Weather

Tornado hits Southern California City, Causing Damage and Chaos”

(CTN News) – On Wednesday, a tornado ripped through a city in southern California, ripping roofs off buildings and tossing cars around as the state’s protracted winter weather drama took an even more dramatic turn.

Montebello, California, was hit by a whirlwind reminiscent of those in the Midwest, shattering windows and sending residents fleeing for cover.

“I was driving… and I saw this tornado in front of me and had to reverse out,” one local business owner told KTLA.

The tornado ripped off the building’s roof. The vehicles have all shattered windows. Automobiles were wrecked, and the whole scene was chaotic.

The city is located only a few miles (kilometers) from the heart of Los Angeles, and footage showed what appeared to be roofing material circling above industrial buildings.

Holes could be seen on several roofs, pipelines and installations were twisted and destroyed, and cars appeared to have been forced out of their parking spots in the resulting aerial photographs.

California hit by intense storm, flooding and power outages affecting hundreds of thousands

The proprietor of a local shop described the scene as “the craziest thing he’s ever seen,” describing how he witnessed cars “swinging” through the streets.

The event, described as a “weak tornado” by the National Weather Service, was also being looked into in conjunction with a similar incident in Carpinteria, California, which occurred close to Santa Barbara.

According to the National Weather Service, a brief, weak, and narrow tornado touched down near the Sandpiper Village mobile home park in Carpinteria on the evening of March 21.

Approximately 25 mobile homes were damaged, and a few trees in the cemetery next to the park were also harmed.

According to the National Weather Service, the most powerful storms in nature are tornadoes, violently rotating air columns that impact the earth.

One storm can produce gusts of up to 300 miles per hour (480 kilometers per hour), tearing across a community in seconds.

The preliminary NWS estimates place the maximum sustained wind speeds at approximately 85 miles per hour during these two occurrences.

According to meteorologist Daniel Swain’s Twitter post, the damage was “pretty significant” by California standards, and there may also have been injuries.

Tornadoes occurred near the end of a severe storm that pounded California, killing at least one person, damaging thousands of structures, and leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity.

Large areas of the state are still under a flood watch, and Tulare County has lost much land to the water.

Climate change exacerbates extreme weather, making dry periods drier and wet times much wetter.

Carrie Monteiro, a spokesman for Tulare County’s Emergency Operations Center, told the Los Angeles Times that over 700 buildings were destroyed.

Before the all-clear for people to return home, utility firms must examine any water, sewage, and electricity systems damage.

She said it would be a hard slog in Tulare County.

Over a dozen atmospheric rivers, which are bands of moisture that chug in from the Pacific Ocean, have slammed the state in the past few months.

Rain and snow totaling trillions of gallons (liters) have been dumped on a region in an unprecedented drought for decades.

According to water managers, regional reservoirs are in better shape now than in years, but that may swiftly change if next winter is as dry as this one.

According to scientists, climate change makes dry periods even drier and wet times considerably wetter than they otherwise would be.

Related CTN News:

Thailand is Expecting More Heavy Rains and Flash Floods this Week

Heavy Rain and Flash flood Warnings Issued in Southern Thailand

48 dead in US Deadliest Winter Storm, As Freezing Conditions Continue

Weather

Hurricane Beryl Rapidly Intensifies, Becoming First Major Hurricane of 2024 Atlantic Season

Hurricane Beryl Rapidly Intensifies, Threatens Caribbean Islands

(CTN News) – Hurricane Beryl is rapidly intensifying in the Atlantic Ocean, becoming the first named hurricane of the 2024 season.

Beryl is currently a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, but forecasters warn it could strengthen into a dangerous major hurricane (Category 3 or higher with winds over 111 mph) before reaching the southeastern Caribbean by late Sunday or early Monday.

A hurricane warning has been issued for Barbados, while hurricane watches are in effect for St. Lucia, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Tropical storm watches have been posted for Martinique, Dominica, and Tobago.

Meteorologists are stunned by Beryl’s rapid organization and intensification this early in the hurricane season, noting that the storm is developing over exceptionally warm late June waters in the deep tropics.

This is highly unusual, as only 5 major hurricanes have formed in the Atlantic before the first week of July historically.

Impacts and Preparations as Hurricane Beryl Approaches the Caribbean

Beryl is expected to bring heavy rainfall, dangerous storm surge, and hurricane-force winds to the affected islands. Barbados could see up to 6 inches of rain, while a storm surge of up to 7 feet is forecast.

Preparations are underway, with shelters opening and essential services being readied.

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to be extremely active, with forecasts of 17-25 named storms, 8-13 hurricanes, and 4-7 major hurricanes. Beryl’s early development is an ominous sign of what may be to come in the months ahead.

Weather

Punjab, Pakistan Expected to Experience Heatwave with Temperatures Up to 50°C Until Monday

(CTN News) – According to the Punjab Disaster Management Authority, there will be a heatwave in Punjab until Monday, when temperatures may rise as high as 45 to 48 degrees Celsius during the day.

According to the PDMA spokesman, severe heatwave conditions are possible in the Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, DG Khan and Multan districts of Southern Punjab.

Record High Temperatures in Sindh Amid Heatwave

All concerned departments have been instructed to remain alert to any untoward situation. According to the spokesman, citizens are being made aware of the dangers of the heatwave through the media.

A heatwave that has been affecting major cities throughout Sindh has continued. On Friday, the maximum temperature soared to a record 51 degrees Celsius.

According to the Met Office, Mohenjo Daro was the hottest place in the country last week, with a maximum temperature of 51°C, followed by Jacobabad and Khairpur (both 50°C).

In Larkana and Dadu, the maximum temperature reached 49°C, while in Rohri and Sukkur, it reached 48.5°C, while in Padidan, it reached 48°C, in Shaheed Benazirabad, it reached 46.5°C, in Mithi, it reached 46.5°C, in Sakrand, it reached 46°C, while it reached 44.5°C in Tando Jam and Hyderabad, it reached 44.5°C.

Karachi’s weather was hot, too. The maximum temperature reached 36.7°C, and the humidity count was 55 percent, indicating a lot of moisture in the air.

According to the Met Department’s daily advisory, “very hot” weather is expected to be experienced in most parts of Sindh, including Karachi, during the next 24 hours.

A similar warning was issued for the province’s coastal areas, stating that “humid conditions” would also prevail there.

As a result, the daytime temperatures in upper districts of Sindh are expected to remain six to eight degrees centigrade above average during this period, according to the report.

If people need assistance in an emergency, they can contact the PDMA’s Helpline number 1129 or Rescue number 1122.

Weather

Meteorological Warns of Summer Storms as Heatwave Continues

Thailand’s Meteorological Department Summer has reported that storms are forecast to provide relief from weeks of scorching heat from Friday to Tuesday, but residents should be prepared for high winds and hail.

Winds from the West, Southeast, and South are forecast to reach exceptionally hot regions in the Central Plains, as well as the country’s northern and northeastern regions, according to the report released Thursday.

From Friday to Sunday, upper portions of the North and Northeast should expect a boost in westerly winds. Then, on Monday and Tuesday, winds from the south and southeast will hit the northeast, east, central plains, and lower north.

As a result, residents can expect summer storms, including hailstorms, in the North, Northeast, and Central Plains on Friday and Saturday, as well as in the North, Northeast, Central Plains, and East from Sunday to Tuesday.

The Meteorological Department predicted that the wet season will begin in earnest around the fourth week of this month.

Heatwave

Nationwide Heatwave

Thailand is experiencing an extreme heatwave. The Southeast Asian country is experiencing record-breaking heat, with temperatures rising beyond 40°C (104°F) in numerous areas. Authorities have issued health warnings, advising residents and tourists to stay hydrated and avoid excessive sun exposure.

The searing heat has taxed electrical infrastructure, resulting in intermittent blackouts as air conditioners operate at full capacity. Schools have modified their schedules or closed temporarily, while outside workers struggle to cope with the relentless light. Hospitals have reported an increase in heat-related ailments, notably among the elderly and young children.

Agricultural sectors are not immune either. Thailand’s important rice and fruit exports could suffer losses owing to crop damage and reduced yields. Farmers are looking for solutions to protect their crops, including shade nets and greater irrigation. If the heatwave continues, it might have a severe economic impact.

While heatwaves are not uncommon in Thailand’s tropical environment, experts attribute this year’s severity to climate change. They warn that extreme weather events will become more common and severe, creating significant challenges to the country’s infrastructure, public health, and critical sectors.