Spain flooding cause thousands to evacuate

Strong torrential rains hit southern Spain on Tuesday caused flooding and 3,000 people to evacuate their homes. In the town of Ecija, 30% was under six feet of water. Since Saturday, December 4th, there has been heavy rainfall and strong winds across Spain and Portugal,  the rain continued through Wednesday.  The flood killed a boy when he could not get out of this dads car. Most people were prepared for the rain and stayed away from flooding areas. Even though a lot of homes were damaged and people had to evacuate their homes only two people were killed.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/spain/8188905/Boy-9-washed-away-in-flood-in-Spain.html

http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=47633&src=nhrss

http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Thousands+evacuated+floods+southern+Spain/3940751/story.html

Ecuador volcano erupts

Last Saturday, December 4th, Ecuador authorities evacuated anyone within 8 miles from the Tungurahua volcano as a precaution. On Sunday the volcano started blowing ashes and gases into the sky and super-hot pyroclastic flows surging down its slopes. Who ever was not evacuated the day before was told to leave the area immediately.  It was under red alert and no one was aloud in the area. No deaths have been report and little damage. Recently this volcano has been more active and scientists have been keeping and eye out for any eruptions like this one. The surrounding area knew the warning signs a volcano and started to prepare themselves for the eruption. Once they saw the gases and ashes some started evacuating and others waiting until the could hear the rumbling.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11920406
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jEB4oKdCOZ_KX0oTyLvTq1xj3eoA?docId=681abba0fb7849d59c78c20adae5ddd6

Flood Watch for Western Washington

Western Washington has a flood watch from Saturday night into Monday. Chehalis, Skookumchuck and Cowlitz rivers are expected to get some flooding, but forecasters are uncertain about the duration and exact location of the heaviest rain.  A watch is just means that conditions are favorable for flooding, but there might not be any. People should be aware of this watch and be prepared; people should have all traveling around the watch areas done before Saturday afternoon. 
Even though this is just a watch Washington authorities wants all people ready just in case conditions worsen. Many times people don't take watching seriously and when it comes they are not prepared causing more damage than should have.  




http://www.chronline.com/article_5acea938-03e2-11e0-961e-001cc4c03286.html

Flooding in Panama causes Canal to close

The Panama Canal has only closed down two other times in it's 96-year history. On Wednesday heavy rains caused it flood and shut down. The Canal runs 48 miles long and is an important element for shipping between the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. The canal was closed down until Thursday evening (17hours later). This rain is expected to come and go throughout the next few months. Every year during winter seasons heavy rains ruins crops and roads, but this time it had it highest record.
Floods can damage a lot of homes and make people go missing or kill others. This flood did some damage to homes around surrounding rivers, about 50 people order to leave their homes, only three missing, and 8 dead in central America. It also created lost revenue for some whose ship couldn't get through. Now that the waters are lower ships can travel through and people can return to their homes. The Panamanian people need to be prepare for the rains this season as predicted to be heavy than normal.

In this picture above you can see how high the canal is by looking at the surrounding trees. 

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/12/08/panama.canal.closed/index.html
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2010/12/10/Panama-Canal-closed-due-to-flood-reopens/UPI-43211291963866/
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2010/12/201012962741835420.html

Heavy rains flood parts of Australia

On Friday December 10th authorities in Australia declared 45 communities along the country's east coast disaster areas. For weeks there has been drenching rains that have killed four people, destroyed crops and houses. Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate their homes. December is the normal time for rains, but this seasons there has been more heavier rains; in one area up to 4inches in one night. Sandbags have been placed around homes and businesses to try and lessen the damage. Drier weather is predicting for a short period of time, but than more heavy rain is the be expected for the end of the week and early next week.
There's not much people can do to minimize rain damage, but hopefully more people can evacuate and get away to try and keep the death toll at only 4.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101210/ap_on_re_as/as_australia_flood;_ylt=ArMbx7PTPSW9n3UokKuLpwtvaA8F;_ylu=X3oDMTJvdGd1Nm00BGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAxMjEwL2FzX2F1c3RyYWxpYV9mbG9vZARwb3MDMjcEc2VjA3luX2FydGljbGVfc3VtbWFyeV9saXN0BHNsawNoZWF2eXJhaW5zZmw-

Snow batters Europe

On Thursday, Dec 2, snowfall swept through northern Europe causing problems from travelers. Roads covered in snow, airports closed, the Eurostar international rail services cancelled and thousands of Schools closed, Thursday and Friday. The unseasonable cold snap which was around minus 33 degrees caught people by surprise and killing 28 people. On Thursday, in the northern French region of Normandy snowfall was around 60 centimeters which is the largest snowfall in more than 40 years.

More rain for Venezuela

Additional torrential rains are predicted to come throughout much of Venezuela; which wouldn't that big of a deal except last week torrential rains caused widespread flooding and mudslides. Thousands of homes were destroyed and 34 people killed. Many of the deaths that have occurred were in poor areas caused by landslides that swept away the houses on the steep hillsides.  About 75,000 people have taken refuge at many shelters. Relief shelters are already overcrowded and more help is needed. Since many of the States that have been hit hard are expected to get more rain today, Sunday, they are very vulnerable and not ready for this "second wind".

 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101205/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_venezuela_floods;_ylt=AoTEVtbSWRW3b4j77g5eduRvaA8F;_ylu=X3oDMTJncWFsNDJsBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAxMjA1L2x0X3ZlbmV6dWVsYV9mbG9vZHMEcG9zAzExBHNlYwN5bl9zdWJjYXRfbGlzdARzbGsDbW9yZXJhaW5leHBl

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11897912

Blizzard in the Northwest

Winter seasons has just begun and, on Monday, a vicious storm struck the western states as it starts the holiday break. In Seattle roads were covered with snow and ice causing at least three deaths and tens of thousands people's power went out. Mondays temperatures were in the mid-20s,  wind blowing snow around made it feel colder than that and temperatures are suppose to continue to drop throughout the week.

It is predicted that the blizzard will hit Utah tonight and create heavy snows surrounding the area. Idaho, Utah, and Nevada officials are telling people to stay off roads if possible and are even closing down some highways and schools for preparation. 

Winter storm are very dangerous and people who experience these winter storms need to be prepared for anything. Having the car filled up with a full tank of gas, blankets, boats, and extra warm gear in the car just in case is a smart idea.  There is no way to stop the snow or make it less dangerous, but by being prepared, ready, and smart decisions can help eliminate the damages done.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101123/ap_on_re_us/us_western_weather

Flood in China leaves coal miners trapped

On Sunday (Saturday 11/20 USA time) in Southwestern China, a 41 workers were underground, in a coal mine, when it started to flood and only 13 escaped which leaves 28 are missing. The workers were doing safety work to get the mine ready for an increase is productivity. It is not know what caused the flooding, but rescuers still haven't been able to find any of the 28 missing. There is an estimate of 141,000 cubic feet in the mining pit.

Coal mines are dug into mountain(hill)  creating the land to become less stable and more vulnerable for a disaster to happen. 
China depends on coal for 70% of its energy production and has the deadliest mines in the world. Working as a miner you need to know the danger you can be put in and what to do in an emergency situation. Also living around the mountain were the coal mine is the community needs to know the danger for them, the warning signs and the precautions to take.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101122/ap_on_re_as/as_china_mine_flood

Minnesota clean up after big snow storm

This past weekend a huge snow storm swept through Minnesota creating more than 400 traffic accidents and power-outage. Snowfall varies from a couple of inches to a foot across the state. Snow is common during this time of the year, but this has been the largest snowstorm during November within the past 2 decades. Over 200,000 people lost power during the storm and 10,000 of them didn't have their power restored until Monday afternoon. Normally when a large amount of snowfall is predicted people will try and stay off the roads, if possible, but since it forecasted accumulation of a few inches people were only prepared for those few inches.
This year, we have been lucky and haven't had much snowfall yet. It is only the beginning of the season and states that normally get snow needs to be prepared/expecting for the large amounts.

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/2010-11-13-midwest-snow_N.htm?csp=obinsite
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/winter/2010-11-15-minnesota-storm_N.htm

Costa Rica rainfalls creates deadly landslide

Early Thursday morning the Costa Rica government put out a red alert, the highest level, for the whole country and declared a national emergency due to the rainfall from Tropical Storm Tomas. After two days of heavy rainfall, the first landslide occurred around 12:30am in San Antonio de Escazu, a popular travel destination.  Which killed at least 20 people, 15 still missing, and sent 1,500 people to shelters. Throughout the day rescuers searched for survivors, but during the evening the rescue crews had to stop due to more dangerous rain conditions on its way.

On Wednesday, the town of Parrita receive at least 13 inches of rain which created more than 200 homes to be underwater and the bridge leading into town destroyed. More landslides were created due to the rainfall throughout Costa Rica.

Costa Rica country's national emergency fund had sufficient funds before the disaster, which will help with the relief period, but the president is requesting more aid relief to their ally countries.  Many infrastructure will need repair along with homes and fields. The landslide and torrents damaged tubing and the supply system throughout the country, leaving 700,000 people without clean drinking water.

http://www.ticotimes.net/News/Daily-News/Escazu-Landslide-Leaves-at-Least-20-Dead-10-Missing-Costa-Rica-on-Red-Alert_Thursday-November-04-2010

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gj2y2ws_Eo5nuD8qvjYiMLh9Zmhg?docId=N0171621288917288262A

Another Blast from Mount Merapi raise death toll

On October 26th, the initial eruption of Mount Merapi kill about 40 people. It occurred less than a day after a tsunami hit a remote island on the western end of Indonesia. After the first eruption it was predicted that there would be dozens of big explosions that would follow and ease pressure building up behind a magma done, but the eruptions are intensifying leaving experts who have been studying Merapi baffled. After the most recent eruption, early this morning, 77 people died in the village of Bronggang; making the death poll double at 122.

 Government thought Bronggang, which was 9miles away from the crater, would be a "safe zone" and did not have people evacuate. Gases avalanche down the volcano with a loud, thunderous roar; everything is covered in ash. People ran into the streets trying to escape. Most were killed by the gases or burns. The morgues are piled up with dead bodies and the hospitals are overflowing with injured people; mostly burns or respiratory problems and a few with broken bones and cuts.

Mount Merapi is one of the world's most active volcanoes; killing about 1,500 people within the last century. The greatest danger Mount Merapi has always been pyroclastic flows, which is the primary cause of death for volcano eruptions. More than 100,000 people have been evacuated into shelters within the last week. Indonesia sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is a horseshoe shaped string of faults that lines the Pacific Ocean, making it prone to earthquakes and volcanoes.

There was a warning out that it was going to erupt again, but the "safe zone" was not as big as it should have been. To avoid the death toll to increase, people need to stay clear of the area (make the safe zone larger), get aid, and be prepared for another. 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101105/ap_on_re_as/as_indonesia_disasters

Hurrican Tomas kills 12

In Saint Lucia, hurricane Tomas swept across on Saturday having winds of 90 miles per hour. 12 have been confirmed dead, but there could be more buried under the pills of disaster.  It was only a hurricane one but it created a huge mess because of the area it hit was very populated. It created landslides that cut off road networks to the main town and some are scared that once they can reach the town it could add to the number of dead. Many communities are still without power and many homes roofs were ripped off; officials said that up to 100 million dollars of damage were done. Tomas has now weakened into a tropical Storm, but could regain strength as it headed towards Haiti.

Haiti was hit by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in January and is still recovering. 250,000 people died, many ill or injured, and millions lost there homes and are still living in tent camps.  Officials appealed to Haitains in the tent caps to start evacuating, they encouraged them to travel to homes of family and friends.  Haiti is very vulnerable right now and any heavy rains and powerful winds could pose a threat and create a longer recovery time. A rainstorm in mid-October created more problems, increased the complexity and killed at least 10 Haintain while it swept across the camps. Government officials are trying to do everything they can to perpare for this storm, but it is very hard with the limited resources. 


http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101102/wl_afp/caribbeanstormstlucia
http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Tropical+Storm+Tomas+downgraded+heads+Haiti/3754900/story.html

Tsunami hits Indonesia

Mentawai Islands - A tsunami was created by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that was 13miles beneath the ocean floor. A 10 foot wave crashed a remote island and swept away homes killing at least 113 people.  Rescuers battle the seas for 12 hours to reach the some islands and some are still not reachable due to the dangerous sea. Many people are without shelters because supplies and tents have not arrived.

Hundreds of wooden and bamboo homes were washed away on the island of Pagai, with water flooding crops and roads up to 600 yards inland. In Muntei Baru, a village on Silabu island, 80 percent of the houses were badly damaged.

Indonesia is prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity due to its location on a series of fault lines. These islands, that were hit by the tsunami, surrounds Indonesia in the Indian ocean. The Indian ocean does not have a sensor systems which helps detect when an earthquake happens or when a tsunami is about to happen.  If they had some kind of a system it could help reduce the number of deaths and the damage by warning the people when a tsunami is about to hit.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/as_indonesia_earthquake;_ylt=Aiw8K6Ditow_GBETxel0gi6s0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNvMmw4dGx2BGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAxMDI2L2FzX2luZG9uZXNpYV9lYXJ0aHF1YWtlBGNjb2RlA21vc3Rwb3B1bGFyBGNwb3MDMwRwb3MDMTAEcHQDaG9tZV9jb2tlBHNlYwN5bl90b3Bfc3RvcnkEc2xrA2luZG9uZXNpYXRzdQ--

Huge windstorm hawls across the nation's midsection

Today, Tuesday October 26th, a huge storm with winds up to 81mph swept across the midsection of our nation. It was very powerful, taking down power lines, snapping trees, ripping off roofs, and creating flights to be delayed. It's pressure was similar to a category 3 hurricane, it's force was comparable to a blizzard minus the snow and it's size was huge, spreading from the Dakotas to the eastern Great Lakes, it had meteorologist fascinated. If this storm went over water it would have created a major hurricane.

Because our temperatures were in the 50s  and 60s it didn't turn into a blizzard, but some think that if it was in the 20s than is could have been. More than 145,000 homes were without power, at one point, in Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, and the St. Louis area. The storm was moving 50 to 60 mph creating the wind to become stronger and creating tornado's. Down in Racine County, south-east corner of Wisconsin, two people were injured after a tornado ripped off a piece of a roof on a factory. In different places, a few others were injured too.

Since this storm was massive, it  created 31 states to have had same kind of advisory out, from thunderstorm to tornadoes to blizzards, which is very unusual. There is still warnings out for the rest of tonight and tomorrow, but the meteorologist think that the worst is over and the winds will start to calm down.

Even though this storm is unusual, in its size and strength during this time of the year, the nation's midsection has seen this kind of weather and is not vulnerable.  Here in Eau Claire, the winds have been strong all day and it has been raining off and on. Time to take out those winter jackets and prepare for winter!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_midwest_storms;_ylt=AsMhjLkdye7sfTD5EbRwSKys0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNoM3AyZGhuBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAxMDI2L3VzX21pZHdlc3Rfc3Rvcm1zBGNjb2RlA21vc3Rwb3B1bGFyBGNwb3MDMQRwb3MDMgRwdANob21lX2Nva2UEc2VjA3luX3RvcF9zdG9yeQRzbGsDbWFzc2l2ZXdpbmRz

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Midwest-Storms/ss/events/us/102610midweststorm#photoViewer=/101026/480/urn_publicid_ap_org_f3f2ab8fbfc547af97f5fe974a27169f

Northern Mexico hit by earthquake

In Northern Mexico a 6.7 magnitude earthquake hit Mexico city having people flee into the streets, Thursday around noon. At first it was estimated that the earthquake was going to have a magnitude of 6.9, which would be 2 times strong than it's actual, 6.7, magnitude.   The shake from the powerful earthquake lasted over a minute creating a lot of panic, but it didn't cause any server damage or injuries. On Tuesday night a 5.5 magnitude earthquake hit the same region and another Wednesday Morning which was a 5.8 magnitude; both didn't cause damages or injuries.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101021/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_mexico_earthquake

Update: Hurricane Paula

Hurricane Paula weakened into a tropical Storm on Wednesday, it had strong winds and rainfalls, but didn't create serve damage. Cuban were excepting the worse, but hoping for the better; and it was better. Many low lying street have turned into shallow rivers and some dirt roads are muddy roads, but nothing they can't handle. Cubans have hurricanes frequently and know what to do to try to prevent server damage the best they can, so they're not vulnerable. Once the sea turned violet some power turned off while others where already turn off in preparation. Most Cubans had there roofs and other objects tied down for the wind couldn't destroy it.  In 2008 Cuba was hit by three hurricanes in a row around this time of the year that hurt their economy, which they are still attempting to rebuild; In the beginning, many were wondering if this was going to be a repeat of that and now that it's almost over Cubans can stop worrying and start planting their tobacco fields.

http://www.news-press.com/article/20101014/WEATHER01/101014007/1053/rss06

Hurricane Puala weakens to tropical storm

From yesterday to today hurricane Paula, which was a category 2, turned into a tropical storm while moving along Cuba's northwestern coast. Paula had maximum sustained winds of 60mph and its core was about 40miles southwest of Havana, the U.S National Hurricane Center reported. The storm was moving east at about 9mph continuing along Cuba's northern coast. So far there has not been any reports of significant damage but authorities are watching the southern and northern coast closely due to heavy waves may cause flooding. As time passes it is likely that the storm will continue to lose its strength. The rainfall and wind is also weaker than excepted which gives the authorities hope that there won't be any server damage. Cuba has a weak economy due to the three hurricanes that hit in 2008 and many are still hitting from those hurricanes. Many tobacco farmers were ready to start planting for next seasons, but this storm set them back.

Since Cuba does not have a strong economy they're lucky that this hurricane weakened. They are also lucky that this Storm is approaching now instead of after the tobacco fields are planted because, even though this storm weakened, it still can do damage.  Now was evacuated but people were prepared for the worse but boarding up their doors and windors and having this outside tied down and out away.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101014/ap_on_bi_ge/tropical_weather

Earthquake in Costa Rica

On Oct 9th, around 8 pm a 5.9 magnitude earthquake hit the 26miles north of San Jose, Costa Rica. The depth of the earthqauke was 98 km (61 miles). Poeple rushed into the street while items fell off the shelves and alarams rang. The shaking lasted about 30 second and the swaying motion knocked out cell service and created landslids. No major damage was report and no death or injury have been reported.

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2010/10/09/Costa-Rica-shaken-by-59-earthquake/UPI-64071286638707/
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/10/08/costa.rica.earthquake/index.html?hpt=Sbin

In Costa Rica, the average number of earthquakes per year per 12, 300 km2, with magnitude 5 or greater and a depth of 0-70km:

http://neic.usgs.gov/neis/eq_depot/2009/eq_090108_bpba/neic_bpba_d.html

Vietnam Flooding

In Hanoi, Vietnam heavy rain from Friday to Sunday caused a flood killing six people and evacuating at least 13,300 people form their homes.  29 inches of rain fell leaving thousands of houses damaged and roads closed. Vietnam is prone to floods and hurricans which kills hyndreds of people every year.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101004/wl_asia_afp/vietnamfloods

Landslide in Mexico

In Oaxaca Mexico on a remote hillside a town, Santa Maria Tlahuitoltepec, was hit overnight by a landslide. Rescue teams are having trouble getting in due to a raging river cut off the main bridge and many other roads covered by the landslid. Helicopters were grounded by the bad weather as well. Only a few soldiers reach the town and discover there is less deaths than initially reported and the damage was not the magnitude initially estimated. By late afternoon, today, there were 4 dead and 12 missing. The slid dragged homes 1,300 feet downhill burring them. There is 10,000 residents and 8,000 of them were impacted by this landslid. The landslid were due to the large amount of rain that Mexico has been having this year. The rain is expected to continue which means there could be more slides to come.
The town warned people that there was a possibility of a landslide due to all the rain and many huddled to the the central part of town. It is hard to stop a landslide especially since there is no way to know if it will be coming. Since this town is surrounded by sand hills it's in an area of high risk for landslides and the community needs to know when the risk are high and what to do when one hits. There are no pictures at this time, but once rescuers can get in then pictures should be up of how the town looks.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39398543/ns/weather/

Eau Claire FLooding

Here in Eau Claire there was a flash flood warning out for Saturday. It was the 5th highest water level in Eau Claire. Many rivers around north western Wisconsin flooded and many homes had minor flood damage. Public Works Department went door to door to talk with the poeple by the river of precaution that can be taken. The river rose about 4.5 feet above flood stage and is now declining at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour.  Some streets were closed down on Sunday, including First avenue and lake street, and most trails by the river.


http://www.weau.com/home/headlines/103730004.html
http://www.weau.com/home/headlines/103828399.html

Flash floods in South Texas

Roods and houses are flooded and one person missing due to torrential rains in Southern Texas. The floods started over the weekend and will continue through Wednesday, some rain and moisture is due to Hurricane Karl. On Sunday, Corpus Christi, received a record daily high of rain, 7.16".  Many people abandoned their vehicles in the high waters in trade for boats, kayaks, or inner tubes.

This goes to show that, even though the hurricane was not a warning for this area, it is still important to know what hazards are going on around your area because they can have an effect on your area. Without the hurricane, South Texas, would have still have rain, but most likely it wouldn't have turned into a flood.

http://www.weather.com/outlook/weather-news/news/articles/south-texas-floods_2010-09-20?role=

Thousands homeless in Mexico do to weeks of rain

In southern Mexico there was been weeks of torrential rains, more are predicting to come, having tens of thousand people abandon their homes. The flooding effected four of Mexico's states: Tabasco, Veracruz, Chiapas and Oazaco. This area during this time of year is common for heavy rainfall and those who thought they are accustomed to severe flooding, igrnored the goverenments plea to evacuate. Those who stayed are sleeping on top of their roofs with their belongings. On Tuesday the situation worsened when authorities began releasing water from four dams whose reservoirs were at capacity.  In Tabasco state more than 120,000 poeple lost their homes along with more than 450,000 acres of crops have been lost. 

In recent years the goverenmt dug ditches, made emergency levees made of concrete and dirt, and took other flood-control measures to try and ease the annual flooding, but more needs to be done. The area relies on farming and because of this flood many are going to go without food. People in this area have had to rebuild their homes over again and again after huge floods like this, they should learn to put the extra money (which will save them money in the long run) and build flood-protected homes.

 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39052921

Colorado Wildfire

Thousands of people were evacuated in Fourmile Canyon in Boulder County, which is north of Denver, Colorado. The wildfire swept through destroying 7,120 acres of land, dozens of structures, and a number of homes. It has pushed the local firefighters to their limit and federal firefighters from Wyoming and New Mexico were called in to help.  The exact cause of the fire has not been determined, but it was fueled by the dry conditions, baking heat, and strong winds, on Monday, that raised and spread the flames. Haze from the fire can be seen from miles away and Boulder County was issued a smoke health warning by the Colorado Department of Health.


Wildfires destroy many homes and forest in Colorado and California because of the dry, hot conditions. They also put a dent in the state budgets and community. It is hard to prevent wildfires, but communities needs to be educated and prepared ahead of time, especially during the summer when conditions are high.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100907/ts_alt_afp/usweatherfires