Science / 45

Hurricane Helene has Britain in its sights

September 14, 2018

No coastal watches or warnings are in effect, and the NHC forecast track shows the storm heading west towards Central America. Although Florence was downgraded from Category 4 status, it is still considered an extremely unsafe storm with maximum sustained winds near 125 miles per hour.

SpaceX changes plans to send tourists around the moon

September 14, 2018

The BFR, which Elon Musk said can carry up to 100 people when it was first touted a year ago, will fly around the moon as part of the personal trip. "And we believe we can do this with the revenue we receive from launching satellites and servicing the space station". The new strategy is to still fly around the moon, but using an even bigger SpaceX rocket still in development that has its own dedicated passenger ship.

Trump declares administration ‘completely ready’ for Hurricane Florence

September 14, 2018

Top winds near the center of the storm have decreased to 100 miles per hour - Category 2, but the strong winds have also spread out, which will result in the storm surge over a larger area. The two hardware chains said they sent in a total of around 1100 trucks. Invest 95L, which is the National Hurricane Center designation for the system we are watching in the central Gulf of Mexico, may organize into at least a tropical depression before impacting the western Gulf coast from Mexico ...

As Hurricane Florence nears, live surf cam videos show impact on Carolinas

September 14, 2018

Hurricane-force winds began whipping North Carolina as federal emergency management officials warned that the hurricane remained a "very unsafe storm" capable of wreaking havoc along a wide swathe of the coast. "I've got four cats inside the house". General O'Shaughnessy said there were about 7,000 USA military personnel now in place and ready to respond to the storm, along with ships, helicopters, high-wheeled vehicles and other equipment.

Carolinas Brace for Extremely Dangerous Hurricane Florence

September 14, 2018

Shortly before 2 p.m., Alert Carolina released a statement noting that until further notice, classes and operations would run as scheduled at the University. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has activated Texas Task Force 1, which is sponsored by the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, in response to hurricanes bearing down on the Eastern U.S.

Amazon boss Jeff Bezos launches $2bn homeless fund

September 14, 2018

Jeff Bezos, Chairman and CEO of Amazon, speaks at the George W. Bush Presidential Center's Forum on Leadership in Dallas, Texas, U.S., April 20, 2018. Bezos is worth $164 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index , a sum mostly derived from the about 16 percent stake in Amazon that he owns.

Preparation And Resilience As Hurricane Florence Approaches

September 14, 2018

Normally when we talk about the potential for hurricane damage, we talk about the impact of storm surges and high winds - both of which are, to be sure, incredibly unsafe in their own right. States up and down the East Coast have a great potential for severe weather . Similar declarations were made earlier in North and South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Everything you need to know about Hurricane Florence

September 13, 2018

Florence's winds had dropped from a peak of 140 miles per hour to 105 miles per hour by Thursday, reducing the hurricane from a terrifying Category 4 to a 2. "The storm surge forecast associated with this storm has not changed". It's now predicted to make landfall near Wilmington and then head west across SC.

Hurricane Florence Marches Toward The Carolinas As Residents Flee

September 13, 2018

Tropical storm-force winds extended 195 miles from Florence's center, and hurricane-force winds reached out 70 miles. The storm is moving west, northwest at 17 miles per hour. Emlaw explained that there is a wide range of possibilities in rainfall amounts in the Lowcountry because no one knows whether the storm will stall offshore or move inland.

Time almost up: Fierce Hurricane Florence aims at Southeast - Story | WFLD

September 13, 2018

Locals in the Carolina states have said they have little trust in the authorities and fear they would not get much support from central government should the area be devastated by the hurricane, given the response to the devastation caused by Maria to Puerto Rico past year.

Bracing for Hurricane Florence | Don't Miss This

September 13, 2018

The rest of South and North Carolina , including cities from Charlotte to Raleigh, can expect 6 to 12 inches of rain - and up to 2 feet in isolated areas, the NHC warned. But authorities warned Florence has an enormous wind field that has been growing larger, raising the risk of the ocean surging on to land and making Florence extremely risky.

California to be carbon neutral by 2045

September 13, 2018

In a signing message for SB 100, Brown said the bill "sends a clear signal to markets to expand clean energy generation". The nation's largest state now gets just over one-third of its energy from wind, solar or geothermal power, according to the U.S.

Beach Town's Main Drag Empty Ahead of Hurricane Florence

September 13, 2018

And that's just the prelude to untold days of misery. The storm is expected to be just offshore by Friday and is now a Category 3 storm with 125mph top sustained winds. "Flooding is nearly guaranteed". Anxious about how the government will respond to Hurricane Florence's devastation? She packed up what she could and took a ferry.

Rick Scott to deploy emergency teams, resources ahead of Hurricane Florence

September 13, 2018

Hurricane Florence is blasting toward the Carolinas, carrying sustained winds of up to 130 miles per hour and the threat of "life-threatening storm surge and rainfall", the National Hurricane Center says . Masters said there's a tug-of-war between two clear skies high pressure systems - one off the coast and one over MI - and the more the Great Lakes one wins, the more southerly Florence will be.

Hurricane Florence Evacuations Expand, With 'Disaster At Doorstep'

September 13, 2018

The Category 4 storm is likely to produce "catastrophic" flooding in the eastern Carolinas, as well as destructive winds. Jeff Byard, an administrator at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said: "Do you want to get hit with a train or do you want to get hit with a cement truck?" The NHC stressed, however, that while a slow weakening is expected over the next 24 hours "Florence is still forecast to be an extremely unsafe major hurricane when it nears the USA coast late Thursday ...

NASA Footage Shows Strengthening Hurricane Florence From Space

September 13, 2018

Meanwhile, NASA's Aqua satellite snapped an infrared image of Hurricane Florence on September 11, at 2:30 a.m. EDT. "Ever stared down the gaping eye of a Category 4 hurricane?" "The crew of @Space_Station is thinking of those who will be affected", Arnold said in a tweet.

Hurricane Florence Shifts Course, Will Make a 'Grand Tour' of Southeastern States

September 13, 2018

Florence's winds in the afternoon were down slightly to 125 miles per hour (205 kph), from a high of 140 miles per hour, and the Category 4 storm fell to a Category 3. Parts of North Carolina could get 40 inches (1 metre) of rain. 'I can't emphasise enough the potential for unbelievable damage from wind, storm surge and inland flooding with this storm'.

'Life-Threatening' Hurricane Florence Closes In On US East Coast

September 12, 2018

The category 4 storm carrying maximum sustained winds of 215 km/h would probably strike the southern coast of North Carolina by late Thursday or early Friday, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said . Weather experts have talked of rainfall predictions in terms of inches a lot this week with Hurricane Florence meandering toward the East Coast. The National Hurricane Center expects Florence's rainfall totals to be around 40 to 60 centimeters, with some areas receiving as much as 90 ...

The startling stats that show the power of Hurricane Florence

September 12, 2018

The State of Emergency Response Team, which includes the Emergency Management, State Highway Patrol and North Carolina National Guard , are ready to deploy. DE emergency management officials are monitoring the path of Hurricane Florence as the powerful storm approaches the coast later this week. If the latest forecast holds, Florence will strike farther north on the East Coast than any other Category 4 hurricane in history.

Hurricane historian says Florence similar to Hazel, Fran, Floyd

September 12, 2018

On the heels of the most expensive hurricane season ever, the approaching storm raises the questions: What role is climate change playing - and could technology offset these growing dangers? To assist the South Carolina Highway patrol with a smooth transition and movement, Guardsmen were positioned on the roads at traffic control points, assisting local law enforcement with evacuation routes and lane reversals.

Activists Raise Over $800,000 So Susan Collins Won't Support Kavanaugh

September 12, 2018

Liberals who oppose Mr Kavanaugh's nomination have raised $900,000 (£690,000) for Senator Collins' opponent's campaign in the 2020 election, in a bid to pressurise her to vote against the nomination. Marie Follayttar Smith, of Mainers for Accountable Leadership , said the organizers are not aware of any other fundraising campaigns that used similar tactics, but the groups wanted to try something different and thought of the idea during brainstorming sessions.

North Carolina Issues First-of-Kind State Evacuation Order Due to Hurricane

September 12, 2018

Those states plus Maryland and Washington DC have all declared a state of emergency . It likely goes without saying that hurricanes produce punishing, potentially deadly winds. More than 1 million residents have been ordered to evacuate from coastal areas of the three states, closing university campuses, schools and factories.

Carolinas brace for the worst as monstrous Hurricane Florence nears

September 12, 2018

Florence is now a Category 4 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 220 kilometers per hour (137 mph) with higher gusts - and forecasters say it is expected to gain more strength. Storm -surge warning: South Santee River South Carolina to Duck North Carolina and Albemarle and Pamlico sounds, including the Neuse and Pamlico rivers as of 2 a.m.

SpaceX Rocket Sends Up Canadian Satellite

September 12, 2018

EDT. The reusable rocket, tailored for eventual crewed missions for NASA, returned to earth following stage separation and landed safely on a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean. SpaceX ended a rare extended gap in launch activity September 10 with the successful launch of a communications satellite for Telesat , the second payload for that satellite operator in less than two months.

Hurricane Florence Intensifies As It Barrels Toward US East Coast

September 12, 2018

The hurricane, which strengthened to a Category 4 on Monday, is expected to intensify as it approaches the Carolinas, said John Quagliariello with the National Weather Service. "Everyone should start preparing now". North Carolinians are urged to use the next couple of days to get ready for the storm, including reviewing emergency plans and gathering supplies.

Florence strengthens into a hurricane, takes aim at the Southeast

September 12, 2018

Isaac, previously a tropical storm, strengthened into the fifth hurricane of the 2018 Atlantic season on Sunday, the NHC said. Florence , now a Category 4 storm on the five-level Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale, could approach the coast of SC or North Carolina on Thursday.

Hurricane Helene strengthens over the eastern Atlantic Ocean: NHC

September 12, 2018

Hurricane Helene continues to gain in strength over the eastern Atlantic Ocean, with additional strengthening expected during the next day or so, the U.S. Maximum sustained winds are near 75 miles per hour. The storm is now around 400 miles south of Bermuda and is moving at 16 mph (26 kph). President Donald Trump says the safety of the American people is his "absolute highest priority" as Hurricane Florence takes aim at portions of the East Coast.

President Donald Trump issues warning as Hurricane Florence advances

September 11, 2018

As of noon Tuesday, the storm was about 1,230 miles southeast of the Cape Fear region, according to the National Weather Service. "Where should residents of "Zone A" evacuate to?" Off the state's coast, large sea swells and risky rip currents were already apparent over the weekend , foreshadowing the storm's arrival.

USA stocks to watch as Hurricane Florence approaches

September 11, 2018

Hurricane Florence is plowing toward the East Coast as a Category 4 storm with a 500-mile wing span, forcing dire warnings and mandatory evacuations - including the entire coastline of SC and parts of Virginia and North Carolina. "I am declaring a state of emergency so that we can begin to prepare state assets, and I encourage Virginians to monitor forecasts and make their own preparations now", Northam said.

Hurricane Florence Set To Hit US East Coast

September 11, 2018

According to the National Hurricane Center , the storm is expected to be a "large and extremely risky hurricane" when it arrives on the US coast. Tropical storms generate winds between 39 and 73 miles per hour, just below hurricane force. The northernmost landfall was made by Hazel, a devastating and deadly storm that struck close to the South Carolina/North Carolina border in October of 1954.

SC to evacuate entire coast ahead of Florence

September 11, 2018

Immediately to the north of Virginia, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan said his state was also "preparing for the potential of historic, catastrophic and life-threatening flooding". Tropical-storm-force winds could reach the coastline as early as Wednesday night, at which point all outdoor preparations should be completed. "It's just too unsafe to be outside", he warned.

Mallory's Forecast - Cloudy with light rain today

September 11, 2018

The heaviest rain will push east of the St. Louis metro between 12-2PM. NWS has issued a Flash Flood Watch for all of central IN this weekend and says some flooding is expected along rivers, streams and creeks. Ponding on area roadways is possible everywhere, including during the Monday morning commute. This morning will be dry, but rain will redevelop this afternoon.

One million told to flee as Hurricane Florence nears US

September 11, 2018

Florence is expected to become a major hurricane Monday morning and "remain an extremely unsafe major hurricane through Thursday, " the hurricane center said in its 5 a.m. According to the NHC advisory, Hurricane Florence is now located 575 miles (925 km) south-southeast of Bermuda and 1,230 miles (1,985 km) east-southeast of Cape Fear, North Carolina.

Hawaii residents brace for impact as Hurricane Lane approaches

September 10, 2018

Computer models mostly do not predict the storm to make a direct hit on the islands, which would be the worst-case scenario. The storm could potentially bring "damaging winds and life-threatening flash flooding from heavy rainfall" to the islands, the Hurricane Center warned.

Hurricane Hector returns to Category 4 as it nears Hawaii

September 10, 2018

As of 11 a.m., the storm was located 330 miles north-northeast of Hilo and 375 miles east-northeast of Honolulu. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center downgraded Norman to a tropical storm Friday as the system moved away from Hawaii. Olivia was expected to cross into the Central Pacific late today and approach the Hawaiian Islands in three to four days. The system is projected to take a slight west-southwest turn Monday night into Tuesday.

Helene Strengthens Into Hurricane, Expected To Become More Severe

September 10, 2018

East Coast next week has increased". Virginia has declared a state of emergency Saturday in anticipation of Tropical Storm Florence and its potential impact, according to a statement from Gov. The hurricane center said it was still too early to predict its exact path. Improving atmospheric conditions were expected to allow Florence to regain its former strength.

Florence to Become Hurricane Soon; Possibly Historic

September 09, 2018

Florence has sustained winds of 70 mph on Sunday morning and is located 765 miles southeast of Bermuda. " Florence is expected to reach major hurricane intensity between 36 and 48 hours, with additional strengthening after that". Florence had been affected by wind shear but the conditions in front of Florence are now favorable for development and likely even quicker development.

Florence projected to strengthen to major hurricane

September 08, 2018

These swells will likely increase during next week and result in rough surf and unsafe rip current activity. Wind shear will lessen over the weekend, and Florence should regain major hurricane intensity (Category 3 or greater) by early next week - as the storm moves northwest, getting closer to the United States coastline by the day.

Senate concludes Kavanaugh hearing; confirmation likely

September 08, 2018

Hunter Lachance of Kennebunkport gets ready to testify Friday at Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing in Washington. President Trump has said he would select a Supreme Court nominee - a lifetime appointment - who would vote to overturn Roe vs.

Scientists identify first known 'vegetarian' shark

September 07, 2018

Although co-authors Samantha Leigh , Yannis Papastamatiou, and Donovan German presented their findings on the shark's unusual seagrass-eating habits at the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology's annual meeting in January , the newly published study states that this is the " first species of shark ever to be shown to have an omnivorous digestive strategy ", the authors wrote .

Space station leak could have been sabotage, Russian Federation says

September 07, 2018

But it seems to have been done by a faltering hand. Rogozin said the leak was determined to have been made by a human hand, as there were "traces of a drill sliding along the surface". On Aug. 29, sensors cautioned flight controllers to a little loss of compartment pressurization while the Expedition 56 group was snoozing. An undated handout photo made available by NASA showing a hole found in the International Space Station (ISS).

Judge Nap: Booker Will 'Absolutely Not' Be Disciplined for Releasing Kavanaugh Email

September 07, 2018

Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee each had 30 minutes to ask Kavanaugh questions . Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) also released committee confidential documents Thursday morning, writing on Twitter that "they show that Judge Kavanaugh wrongly believes that Native Hawaiian programs are Constitutionally questionable".

Going up! Japan to test mini ‘space elevator’

September 06, 2018

It will travel along a 10-meter (32.8-foot) cable suspended in space between two small satellites released from the International Space Station , according to the Mainichi . Of course the ultimate goal is to create an elevator that brings one from Earth all the way up into space. The experiment is supported by Obayashi, a corporation that ever since 2014 announced it plans to have a space elevator up and running by the middle of the century.

Almost 90 elephants found dead near Botswana wildlife sanctuary

September 06, 2018

The Botswana government however put the figure of the elephants at 230,000. He continued: "This requires urgent and immediate action by the Botswana government". Tanzania's Selous region, for example, was heavily hit by elephant poachers but recent data indicates that the killing has slowed. Poachers prize elephants for their ivory tusks, which are then often sold on the black market in Asia.

Who is Donald Trump's 'controversial' Supreme Court nominee?

September 06, 2018

The 53-year-old appellate court judge, hoping to fill the vacant seat on the nine-member high court , told lawmakers he has not hesitated to make unpopular rulings in the past, citing his opinion in a case releasing Osama bin Laden's former chauffeur, Salim Ahmed Hamdan, from detention at the US military prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Trump's Supreme Court pick Brett Kavanaugh vows independence, sidesteps questions

September 06, 2018

Brett Kavanaugh , President Donald Trump's second Supreme Court nominee, on Wednesday declined to say whether he would vote to overturn a statute requiring insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions. A judge must interpret statutes as written. "I am a skeptic of unauthorized regulation, of illegal regulation, of regulation that's outside the bounds of what the laws passed by Congress have said".

Democrats Fail to Derail Kavanaugh Confirmation Hearing Despite Pandemonium, Protests

September 06, 2018

Kavanaugh's comments will do little to pacify skeptics, who have cited his opposition to a court ruling a year ago that an undocumented immigrant teenager who was in government custody was entitled to seek an abortion. "What are we trying to hide?" Sen. Leahy has repeatedly asked at prior confirmation hearings whether Kavanaugh received information that Miranda got from the Democratic files.

Tropical Storm Gordon makes landfall near Alabama-Mississippi border

September 06, 2018

Elsewhere in the tropics, Florence is now a major Category 3 Hurricane as it moves across the Central Atlantic. A storm surge covered barrier islands as the storm blew through, and some inland roadways were flooded by the rain. Lance Murphy, who referred to Gordon as a "party storm", said, "We just live through it and hope we can open again tomorrow". MS shut down a dozen Gulf Coast casinos as the storm neared.

Tropical Storm Gordon forces cancellation of Anna Maria fireworks show

September 06, 2018

The NHC's hurricane warning covers all of coastal MS and Alabama, with a tropical storm warning reaching to Morgan City, Alabama, and Florida's Okaloosa-Walton County Line. Right now, maximum sustained winds are near 30 miles per hour with higher gusts, according to the NHC. A few factors are preventing Gordon from quickly strengthening.

Judge Kavanaugh Says His Loyalty Is to the Constitution, Not Trump

September 06, 2018

Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), who has warned about the disastrous effect Obamacare's repeal could have on residents of his state. Grassley denied his request, but the arguments persisted. The court begins its next term in October. Grassley told Kavanaugh to continue speaking, despite the outbursts. The American Bar Association has given Kavanaugh its highest rating, well qualified.

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