Over ten tornados touched down in North Texas late yesterday evening and last night. The death toll in the areas just southwest of Dallas is six and is expected to rise after day light. Over a hundred people have been injured and many of them critically. The areas of Lake Granbury and Millsap were hard hit. Many of the tornado's hit in Hood County. Damage is considered massive in the area with dozens of homes totally destroyed.
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MailOnline has published animations by Google which shows the impact that man has had on our planet in just less than three decades. The animations take you from 1982 to 2012. You can see desert's changed in front of your eyes. Forests disappear from the earth. Lakes vanish in just a decade.
Watch and learn and then speak out!
What can you do to help stop climate change?
How about getting a 'green car'. Automobiles are choking citizens around the world. If we are able to shift Americans to environmentally sound vehicles it will literally change our world.
Kelley Blue Books put together a list of the "Ten Best Green Cars of 2013 ", The site 24/7 Wall Street has published the list. 24/7 reports:
In preparation for Earth Day, research firm Kelley Blue Book put together a list of the Ten Best Green Cars of 2013. Some of these, like the Nissan Leaf, are well known. One is exotic — the Tesla Model S — a hyperfast, sports car. Others are hybrid engine versions of existing model lines like the Toyota Avalon Hybrid. The KBB list is a combination of all-electric and traditional hybrid cars.
On completion of the testing, Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com, said, “A growing number of eco-conscious drivers are going ‘Green’ when it comes to the new car they choose to drive, and auto manufacturers have primed the pump with the widest array of offerings in the ‘Green Car’ segment than ever before. After driving and testing nearly every new vehicle on the market today, our editors compiled a 10 Best Green Cars list that provides a roadmap for consumers looking to get more miles from each gallon of gasoline or to eliminate gasoline altogether.”
24/7 Wall St. reviewed Kelley Blue Book’s list of the 10 best green cars, which takes into consideration fuel efficiency, value, and quality of hybrid, electric, and plug-in hybrid vehicles. In addition to the data provided by KBB, which included fuel efficiency and 2011 and 2012 sales, we looked at manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the base models, as well as for comparable non-hybrid or electric versions of these models. We also used publicly available data from the Environmental Protection Agency for those fuel efficiency and driving range figures not supplied by Kelley Blue Book. We also considered reviews of these models from groups such as auto data site Edmunds.com.
1. 2013 Leaf (Photograph Above)
- Make: Nissan
- Price: $21,300
- Fuel efficiency: 116 MPG equivalent
- 2012 U.S. sales: 9,512
Since it first debuted in December, 2010, sales of the first zero-emissions have been improving. March was likely the best month for sales in the model’s history. In 2012, sales of the leaf were up by approximately 5%. According to the Detroit News, despite the positive signs, sales growth has not been what Nissan had hoped for, as Nissan hoped to double 2011 sales in 2012. In January company CEO Carlos Ghosn, reiterated long-term sales targets for the leaf, but called recent figures “a disappointment.” According to Edmund’s, while several other 100% electric models have moved into the market, the Leaf remains the most established, and is a safe bet for someone looking to buy an EV model.
2. 2013 Model S
- Make: Tesla
- Price: $62,400
- Fuel efficiency: 89 MPG equivalent
- 2012 U.S. sales: 2,052
The Tesla Model S is not cheap, with even the lowest-end model costing $62,400 after the $7,500 tax credit buyers receive. However, few cars have been as celebrated as the Model S., which was unanimously voted Motor Trends’ 2013 Car of the Year. But the Model S became subject to controversy when a New York Times reporter noted in his review that the car ran out of battery during his drive. Tesla CEO Elon Musk then accused the reviewer of intentionally trying to flunk the car on his test. The controversy did not prevent Tesla from turning its first profit in its most recent quarter.
3. 2013 Focus Electric
- Make: Ford
- Price: $39,200
- Fuel efficiency: 105 MPG equivalent
- 2012 U.S. sales: 675
The Ford Focus Electric, a fully electric vehicle with a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery system, gets an estimated equivalent of 105 combined MPG. The cost differential might be a bit much for some buyers, as the standard Focus S sedan has a base price of $16,200, while the Electric’s price tag is just short of $40,000. In a review of the 2013 Electric, Edmunds noted, “the well-rounded, well-built 2013 Ford Focus stands as one of the top choices in an increasingly competitive segment.”
4. 2013 Volt
- Make: Chevrolet
- Price: $31,645
- Fuel efficiency: 98 MPG equivalent (electric), 37 MPG (gas)
- 2012 U.S. sales: 22,823
The Chevrolet Volt was introduced to the world in 2008, when then General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner called the car a symbol of the company’s “commitment to the future.” At its release in late 2010, it became one of the first plug-in hybrid cars to hit the road. But not everything has gone smoothly for GM. In 2011, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigated concerns that the Volt’s battery might be susceptible to fire. This may have harmed the car’s reputation despite the investigation closing with the NHTSA determining that the Volt was not at greater risk of a battery fire than other cars. Sales of the Volt were mediocre in 2011 — the car’s first full year of sales — when just under 7,500 units were sold. However, sales tripled in 2012 to more than 22,800 vehicles sold.
5. 2013 Prius Plug-in
- Make: Toyota
- Price: $32,000
- Fuel efficiency: 95 MPG equivalent (electric), 50 MPG (gas)
- 2012 U.S. sales: 12,514
Introduced in Japan in 1997 and in the rest of the world in 2000, the Prius was the first mass-produced hybrid. It has also been by far the most successful. Several different models are now sold under the Prius brand, including the Prius, the Prius C, the Prius V, and the Prius Plug-in. On a full charge, which takes about three hours on a standard home outlet, the Plug-in can travel for roughly 11 miles in electric mode, getting an equivelent of 95 MPG. It then switches to hybrid mode, for which it is rated at a not-too-shabby 50 MPG. Another plus is that in some states the car qualifies for single-occupant carpool lanes.
James Hansen gave a TED talk in Long Beach, California a year ago on Climate change. The climatologist has been a leading voice about the urgency of this crisis hitting the planet. Given the fact that the East Coast has been warned that there is a 48% chance of a major hurricane (CAT 3 or above) hitting this year, this talk has even more relevance to our lives.
Take a break and listen to this intelligent and thoughtful discussion on climate change and Hansen's journey.
A new Gallup Poll is showing a dramatic increase in the number of Americans who are very concerned about climate change. There has been a 7% increase in just one year.
On the other hand, people still believe that climate change is NOT a threat to them in their lifetime. Only 34% of Americans think it will be a serious threat in their lifetime.
Here are the major results from the poll:
-Gallup reports that an average of 58%of Americans say they are worried a “great deal” or “fair amount” about global warming. While below the apex of 72% reported between 1999 and 2001, it’s up sharply in the last two years from the 51% recorded in 2011.
-78% of Americans professed some level of concern about global warming with 33% having said they worried “a great deal,” 25% “a fair amount,” and 20% “only a little.”
-54% of Americans believe that global warming has already started to alter the climate which is also an upward trend after a recent dip in belief over the last several years. At the same time, Americans are also reporting higher confidence in media coverage of global warming and acknowledging a broadening consensus amongst scientists.
-Up 10% over the past four years, 62% of Americans believe that scientists are in agreement that global warming is in fact occurring; this is the closest public opinion has gotten to the peak of 65% observed between 2006 and 2008.
-The new poll also shows human accountability trending back upward as 57% of Americans say they believe global warming to be the result of human activities. This represents a 7% rebound since 2010 in which 50% of the population felt similar responsibility.
Experts predict that the sea level along the East Coast will rise at least five feet within 100 years. Many scientists believe that is a conservative estimate and that the water could rise to that level within the lifetime of people living today.
BusinessInsider.com features the work of Nickolay Lamm of StorageFront.com who creates maps and photographs what are cities will look like with just a mere five feet increase of sea level.
Also looking at these maps, think of massive storm surges as hurricanes and northeasters become more and more powerful because of climate change. The recent storm surge in New York City hit 14 feet.
Map of Miami
Map of New York City
Map of Washington, DC
Map of Boston Back Bay
Map of Harvard University and Cambridge
Accuweather.com is predicting that the slow start to this year's tornado season is not a harbinger of the entire season. They expect, starting around the middle of April, that the season will be long, powerful and destructive. The weather site reports:
The ingredients may come together for more violent outbreaks of severe storms and tornadoes during the second half of April and May. As water temperatures increase in the Gulf of Mexico and more humid air reaches the South, the northward shift of the jet stream will also be coming together.
Rotating severe storms, which parent tornadoes, require rapidly increasing wind speed or a change in direction with increasing height to help create a twisting motion in the atmosphere. This is known to meteorologists as wind shear.
The proximity of the jet stream to a potential severe thunderstorm formation area often increases wind shear and exploits other atmospheric conditions, tipping the scale toward development.
The transition time where the jet is slowly shifting northward during late April and May can set the stage for the worst outbreaks of the year.
"The quickness at which severe weather parameters come together is what usually determines how bad a severe weather outbreak is," Kottlowski said.
During the heart of the severe season, when the threat of tornadoes should be highest, an area to watch will be the lower Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee valleys. Little Rock, Memphis and Nashville are among the cities that lie in the zone of greatest risk this year.
This week 'World Water Day' took place and the situation around the world is getting more and more serious when it comes to our precious water. Often this Blog has covered potential water wars that may take place in the future. Over two hundred rivers cross international boundaries making this issue ripe for intrigue between nations.
In the United States, 24/7 Wall Street proclaims that there are seven states that could have a crisis surrounding water supply. They are simply running out of water!
Here are the seven:
1. Nebraska
- Pct. of state in severe drought: 100%
- Pct. of state in extreme drought: 96.1% (the highest)
- Pct. of state in exceptional drought: 76.4% (the highest)
Nebraska is unique among all states in that all areas are experiencing at least a severe drought. Worse, extreme drought conditions persist in more than 96% of the state, with a stunning 76% of the state experiencing exceptional drought. In the next worst-hit state, Kansas, just 21.4% of all area suffers from exceptional drought. Drought has hurt much of the state’s winter wheat crop, 50% of which was in poor or very poor condition at the end of February, up from just 6% last year. The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center estimates that the drought in Nebraska will last — with some improvement in conditions — through at least the end of May.
2. Kansas
- Pct. of state in severe drought: 96.4%
- Pct. of state in extreme drought: 64.6% (3rd highest)
- Pct. of state in exceptional drought: 21.4% (2nd highest)
Severe drought conditions persist in more than 96% of Kansas. Furthermore, nearly two-thirds of the state is experiencing extreme drought, while more than one-fifth is experiencing exceptional drought. The good news for Kansas is that rain in March has eased the drought, although National Weather Service meteorologist Andy Kleinsasser told the Associated Press earlier this week that the state is still experiencing “precipitation deficits” of as much as 20 inches in many parts of the state. Kansas produces about 20% of the nation’s wheat, more than any other state. Wheat production was up 38% in 2012 compared to 2011, although the drought affecting the state probably will make this level of production unsustainable for 2013.
3. New Mexico
- Pct. of state in severe drought: 89.9%
- Pct. of state in extreme drought: 49.9% (6th highest)
- Pct. of state in exceptional drought: 4.3% (8th highest)
As of early March, normal weather conditions persist in only about 0.21% of New Mexico — the highest percentage in nearly a year. However, for most of the state problems remain. Last July, the USDA designated Cibola County as a primary disaster area due to drought. Six counties bordering Cibola, including Bernalillo County where Albuquerque is located, also qualified for natural disaster assistance. In late February, Albuquerque’s water board announced a “drought watch,” which raised fines for wasting water to $40 for first offenders.
4. Colorado
- Pct. of state in severe drought: 89.0%
- Pct. of state in extreme drought: 48.1% (7th highest)
- Pct. of state in exceptional drought: 21.2% (3rd highest)
Colorado is one of five states where all of its area is considered to be in moderate drought, with nearly 90% of the state experiencing severe drought. With the exception of the Northeast corner of the state, the drought is expected to either persist or get worse over the next several months. Yet even most the Northeast corner is experiencing either extreme or exceptional drought. Due to the ongoing problems, several of Colorado’s largest municipal water providers are considering restricting spring and summer lawn-watering, potentially limiting landowners to watering their grass just twice a week. Crop production declined significantly in 2012 compared to 2011, with wheat production falling 9.3%, while corn production falling a whopping 29%.
5. South Dakota
- Pct. of state in severe drought: 86.3%
- Pct. of state in extreme drought: 67.5% (2nd highest)
- Pct. of state in exceptional drought: 20.1% (4th highest)
More than two-thirds of South Dakota suffers from extreme drought, the second highest portion of any state. Additionally, South Dakota is one of just four states where more than 20% of its area faces exceptional drought. As with many other states, much of South Dakota’s winter wheat crop was hurt by the lack of precipitation. According to the USDA, at the end of February, 66% of winter wheat crop was considered to be in poor or very poor condition, up from 31% in February 2012
6. Wyoming
- Pct. of state in severe drought: 83.7%
- Pct. of state in extreme drought: 54.7% (5th highest)
- Pct. of state in exceptional drought: 10.1% (5th highest)
Wyoming is one of the driest states in the country, a condition not likely to improve in the near future. According to the National Weather Service, the drought is expected to persist or worsen in most of the state over the next few months. The most critical drought problems are taking place in the eastern portion of the state. In the summer of 2012, Governor Matt Mead had to ask the federal government for disaster relief due to the drought. During the year before the request, ranchers working on non-irrigated land had lost about half their pasture grass and hay production because of the drought, a state agriculture official told Reuters.
7. Oklahoma
- Pct. of state in severe drought: 83.2%
- Pct. of state in extreme drought: 56.7% (4th highest)
- Pct. of state in exceptional drought: 9.7% (6th highest)
Over half the area of Oklahoma currently suffers from extreme drought — the second worst level listed on the U.S. Drought Monitor. Oklahoma shares this distinction with just four other states. Drought conditions have actually improved since the start of the year. The percentage of the state facing exceptional drought — the worst category of drought — has fallen from 37% at the start of the year to less than 10% currently. In January, the USDA declared a large part of the winter wheat belt, spanning from Texas to North Dakota, as a disaster area due to the lack of moisture. According to the Scottsbluff Star-Herald, recent precipitation has not been enough to help the winter wheat crop in the state that had to be planted in dry soil.
While newly formed Storm Saturn's impact is coming into focus, for some areas the future is still uncertain.
Already the storm is having an impact in the West with two feet of snow and winds up to 70 mph in Montana.
Becoming more clear is the impact ranging from Virginia to Southern New Jersey.
Of most concern is a significant storm surge that could hit Southern New Jersey through at least two high tides In areas, the storm surge could be among the top ten storm surges ever and have the capacity to do major damage. Dr. Jeff Master's reports:
"As the storm moves off the coast on Wednesday night, winds gusting to 50 mph will build waves of up to 15' and a 3 - 4' storm surge along the coast to the north of the center. Heavy rains will bring runoff down rivers that will act to increase water levels along the coast. The latest Forecast Discussion from the Mount Holly, NJ NWS office highlights the likelihood of at least moderate coastal flooding in Delaware during the high tide cycles on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning, with the possibility of major flooding. The latest storm surge forecast from the GFS model calls for a storm surge of around 3' at Lewes, Delaware on Thursday morning, which would bring the 8th highest water level on record to the coast. This is of concern due to the damage Hurricane Sandy brought in October, which weakened the dunes and left the coast more vulnerable to erosion. Sandy brought the 3rd highest water level on record to Lewes."
Winds along the coast line in these areas could be gale force for two days.
Heavy wet snow will fall in a broad area from Virginia to Southern New Jersey. Because of the weight of the snow and winds, massive power outrages are possible. Washington, D.C and Baltimore can expect anywhere from 8 inches to 18 inches with the heavier amounts to the West of the cities.
The models differ on the path of the storm.
All agree it will be a slow moving storm increasing the likelihood of damage on all fronts. The American Model has the storm hitting New York and Boston hard. The Euro Model, which has until today kept the storm South, has edged the line up closer to New York. The Northward trend has been happening the last couple of days.
Especially New York should be prepared for a possible heavy snow fall with little warning. It might miss altogether but it is a close call.
As the last month of winter ends with a huge winter bang in some areas of the country, Spring promises to be warmer over much of the country and dry conditions still hitting hard in the Southern half of the nation. Extreme drought conditions will continue for many areas.
Unfortunately, the tornado season appears that it will be particularly violent and brutal this spring. The Southern Tornado Sector is at particularly how risk but high danger of tornados also extends into the Northeast including the Middle Atlantic States.
Here are the latest forecast charts:
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