Nature & Environment Articles
Berkeley hills residents divided over EMBER wildfire prevention rules near homes
As the Bay Area braces for hotter temperatures and an increased risk of wildfires, fire safety has become a growing concern in the Berkeley Hills. This elevated risk has led to the introduction of the EMBER proposal—Effective Mitigations for Berkeley Ember Resilience—an initiative aimed at making homes more fire-resilient. However, the proposal has ignited strong reactions among residents, with some questioning its feasibility and fairness. George Perez Velez, a lon
Berkeley hills residents divided over EMBER wildfire prevention rules near homes
As the Bay Area braces for hotter temperatures and an increased risk of wildfires, fire safety has become a growing concern in the Berkeley Hills. This elevated risk has led to the introduction of the EMBER proposal—Effective Mitigations for Berkeley Ember Resilience—an initiative aimed at making homes more fire-resilient. However, the proposal has ignited strong reactions among residents, with some questioning its feasibility and fairness. George Perez Velez, a lon
Stormy Weather in Houston May Last Through Friday
Thunderstorms sweeping across the Houston area are expected to persist until at least Friday, bringing multiple rounds of heavy rainfall, hail, and potential flooding. The slow-moving weather system has already delivered up to 3–4 inches of rain in some parts of the region between Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the Harris County Flood Warning System. Meteorologist Hayley Adams with the National Weather Service’s Houston/Galveston office noted that while a brief paus
Stormy Weather in Houston May Last Through Friday
Thunderstorms sweeping across the Houston area are expected to persist until at least Friday, bringing multiple rounds of heavy rainfall, hail, and potential flooding. The slow-moving weather system has already delivered up to 3–4 inches of rain in some parts of the region between Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the Harris County Flood Warning System. Meteorologist Hayley Adams with the National Weather Service’s Houston/Galveston office noted that while a brief paus
Power Outage in Austin: 59K Without Electricity After Storms
More than 59,000 Austin Energy customers were left in the dark on Wednesday night as powerful storms rolled across Central Texas, bringing damaging wind, hail, and intense lightning. According to Austin Energy's website, the outages began after 9:30 p.m. and affected numerous areas in the Austin metro due to broken tree limbs and storm-damaged electrical infrastructure. The energy provider reported no estimated timeline for power restoration, stating on its outage map, “We
Power Outage in Austin: 59K Without Electricity After Storms
More than 59,000 Austin Energy customers were left in the dark on Wednesday night as powerful storms rolled across Central Texas, bringing damaging wind, hail, and intense lightning. According to Austin Energy's website, the outages began after 9:30 p.m. and affected numerous areas in the Austin metro due to broken tree limbs and storm-damaged electrical infrastructure. The energy provider reported no estimated timeline for power restoration, stating on its outage map, “We
Red Alert in Kerala: Heavy Rains Hit Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode
The state of Kerala is facing intense and widespread rainfall following the early arrival of the southwest monsoon on May 24, the earliest onset since 2009. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued multiple weather warnings, including red, orange, and yellow alerts across various districts, as the state braces for continued heavy downpours, rising river levels, and possible landslides. On May 27, the IMD placed Kannur, Wayanad, and Kozhikode under a red alert, forecastin
Red Alert in Kerala: Heavy Rains Hit Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode
The state of Kerala is facing intense and widespread rainfall following the early arrival of the southwest monsoon on May 24, the earliest onset since 2009. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued multiple weather warnings, including red, orange, and yellow alerts across various districts, as the state braces for continued heavy downpours, rising river levels, and possible landslides. On May 27, the IMD placed Kannur, Wayanad, and Kozhikode under a red alert, forecastin
Houston Heat Returns for Memorial Day Weekend
Just when residents were beginning to enjoy a short-lived reprieve from the sweltering heat, Gulf humidity has made a strong comeback. Houston is once again facing hot, sticky weather heading into the Memorial Day holiday weekend, with temperatures climbing back into the mid-90s, feeling closer to 100°F due to high humidity levels. After a slightly cooler and more pleasant Wednesday, the shift back into typical southeast Texas heat is in full effect. The KPRC 2 Weather Team warn
Houston Heat Returns for Memorial Day Weekend
Just when residents were beginning to enjoy a short-lived reprieve from the sweltering heat, Gulf humidity has made a strong comeback. Houston is once again facing hot, sticky weather heading into the Memorial Day holiday weekend, with temperatures climbing back into the mid-90s, feeling closer to 100°F due to high humidity levels. After a slightly cooler and more pleasant Wednesday, the shift back into typical southeast Texas heat is in full effect. The KPRC 2 Weather Team warn
Midway Fire Near Livermore Burns 262 Acres, Now 60% Contained
A fast-moving grass fire that broke out Thursday afternoon near Livermore, California, has scorched 261.8 acres but is now reported to be 60% contained, according to the Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD). Known as the Midway Fire, it started around 2:51 p.m. near Patterson Pass Road and Midway Road, just outside of Mountain House. As of 6:03 p.m. on Thursday, forward progress of the fire had been stopped. Initial containment efforts were quickly escalated as the fire jumped the
Midway Fire Near Livermore Burns 262 Acres, Now 60% Contained
A fast-moving grass fire that broke out Thursday afternoon near Livermore, California, has scorched 261.8 acres but is now reported to be 60% contained, according to the Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD). Known as the Midway Fire, it started around 2:51 p.m. near Patterson Pass Road and Midway Road, just outside of Mountain House. As of 6:03 p.m. on Thursday, forward progress of the fire had been stopped. Initial containment efforts were quickly escalated as the fire jumped the
Dallas Weather Alert: Storms, Hail Expected Thursday
After a stretch of dry days, North Texas residents should brace for potential storms Thursday evening, with forecasters warning of damaging winds and large hail. The National Weather Service has upgraded the region’s risk level from marginal to slight, meaning isolated severe storms are possible across the Metroplex between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. Meteorologists Kylie Capps and Dan Henry of report that Thursday will begin with partly sunny skies and temperatures in the u
Dallas Weather Alert: Storms, Hail Expected Thursday
After a stretch of dry days, North Texas residents should brace for potential storms Thursday evening, with forecasters warning of damaging winds and large hail. The National Weather Service has upgraded the region’s risk level from marginal to slight, meaning isolated severe storms are possible across the Metroplex between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. Meteorologists Kylie Capps and Dan Henry of report that Thursday will begin with partly sunny skies and temperatures in the u
Dallas Faces Storm Risk With Hail, Winds This Weekend
Residents in Dallas and across North Texas are being advised to stay alert as a round of potentially severe storms is expected to move through the region starting Friday afternoon and continuing through the weekend. While the tornado risk remains low, the forecast includes threats of large hail and damaging winds that could impact weekend plans. Warm and humid conditions have settled over the Dallas-Fort Worth area, creating the kind of unstable atmosphere ripe for storm development
Dallas Faces Storm Risk With Hail, Winds This Weekend
Residents in Dallas and across North Texas are being advised to stay alert as a round of potentially severe storms is expected to move through the region starting Friday afternoon and continuing through the weekend. While the tornado risk remains low, the forecast includes threats of large hail and damaging winds that could impact weekend plans. Warm and humid conditions have settled over the Dallas-Fort Worth area, creating the kind of unstable atmosphere ripe for storm development
Houston Is America's Fastest-Sinking City: Study Finds
Houston has emerged as the fastest-sinking major city in the United States, according to new peer-reviewed research that highlights growing threats to urban infrastructure from land subsidence. The study, published this month in Nature, analyzed satellite radar data over six years and found that 42% of Houston’s area is sinking faster than 5 millimeters per year, with 12% of the region experiencing rates above 10 millimeters annually. The phenomenon of land subsidence
Houston Is America's Fastest-Sinking City: Study Finds
Houston has emerged as the fastest-sinking major city in the United States, according to new peer-reviewed research that highlights growing threats to urban infrastructure from land subsidence. The study, published this month in Nature, analyzed satellite radar data over six years and found that 42% of Houston’s area is sinking faster than 5 millimeters per year, with 12% of the region experiencing rates above 10 millimeters annually. The phenomenon of land subsidence
State of emergency declared after devastating floods in Allegany County, Maryland
Allegany County and surrounding areas in Western Maryland remain in a state of crisis following severe flooding that began earlier in the week, prompting the governor to officially declare a state of emergency after visiting the region. The declaration, issued Thursday, aims to accelerate response and recovery efforts across communities still dealing with the widespread impacts of relentless rain, rising waters, and property damage. The flooding created an immediate threat to publ
State of emergency declared after devastating floods in Allegany County, Maryland
Allegany County and surrounding areas in Western Maryland remain in a state of crisis following severe flooding that began earlier in the week, prompting the governor to officially declare a state of emergency after visiting the region. The declaration, issued Thursday, aims to accelerate response and recovery efforts across communities still dealing with the widespread impacts of relentless rain, rising waters, and property damage. The flooding created an immediate threat to publ
Severe thunderstorms knock out power for over 100,000 across Illinois and Indiana
Severe thunderstorms swept through several regions in Illinois and Indiana on Thursday, leaving a trail of destruction and disrupting the lives of thousands of residents. Strong winds, lightning, and heavy rain led to widespread power outages and triggered tornado watches across both states as emergency services and utility crews scrambled to respond to the impact. As of 10 p.m. Thursday, Illinois utility provider ComEd reported a total of 1,104 outages across the state, with m
Severe thunderstorms knock out power for over 100,000 across Illinois and Indiana
Severe thunderstorms swept through several regions in Illinois and Indiana on Thursday, leaving a trail of destruction and disrupting the lives of thousands of residents. Strong winds, lightning, and heavy rain led to widespread power outages and triggered tornado watches across both states as emergency services and utility crews scrambled to respond to the impact. As of 10 p.m. Thursday, Illinois utility provider ComEd reported a total of 1,104 outages across the state, with m
Dallas Heat Hits 100°F as Fire Crews Brace for Danger
North Texas is heating up rapidly as Dallas-Fort Worth faces its first major heat wave of the year. Temperatures are expected to climb to 100°F today, potentially breaking a decades-old record for May 14. Meteorologists had forecast high temperatures this week, but today’s spike has prompted additional concern, especially for emergency crews, outdoor workers, and vulnerable residents. The previous record high for May 14 in Dallas was 95°F, a mark that forecasters now e
Dallas Heat Hits 100°F as Fire Crews Brace for Danger
North Texas is heating up rapidly as Dallas-Fort Worth faces its first major heat wave of the year. Temperatures are expected to climb to 100°F today, potentially breaking a decades-old record for May 14. Meteorologists had forecast high temperatures this week, but today’s spike has prompted additional concern, especially for emergency crews, outdoor workers, and vulnerable residents. The previous record high for May 14 in Dallas was 95°F, a mark that forecasters now e
$1.5 Trillion Lithium Discovery Raises Questions in Oregon Desert Communities
A massive lithium deposit valued at approximately $1.5 trillion has been discovered in the western United States, near the Oregon-Nevada border, drawing both national attention and local concern. Believed to contain between 20 and 40 million metric tons of lithium locked within ancient volcanic sediments, this find could be one of the world’s richest sources of the critical mineral, widely used in electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage systems. The site, loc
$1.5 Trillion Lithium Discovery Raises Questions in Oregon Desert Communities
A massive lithium deposit valued at approximately $1.5 trillion has been discovered in the western United States, near the Oregon-Nevada border, drawing both national attention and local concern. Believed to contain between 20 and 40 million metric tons of lithium locked within ancient volcanic sediments, this find could be one of the world’s richest sources of the critical mineral, widely used in electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage systems. The site, loc
Flash Flood Season Nears Peak in Central Texas: What to Expect
As Central Texas braces for another round of early May storms, experts warn that the region’s most dangerous weather is yet to come. While May is traditionally known as the peak of severe weather season bringing thunderstorms, hail, and tornadoes flash flood season officially reaches its height in June, according to data from the National Weather Service (NWS). Between 1996 and 2020, South Central Texas reported 498 flash flood incidents in May, 506 in June, and 430 in July. T
Flash Flood Season Nears Peak in Central Texas: What to Expect
As Central Texas braces for another round of early May storms, experts warn that the region’s most dangerous weather is yet to come. While May is traditionally known as the peak of severe weather season bringing thunderstorms, hail, and tornadoes flash flood season officially reaches its height in June, according to data from the National Weather Service (NWS). Between 1996 and 2020, South Central Texas reported 498 flash flood incidents in May, 506 in June, and 430 in July. T
Severe Weather Alert: Heavy Rain, Storms Expected in Houston Tuesday
Houston residents are being urged to stay weather-aware this week as a series of scattered thunderstorms and heavy rainfall is forecast to begin Monday evening and intensify through Tuesday. Has declared Tuesday a Storm Alert Day for the entire Houston region due to the significant threat of severe weather, including heavy downpours, possible hail, and damaging winds. The day began clear and cool across the city, but cloud cover increased rapidly through the afternoon. Monday’s high temper
Severe Weather Alert: Heavy Rain, Storms Expected in Houston Tuesday
Houston residents are being urged to stay weather-aware this week as a series of scattered thunderstorms and heavy rainfall is forecast to begin Monday evening and intensify through Tuesday. Has declared Tuesday a Storm Alert Day for the entire Houston region due to the significant threat of severe weather, including heavy downpours, possible hail, and damaging winds. The day began clear and cool across the city, but cloud cover increased rapidly through the afternoon. Monday’s high temper
7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Chile-Argentina Coast, Tsunami Alert Issued
A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the southern coastlines of Chile and Argentina on Friday morning, prompting widespread concern and emergency measures, including a tsunami alert. The tremor was recorded at 9:58 a.m. local time and occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers beneath the Drake Passage, a body of water separating South America from Antarctica. According to the US Geological Survey, the quake’s epicenter was located roughly 222 kilometers south of the Chilean cit
7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Chile-Argentina Coast, Tsunami Alert Issued
A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the southern coastlines of Chile and Argentina on Friday morning, prompting widespread concern and emergency measures, including a tsunami alert. The tremor was recorded at 9:58 a.m. local time and occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers beneath the Drake Passage, a body of water separating South America from Antarctica. According to the US Geological Survey, the quake’s epicenter was located roughly 222 kilometers south of the Chilean cit






