the same WMO and AWIPS headers as the regular Tropical Weather Outlooks.
A graphical version of the Tropical Weather Outlook is available on the web at: https://www.hurricanes.gov."
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There are no tropical cyclones in the Atlantic at this time. |
Friday, August 28, 2020
In the News: "conditions have made 2020 a record-setter"
"Texas and Louisiana may have braced for the worst this week as back-to-back hurricanes Marco and Laura barreled toward them, but in this record-setting Atlantic hurricane season, almost every coastal U.S. state east of the Mississippi River should also be on high alert.
All but one of the 18 states bordering the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico face a greater risk this year of a hurricane strike, according to the forecast from Colorado State University’s Department of Atmospheric Science, which has issued seasonal hurricane forecasts every year since 1984.
Only New Hampshire’s risk remains unchanged at a 1% chance of a direct hit. Every other state’s risk increased by 33-100%.
In Massachusetts, the CSU team predicted the odds of a land-falling hurricane this year at 10%, compared to a historical probability of 6%."
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In the News: "conditions have made 2020 a record-setter" |
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Remains of Hurricane Laura affect New England weekend
The weekend could be wet and windy with the remains of Hurricane Laura eventually making it's way here. We can use the rain!
Follow the progress of this storm via the National Hurricane Center https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
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NOAA Laura Storm track |
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NOAA Laura Storm track - Weds AM |
Monday, August 3, 2020
NOAA info on Isaias
Get additional updates from NOAA here
https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at4+shtml/092753.shtml?cone
Hurricane preparedness info
https://www.weather.gov/wrn/hurricane-preparedness
Stay tuned to your normal weather station for updates.
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NOAA info on Isaias |
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if it maintains this track, Western MA will get more of the rain than we will |
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Hurricane Preparedness Week is Here
- Peak of hurricane season is August and September
- NOAA predicts above normal hurricane season; but regardless of seasonal forecast, it only takes one storm to severely impact an area
- Entire state is at risk; storm surge threat in coastal areas and high winds, heavy rainfall, and inland flooding possible across entire state, as we saw in Irene in 2011
- While the last hurricane in Massachusetts was Bob in 1991, the Commonwealth has a history of destructive hurricanes
- Threat of tropical cyclones and other natural hazards continue during COVID-19 pandemic
- Know Your Evacuation Zone
Learn if you live or work in a hurricane evacuation zone: www.mass.gov/knowyourzone
- Make an Emergency Plan
Develop a plan with the members of your household to prepare for what to do in a tropical cyclone including making an evacuation plan, planning for individuals with access and functional needs, and any extra considerations during COVID-19 pandemic including how you might evacuate and where you might evacuate to. If you are in a high risk population, the safest option may be to evacuate to a location without the general public such as a hotel, relatives' home or other destination. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/make-a-family-emergency-plan
- Build an Emergency Kit
Build an emergency kit containing items that will sustain you and your family in the event you are isolated for three to five days without power or unable to go to a store and customize for your family's needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, include face coverings, masks, hand sanitizer and other cleaning supplies that you may need. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/build-an-emergency-kit.
Every family should have multiple methods for receiving emergency alerts. Learn more about different types of alerting and information tools including the Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency Alerts, NOAA Weather Radio, Social Media & Traditional Media, 2-1-1 Hotline, Local Notification Systems: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/be-informed-and-receive-emergency-alerts
Gov Baker's proclamation on Hurricane Preparedness Week
https://www.mass.gov/news/hurricane-preparedness-week-reminds-residents-to-prepare-take-precautions
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as part of staying informed sign up for hurricane alerts from NOAA |
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Hurricane season 2020 and COVID-19
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Today (June 1) 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 12, 6, and 3, respectively. The list of names for 2020 is as follows: Name Pronunciation Name Pronunciation -------------------------------------------------------------
Two tropical storms, Arthur and Bertha, already formed this year in May. The next named storm that develops this season will be Cristobal. This product, the Tropical Weather Outlook, briefly describes significant areas of disturbed weather and their potential for tropical cyclone formation during the next five days. The issuance times of this product are 2 AM, 8 AM, 2 AM, and 8 PM EDT. After the change to standard time in November, the issuance times are 1 AM, 7 AM, 1 PM, and 7 PM EST. Shared from the Tropical Weather Outlook https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo.php?basin=atlc&202006010550 |
Saturday, June 1, 2019
"NOAA predicts near-normal 2019 Atlantic hurricane season"
"NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is predicting that a near-normal Atlantic hurricane season is most likely this year. This outlook forecasts 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. The hurricane season officially extends from June 1 to November 30.
For 2019, NOAA predicts a likely range of 9 to 15 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 4 to 8 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 2 to 4 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence. An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which 6 become hurricanes, including 3 major hurricanes."Continue reading about the NOAA outlook for the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane season:
https://www.noaa.gov/media-release/noaa-predicts-near-normal-2019-atlantic-hurricane-season
For the geeks who use RSS feeds (like I do) you can find the RSS selection of NOAA data here https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutrss.shtml
What are the names for the storms for the 1029 season?
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A graphic showing 2019 Atlantic tropical cyclone names selected by the World Meteorological Organization. (NOAA) |
Friday, May 31, 2019
Hurricane season starts June 1. Are you ready?
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Saturday, December 1, 2018
In the News: hurricane season comes to an end; Marriott reveals massive data breach; Resilience IPA to help CA fire relief
"The 2018 hurricane season began like a lazy river, a handful of circles spinning in an atmosphere still sleepy from spring.
Only Subtropical Storm Alberto made contact with the U.S., splashing into Laguna Beach, Fla., at the end of May before the calendar even noted the official June 1 start date of storm season. Through August, it was called the “season of slop,” seemingly confirming forecasts for below average cyclonic activity.
But then September came, the Atlantic basin caught fire, and two coasts would face the terrifying power of wind and water.
By the last day of the 2018 hurricane season on Friday, the cyclone scoreboard included 15 named storms, including eight hurricanes and two major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher. A normal season typically has 12 named storms, including six hurricanes and two major hurricanes."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20181130/2018-hurricane-season-ends-how-accurate-were-forecasters
Visit NOAA directly to read their summary
https://www.noaa.gov/media-release/destructive-2018-atlantic-hurricane-season-draws-to-end
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Hurricane season 2018 ends |
"Hackers stole information on as many as 500 million guests of the Marriott hotel empire over four years, obtaining credit card and passport numbers and other personal data, the company said Friday as it acknowledged one of the largest security breaches in history.
The full scope of the failure was not immediately clear. Marriott was trying to determine if the records included duplicates, such as a single person staying multiple times.
The affected hotel brands were operated by Starwood before it was acquired by Marriott in 2016. They include W Hotels, St. Regis, Sheraton, Westin, Element, Aloft, The Luxury Collection, Le Méridien and Four Points. Starwood-branded timeshare properties were also affected. None of the Marriott-branded chains were threatened.
The crisis quickly emerged as one of the biggest data breaches on record."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20181130/marriott-security-breach-exposed-data-of-up-to-500m-guests/1
"Sierra Nevada founder Ken Grossman sent letters to brewers across the country to invite them to participate in a collaborative brew day on Tuesday to brew the beer. They worked with malt and hop suppliers to provide ingredient donations so participating brewers could donate 100 percent of the sales of the beer to relief efforts.
“We know that the rebuilding process will take time, but we’re in this for the long haul,” Grossman wrote in the announcement. “Our hope is to get Resilience IPA in taprooms all over the country to create a solid start for our community’s future.”
In Massachusetts, at least 11 breweries have signed up to brew the Resilience IPA.
For Wormtown Brewery in Worcester, it was an easy decision, brewmaster Ben Roesch said."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181130/local-breweries-brew-beer-for-california-wildfire-relief
For more about Resilience IPA visit Sierra Nevada's page
https://sierranevada.com/resilience-butte-county-proud-ipa
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For more about Resilience IPA visit Sierra Nevada's page |