January 1, 2006.
GOES East Water Vapor Satellite with Tropical Storm Zeta enjoying a romp across the Atlantic.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
GOES East. Tropical Storm ZETA.
January 1, 2006.
GOES East Water Vapor Satellite with Tropical Storm Zeta enjoying a romp across the Atlantic.
The current satellite pictures shows an unrelenting system with multiple vortices.
December 31, 2005.
GOES West Water Vapor Satellite.
The intensity of the movement of heat all along the equator to the Northern Ice Ocean has a high velocity because the Arctic Ocean Vortex now reaches to the equator.
Northern California Braces for Storms
By LISA LEFF Associated Press Writer
December 31,2005 SAN FRANCISCO -- A powerful storm plowed through Northern California on Saturday, threatening to flood rivers, cause mudslides and snarl holiday traffic from Sonoma to Monterey.
One woman was injured when a mudslide destroyed her home in Santa Rosa just before midnight. It took firefighters nearly an hour to free her from the mud and debris, said Santa Rosa Fire Battalion Chief Andy Pforsich. She was taken to the hospital with a broken leg.
As heavy rain set in, forecasters warned that parts of Sonoma, Sacramento, Shasta and Tehama counties were ripe for their worst flooding in years. Flood warnings were in effect from Sonoma County across the state to the Nevada line.
Authorities on Friday urged hillside homeowners to collect valuables, gather emergency supplies and identify escape routes.
Officials and residents were keeping an eye on the Russian, Napa and Sacramento rivers, as water levels quickly approached -- and in some parts, surpassed -- flood stage.
In the Sonoma County town of Guerneville, officials prepared for the Russian River to rise as high as 43 feet after a second storm expected to hit Sunday. Flood level is 31 feet.
An average of 4 inches of rain fell north of the San Francisco Bay area in the 24-hour period ending Friday evening, according to the National Weather Service.
The storms could add as much as 6 inches of rain to the already water-logged region by the end of the weekend, said Rick Canepa, an NWS meteorologist based in Monterey.
"Both storms are going to add up to quite an amount of rainfall, some of the heaviest rains we have seen so far this season," Canepa said.
Interstate 5 was closed both ways over the Siskiyou Summit near the Oregon border between Hilt and Ashland, Ore., because of flash flooding and landslides. U.S. Highway 101 was closed by fallen trees and mud south of Crescent City.
Wet runways and poor visibility caused delays of two to three hours on most flights in and out of San Francisco International Airport. More than 2 feet of snow was predicted to blanket the Sierra Nevada from Yosemite National Park to Kings Canyon, making road travel nearly impossible this weekend, said officials at the San Joaquin Valley Weather Forecast Office.
Meanwhile, Southern California prepared for the arrival of moderate to heavy rain Saturday and the second storm Sunday and Monday. Forecasters issued flash flood watches for large areas burned by the year's wildfires in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties.
Rain could fall on Pasadena's Rose Parade for the first time in 51 years. Horses will wear shoes coated with borate to help them resist slipping. Float builders will roll out sheets of clear plastic to protect orchids and other delicate flowers if it rains.
"It's kind of like seeing a movie star without makeup," said Bill Eggleton as he oversaw the decoration of the Automobile Club of Southern California's float. "It won't be pretty."
December 31,2005 SAN FRANCISCO -- A powerful storm plowed through Northern California on Saturday, threatening to flood rivers, cause mudslides and snarl holiday traffic from Sonoma to Monterey.
One woman was injured when a mudslide destroyed her home in Santa Rosa just before midnight. It took firefighters nearly an hour to free her from the mud and debris, said Santa Rosa Fire Battalion Chief Andy Pforsich. She was taken to the hospital with a broken leg.
As heavy rain set in, forecasters warned that parts of Sonoma, Sacramento, Shasta and Tehama counties were ripe for their worst flooding in years. Flood warnings were in effect from Sonoma County across the state to the Nevada line.
Authorities on Friday urged hillside homeowners to collect valuables, gather emergency supplies and identify escape routes.
Officials and residents were keeping an eye on the Russian, Napa and Sacramento rivers, as water levels quickly approached -- and in some parts, surpassed -- flood stage.
In the Sonoma County town of Guerneville, officials prepared for the Russian River to rise as high as 43 feet after a second storm expected to hit Sunday. Flood level is 31 feet.
An average of 4 inches of rain fell north of the San Francisco Bay area in the 24-hour period ending Friday evening, according to the National Weather Service.
The storms could add as much as 6 inches of rain to the already water-logged region by the end of the weekend, said Rick Canepa, an NWS meteorologist based in Monterey.
"Both storms are going to add up to quite an amount of rainfall, some of the heaviest rains we have seen so far this season," Canepa said.
Interstate 5 was closed both ways over the Siskiyou Summit near the Oregon border between Hilt and Ashland, Ore., because of flash flooding and landslides. U.S. Highway 101 was closed by fallen trees and mud south of Crescent City.
Wet runways and poor visibility caused delays of two to three hours on most flights in and out of San Francisco International Airport. More than 2 feet of snow was predicted to blanket the Sierra Nevada from Yosemite National Park to Kings Canyon, making road travel nearly impossible this weekend, said officials at the San Joaquin Valley Weather Forecast Office.
Meanwhile, Southern California prepared for the arrival of moderate to heavy rain Saturday and the second storm Sunday and Monday. Forecasters issued flash flood watches for large areas burned by the year's wildfires in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties.
Rain could fall on Pasadena's Rose Parade for the first time in 51 years. Horses will wear shoes coated with borate to help them resist slipping. Float builders will roll out sheets of clear plastic to protect orchids and other delicate flowers if it rains.
"It's kind of like seeing a movie star without makeup," said Bill Eggleton as he oversaw the decoration of the Automobile Club of Southern California's float. "It won't be pretty."
Current weather conditions in Fresno, California.
December 31, 2005.
The unrelenting high winds of Fresno, California.
In the Post 9/11 World, the USA doesn't give a damn about things that matter. We just need to focus on Bush's claim to history. Iraq.
Heavy Rains, Wind, Thunderstorms Expected This Week
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
By Heather Bremner
Gilroy - Keep those umbrellas handy and the sunglasses tucked away because this week should be filled with rain, more rain and even some thunderstorms.
A series of storms heading toward the South Bay will bring periods of heavy rain, according to the National Weather Service. Today, expect thunderstorms and a partly cloudy night with a chance of showers, Thursday should also be cloudy, with a chance of rain in the evening, according to the National Weather Service.
The rain is expected to return Friday and stick around until New Year's Eve. New Year's Day may be rainy and should be partly cloudy. Daytime temperatures should remain in the 60s throughout the week, with nighttime lows dropping to the mid-40s.
Although it will be wet and windy, flooding isn't expected. The recent rains haven't caused flooding anywhere in Santa Clara County.
"We're in pretty good shape for the storm coming in (Tuesday night)," said Mike Di Marco, spokesman for the Santa Clara Valley Water District. "We think that we won't see any reservoir spilling."
Gilroy's creeks have receded during the past couple of rain-free days and aren't near the flooding point, said Di Marco.
"We don't anticipate any problems but it is a fast-moving storm," said Di Marco. "Just in case there are any problems we're gong to have our crews ready."
The storm should bring strong winds and rain to the Tahoe area, except at the highest mountain elevations above 8,000 feet. The storm has prompted a winter storm watch for the Tahoe Basin and the western valleys will be under a high wind watch.
The snow level is expected to gradually drop to lake level today with winds blowing between 25 to 35 mph with gusts reaching 55 mph. In the valleys, the snow level was forecast to fall gradually to 5,000 feet tonight, accompanied by winds of 20 to 35 mph gusting to 55 mph.
On Tuesday, the avalanche danger in the Sierra was considered to be at steep elevations above 9,300 feet in areas outside developed ski areas.
http://www.gilroydispatch.com/news/contentview.asp?c=175798
NSW mops up after wild storms
The New South Wales State Emergency Service (SES) is warning residents to be wary of summer thunderstorms.
Wild weather lashed the central and mid-north coasts, Hunter and north-west regions late yesterday.
Hailstones the size of ping-pong balls struck Lake Macquarie near Newcastle.
Further north, winds gusting to 133 kilometres an hour brought down trees at Narrabri, closing the Newell Highway for three hours.
Debris from high winds caused traffic congestion and lengthy delays for drivers on the Pacific Highway at Nambucca Heads and on the F3 motorway near Mt White.
SES spokesman Steve Delaney says crews answered more than a dozen calls for help, with the Taree and Port Macquarie region the worst hit.
He says there are simple precautions people can take.
"People remember to park their cars under shelters and not under trees, keeping away from any fallen electrical power lines, and generally making sure there are no loose objects around the yard that could become projectiles in the weather," he said.
Mr Delaney says more storms are expected over the next month.
"The weather bureau tends to warn us on a daily basis now, especially now that we're getting into the height of summer of the possibility for thunderstorms and major weather fronts moving through the state fairly quickly," he said.
"The major sort of weather fronts moving through the state fairly quickly and this pattern will continue across the state for the next month or so."
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200512/s1539063.htm
Wind complicates NSW bushfire fight
A southerly wind exceeding 115 kilometres an hour is racing up the New South Wales coast, bringing relief from the day's extreme heat but extra hazards for bushfire crews.
The Rural Fire Service (RFS) has abandoned containment efforts on the central coast to focus on protecting property.
Three properties have been destroyed on the central coast along with seven cars belonging to RFS volunteers.
Three fronts of fire at Umina, Brisbane Waters National Park and Mount White are expected to merge as the southerly wind pushes into the central coast.
The RFS says it is too dangerous for firefighters to battle the blaze amid such strong winds.
Property protection
Rural Fire Commissioner Phil Koperburg says all firefighters remaining in the area are now devoted to property protection.
"We have removed all firefighting personnel from the the fire-ground we've taken them out of the bush so to speak," he said.
"Property protection will continue of course but firefighters will have fallen back to roadways and individual properties."
Commissioner Koperberg has called for calm.
"I'm not suggesting that we won't suffer some losses but it won't be for the want of preparation or resources," he said.
"Stay calm, dress in good sturdy clothing, make sure the houses are competely closed up when the fire approaches and we'll get out of this okay."
F3 closed again
The bushfires have again forced the closure of the F3 Freeway and the Pacific Highway north of Sydney.
The roads are closed in both directions between Warringah and Ourimbah.
Peter Williams drove along the F3 at Mount White a short time ago, and says it was frightening.
"We went round one corner and there was a lot of flames just beside the road not too far away," he said.
"Went around the next one and there was fire all across the road in the middle and across up on that little cliff there on the side, sparks everywhere.
"Very hot, very smoky. A couple of fire brigade and a policeman there and they seemed to be scampering all over the place."
In the north, Woy Woy Road remains closed between Kariong and Phegans Bay.
While in the south, Appin Road is closed in both directions between Appin and the Princess Highway.
Diversions are in place.
Train services have resumed between Hornsby in Sydney's north and Gosford, after the bushfire threat forced the closure of the line.
But Diana Long from CityRail says there are still delays.
"At this stage we're urging customers to make their way home on the trains but we are working closely with the emergency services and getting the latest information just in case we do have to close the line again due to the bushfires," she said.
Evacuations
Evacuations have taken place at Horsfield Bay and Phegan's Bay, the Cataract Dam recreation area at Appin south of Sydney.
The tiny Riverina towns of Illabo and Bethungra have also been evacuated as a large-scale fire heads towards them from near Junee.
About 25 people sought medical help at the Junee Hospital this afternoon after a bushfire swept past the outskirts of the Riverina town and headed towards Illabo.
The most serious emergency involved a 21-year-old Junee man who suffered burns to 50 to 60 per cent of his body.
He is being transferred to Concord Hospital in Sydney tonight.
Most of the other patients have been discharged after being treated for eye irritation and smoke inhalation.The fire has burnt more than 1,500 hectares of farm land from Junee to Eurongilly and Illabo.
Properties have suffered extensive stock losses.
Homestead saved
A historic family home in the Riverina has been saved from fire, just as priceless antique carriages were about to catch alight this afternoon.
Lawrence Ryan, who is also known as stunt motorcyclist Lawrence Legend, says a helicopter dropped four water bombs on the 1884 Monte Cristo homestead as the flames circled it.
Mr Legend says there is still a blackout and no water pressure, so it was mostly luck that saved the house.
"We were lucky that we had some relatives, friends, brother-in-laws, anyone that was here," he said.
"We had buckets and hoses and a fuel pump in our swimming pool and we were just about to start losing valuable carriages and all sorts of things when the helicopter bomber came in and dumped four loads of water on us.
"If that hadn't come in I'm sure part of Monte Cristo wouldn't be here any more."
Energy Australia says it is progressively restoring power to the central coast once fire authorities clear repair crews to enter bushfire areas.
It says power has been cut to thousands of homes at Lake Munmora, because of a breakdown, unrelated to the bushfires.
In other developments:
The rain has helped to contain a large grassfire in Victoria's north-east. (Full Story)
A major bushfire continues to rage east of the seaside community of Ledge Point, north of Perth, and authorities have warned that properties and lives may be at risk. (Full Story)
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200601/s1540327.htm
A year of survival
By DUSTIN BLEIZEFFERStar-Tribune staff writer
[oas:casperstartribune.net/news/wyoming:Middle1]
GILLETTE -- The past year was like no other for the Bohn family of Wright.On Aug. 12, their home was pounded by hail and flipped over by a tornado with five children and one adult inside. The family survived.Just weeks later, Brent Bohn learned he had colon cancer, putting the family's rebuilding efforts on hold while he underwent surgery and spent weeks recovering.In a matter of months, the Bohns survived a tornado and cancer.
When Brent's doctor in Gillette signed a release for him to go back to work, it seemed the Bohns' lives would finally begin a return to a "new normal." But just a week later he was laid off from his position as a temporary haul truck driver at a local coal mine.Brent Bohn looks back at 2005 as a year of incredible adversity overcome -- but at a heavy price. He and his family are survivors, yet Brent wears a weary look on his face as he looks forward to 2006."I'm just worried about having an income," Brent said as he sat on a couch in a mobile home provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.Sinking inJean Kingan, a co-director of the Wright Tornado Recovery Project, said families that were hit by the tornado four months ago are only now realizing the emotional and financial toll."The emotional enormity of the situation is starting to sink in, and people are starting to really grieve the losses they've experienced," Kingan said.Many families lost Christmas tree ornaments and other items that were handed down through generations and part of holiday tradition. Kingan said it's important that families continue holiday traditions and start new ones."They have to find a new normal, because they can't go back to the way things were before," Kingan said.The way it wasThe Bohns had just discovered their "normal" life in Wright before the tornado struck.Brent, his wife Louise and their three children had just moved to Wright in November 2004 from Ogden, Utah, because Brent got a temporary job at the Black Thunder coal mine. It was big break after two years of scant work in Utah, and the family settled into the small community where Louise's mother and extended family live just blocks away.
http://www.jacksonholestartrib.com/articles/2005/12/26/news/wyoming/aaa71349cc7e79a3872570e2002681bd.txt
Climate Change Study Predicts Alteration Of Alaska
December 26, 2005 2:02 p.m. EST
Andrea Moore - All Headline News Staff Reporter
Anchorage, Alaska (AHN) - According to a federal study, climate change could thaw the top 11 feet of permafrost in most areas of the Northern Hemisphere by 2100. The thawing would alter ecosystems across Alaska.
The study was published December 17 in the journal Geophysical Research Letters showing how researchers used supercomputers in the United States and Japan to calculate how frozen soil interacts with air temperatures, snow, sea ice changes and other processes.
The study's most extreme scenario involves calculating the melting of the top 11 feet of permafrost, or earth that remains frozen year-round. The thawing would release greenhouse gases that would amplify global warming says lead author David Lawrence, with the National Center for Atmospheric Research.
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7001641942
CLIMATE CHANGE OVER CENTURY TO BE PREDICTED
AN action plan to tackle climate change is being put together.
A series of climate change workshops were held by UK consultants Acclimatise at the Manx Museum, in Douglas.Those invited to the workshops included business and government representatives and members of the public.Martin Hall, director of environment, safety and health at the Department of Local Government and the Environment, said participants were told even if carbon emissions stopped now, climate change would still take place, so preparation was vital.After presentations by Acclimatise, those at the workshops were split into groups reflecting their experience and asked to come up with ideas about how climate change would affect their particular sector.These ideas, said Mr Hall, would be put into a document, due to be finished in January, which will be used as a template for action.'This is the start of a long journey, it's about making sure we are prepared for the changes,' said Mr Hall.The DLGE commissioned Acclimatise to provide a forecast for the Island and come up with ideas on how to adapt to and plan for climate change.Infrastructure issues are being considered, as are potential flooding, drainage, harbour and agricultural issues.Acclimatise is using the latest computer-generated models to predict the Manx weather over the next century.The first stage of the project, which will run until March, will be to gather information about the Island and identify key issues.A climate change partnership could also be set up, acting as a focal point for planning on global warming.
26 December 2005
http://www.iomonline.co.im/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=870&ArticleID=1295898
National calls for bipartisan approach on climate change, offers to work alongside Government on the issue
27 December 2005National is asking to work alongside the Government to tackle a major issue.The party's environment spokesman Nick Smith has written to his political opposite numbers, asking to be consulted before any new climate change policy is put together.It comes after the Government decided to scrap a proposed carbon tax, and undertakes a wide-ranging review of climate policies.Nick Smith says National takes the issue very seriously and believes it needs a bipartisan approach.He says climate change is a long-term problem, which stretches beyond the life of any government.
http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/default.asp?id=58022&c=w
Power restored after wild Qld storms
Energex crews have worked through the night after severe storms caused blackouts across south-east Queensland during Christmas celebrations.
More than 25,000 customers were blacked out by the storms, stretching from the New South Wales border north to Bundaberg.
The storms started at 2:00pm AEST.
Line after line of severe thunderstorms rolled in from the west and were still active until late last night.
Energex spokesman Graham Metcalf says there were thousands of lightning strikes and the usual strong winds.
"For about a five-hour period we had about 7,500 lightning strikes recorded and that was the main cause of the problems on the power network," he said.
He says most homes had power restored by late last night.
West of Brisbane there were reports of some hail in and around Ipswich.
The State Emergency Service officials says there were no calls for help and no reports of damage.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200512/s1537888.htm
Kansas Tornados
A first-place finish this year for Kansas in the number of tornadoes recorded in the state.There have been 135 tornadoes in Kansas this year, up from 122 in 2004. Texas is second with 102 twisters in 2005.But the real damage in the state came from straight-line wind.Chance Hayes is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Wichita.He estimates property damage from tornadoes at $6.4 million this year, while straight-line winds from severe thunderstorms cost the state an estimated $25.6 million.There were 21 injuries from straight-line winds, but no injuries caused by tornadoes.Hayes says the damage figure from tornadoes was relatively lowbecause most happened in low-population areas.
http://www.wibw.com/home/headlines/2115602.html
Green diets vs. global warming
December 26, 2005
Rama Schneider
Having one's own personal effect on our growing global warming/climate change crisis is most certainly a multi step program. We often view our choice in automobile as the most efficacious and obvious first move forward, but two assistant professors at the University of Chicago say the gas we want to change may actually be the gastronomic type.According to a news short titled It's better to green your diet than your car found at the New Scientist web site the two professors "compared the amount of fossil fuel needed to cultivate and process various foods, including running agricultural machinery, providing food for livestock and irrigating crops". They also counted methane and nitrous oxide produced by cows, sheep and manure handling. (Note: in the print edition of New Scientist, Dec 17-23 edition, the article is titled "Green your diet before your car".)The numbers Gidon Eshel and Pamela Martin present are somewhat surprising: A typical diet for the United States with about 28% animal based foods is responsible for almost one and a half tons more of carbon dioxide than to a purely vegetarian (vegan) diet ... that's per person each year! In one decade that makes for a difference of 15 tons of climate altering, global warming gasses for just one person. (If vegan isn't for you eating poultry can help reduce your gaseous contribution.)
http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051226/RTD/51226001
Hope Those Gifts Are Waterproof
Skip directly to the full story.
Published: Dec 24, 2005
TAMPA - Tonight looks to be a decent night to be in the air, even at rooftop altitude in an open cockpit and powered by eight reindeer - as long as you're on the ground by daybreak.
The rain that forecasters predict for Christmas Day should reach the Tampa Bay area about dawn, bringing showers and a possible thunderstorm. Forecasters do not expect the thunderstorms to be severe.
The National Weather Service is calling for a 60 percent chance of rain Sunday as a cold front moves south.
Most of the rain should pass quickly once the front leaves, although some clouds will linger. The rain will diminish through the afternoon, giving way Sunday night to lower temperatures.
Forecasters said the low Monday morning for Tampa should be about 48 degrees and in the lower 40s from Brooksville north.
Neil Johnson
http://news.tbo.com/news/MGB360GBLHE.html
US global warming emissions reached new high last year
HOTTING UP: The new data comes two weeks after Washington said its voluntary measures to cut greenhouse gases were working effectively
THE GUARDIAN , LONDON Friday, Dec 23, 2005,Page 7
Advertising Emissions of global warming gases from the US have nearly doubled in 14 years and reached an all-time high last year, according to figures released by the US government.
But new analysis suggests Europe is also falling behind in its attempt to meet legally binding UN targets.
The US energy department report shows emissions rose 2 percent last year and stood one year ago at 7,122.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent a year -- about 25 percent of the world total. The rise was the greatest in five years and is part of an accelerating trend. Revised figures also published showed emissions in 2003 were at the second highest level. This year's figures have not been published but are expected by analysts to be similar or greater because of strong US economic growth.
The data, released just two weeks after the US government claimed at the Montreal climate talks that its voluntary approach to cutting emissions was working, drew immediate criticism from European environment groups and academics.
Lord Rees, the president of the UK's Royal (science) Society, said the new data showed all industrialized countries needed to intensify efforts to cut emissions.
"At the G8 summit in Gleneagles in July, the US and other G8 countries agreed to `act with resolve and urgency to meet our shared and multiple objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.' But these figures emphasize the need to act with even greater urgency and resolve now."
He said the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere was about 380 parts per million, probably the highest for 20 million years and more than a third higher than before the industrial revolution.
"Industrialized countries will need to cut emissions by at least 60 percent by 2050 if we are to stabilize atmospheric concentrations at twice pre-industrial levels. It seems unlikely that the present US strategy ... will be enough," he said.
But there was little cheer for Europeans. A paper to be published next week suggests 10 of the 15 EU countries committed to reducing climate-change gases under the Kyoto agreement will fall short of their targets unless they take urgent action. Only the UK, Sweden and France are remotely on target, the Institute for Public Policy Research is expected to say. Emissions are rising in 13 of the 15 countries.
In a separate development, the governors of seven US states, frustrated by the federal government's refusal to set targets, yesterday signed up their states to work together to reduce global warming emissions. From 2009, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Vermont will begin trading carbon under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2005/12/23/2003285678
Governor outlines goals to fight global warming
PORTLAND — Governor Ted Kulongoski told the state Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) on Thursday that “a healthy environment helps us strengthen our economy,” and that he will move forward on a strategy to curb global warming and improve air quality in Oregon.
“The threat of global warming is real—not idle speculation,” the Governor testified. “This issue has been a priority of my administration.”Noting warnings by regional scientists and economists that climate change poses a real threat to Oregon’s economy and quality of life, the Governor reaffirmed his support of new tailpipe emissions standards that will reduce carbon emissions throughout the state and regionally. The Governor also restated his goal to reduce such emissions statewide to a level that’s 10 percent below the levels of 1990 by 2020—and by 2050, reduce emissions to a level that’s 75 percent below those of 1990.The Governor charged the EQC to create a strategic plan for the state Department of Environmental Quality to follow in developing and expanding existing programs to fight global warming and improve air quality. The issues are important because of their impact on the health of Oregonians and the economy, the Governor explained. “Oregon’s quality of life and our diverse natural resource base are among our greatest assets,” he added. “When I work on recruiting economic opportunities for our state, I look for companies that complement—not compete with—maintaining these values.”Many people overlook the relationship between the state’s environment and its economy, the Governor said, and competing interest groups often argue that Oregonians can have either but not both—a healthy environment and a robust economy. “It’s quite the contrary,” the Governor said. “A healthy environment helps us strengthen our economy.”The Governor pointed out recent findings by a group of Pacific Northwest economists who examined scientific reports on the effects of greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. The economists warned of damage to the economy in eight key sectors if global warming continues unchecked.Two years ago, the Governor created an Advisory Council on Global Warming, to which he appointed a diverse group of citizens with backgrounds in business, agriculture, ranching, academics and environmental issues. He instructed the Advisory Council to study the effects of global warming on Oregon, and to identify ways to curb those effects.
The threat of global warming is real—not idle speculation
Governor Kulongoski
The Advisory Council’s recommendations included goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which the Governor announced last spring, including stricter vehicle emission standards for Oregon.If Oregon adopts stricter emission standards for cars and small trucks beginning with the 2009 model year, the state can reduce harmful carbon emissions by 13-18 percent, the Governor said. Such standards would allow reductions up to 30 percent over the next 25 years.“If we do nothing, our trend of increasing emissions will continue to grow at approximately 1.6 percent a year,” the Governor warned.The Governor foresees other benefits to stricter standards, including better fuel efficiency and new economic opportunities. But educating citizens and decision-makers about the harmful effects of global warming on their lives is a major challenge, the Governor said. He pledged to continue working with the Legislature to improve the public’s understanding and to take decisive action to curb global warming.The Governor called for expanding two existing programs to improve air quality in Oregon. The first is the “Air Toxics Program,” which is a national model for reducing toxic emissions from industry, motor vehicles, and many small sources that collectively pose greater health risks than industrial sources. Many of these contribute to fine-particle pollution, haze and greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing “air toxics” will help protect human health, curb global warming, and provide clearer air, the Governor said. The Governor also called for strengthening the “Oregon Clean Diesel Initiative,” which seeks to reduce harmful emissions from the most significant source of air toxics in the state—diesel fuel combustion products. He highlighted other technologies and techniques that can reduce diesel use, including an initiative he launched a year ago—anti-idling technologies at truck stops, which will cut down on diesel emissions.Bio-diesel is another tool that offers “enormous” economic benefits, as well as environmental benefits, the Governor said.For the text of the Governor’s remarks, go to:
http://governor.oregon.gov/Gov/speech/speech_122205.shtml
Vermont joins global warming fight
Published: Thursday, December 22, 2005As the nation goes its own way on climate change, Vermont and six other states have stepped forward to join the global movement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Bravo for the Northeast states that agreed this week to do their part to cut the carbon dioxide emissions that are blamed for global warming.This is the right side to be on -- especially in light of the U.S. Department of Energy's discouraging report that the nation's greenhouse gas emissions increased 2 percent last year. Put in context, that's an extra 130 million metric tons of pollution entering the atmosphere, according to the National Environmental Trust. Not only are the seven Northeast states proposing concrete action in their own region, they are sending a message to Washington and the world that -- unlike the federal government -- they want to be part of the solution to global warming, not part of the problem. The other states joining Vermont in signing on to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative were New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire and New Jersey. Rhode Island and Massachusetts pulled out of the agreement, citing economic concerns. New York Gov. George Pataki, who spearheaded the regional agreement, has said that the regional market-based plan to reduce pollution might increase the annual household electricity bill by about $3 to $21. That seems like a small price to pay. The Northeast states' announcement came on the heels of a two-week United Nations climate conference in Montreal at which the United States stood out for its resolute refusal to agree to mandatory reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. Most industrialized nations signed on to begin negotiating a second round of reduction targets to follow the Kyoto Protocol, which ends in 2012. The United States should be part of this effort, and the Northeast states are showing they can lead the way. Vermont does not have coal-fired utilities, and only a small share of our power comes from out-of-state plants fired by fossil fuels -- major sources of carbon dioxide. But Vermont's participation is more than symbolic. This is a serious attempt by Vermont and the other states to make a commitment as a united region, and to follow through on promises made by the New England governors and premiers of the eastern Canadian provinces in 2001 to clean up their own back yards before calling for the Midwest power plants to clean up theirs. The reduction targets will require significant changes -- from improved efficiency to greater investment in renewable energy.Vermont is a green state that values conservation, efficiency and renewable energy alternatives that make sense for Vermont. As the state approaches a crossroads with the end of contracts with Vermont Yankee and Hydro Quebec, the regional push to reduce carbon dioxide emissions will help focus the debate on future energy sources. Gov. Jim Douglas is in the right place as he moves forward with a Commission on Climate Change to devise plans to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. He is also in the right place when he says Vermont is a special state that requires "Vermont-scale" energy solutions.
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051222/OPINION/512220322/1006&theme=
Paris plant hit by tornado shutting down
PARIS, Tenn. Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. - Mohon International, whose plant was severely damaged by a tornado last month, will close the facility and leave more than 300 people without a job.Company officials said the cost to rebuild was not practical.The final closing date is Feb. 17, but some employees have already been laid off.The plant, which has 135,000 square feet, manufactures furniture.Storms Nov. 15 swept across West and Middle Tennessee. There were no deaths and but major property damage, especially in Henry and Montgomery counties.
http://www.southernstandard.net/news.php?viewStory=26653
Stratford family still recovering from tornado
STRATFORD - For many Stratford families, the stress of the holiday season will be topped off by the effort in deciding what else needs to be done in the aftermath of the tornado that ripped through their town in November.Unfamiliar living situations, belongings still unpacked and in disarray, dealing with insurance agents and rebuilding homes are a just a few things on their minds."I love Christmas and this time of year ... especially getting to decorate the house," said Tricia Rose, of Stratford. "But this year I could care if it comes or goes."Rose said it is difficult to look forward to holiday events after the tornado rocked her home in early November. Most of the roof blew off, and a breezeway and garage were shredded and scattered across town.
http://www.zwire.com/site/tab1.cfm?newsid=15793709&BRD=2700&PAG=461&dept_id=554314&rfi=6
Dane County Exectuive Falk: Announces Funds for Tornado Relief
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Contact: Topf Wells, (608) 266-9069, or Steve Steinhoff, (608) 266-4270
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Contact: Topf Wells, (608) 266-9069, or Steve Steinhoff, (608) 266-4270 Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk announced today that $60,000 in grant funds are available to help towns, villages and cities pay for tornado debris removal costs. The storm, which occurred in late August 2005, affected the Towns of Dunn, Pleasant Springs, Christiana, Rutland, Dunkirk, and a portion of the City of Stoughton. The grants are made available through the County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. “Dane County has worked hard to provide whatever assistance we can to the residents and communities hurt by the tornado. “With tight budgets for local governments, tornado clean-up costs have severely strained local budgets. Although federal CDBG rules restrict what we can do, I am glad that we can offer partial reimbursement for the communities’ clean-up costs,” said Falk. She commented briefly on the decision by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) decision, released the previous day, to deny Wisconsin communities, including aid for the tornado damage. “State, county, local governments and thousands of volunteers are working together to help the citizens and communities hurt by the tornadoes. FEMA should have joined us in this effort; I think they made a big mistake.” Cities, villages, and towns in the tornado area are encouraged to apply for assistance under the tornado relief program by January 20, 2006. Applications will be mailed to the affected communities and also are available on the county's website: www.co.dane.wi.us. Under the federal rules, communities can apply for reimbursement of the costs for their public employees to remove storm debris from public right of way.For additional information about this program, contact Steve Steinhoff at 608- 266-4270 or Steinhoff@co.dane.wi.us.
http://www.wisdems.org/ht/display/ReleaseDetails/i/718988
Secret Santa Helps Family HitBy August Tornado
After 25 years in the farming business, Jim and Cindy Ace say they were finally content. Both were able to quit jobs in town to work their family farm full time. They had 17 buildings, and harvested corn, tobacco and soybeans. That was before August 18th.
The tornado that swept through the Stoughton area during the states worst tornado outbreak ever, took out 13 of their 17 buildings, and damaged the rest. The tornado plucked 3 of the 4 silos, and after spinning them in the air, crushed them like tin cans. Once the dust settled, the Aces crunched the numbers. After insurance, they were $75,000 - $125,000 short of what they needed to rebuild. The couple was back to square one, and considering all the options, including other jobs, even though they say, they just want to run the farm.
After FEMA denied federal aid to Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ran a story featuring the Aces, who said a low interest loan they may have been eligible for with a FEMA disaster declaration would be a "godsend". An anonymous donor saw the article, and contacted the Salvation Army, asking them to hand over a check.
The Aces first saw the check's amount of $20,000 during a news conference and Cindy immediately shed tears. "I've always told our kids that farming builds character and this will built A LOT of character!" She said.
For more information on the original 27 News report, and follow-up stories, click on ''Read the news archives'' or the ''27 News Vault''.
http://www.wkowtv.com/index.php/news/story/p/pkid/22917
Wintry weather makes a mess around metro
Freezing rain brings power outages, school closings and flight delaysBy MIKE MORRISPublished on: 12/15/05
Icy rain that fell across North Georgia early today broke tree limbs, cut electricity to more than 150,000 utility customers and forced some school districts to cancel or delay classes one day before many schools closed for Christmas break.
Classes were canceled in at least eight North Georgia school systems, and some parents in other counties packed their children off to school, only to have the students sent home early because of power outages.
Forsyth County schools delayed opening and then closed all together as reports came in of the outages, said schools spokeswoman Jennifer Carracciolo. Carracciolo said trees were coated with ice in the county, which has 24 schools and about 24,500 students.
The county's high schools postponed Thursday's missed final exams until Jan. 5, according to the schools' Web sites. Students will take their regularly scheduled final exams on Friday.
Schools were also closed Thursday in the city of Gainesville and in Banks, Dawson, Habersham, Lumpkin, Pickens and White counties north of Atlanta, while school officials in Hall County delayed opening for two hours.
In the City of Atlanta, Warren T. Jackson Elementary School and Sutton Middle School were closed because of power outages, but other schools in the system were open, said Joe Manguno, spokesman for Atlanta Public Schools.
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/1205/15ice.html
Conference puts focus on global warming threat
Posted: December 16, 2005 by: Shannon Burns / Today correspondent MONTREAL - Hundreds of international experts and leaders - including many from First Nations communities in Canada - brought the urgency of a changing climate to the attention of the world at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Montreal in early December. The 11-day conference was a U.N. initiative to encourage preventive measures against global warming. Representatives from the Assembly of First Nations made up part of the American Indian congregation at the conference, which included many Inuit officials as well as men and women from various Native-geared organizations. The ambitions of those in attendance were unified. According to research and predictions outlined and discussed at the convention, climate change is real. Introducing the conference, UNCCC organizers wrote, ''The world's climate has always varied naturally, but compelling evidence from around the world indicated that a new kind of climate change is now under way, foreshadowing drastic impacts on people, economies and ecosystems.''
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412126
TEN YEARS OF GLOBAL WARMING
A pattern of more intense global warming over the past decade has been confirmed by temperatures over the past twelve months that confirm that 2005 was one of the hottest years on record. According to data released by the United Nation's World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) this year is the second warmest ever, with an increase of 0.48 degrees Celsius. The WMO uses 1961-1990 annual average surface temperature as the benchmark for climate change measurements. In a year marked by record hurricanes in the Caribbean and melting ice floes in the Arctic, the WMO said the world experienced the warmest months of June and October ever, surpassing those recorded in 1998 and 2004 respectively. Gaps in data and outstanding readings for the final weeks of 2005 mean that this year overall could vary from being the warmest ever to being the eighth warmest when the final figure is released next February. "It could well be that this ranking could be modified but we are very confident that it will end up in the four warmest years," said WMO Secretary General Michel Jarraud. "In the northern hemisphere it will be the warmest year on record and in the southern hemisphere we anticipate that it will be the fourth warmest on record," he said.
http://www9.sbs.com.au/theworldnews/region.php?id=126351®ion=3
Scientists Sound Warning on Global Warming
Why Santa May Soon Need a Boat -- But It's No Joke
Dec. 15, 2005 -- NASA has just announced that for the fourth year in a row, it has recorded the hottest annual global temperatures since reliable records started in the late 1800s.
This year, 2005, tied for the hottest year ever with 1998 — and 1998 was "an El Niño of the Century year — and El Niños always make it hotter. If this had been an El Niño year, it would surely have been the hottest year of all," Dr. James Hansen, NASA earth sciences director, told ABC News.
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Science/story?id=1407585
Global warming becomes a threat for Santa
London - Santa Claus may have to swap his sleigh for waterwings sooner than expected as global warming melts his Arctic home, environmental group WWF said on Friday.A new study for the organisation formerly known as the Worldwide Fund for Nature predicts that the earth could warm by two degrees centigrade above pre-industrial levels as early as 2026 - and by triple that amount in the Arctic."This... could result in Santa's home changing forever," said the report by Mark New of Oxford University.And Rudolph and his fellow reindeer are not the only creatures under threat - polar bears, ice-dwelling seals and several forms of Arctic vegetation are also at risk.
http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=31&art_id=qw113465142232B251
Thunderstorms lash Gold Coast
13dec05DANGEROUS thunderstorms have battered parts of south-east Queensland with golf ball sized hailstones and destructive winds.The Bureau of Meteorology said Rathdowney, near Beaudesert, south-west of Brisbane, was the hardest hit around 3.30pm (AEST) today.
In the Gold Coast hinterland Laravale and Kooralbyn were also struck by severe thunderstorms, it said.
The storm front was expected to lash Coomera, Logan Village, Beenleigh and Jacobs Wells – all south of Brisbane.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,17557392%255E1702,00.html
Thunderstorms hammering the country
12 December 2005
Thunderstorms have been drenching the country over the weekend and will continue to do so for the rest of this week, MetService is predicting.
Meteorologists have issued a special weather advisory on thunderstorms for Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Taupo, Taranaki, Taihape, Wanganui, Manawatu, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, and Wairarapa.
"The Tasman Sea is a breeding ground for troughs of low pressure at present, MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt said.
"The large high-pressure area east of New Zealand is blocking the normal flow of the weather, and this combination is keeping humid northerlies over the country until this weekend."
Over the weekend thundery showers brought 70 millimetres of rain to Taupo. One thunderstorm turned streets into canals in Palmerston North and another dumped 27 millimetres in an hour over Lumsden.
"These thundery showers may not have been very numerous in the north so far, but they have been bringing decent dollops of rain here and there.
"These can result in rapid surface flooding especially in and near mountain streams," Mr McDavitt said.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3509531a11,00.html
Tornado tax break in works
By MARK WILSON Courier & Press staff writer 464-7417 or mwilson@evansville.netDecember 10, 2005
Some tornado-stricken industries in Warrick County will have to wait until after the first of the year to apply for tax breaks on rebuilding.
The County Council met in a special session during Thursday night's snowstorm to consider making the Warrick Research and Industrial Center, a privately developed industrial park located north of Vann Road, an Economic Revitalization Area. The council voted 4-1 to approve it on first reading. Council President Gary Meyer, who routinely opposes tax abatements, was the only vote against the measure on first reading.
http://www.courierpress.com/ecp/news/article/0,1626,ECP_734_4304738,00.html
US walks out of climate change talks as 150 nations move forward to adopt Kyoto
By Andrew Buncombe in Montreal
Published: 10 December 2005 The Bush administration's unwillingness to seriously confront global warming was increasingly at odds with the rest of the world last night as more than 150 other nations were poised to move forward with the Kyoto protocol.
The US faced widespread condemnation after persistently rejecting even the mildest commitment to deal with climate change at the UN talks in Montreal.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/article332206.ece
Cameron pledges tough measures on climate change
By George Jones, Political Editor(Filed: 10/12/2005)
David Cameron promised yesterday that under his leadership the Conservative Party would be ready to take the "tough decisions" needed to cut Britain's greenhouse gas emissions to combat global warming.
He appointed Zac Goldsmith, an environmental and anti-globalisation campaigner, and John Gummer, a former Conservative environment secretary, to take charge of a new policy group looking at quality of life issues.
Mr Cameron has highlighted the environment, and in particular climate change, as key concerns that he feels the Conservatives have previously neglected.
He launched the policy review group at the London Wetland Centre bird reserve where he met members of Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/12/10/ntory10.xml&sSheet=/portal/2005/12/10/ixportal.html
Clinton addresses climate change meeting
MONTREAL, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Former President Bill Clinton made a surprise appearance Friday at the Montreal meeting on climate change, offering a compromise on the next steps.
The meeting ended with the United States and China refusing to curb emissions of greenhouse gases, the New York Times reported.
In his speech, Clinton suggested that environmentalists are pushing too much for hard targets for reduction. But he also rebuked the Bush administration for its attitude on the issue.
"There is no more important place in the world to apply the principle of precaution than the area of climate change," he said, after pointing out that the administration has adopted a precautionary attitude to terrorism.
The United States and Australia have not signed the Kyoto Treaty, which requires reductions in emissions from advanced industrial countries.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/upi/?feed=TopNews&article=UPI-1-20051209-21330000-bc-canada-climatechange.xml
Slow climate change, indigenous people urge
Last Updated Fri, 09 Dec 2005 13:26:32 EST
CBC News
Indigenous people from around the circumpolar world are calling on nations to commit to tougher cuts on greenhouse gas emissions as a two-week climate conference in Montreal draws to an end Friday.
Ministers and government officials from more than 180 countries have been negotiating at the United Nations conference.
Indigenous leaders say the Arctic is seen as the early warning system for the rest of the world. As they watch changes in their local areas, they're not sure all the countries are hearing the alarm.
http://www.cbc.ca/story/science/national/2005/12/09/climate-call051209.html
Washington furious over Martin's climate change comments
Last Updated Fri, 09 Dec 2005 14:57:23 EST
CBC News
The White House has officially complained about Prime Minister Paul Martin's comments this week at the climate change conference in Montreal.
http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2005/12/09/katrina-global-warming-bush-martin.html
The Montreal Climate Change Conference
What got done
CBC News Online Dec. 12, 2005Climate change experts are far-sighted. They are thinking 20, 30, 40 years into the future. So with the Kyoto Protocol expiring in 2012, there's a sense of urgency when it comes to reducing the emissions that are cited as causing climate change.
That's why the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change organized the Montreal Climate Change Conference, which was held between Nov. 28 and Dec. 9, 2005.
The UN-organized conference gathered all the parties in the Kyoto Protocol – and then some. Approximately 190 nations were represented by the 8,000 delegates – the largest intergovernmental climate gathering since 1997, when the Kyoto Protocol was adopted. That's when 146 countries promised to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
It all boils down to gas emissions. Power plants, factories and personal vehicles emit a mixture of gases that trap heat in Earth's atmosphere, hence the term global warming.
Taking it beyond Kyoto But as the conference progressed, it looked as though it would end without a deal on going beyond Kyoto, on continuing the process of reducing greenhouse gases after 2012.
That changed in the early hours of Dec. 10 after the conference was supposed to officially wrap up. A deal was worked out, an agreement that is being called "the Montreal Action Plan."
"This is a major, major deal and a major historic day, to see this agreement going ahead," said Catherine Pearce, a climate change campaigner with Friends of the Earth International.
The new agreement extends the life of the 1997 Kyoto treaty, which came into effect on Feb. 16, 2005.
It legally bound participating developed countries to cut their combined greenhouse gas emissions to five per cent below 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012.
In another significant step, a number of countries that did not ratify Kyoto – including Australia and the United States – have agreed to non-binding talks on a climate-change agreement that will eventually replace Kyoto.
Among the deal's highlights:
A call for binding commitments to cut greenhouse emissions beyond 2012 when the current Kyoto Protocol expires.
A working group of Parties to the Kyoto Protocol will report to each annual session of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, Kyoto's parent treaty.
Members would have seven years to negotiate and ratify accords by the time the first phase ends in 2012.
The deal does not set emissions reductions targets for developing countries like China and India, but provides mechanisms through which they can get access to clean technology and financing for climate-friendly projects.
Beyond Kyoto is scheduled to get on track in May 2006, when officials are to meet to begin to carry out the "Montreal Action Plan."
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/kyoto/
Kyoto Protocol may have no future
11:02 29/ 12/ 2005
MOSCOW. (RIA Novosti commentator Tatyana Sinitsina.) 2005 began very favorably for the Kyoto Protocol but has gradually changed from positive to pessimistic.
The first international project aimed at lowering man's pressure on the atmosphere and stop climate change may have no future. Its outlook for 2006 is grim, as many experts say the unique document is hanging in the balance.
There are many reasons for such pessimistic forecasts, said Sergei Kurayev of the Russian Ecological Center, who attended the recent 11th Conference of the 189 Parties to the 1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Montreal.
"Take the no-budge stance of the U.S. administration, who does not want to hear the words Kyoto protocol," he said. "The Americans said before coming to Montreal that they would attend only the 11th conference of the Climate Change Convention but not the 1st Conference of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol. In my opinion, Russia's procrastination with drafting the institutional base for the protocol has had its negative effect too."
However, the parties have made progress in Montreal although delegates from 150 states fought tooth and nail to defend their interests, unwilling to budge an inch. But conference participants approved the so-called Marrakech Accords, which specify measures needed to put the protocol into effect, including how greenhouse gas emissions are measured, joint projects implemented, quotas traded, and so on. They also stipulate additional quotas for forest powers ("oxygen sink"), which concerns Russia directly.
Approval of the Marrakech Accords will give the green light to the protocol as an effective international document of the UN. However, the delegations have not coordinated the individual obligations of each party, without which no movement is possible.
Debates on beginning talks on the second stage of the protocol's obligations after 2012 proved extremely difficult. Parties involved in the issue have no common understanding of the talks' format and rules of procedure nor have they put forth any practical proposals. Eventually they decided to set up a special working group that would formulate future commitments and a mechanism of voluntary accession by non-Kyoto countries.
Montreal gave the Kyoto Protocol a chance to start working towards full capacity. But how large can this capacity be without the United States, China and India, who are the main emitters of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere? The chances of involving them in the Kyoto process are slim, and the enthusiasm of the European Union, even if supported by Russia, is clearly not enough.
Americans say that they are taking national measures to reduce dangerous emissions. And India and China claim that they need to catch up with the world's industrialized countries at all costs. This leaves little chance for the Kyoto Protocol.
http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20051229/42776276.html
THE MARRAKECH ACCORDS
Donald GoldbergKatherine Silverthorne
After the collapse of climate change negotiations in The Hague, Netherlands, in November of 2000, many thought the Kyoto Protocol was doomed to fail. However, eight months later in Bonn, Germany, countries were able to pick up the pieces and resume negotiations with renewed momentum. The Bonn negotiations resulted in a political agreement that set forth broad-brush guidelines on key issues including the flexible mechanisms, "sinks," funding, and compliance. While this agreement insured continued momentum in the negotiations, it left many details to be finalized.
The Seventh Conference of the Parties (COP7) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), held in Marrakech, Morocco, in October of 2001 was tasked with finalizing the underlying legal texts for the Bonn Agreement and setting in place the accounting system for the Kyoto Protocol. This task was completed and the finalized texts are all contained in the 245-page Marrakech Accords. A draft of the Marrakech Accords can be found at
http://www.unfccc.de/cop7/documents/accords_draft.pdf.
THE MARRAKECH ACCORDS/Declaration
http://unfccc.int/cop7/accords_draft.pdf
Clinton scathing of Bush stance on global warming
As the US delegation at the Montreal summit walked away from entering a dialogue with other countries about global warming, former president Bill Clinton warned yesterday: "We will have meetings like this in 40 years' time on a raft somewhere unless we do something." Frank McDonald in Montreal reports.
In a rousing speech at a side event organised by the Sierra Club of Canada at the UN climate change conference, he said it was "crazy to play games with our children's future" by failing to take actions that would "give us all a chance to share the planet together".
Mr Clinton told an enthusiastic audience of delegates and other participants in the conference that "millions and millions of jobs" could be created in the developed and developing worlds by investing in alternative technologies, such as solar, wind and geo-thermal energy.
In a scathing attack on the Bush administration's negative stance on global warming, the former president said one of the big obstacles to making progress was the "old energy economy which is well-organised, well-financed and well-connected politically".
Referring to the fact that 192 American mayors had committed their cities to making deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, Mr Clinton said countries could do the same.
Even if they couldn't agree on specific targets, there was no reason not to take action.
"We have a heavy obligation because we know now what's happening to the climate and we also know we have alternatives," he declared.
But as Machiavelli had said, "there is nothing so difficult in human affairs than to change the established order of things".
Mr Clinton recalled that he "helped to write" the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, but his efforts to secure tax credits for the development of solar energy had been rebuffed.
However, he was sure the Danes were happy that 20 per cent of their electricity now came from wind power.
The former president's speech came on the last day of the summit after delegates had adopted a "rule book" to make Kyoto work and sought to reach agreement on a bland declaration to hold more talks on how to deal with the dangers posed by climate change.
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/front/2005/1210/1779733406HM1FRANK.html
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
By Heather Bremner
Gilroy - Keep those umbrellas handy and the sunglasses tucked away because this week should be filled with rain, more rain and even some thunderstorms.
A series of storms heading toward the South Bay will bring periods of heavy rain, according to the National Weather Service. Today, expect thunderstorms and a partly cloudy night with a chance of showers, Thursday should also be cloudy, with a chance of rain in the evening, according to the National Weather Service.
The rain is expected to return Friday and stick around until New Year's Eve. New Year's Day may be rainy and should be partly cloudy. Daytime temperatures should remain in the 60s throughout the week, with nighttime lows dropping to the mid-40s.
Although it will be wet and windy, flooding isn't expected. The recent rains haven't caused flooding anywhere in Santa Clara County.
"We're in pretty good shape for the storm coming in (Tuesday night)," said Mike Di Marco, spokesman for the Santa Clara Valley Water District. "We think that we won't see any reservoir spilling."
Gilroy's creeks have receded during the past couple of rain-free days and aren't near the flooding point, said Di Marco.
"We don't anticipate any problems but it is a fast-moving storm," said Di Marco. "Just in case there are any problems we're gong to have our crews ready."
The storm should bring strong winds and rain to the Tahoe area, except at the highest mountain elevations above 8,000 feet. The storm has prompted a winter storm watch for the Tahoe Basin and the western valleys will be under a high wind watch.
The snow level is expected to gradually drop to lake level today with winds blowing between 25 to 35 mph with gusts reaching 55 mph. In the valleys, the snow level was forecast to fall gradually to 5,000 feet tonight, accompanied by winds of 20 to 35 mph gusting to 55 mph.
On Tuesday, the avalanche danger in the Sierra was considered to be at steep elevations above 9,300 feet in areas outside developed ski areas.
http://www.gilroydispatch.com/news/contentview.asp?c=175798
NSW mops up after wild storms
The New South Wales State Emergency Service (SES) is warning residents to be wary of summer thunderstorms.
Wild weather lashed the central and mid-north coasts, Hunter and north-west regions late yesterday.
Hailstones the size of ping-pong balls struck Lake Macquarie near Newcastle.
Further north, winds gusting to 133 kilometres an hour brought down trees at Narrabri, closing the Newell Highway for three hours.
Debris from high winds caused traffic congestion and lengthy delays for drivers on the Pacific Highway at Nambucca Heads and on the F3 motorway near Mt White.
SES spokesman Steve Delaney says crews answered more than a dozen calls for help, with the Taree and Port Macquarie region the worst hit.
He says there are simple precautions people can take.
"People remember to park their cars under shelters and not under trees, keeping away from any fallen electrical power lines, and generally making sure there are no loose objects around the yard that could become projectiles in the weather," he said.
Mr Delaney says more storms are expected over the next month.
"The weather bureau tends to warn us on a daily basis now, especially now that we're getting into the height of summer of the possibility for thunderstorms and major weather fronts moving through the state fairly quickly," he said.
"The major sort of weather fronts moving through the state fairly quickly and this pattern will continue across the state for the next month or so."
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200512/s1539063.htm
Wind complicates NSW bushfire fight
A southerly wind exceeding 115 kilometres an hour is racing up the New South Wales coast, bringing relief from the day's extreme heat but extra hazards for bushfire crews.
The Rural Fire Service (RFS) has abandoned containment efforts on the central coast to focus on protecting property.
Three properties have been destroyed on the central coast along with seven cars belonging to RFS volunteers.
Three fronts of fire at Umina, Brisbane Waters National Park and Mount White are expected to merge as the southerly wind pushes into the central coast.
The RFS says it is too dangerous for firefighters to battle the blaze amid such strong winds.
Property protection
Rural Fire Commissioner Phil Koperburg says all firefighters remaining in the area are now devoted to property protection.
"We have removed all firefighting personnel from the the fire-ground we've taken them out of the bush so to speak," he said.
"Property protection will continue of course but firefighters will have fallen back to roadways and individual properties."
Commissioner Koperberg has called for calm.
"I'm not suggesting that we won't suffer some losses but it won't be for the want of preparation or resources," he said.
"Stay calm, dress in good sturdy clothing, make sure the houses are competely closed up when the fire approaches and we'll get out of this okay."
F3 closed again
The bushfires have again forced the closure of the F3 Freeway and the Pacific Highway north of Sydney.
The roads are closed in both directions between Warringah and Ourimbah.
Peter Williams drove along the F3 at Mount White a short time ago, and says it was frightening.
"We went round one corner and there was a lot of flames just beside the road not too far away," he said.
"Went around the next one and there was fire all across the road in the middle and across up on that little cliff there on the side, sparks everywhere.
"Very hot, very smoky. A couple of fire brigade and a policeman there and they seemed to be scampering all over the place."
In the north, Woy Woy Road remains closed between Kariong and Phegans Bay.
While in the south, Appin Road is closed in both directions between Appin and the Princess Highway.
Diversions are in place.
Train services have resumed between Hornsby in Sydney's north and Gosford, after the bushfire threat forced the closure of the line.
But Diana Long from CityRail says there are still delays.
"At this stage we're urging customers to make their way home on the trains but we are working closely with the emergency services and getting the latest information just in case we do have to close the line again due to the bushfires," she said.
Evacuations
Evacuations have taken place at Horsfield Bay and Phegan's Bay, the Cataract Dam recreation area at Appin south of Sydney.
The tiny Riverina towns of Illabo and Bethungra have also been evacuated as a large-scale fire heads towards them from near Junee.
About 25 people sought medical help at the Junee Hospital this afternoon after a bushfire swept past the outskirts of the Riverina town and headed towards Illabo.
The most serious emergency involved a 21-year-old Junee man who suffered burns to 50 to 60 per cent of his body.
He is being transferred to Concord Hospital in Sydney tonight.
Most of the other patients have been discharged after being treated for eye irritation and smoke inhalation.The fire has burnt more than 1,500 hectares of farm land from Junee to Eurongilly and Illabo.
Properties have suffered extensive stock losses.
Homestead saved
A historic family home in the Riverina has been saved from fire, just as priceless antique carriages were about to catch alight this afternoon.
Lawrence Ryan, who is also known as stunt motorcyclist Lawrence Legend, says a helicopter dropped four water bombs on the 1884 Monte Cristo homestead as the flames circled it.
Mr Legend says there is still a blackout and no water pressure, so it was mostly luck that saved the house.
"We were lucky that we had some relatives, friends, brother-in-laws, anyone that was here," he said.
"We had buckets and hoses and a fuel pump in our swimming pool and we were just about to start losing valuable carriages and all sorts of things when the helicopter bomber came in and dumped four loads of water on us.
"If that hadn't come in I'm sure part of Monte Cristo wouldn't be here any more."
Energy Australia says it is progressively restoring power to the central coast once fire authorities clear repair crews to enter bushfire areas.
It says power has been cut to thousands of homes at Lake Munmora, because of a breakdown, unrelated to the bushfires.
In other developments:
The rain has helped to contain a large grassfire in Victoria's north-east. (Full Story)
A major bushfire continues to rage east of the seaside community of Ledge Point, north of Perth, and authorities have warned that properties and lives may be at risk. (Full Story)
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200601/s1540327.htm
A year of survival
By DUSTIN BLEIZEFFERStar-Tribune staff writer
[oas:casperstartribune.net/news/wyoming:Middle1]
GILLETTE -- The past year was like no other for the Bohn family of Wright.On Aug. 12, their home was pounded by hail and flipped over by a tornado with five children and one adult inside. The family survived.Just weeks later, Brent Bohn learned he had colon cancer, putting the family's rebuilding efforts on hold while he underwent surgery and spent weeks recovering.In a matter of months, the Bohns survived a tornado and cancer.
When Brent's doctor in Gillette signed a release for him to go back to work, it seemed the Bohns' lives would finally begin a return to a "new normal." But just a week later he was laid off from his position as a temporary haul truck driver at a local coal mine.Brent Bohn looks back at 2005 as a year of incredible adversity overcome -- but at a heavy price. He and his family are survivors, yet Brent wears a weary look on his face as he looks forward to 2006."I'm just worried about having an income," Brent said as he sat on a couch in a mobile home provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.Sinking inJean Kingan, a co-director of the Wright Tornado Recovery Project, said families that were hit by the tornado four months ago are only now realizing the emotional and financial toll."The emotional enormity of the situation is starting to sink in, and people are starting to really grieve the losses they've experienced," Kingan said.Many families lost Christmas tree ornaments and other items that were handed down through generations and part of holiday tradition. Kingan said it's important that families continue holiday traditions and start new ones."They have to find a new normal, because they can't go back to the way things were before," Kingan said.The way it wasThe Bohns had just discovered their "normal" life in Wright before the tornado struck.Brent, his wife Louise and their three children had just moved to Wright in November 2004 from Ogden, Utah, because Brent got a temporary job at the Black Thunder coal mine. It was big break after two years of scant work in Utah, and the family settled into the small community where Louise's mother and extended family live just blocks away.
http://www.jacksonholestartrib.com/articles/2005/12/26/news/wyoming/aaa71349cc7e79a3872570e2002681bd.txt
Climate Change Study Predicts Alteration Of Alaska
December 26, 2005 2:02 p.m. EST
Andrea Moore - All Headline News Staff Reporter
Anchorage, Alaska (AHN) - According to a federal study, climate change could thaw the top 11 feet of permafrost in most areas of the Northern Hemisphere by 2100. The thawing would alter ecosystems across Alaska.
The study was published December 17 in the journal Geophysical Research Letters showing how researchers used supercomputers in the United States and Japan to calculate how frozen soil interacts with air temperatures, snow, sea ice changes and other processes.
The study's most extreme scenario involves calculating the melting of the top 11 feet of permafrost, or earth that remains frozen year-round. The thawing would release greenhouse gases that would amplify global warming says lead author David Lawrence, with the National Center for Atmospheric Research.
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7001641942
CLIMATE CHANGE OVER CENTURY TO BE PREDICTED
AN action plan to tackle climate change is being put together.
A series of climate change workshops were held by UK consultants Acclimatise at the Manx Museum, in Douglas.Those invited to the workshops included business and government representatives and members of the public.Martin Hall, director of environment, safety and health at the Department of Local Government and the Environment, said participants were told even if carbon emissions stopped now, climate change would still take place, so preparation was vital.After presentations by Acclimatise, those at the workshops were split into groups reflecting their experience and asked to come up with ideas about how climate change would affect their particular sector.These ideas, said Mr Hall, would be put into a document, due to be finished in January, which will be used as a template for action.'This is the start of a long journey, it's about making sure we are prepared for the changes,' said Mr Hall.The DLGE commissioned Acclimatise to provide a forecast for the Island and come up with ideas on how to adapt to and plan for climate change.Infrastructure issues are being considered, as are potential flooding, drainage, harbour and agricultural issues.Acclimatise is using the latest computer-generated models to predict the Manx weather over the next century.The first stage of the project, which will run until March, will be to gather information about the Island and identify key issues.A climate change partnership could also be set up, acting as a focal point for planning on global warming.
26 December 2005
http://www.iomonline.co.im/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=870&ArticleID=1295898
National calls for bipartisan approach on climate change, offers to work alongside Government on the issue
27 December 2005National is asking to work alongside the Government to tackle a major issue.The party's environment spokesman Nick Smith has written to his political opposite numbers, asking to be consulted before any new climate change policy is put together.It comes after the Government decided to scrap a proposed carbon tax, and undertakes a wide-ranging review of climate policies.Nick Smith says National takes the issue very seriously and believes it needs a bipartisan approach.He says climate change is a long-term problem, which stretches beyond the life of any government.
http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/default.asp?id=58022&c=w
Power restored after wild Qld storms
Energex crews have worked through the night after severe storms caused blackouts across south-east Queensland during Christmas celebrations.
More than 25,000 customers were blacked out by the storms, stretching from the New South Wales border north to Bundaberg.
The storms started at 2:00pm AEST.
Line after line of severe thunderstorms rolled in from the west and were still active until late last night.
Energex spokesman Graham Metcalf says there were thousands of lightning strikes and the usual strong winds.
"For about a five-hour period we had about 7,500 lightning strikes recorded and that was the main cause of the problems on the power network," he said.
He says most homes had power restored by late last night.
West of Brisbane there were reports of some hail in and around Ipswich.
The State Emergency Service officials says there were no calls for help and no reports of damage.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200512/s1537888.htm
Kansas Tornados
A first-place finish this year for Kansas in the number of tornadoes recorded in the state.There have been 135 tornadoes in Kansas this year, up from 122 in 2004. Texas is second with 102 twisters in 2005.But the real damage in the state came from straight-line wind.Chance Hayes is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Wichita.He estimates property damage from tornadoes at $6.4 million this year, while straight-line winds from severe thunderstorms cost the state an estimated $25.6 million.There were 21 injuries from straight-line winds, but no injuries caused by tornadoes.Hayes says the damage figure from tornadoes was relatively lowbecause most happened in low-population areas.
http://www.wibw.com/home/headlines/2115602.html
Green diets vs. global warming
December 26, 2005
Rama Schneider
Having one's own personal effect on our growing global warming/climate change crisis is most certainly a multi step program. We often view our choice in automobile as the most efficacious and obvious first move forward, but two assistant professors at the University of Chicago say the gas we want to change may actually be the gastronomic type.According to a news short titled It's better to green your diet than your car found at the New Scientist web site the two professors "compared the amount of fossil fuel needed to cultivate and process various foods, including running agricultural machinery, providing food for livestock and irrigating crops". They also counted methane and nitrous oxide produced by cows, sheep and manure handling. (Note: in the print edition of New Scientist, Dec 17-23 edition, the article is titled "Green your diet before your car".)The numbers Gidon Eshel and Pamela Martin present are somewhat surprising: A typical diet for the United States with about 28% animal based foods is responsible for almost one and a half tons more of carbon dioxide than to a purely vegetarian (vegan) diet ... that's per person each year! In one decade that makes for a difference of 15 tons of climate altering, global warming gasses for just one person. (If vegan isn't for you eating poultry can help reduce your gaseous contribution.)
http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051226/RTD/51226001
Hope Those Gifts Are Waterproof
Skip directly to the full story.
Published: Dec 24, 2005
TAMPA - Tonight looks to be a decent night to be in the air, even at rooftop altitude in an open cockpit and powered by eight reindeer - as long as you're on the ground by daybreak.
The rain that forecasters predict for Christmas Day should reach the Tampa Bay area about dawn, bringing showers and a possible thunderstorm. Forecasters do not expect the thunderstorms to be severe.
The National Weather Service is calling for a 60 percent chance of rain Sunday as a cold front moves south.
Most of the rain should pass quickly once the front leaves, although some clouds will linger. The rain will diminish through the afternoon, giving way Sunday night to lower temperatures.
Forecasters said the low Monday morning for Tampa should be about 48 degrees and in the lower 40s from Brooksville north.
Neil Johnson
http://news.tbo.com/news/MGB360GBLHE.html
US global warming emissions reached new high last year
HOTTING UP: The new data comes two weeks after Washington said its voluntary measures to cut greenhouse gases were working effectively
THE GUARDIAN , LONDON Friday, Dec 23, 2005,Page 7
Advertising Emissions of global warming gases from the US have nearly doubled in 14 years and reached an all-time high last year, according to figures released by the US government.
But new analysis suggests Europe is also falling behind in its attempt to meet legally binding UN targets.
The US energy department report shows emissions rose 2 percent last year and stood one year ago at 7,122.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent a year -- about 25 percent of the world total. The rise was the greatest in five years and is part of an accelerating trend. Revised figures also published showed emissions in 2003 were at the second highest level. This year's figures have not been published but are expected by analysts to be similar or greater because of strong US economic growth.
The data, released just two weeks after the US government claimed at the Montreal climate talks that its voluntary approach to cutting emissions was working, drew immediate criticism from European environment groups and academics.
Lord Rees, the president of the UK's Royal (science) Society, said the new data showed all industrialized countries needed to intensify efforts to cut emissions.
"At the G8 summit in Gleneagles in July, the US and other G8 countries agreed to `act with resolve and urgency to meet our shared and multiple objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.' But these figures emphasize the need to act with even greater urgency and resolve now."
He said the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere was about 380 parts per million, probably the highest for 20 million years and more than a third higher than before the industrial revolution.
"Industrialized countries will need to cut emissions by at least 60 percent by 2050 if we are to stabilize atmospheric concentrations at twice pre-industrial levels. It seems unlikely that the present US strategy ... will be enough," he said.
But there was little cheer for Europeans. A paper to be published next week suggests 10 of the 15 EU countries committed to reducing climate-change gases under the Kyoto agreement will fall short of their targets unless they take urgent action. Only the UK, Sweden and France are remotely on target, the Institute for Public Policy Research is expected to say. Emissions are rising in 13 of the 15 countries.
In a separate development, the governors of seven US states, frustrated by the federal government's refusal to set targets, yesterday signed up their states to work together to reduce global warming emissions. From 2009, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Vermont will begin trading carbon under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2005/12/23/2003285678
Governor outlines goals to fight global warming
PORTLAND — Governor Ted Kulongoski told the state Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) on Thursday that “a healthy environment helps us strengthen our economy,” and that he will move forward on a strategy to curb global warming and improve air quality in Oregon.
“The threat of global warming is real—not idle speculation,” the Governor testified. “This issue has been a priority of my administration.”Noting warnings by regional scientists and economists that climate change poses a real threat to Oregon’s economy and quality of life, the Governor reaffirmed his support of new tailpipe emissions standards that will reduce carbon emissions throughout the state and regionally. The Governor also restated his goal to reduce such emissions statewide to a level that’s 10 percent below the levels of 1990 by 2020—and by 2050, reduce emissions to a level that’s 75 percent below those of 1990.The Governor charged the EQC to create a strategic plan for the state Department of Environmental Quality to follow in developing and expanding existing programs to fight global warming and improve air quality. The issues are important because of their impact on the health of Oregonians and the economy, the Governor explained. “Oregon’s quality of life and our diverse natural resource base are among our greatest assets,” he added. “When I work on recruiting economic opportunities for our state, I look for companies that complement—not compete with—maintaining these values.”Many people overlook the relationship between the state’s environment and its economy, the Governor said, and competing interest groups often argue that Oregonians can have either but not both—a healthy environment and a robust economy. “It’s quite the contrary,” the Governor said. “A healthy environment helps us strengthen our economy.”The Governor pointed out recent findings by a group of Pacific Northwest economists who examined scientific reports on the effects of greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. The economists warned of damage to the economy in eight key sectors if global warming continues unchecked.Two years ago, the Governor created an Advisory Council on Global Warming, to which he appointed a diverse group of citizens with backgrounds in business, agriculture, ranching, academics and environmental issues. He instructed the Advisory Council to study the effects of global warming on Oregon, and to identify ways to curb those effects.
The threat of global warming is real—not idle speculation
Governor Kulongoski
The Advisory Council’s recommendations included goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which the Governor announced last spring, including stricter vehicle emission standards for Oregon.If Oregon adopts stricter emission standards for cars and small trucks beginning with the 2009 model year, the state can reduce harmful carbon emissions by 13-18 percent, the Governor said. Such standards would allow reductions up to 30 percent over the next 25 years.“If we do nothing, our trend of increasing emissions will continue to grow at approximately 1.6 percent a year,” the Governor warned.The Governor foresees other benefits to stricter standards, including better fuel efficiency and new economic opportunities. But educating citizens and decision-makers about the harmful effects of global warming on their lives is a major challenge, the Governor said. He pledged to continue working with the Legislature to improve the public’s understanding and to take decisive action to curb global warming.The Governor called for expanding two existing programs to improve air quality in Oregon. The first is the “Air Toxics Program,” which is a national model for reducing toxic emissions from industry, motor vehicles, and many small sources that collectively pose greater health risks than industrial sources. Many of these contribute to fine-particle pollution, haze and greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing “air toxics” will help protect human health, curb global warming, and provide clearer air, the Governor said. The Governor also called for strengthening the “Oregon Clean Diesel Initiative,” which seeks to reduce harmful emissions from the most significant source of air toxics in the state—diesel fuel combustion products. He highlighted other technologies and techniques that can reduce diesel use, including an initiative he launched a year ago—anti-idling technologies at truck stops, which will cut down on diesel emissions.Bio-diesel is another tool that offers “enormous” economic benefits, as well as environmental benefits, the Governor said.For the text of the Governor’s remarks, go to:
http://governor.oregon.gov/Gov/speech/speech_122205.shtml
Vermont joins global warming fight
Published: Thursday, December 22, 2005As the nation goes its own way on climate change, Vermont and six other states have stepped forward to join the global movement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Bravo for the Northeast states that agreed this week to do their part to cut the carbon dioxide emissions that are blamed for global warming.This is the right side to be on -- especially in light of the U.S. Department of Energy's discouraging report that the nation's greenhouse gas emissions increased 2 percent last year. Put in context, that's an extra 130 million metric tons of pollution entering the atmosphere, according to the National Environmental Trust. Not only are the seven Northeast states proposing concrete action in their own region, they are sending a message to Washington and the world that -- unlike the federal government -- they want to be part of the solution to global warming, not part of the problem. The other states joining Vermont in signing on to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative were New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire and New Jersey. Rhode Island and Massachusetts pulled out of the agreement, citing economic concerns. New York Gov. George Pataki, who spearheaded the regional agreement, has said that the regional market-based plan to reduce pollution might increase the annual household electricity bill by about $3 to $21. That seems like a small price to pay. The Northeast states' announcement came on the heels of a two-week United Nations climate conference in Montreal at which the United States stood out for its resolute refusal to agree to mandatory reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. Most industrialized nations signed on to begin negotiating a second round of reduction targets to follow the Kyoto Protocol, which ends in 2012. The United States should be part of this effort, and the Northeast states are showing they can lead the way. Vermont does not have coal-fired utilities, and only a small share of our power comes from out-of-state plants fired by fossil fuels -- major sources of carbon dioxide. But Vermont's participation is more than symbolic. This is a serious attempt by Vermont and the other states to make a commitment as a united region, and to follow through on promises made by the New England governors and premiers of the eastern Canadian provinces in 2001 to clean up their own back yards before calling for the Midwest power plants to clean up theirs. The reduction targets will require significant changes -- from improved efficiency to greater investment in renewable energy.Vermont is a green state that values conservation, efficiency and renewable energy alternatives that make sense for Vermont. As the state approaches a crossroads with the end of contracts with Vermont Yankee and Hydro Quebec, the regional push to reduce carbon dioxide emissions will help focus the debate on future energy sources. Gov. Jim Douglas is in the right place as he moves forward with a Commission on Climate Change to devise plans to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. He is also in the right place when he says Vermont is a special state that requires "Vermont-scale" energy solutions.
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051222/OPINION/512220322/1006&theme=
Paris plant hit by tornado shutting down
PARIS, Tenn. Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. - Mohon International, whose plant was severely damaged by a tornado last month, will close the facility and leave more than 300 people without a job.Company officials said the cost to rebuild was not practical.The final closing date is Feb. 17, but some employees have already been laid off.The plant, which has 135,000 square feet, manufactures furniture.Storms Nov. 15 swept across West and Middle Tennessee. There were no deaths and but major property damage, especially in Henry and Montgomery counties.
http://www.southernstandard.net/news.php?viewStory=26653
Stratford family still recovering from tornado
STRATFORD - For many Stratford families, the stress of the holiday season will be topped off by the effort in deciding what else needs to be done in the aftermath of the tornado that ripped through their town in November.Unfamiliar living situations, belongings still unpacked and in disarray, dealing with insurance agents and rebuilding homes are a just a few things on their minds."I love Christmas and this time of year ... especially getting to decorate the house," said Tricia Rose, of Stratford. "But this year I could care if it comes or goes."Rose said it is difficult to look forward to holiday events after the tornado rocked her home in early November. Most of the roof blew off, and a breezeway and garage were shredded and scattered across town.
http://www.zwire.com/site/tab1.cfm?newsid=15793709&BRD=2700&PAG=461&dept_id=554314&rfi=6
Dane County Exectuive Falk: Announces Funds for Tornado Relief
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Contact: Topf Wells, (608) 266-9069, or Steve Steinhoff, (608) 266-4270
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Contact: Topf Wells, (608) 266-9069, or Steve Steinhoff, (608) 266-4270 Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk announced today that $60,000 in grant funds are available to help towns, villages and cities pay for tornado debris removal costs. The storm, which occurred in late August 2005, affected the Towns of Dunn, Pleasant Springs, Christiana, Rutland, Dunkirk, and a portion of the City of Stoughton. The grants are made available through the County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. “Dane County has worked hard to provide whatever assistance we can to the residents and communities hurt by the tornado. “With tight budgets for local governments, tornado clean-up costs have severely strained local budgets. Although federal CDBG rules restrict what we can do, I am glad that we can offer partial reimbursement for the communities’ clean-up costs,” said Falk. She commented briefly on the decision by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) decision, released the previous day, to deny Wisconsin communities, including aid for the tornado damage. “State, county, local governments and thousands of volunteers are working together to help the citizens and communities hurt by the tornadoes. FEMA should have joined us in this effort; I think they made a big mistake.” Cities, villages, and towns in the tornado area are encouraged to apply for assistance under the tornado relief program by January 20, 2006. Applications will be mailed to the affected communities and also are available on the county's website: www.co.dane.wi.us. Under the federal rules, communities can apply for reimbursement of the costs for their public employees to remove storm debris from public right of way.For additional information about this program, contact Steve Steinhoff at 608- 266-4270 or Steinhoff@co.dane.wi.us.
http://www.wisdems.org/ht/display/ReleaseDetails/i/718988
Secret Santa Helps Family HitBy August Tornado
After 25 years in the farming business, Jim and Cindy Ace say they were finally content. Both were able to quit jobs in town to work their family farm full time. They had 17 buildings, and harvested corn, tobacco and soybeans. That was before August 18th.
The tornado that swept through the Stoughton area during the states worst tornado outbreak ever, took out 13 of their 17 buildings, and damaged the rest. The tornado plucked 3 of the 4 silos, and after spinning them in the air, crushed them like tin cans. Once the dust settled, the Aces crunched the numbers. After insurance, they were $75,000 - $125,000 short of what they needed to rebuild. The couple was back to square one, and considering all the options, including other jobs, even though they say, they just want to run the farm.
After FEMA denied federal aid to Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ran a story featuring the Aces, who said a low interest loan they may have been eligible for with a FEMA disaster declaration would be a "godsend". An anonymous donor saw the article, and contacted the Salvation Army, asking them to hand over a check.
The Aces first saw the check's amount of $20,000 during a news conference and Cindy immediately shed tears. "I've always told our kids that farming builds character and this will built A LOT of character!" She said.
For more information on the original 27 News report, and follow-up stories, click on ''Read the news archives'' or the ''27 News Vault''.
http://www.wkowtv.com/index.php/news/story/p/pkid/22917
Wintry weather makes a mess around metro
Freezing rain brings power outages, school closings and flight delaysBy MIKE MORRISPublished on: 12/15/05
Icy rain that fell across North Georgia early today broke tree limbs, cut electricity to more than 150,000 utility customers and forced some school districts to cancel or delay classes one day before many schools closed for Christmas break.
Classes were canceled in at least eight North Georgia school systems, and some parents in other counties packed their children off to school, only to have the students sent home early because of power outages.
Forsyth County schools delayed opening and then closed all together as reports came in of the outages, said schools spokeswoman Jennifer Carracciolo. Carracciolo said trees were coated with ice in the county, which has 24 schools and about 24,500 students.
The county's high schools postponed Thursday's missed final exams until Jan. 5, according to the schools' Web sites. Students will take their regularly scheduled final exams on Friday.
Schools were also closed Thursday in the city of Gainesville and in Banks, Dawson, Habersham, Lumpkin, Pickens and White counties north of Atlanta, while school officials in Hall County delayed opening for two hours.
In the City of Atlanta, Warren T. Jackson Elementary School and Sutton Middle School were closed because of power outages, but other schools in the system were open, said Joe Manguno, spokesman for Atlanta Public Schools.
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/1205/15ice.html
Conference puts focus on global warming threat
Posted: December 16, 2005 by: Shannon Burns / Today correspondent MONTREAL - Hundreds of international experts and leaders - including many from First Nations communities in Canada - brought the urgency of a changing climate to the attention of the world at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Montreal in early December. The 11-day conference was a U.N. initiative to encourage preventive measures against global warming. Representatives from the Assembly of First Nations made up part of the American Indian congregation at the conference, which included many Inuit officials as well as men and women from various Native-geared organizations. The ambitions of those in attendance were unified. According to research and predictions outlined and discussed at the convention, climate change is real. Introducing the conference, UNCCC organizers wrote, ''The world's climate has always varied naturally, but compelling evidence from around the world indicated that a new kind of climate change is now under way, foreshadowing drastic impacts on people, economies and ecosystems.''
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096412126
TEN YEARS OF GLOBAL WARMING
A pattern of more intense global warming over the past decade has been confirmed by temperatures over the past twelve months that confirm that 2005 was one of the hottest years on record. According to data released by the United Nation's World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) this year is the second warmest ever, with an increase of 0.48 degrees Celsius. The WMO uses 1961-1990 annual average surface temperature as the benchmark for climate change measurements. In a year marked by record hurricanes in the Caribbean and melting ice floes in the Arctic, the WMO said the world experienced the warmest months of June and October ever, surpassing those recorded in 1998 and 2004 respectively. Gaps in data and outstanding readings for the final weeks of 2005 mean that this year overall could vary from being the warmest ever to being the eighth warmest when the final figure is released next February. "It could well be that this ranking could be modified but we are very confident that it will end up in the four warmest years," said WMO Secretary General Michel Jarraud. "In the northern hemisphere it will be the warmest year on record and in the southern hemisphere we anticipate that it will be the fourth warmest on record," he said.
http://www9.sbs.com.au/theworldnews/region.php?id=126351®ion=3
Scientists Sound Warning on Global Warming
Why Santa May Soon Need a Boat -- But It's No Joke
Dec. 15, 2005 -- NASA has just announced that for the fourth year in a row, it has recorded the hottest annual global temperatures since reliable records started in the late 1800s.
This year, 2005, tied for the hottest year ever with 1998 — and 1998 was "an El Niño of the Century year — and El Niños always make it hotter. If this had been an El Niño year, it would surely have been the hottest year of all," Dr. James Hansen, NASA earth sciences director, told ABC News.
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Science/story?id=1407585
Global warming becomes a threat for Santa
London - Santa Claus may have to swap his sleigh for waterwings sooner than expected as global warming melts his Arctic home, environmental group WWF said on Friday.A new study for the organisation formerly known as the Worldwide Fund for Nature predicts that the earth could warm by two degrees centigrade above pre-industrial levels as early as 2026 - and by triple that amount in the Arctic."This... could result in Santa's home changing forever," said the report by Mark New of Oxford University.And Rudolph and his fellow reindeer are not the only creatures under threat - polar bears, ice-dwelling seals and several forms of Arctic vegetation are also at risk.
http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=31&art_id=qw113465142232B251
Thunderstorms lash Gold Coast
13dec05DANGEROUS thunderstorms have battered parts of south-east Queensland with golf ball sized hailstones and destructive winds.The Bureau of Meteorology said Rathdowney, near Beaudesert, south-west of Brisbane, was the hardest hit around 3.30pm (AEST) today.
In the Gold Coast hinterland Laravale and Kooralbyn were also struck by severe thunderstorms, it said.
The storm front was expected to lash Coomera, Logan Village, Beenleigh and Jacobs Wells – all south of Brisbane.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,17557392%255E1702,00.html
Thunderstorms hammering the country
12 December 2005
Thunderstorms have been drenching the country over the weekend and will continue to do so for the rest of this week, MetService is predicting.
Meteorologists have issued a special weather advisory on thunderstorms for Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Taupo, Taranaki, Taihape, Wanganui, Manawatu, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, and Wairarapa.
"The Tasman Sea is a breeding ground for troughs of low pressure at present, MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt said.
"The large high-pressure area east of New Zealand is blocking the normal flow of the weather, and this combination is keeping humid northerlies over the country until this weekend."
Over the weekend thundery showers brought 70 millimetres of rain to Taupo. One thunderstorm turned streets into canals in Palmerston North and another dumped 27 millimetres in an hour over Lumsden.
"These thundery showers may not have been very numerous in the north so far, but they have been bringing decent dollops of rain here and there.
"These can result in rapid surface flooding especially in and near mountain streams," Mr McDavitt said.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3509531a11,00.html
Tornado tax break in works
By MARK WILSON Courier & Press staff writer 464-7417 or mwilson@evansville.netDecember 10, 2005
Some tornado-stricken industries in Warrick County will have to wait until after the first of the year to apply for tax breaks on rebuilding.
The County Council met in a special session during Thursday night's snowstorm to consider making the Warrick Research and Industrial Center, a privately developed industrial park located north of Vann Road, an Economic Revitalization Area. The council voted 4-1 to approve it on first reading. Council President Gary Meyer, who routinely opposes tax abatements, was the only vote against the measure on first reading.
http://www.courierpress.com/ecp/news/article/0,1626,ECP_734_4304738,00.html
US walks out of climate change talks as 150 nations move forward to adopt Kyoto
By Andrew Buncombe in Montreal
Published: 10 December 2005 The Bush administration's unwillingness to seriously confront global warming was increasingly at odds with the rest of the world last night as more than 150 other nations were poised to move forward with the Kyoto protocol.
The US faced widespread condemnation after persistently rejecting even the mildest commitment to deal with climate change at the UN talks in Montreal.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/article332206.ece
Cameron pledges tough measures on climate change
By George Jones, Political Editor(Filed: 10/12/2005)
David Cameron promised yesterday that under his leadership the Conservative Party would be ready to take the "tough decisions" needed to cut Britain's greenhouse gas emissions to combat global warming.
He appointed Zac Goldsmith, an environmental and anti-globalisation campaigner, and John Gummer, a former Conservative environment secretary, to take charge of a new policy group looking at quality of life issues.
Mr Cameron has highlighted the environment, and in particular climate change, as key concerns that he feels the Conservatives have previously neglected.
He launched the policy review group at the London Wetland Centre bird reserve where he met members of Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/12/10/ntory10.xml&sSheet=/portal/2005/12/10/ixportal.html
Clinton addresses climate change meeting
MONTREAL, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Former President Bill Clinton made a surprise appearance Friday at the Montreal meeting on climate change, offering a compromise on the next steps.
The meeting ended with the United States and China refusing to curb emissions of greenhouse gases, the New York Times reported.
In his speech, Clinton suggested that environmentalists are pushing too much for hard targets for reduction. But he also rebuked the Bush administration for its attitude on the issue.
"There is no more important place in the world to apply the principle of precaution than the area of climate change," he said, after pointing out that the administration has adopted a precautionary attitude to terrorism.
The United States and Australia have not signed the Kyoto Treaty, which requires reductions in emissions from advanced industrial countries.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/upi/?feed=TopNews&article=UPI-1-20051209-21330000-bc-canada-climatechange.xml
Slow climate change, indigenous people urge
Last Updated Fri, 09 Dec 2005 13:26:32 EST
CBC News
Indigenous people from around the circumpolar world are calling on nations to commit to tougher cuts on greenhouse gas emissions as a two-week climate conference in Montreal draws to an end Friday.
Ministers and government officials from more than 180 countries have been negotiating at the United Nations conference.
Indigenous leaders say the Arctic is seen as the early warning system for the rest of the world. As they watch changes in their local areas, they're not sure all the countries are hearing the alarm.
http://www.cbc.ca/story/science/national/2005/12/09/climate-call051209.html
Washington furious over Martin's climate change comments
Last Updated Fri, 09 Dec 2005 14:57:23 EST
CBC News
The White House has officially complained about Prime Minister Paul Martin's comments this week at the climate change conference in Montreal.
http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2005/12/09/katrina-global-warming-bush-martin.html
The Montreal Climate Change Conference
What got done
CBC News Online Dec. 12, 2005Climate change experts are far-sighted. They are thinking 20, 30, 40 years into the future. So with the Kyoto Protocol expiring in 2012, there's a sense of urgency when it comes to reducing the emissions that are cited as causing climate change.
That's why the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change organized the Montreal Climate Change Conference, which was held between Nov. 28 and Dec. 9, 2005.
The UN-organized conference gathered all the parties in the Kyoto Protocol – and then some. Approximately 190 nations were represented by the 8,000 delegates – the largest intergovernmental climate gathering since 1997, when the Kyoto Protocol was adopted. That's when 146 countries promised to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
It all boils down to gas emissions. Power plants, factories and personal vehicles emit a mixture of gases that trap heat in Earth's atmosphere, hence the term global warming.
Taking it beyond Kyoto But as the conference progressed, it looked as though it would end without a deal on going beyond Kyoto, on continuing the process of reducing greenhouse gases after 2012.
That changed in the early hours of Dec. 10 after the conference was supposed to officially wrap up. A deal was worked out, an agreement that is being called "the Montreal Action Plan."
"This is a major, major deal and a major historic day, to see this agreement going ahead," said Catherine Pearce, a climate change campaigner with Friends of the Earth International.
The new agreement extends the life of the 1997 Kyoto treaty, which came into effect on Feb. 16, 2005.
It legally bound participating developed countries to cut their combined greenhouse gas emissions to five per cent below 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012.
In another significant step, a number of countries that did not ratify Kyoto – including Australia and the United States – have agreed to non-binding talks on a climate-change agreement that will eventually replace Kyoto.
Among the deal's highlights:
A call for binding commitments to cut greenhouse emissions beyond 2012 when the current Kyoto Protocol expires.
A working group of Parties to the Kyoto Protocol will report to each annual session of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, Kyoto's parent treaty.
Members would have seven years to negotiate and ratify accords by the time the first phase ends in 2012.
The deal does not set emissions reductions targets for developing countries like China and India, but provides mechanisms through which they can get access to clean technology and financing for climate-friendly projects.
Beyond Kyoto is scheduled to get on track in May 2006, when officials are to meet to begin to carry out the "Montreal Action Plan."
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/kyoto/
Kyoto Protocol may have no future
11:02 29/ 12/ 2005
MOSCOW. (RIA Novosti commentator Tatyana Sinitsina.) 2005 began very favorably for the Kyoto Protocol but has gradually changed from positive to pessimistic.
The first international project aimed at lowering man's pressure on the atmosphere and stop climate change may have no future. Its outlook for 2006 is grim, as many experts say the unique document is hanging in the balance.
There are many reasons for such pessimistic forecasts, said Sergei Kurayev of the Russian Ecological Center, who attended the recent 11th Conference of the 189 Parties to the 1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Montreal.
"Take the no-budge stance of the U.S. administration, who does not want to hear the words Kyoto protocol," he said. "The Americans said before coming to Montreal that they would attend only the 11th conference of the Climate Change Convention but not the 1st Conference of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol. In my opinion, Russia's procrastination with drafting the institutional base for the protocol has had its negative effect too."
However, the parties have made progress in Montreal although delegates from 150 states fought tooth and nail to defend their interests, unwilling to budge an inch. But conference participants approved the so-called Marrakech Accords, which specify measures needed to put the protocol into effect, including how greenhouse gas emissions are measured, joint projects implemented, quotas traded, and so on. They also stipulate additional quotas for forest powers ("oxygen sink"), which concerns Russia directly.
Approval of the Marrakech Accords will give the green light to the protocol as an effective international document of the UN. However, the delegations have not coordinated the individual obligations of each party, without which no movement is possible.
Debates on beginning talks on the second stage of the protocol's obligations after 2012 proved extremely difficult. Parties involved in the issue have no common understanding of the talks' format and rules of procedure nor have they put forth any practical proposals. Eventually they decided to set up a special working group that would formulate future commitments and a mechanism of voluntary accession by non-Kyoto countries.
Montreal gave the Kyoto Protocol a chance to start working towards full capacity. But how large can this capacity be without the United States, China and India, who are the main emitters of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere? The chances of involving them in the Kyoto process are slim, and the enthusiasm of the European Union, even if supported by Russia, is clearly not enough.
Americans say that they are taking national measures to reduce dangerous emissions. And India and China claim that they need to catch up with the world's industrialized countries at all costs. This leaves little chance for the Kyoto Protocol.
http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20051229/42776276.html
THE MARRAKECH ACCORDS
Donald GoldbergKatherine Silverthorne
After the collapse of climate change negotiations in The Hague, Netherlands, in November of 2000, many thought the Kyoto Protocol was doomed to fail. However, eight months later in Bonn, Germany, countries were able to pick up the pieces and resume negotiations with renewed momentum. The Bonn negotiations resulted in a political agreement that set forth broad-brush guidelines on key issues including the flexible mechanisms, "sinks," funding, and compliance. While this agreement insured continued momentum in the negotiations, it left many details to be finalized.
The Seventh Conference of the Parties (COP7) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), held in Marrakech, Morocco, in October of 2001 was tasked with finalizing the underlying legal texts for the Bonn Agreement and setting in place the accounting system for the Kyoto Protocol. This task was completed and the finalized texts are all contained in the 245-page Marrakech Accords. A draft of the Marrakech Accords can be found at
http://www.unfccc.de/cop7/documents/accords_draft.pdf.
THE MARRAKECH ACCORDS/Declaration
http://unfccc.int/cop7/accords_draft.pdf
Clinton scathing of Bush stance on global warming
As the US delegation at the Montreal summit walked away from entering a dialogue with other countries about global warming, former president Bill Clinton warned yesterday: "We will have meetings like this in 40 years' time on a raft somewhere unless we do something." Frank McDonald in Montreal reports.
In a rousing speech at a side event organised by the Sierra Club of Canada at the UN climate change conference, he said it was "crazy to play games with our children's future" by failing to take actions that would "give us all a chance to share the planet together".
Mr Clinton told an enthusiastic audience of delegates and other participants in the conference that "millions and millions of jobs" could be created in the developed and developing worlds by investing in alternative technologies, such as solar, wind and geo-thermal energy.
In a scathing attack on the Bush administration's negative stance on global warming, the former president said one of the big obstacles to making progress was the "old energy economy which is well-organised, well-financed and well-connected politically".
Referring to the fact that 192 American mayors had committed their cities to making deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, Mr Clinton said countries could do the same.
Even if they couldn't agree on specific targets, there was no reason not to take action.
"We have a heavy obligation because we know now what's happening to the climate and we also know we have alternatives," he declared.
But as Machiavelli had said, "there is nothing so difficult in human affairs than to change the established order of things".
Mr Clinton recalled that he "helped to write" the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, but his efforts to secure tax credits for the development of solar energy had been rebuffed.
However, he was sure the Danes were happy that 20 per cent of their electricity now came from wind power.
The former president's speech came on the last day of the summit after delegates had adopted a "rule book" to make Kyoto work and sought to reach agreement on a bland declaration to hold more talks on how to deal with the dangers posed by climate change.
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/front/2005/1210/1779733406HM1FRANK.html
FEMA fails at more than hurricane relief.. The national weather service is not making good predictions, either.
Update 2: The Nation's Weather
Severe thunderstorms in the Southeast spawned tornadoes Monday, while snow, some of it heavy, fell in the mid-Atlantic, the Plains and the Rockies. Several tornadoes swept through parts of the Florida Panhandle and southern Georgia as showers and thunderstorms fired up along a cold front. Moderate to heavy snow fell over parts of the mid-Atlantic. Icy conditions were reported in eastern Virginia. Light to moderate snow fell over Minnesota and Wisconsin. A weak front produced light snow from the northern Rockies into the Plains. Skies were partly cloudy over the much of the Southwest and southern Plains. Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Monday ranged from a morning low of 22 below zero in Jordan, Mont., to a high of 82 degrees in Punta Gorda, Fla.
http://www.forbes.com/entrepreneurs/feeds/ap/2005/12/05/ap2370859.html
December 30, 2005 -- Posted at 5:31 p.m. CST
JONESBORO, AR -- Tornado season in Arkansas has remained very busy in 2005 with double the number of tornadoes this year than normal.
The National Weather Service's warning system gave Arkansans more time to respond to the increased number of tornadoes.
"I believe the last account so far this year is fifty two tornadoes to date in Arkansas in 2005 -- which is about double the average," said David Moore, with the Craighead County Office of Emergency Services.
http://www.kait8.com/Global/story.asp?S=4303284&nav=0jsh
Tornado time off cost 'snow days'
By MARK WILSON Courier & Press staff writer 464-7417 or mwilson@evansville.netDecember 30, 2005
Warrick County School Superintendent Brad Schneider is hoping for the rest of this winter stays warm - or at least not snowy.
Schools in Warrick County now have only two more days built into the 2005-2006 school schedule to make up snow days without extending the school year.
The Warrick County School Corp. received word Wednesday from the Indiana Department of Education that it would have to make up Nov. 7 and Nov. 8 after a tornado tore a path of damage all the way from Newburgh to Tennyson, Ind. The tornado ultimately killed 25 people in Warrick and Vanderburgh counties and destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes and businesses, disrupting services and everyday activities.
The school corporation had asked the state to waive those two missed days, in effect writing them off. That request was denied.
In addition, school was called off on Dec. 9 because of snow.
As a result, three make up days have been scheduled. Students will attend school on Jan. 16, Feb. 20 and April 21.
http://www.courierpress.com/ecp/news/article/0,1626,ECP_734_4351239,00.html
BOY UNDER TORNADO TRAILER - A NEIGHBOR
Friday, December 30, 2005 - FreeMarketNews.comMore than twelve hours passed before a search and rescue dog found eight year old Noah Donner after the Evansville tornado hit Eastbrook Mobile Home Park on November 6. But Noah was not alone as he lay going in and out of consciousness under the floor of a mobile home with a car on top of that floor. Dead nearby were Noah’s six year old sister and his father. Eighteen other residents of the mobile home park also died along with five Warrick County citizens. It was the worst tornado to hit Southwestern Indiana in more than thirty years. Although he did not know it a tiny peach faced lovebird huddled in Noah’s right armpit struggling to stay alive just as Noah was doing hidden from rescuers. Paula Tieken, volunteer foster parent for the Evansville Department of Animal Care and Control, who is a veterinary technician, cared for the bird along with other animals lost in the storm until the bird’s owner located the bird in her care. Joan Fultz, the bird’s owner, broke her hip in the tornado. She felt that she would not be able to care for the bird anymore and asked Tieken to give it to Noah. A smiling Noah received the bird Friday just before Christmas. He calls his new pet "Mr. Peepers". Noah and his mother live with a grandmother now. The front page picture of Noah and his grandmother with Mr. Peepers in The Evansville Courier will stay in many of our minds as one of the many reminders of how this tiny corner of the world came together in a time of crisis. First responders were on the scene within minutes searching for the injured and dead in the two am darkness along with neighbors from those trailers not hit by the tornado. A private company came with strong lights. Police and sheriff deputies from both counties, Vanderburgh and Warrick, set up roadblocks almost immediately when the wind passed. They manned these stations until the National Guard arrived in the afternoon. Then they assisted the Guard which did not know the area for several weeks. Governor Mich Daniels came in early afternoon from Indianapolis. Asked about help from Homeland Security Daniels said, "We will take care of our own" And we did! All manner of vehicles transported the injured to Evansville’s two hospitals. The hospitals and first responders are trained and drilled in what to do. We expect storms but not one this bad. The homeless were taken to designated shelters in both counties where volunteers flocked with all manner of food, clothing and assistance. Churches on the edge of the disaster opened kitchens and aid stations. The media got a telethon going which raised millions of dollars. Companies sent their employees into the storm damaged areas as soon as they could work there safely. We hear a lot about red and blue states these days. The only colors which concerned us here in the aftermath of the storm were red, white and blue. The wreckage of one hundred and fifty trailers is gone and standing alone visible from I-164 is an American flag. Those who lost their families and their homes will remember November 6th as tsunami, hurricane and earthquake. The rest of us hope that in time their wounds will heal as they get new homes and go on with their lives. We were glad to help our neighbors.-Nan Hardin is FMNN contributor living in Evansville. This is her second article on the tornado.
http://www.freemarketnews.com/WorldNews.asp?nid=4489
John Oncken: Tornado's fury made it year to remember
By John Oncken December 29, 2005
Another year has come and mostly gone. The past 52 weeks have brought both good and bad into our lives and in many cases the results were based on where we were at a given point in time.
A good example is Aug. 18, 2005. On that day people's lives were greatly impacted if they lived in the paths of tornadoes that hit the Stoughton area in Dane County or Viola in Richland County. Houses and farm buildings were destroyed or damaged while other buildings just a few feet away went unscathed.
Four months later, the effects of that Thursday are still very evident.
A quick trip through Dunn, Pleasant Springs and Christiana townships near Stoughton shows that much of the debris is gone. Owners and volunteers have picked, piled, hauled and burned immense amounts of lumber that once made up houses and barns. New construction is evident with houses springing up. Meanwhile, siders and roofers are busy repairing damaged homes.
But one can't miss the broken and bent trees standing naked in the winter air along the narrow path of the tornado. Farm buildings on Kaase Road, once a total mess, are now gone. There's a "For Sale" sign stuck into a driveway that leads to nothing, a stark reminder that life has indeed changed for some.
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/index.php?ntid=66852&ntpid=1
'Tornado-like' storms cut power to Inverell and district
By Matthew MulliganFriday, 30 December 2005
INVERELL and its wider district suffered from significant blackouts on Wednesday evening when powerlines were brought down by tornado like storms.
Country Energy Regional General manager for the Northern Region Paul Brial said the storm that caused the power interruption was one of many fierce storms that had hit the northern part of the state in past months.
"They've been particularly notable for their ferocity," Mr Brial said. He described the storms as being "tornado-like" in their intensity.
"The destructive power is quite high."
Mr Brial said that on Wednesday evening storms brought down a 22,000 volt powerline between Inverell and Warialda at about 6pm.
He said that because the powerline was a strategic feeder to the area a widespread part of the district experienced blackouts.
Mr Brial said the affected area included, among others, Inverell, Bingara, Warialda, Coolatai, Gravesend, North Star, Yallaroi and Yetman
He said restoration of the power supply began at about 8pm and power was mostly restored to all affected areas by 11.24pm.
Many Inverell businesses were interrupted by the blackout. Hong Yuen owner Harry Fay Jnr said the supermarket had had to close early.
"We were greatly inconvenienced," he said.
When power went out people had to be ushered from the dark building, leaving half full trolleys of groceries in the aisles. Mr Fay said shoplifting also became a huge problem at a time like this.
Inverell McDonalds franchisee Julianne Rodgers said the store had prepared to close down, but when the power returned customers had entered the restauraunt instantly.
Mrs Rodgers said another problem for many businesses in such a situation was that refrigerated and frozen food could spoil if the power was off for too long.
http://inverell.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?
class=news&subclass=local&story_id=448707&category=General%20News&m=12&y=2005
Tornado-Damaged Ellis Park to Race in 2006
by Tom LaMarraDate Posted: 12/29/2005 8:32:07 AMLast Updated: 12/30/2005 1:30:50 PM
Ellis Park sustained signficant damage from a tornado that hit Nov. 6.Photo: Associated Press
Though repairs to damage from a Nov. 6 tornado won't be completed by summer, Ellis Park in western Kentucky will conduct its 36-day meet in 2006, parent company Churchill Downs Inc. announced Dec. 28.
Plans for all repairs aren't official--CDI is still working out details with its insurance company--but the facility will be ready enough to race live from July 19-Sept. 4. The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority had approved the dates earlier this year.
"Everybody likes to start the New Year out with a little good news," Churchill Downs president Steve Sexton said.
Repairs are under way on the grandstand roof, racing office, and several barns damaged by high winds. Plans to fix the paddock, jockeys' quarters, and safety rail are in the development stages, officials said.
The tornado destroyed 11 barns as well as the grandstand "Turf Terrace," an older wooden grandstand that offered tiered seating adjacent the paddock. The status of those repairs is uncertain.
John Asher, vice president of communications for Churchill Downs, indicated Ellis Park would have enough stall space even if all the barns aren't rebuilt. Before the storm, the track had stalls for 1,100 horses; currently, there's room for about 800 horses, about the number that was on the grounds for the 2005 meet.
Sexton said there would be room for close to the same number because the receiving barn can hold about 50 horses. Horses regularly ship in from other facilities in Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois.
Sexton said it was important to make the announcement on 2006 racing so employees and horsemen could plan accordingly. When asked about long-term plans for Ellis Park, Sexton said CDI would "take it one year at a time."
"It is important for everyone concerned that we be thorough in both our assessment of storm damage at Ellis Park and our planning for its future," he said. "There are several key business factors that must be considered, including the continued maturity of casino and off-track betting competition in the local market, and prospects for legislation in the 2006 Kentucky General Assembly that could allow for additional gaming at racetracks."
A coalition of horse interests led by the Kentucky Equine Education Project plans to push for a constitutional amendment on racetrack gaming. It's expected the legislation will be made public early in the General Assembly session that begins Jan. 3.
No humans were seriously injured in the tornado, though three Thoroughbreds were killed. Simulcast operations at Ellis Park resumed Nov. 16 after damage to the clubhouse was repaired.
http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=31517
Tornado Cleanup Led to Dispute Among Officials
Evansville-area officials say they gambled that the federal government would help pay the clean-up bill from November's deadly tornado at the Eastbrook Mobile Home Park.
The gamble paid off last week when the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced it would reimburse the county over $178,000 for the work.
A tornado hit the mobile home park in the pre-dawn hours of November sixth, killing 18 people.
County commission president Cheryl Musgrave says officials debated whether to have county highway crews clean up the private site and seek federal reimbursement or let the property owner pay for the cleanup.
County officials weren't sure if the property owner or the county could afford to complete the cleanup without federal help.
http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4290564&nav=0Ra7
Boy, bird survived tornado together
Story of a small miracle
By THOMAS B. LANGHORNE Courier & Press staff writer 464-7432 or langhornet@courierpress.comDecember 27, 2005
bove the ditch where a mangled Noah Donner lay buried in debris after last month's tornado at Eastbrook Mobile Home Park, life had stopped.
Eighteen people, including Noah's father and 6-year-old sister, were dead. Noah, 8, also lost his beloved dog.
http://www.courierpress.com/ecp/news/article/0,1626,ECP_734_4343890,00.html
Christmas night fire burns tornado-damaged house in Lulaby Fokes
LinkLULA - No one was injured in a fire Christmas evening in Lula that destroyed an house that was being renovated."This house was hit by the tornado that came through Hall County August 30th and was only valued at $10,000 at the time of the fire because of the prior destruction," said Hall County Fire Marshall Scott Cagle. "It is now a total loss."Cagle said the fire appears to be accidental, possibly caused by a kerosene heater while the owner, Chuck Mickam, was in Oakwood for dinner."It's still under investigation, officially, but definitely an accidental fire," he said.
http://www.accessnorthga.com/news/hall/newfullstory.asp?ID=99471
Best post-tornado gift? Home for the holidays
JUDY NEWMAN jdnewman@madison.com
TOWN OF DUNN - For Sam, Noah and Chloe Neumeyer, Christmas is all about the presents piled under the tree - Disney toys for Chloe, 3, and video games for Sam, 8, and Noah, 6.
But for their mom, Diane Neumeyer, the best Christmas present this year is: coming home.
After the Aug. 18 tornado devastated their house and dozens of others in the town of Dunn and in nearby Pleasant Springs, the Neumeyers finally returned to their nearly rebuilt home Dec. 3.
"I feel like I got my life back," Diane Neumeyer said. "It was comforting to be back to my own walls, my own things. The kids have their own toys back. It feels normal; it feels good."
In the two small communities in southeast Dane County, near Stoughton, scars of the tornado - blamed for $33.6 million in damage - are not yet healed.
http://www.madison.com/wsj/mad/top/index.php?ntid=66420&ntpid=1
Tornado misses Greymouth
26/12/2005 10:25:25
Greymouth residents have had a lucky escape from a tornado this morning.
A twister was spotted out at sea, but it died down before reaching land.
One resident says he feared it would be a repeat of the tornado in March this year, which caused widespread damage and cost the town thousands.
Russ Down, from The Jade radio station, says he could see the twister become quite big from the station's studios. He says it then just vanished.
He admits his fingers were crossed as this was similar to the way the big tornado had appeared.
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=86906
Tornado's path of sadness Somber residents returning to Indiana mobile home park
By Alex Davisalexdavis@courier-journal.comThe Courier-Journal
EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- Sitting on a swing set outside her family's mobile home, Emily Flahardy runs down her Christmas wish list.
She's hoping for a DVD player and maybe some music by her favorite band.
But most of all, the 9-year-old wishes for something she knows she can't have: to travel back in time before Nov. 6, the day a tornado roared through the Eastbrook Mobile Home Park, where she lives.
"To have a miracle," she said last week, "like it never happened."
Emily's family -- her parents and an older brother -- survived the storm with only minor damage to their home.
But 20 residents were killed and about a third of the park's 270 occupied homes were destroyed as Eastbrook bore the brunt of the storm, the worst to hit Indiana in three decades.
A month and a half later -- after a temporary evacuation of the entire park -- families are returning and starting to rebuild.
As of Dec. 16, residents were back in about 140 homes, according to Evansville attorney David Hatfield, a spokesman for the park's owner, the Westbrook Corp.
Among them were Marcella and Clifford Rawlings, both 84, who have lived at Eastbrook in their single-wide mobile home for eight years.
They moved back as soon as they could after the storm, despite an estimated $14,000 in damage to their home.
So far it hasn't been easy -- in part, Marcella Rawlings said, because she is haunted by memories from the storm. One of her close friends, a widow who was 78, broke her neck and died as a result of the tornado's winds, which topped 160 mph.
"It was really pitiful, hearing all the people hollering 'Help me!' " Marcella Rawlings said of the morning after the storm. "It was just a sad time."
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
AID=/20051224/NEWS02/512240385/1008/NEWS01
Volunteer firefighter reflects on tornado's emotional aftermath
By GARRET MATHEWS Courier & Press staff writer 464-7527 or mathewsg@courierpress.comDecember 25, 2005
Dale Naylor, volunteer firefighter, was one of the first responders to the Eastbrook Mobile Home Park after the Nov. 6 tornado.
He saw several mangled bodies, some without clothes. Even in the black night, he knew they were dead.
Naylor, eighth-grade basketball coach at Plaza Park Middle School, had a game two days later.
"I told my boys that winning is important, but I just witnessed 19 people who lost their lives. " I told them to have a good time playing ball and then go home and tell Mom and Dad how much you love them. I had a focus problem after the tornado. I'm conducting drills on the basketball floor and seeing dead bodies in my mind."
Naylor has coached at Plaza Park for 20 years. He also teaches physical education.
"I never got a chance to debrief after the disaster. I felt myself getting horribly depressed. I would get a knot in my throat and my eyes would moisten.
"I couldn't get it out of my mind. Here were kids I was coaching who were about the same age as some who died. It was probably two weeks before I could run a practice and not think about it."
Naylor, 46, is currently third in command at the Knight Township Fire Department. He's been on the crew for 15 years.
"I live about two miles from the trailer park. Driving to the scene, I knew it was gonna be bad. Stuff was still dropping out of the sky.
"So many people needed treatment. They were bleeding and separated from their families. People were shouting and tugging on our coats to help find their children.
"It was an eerie calm that's hard to explain. There was no sound except for the screams. No wind. No noise from the trucks.
"The only light was our flashlights. We were reaching in piles of debris desperately looking for victims. There were gas leaks and exposed power lines. We were in spaces that weren't secured. Beams and partially standing dwellings could have fallen on us. It's amazing that not a single rescuer was hurt."
Naylor came home that Sunday night just long enough to shower and change clothes.
"Three years ago, my wife Laura and I adopted a little girl from China. When I came in the doorway, I had hit the wall. I had dealt with a lot of death before, but nothing like this.
"Ellie threw her arms around my legs and told me everything was going to be all right. That child did an awful lot for my morale."
The Knight Township fire hall (that was severely damaged in the tornado) is strictly volunteer. Naylor didn't make a dime for the untold hours he spent at the trailer park.
"I wouldn't do it if I got paid."
He grins.
"Then it would be like a job. I've always wanted to be a firefighter. Some of the guys on the department are former students. This is the perfect place for me."
His Plaza Park basketball team finished the season with a 7-7 record.
"They were a good bunch of boys. Hard workers.
"Were they aware of the scope of everything that was going on outside the school? Probably not. They'd come up and say they saw me on TV. I told them that wasn't how I wanted to be on television."
http://www.courierpress.com/ecp/news/article/0,1626,ECP_734_4341063,00.html
Tornado Recovery Committee Office Open
The Long Term Recovery Committee of Southwest Indiana has opened its disaster office for tornado victims.
The office is located at Epworth United Methodist Church which is at the corner of Outer Lincoln and Epworth Road.
The goal of the Recovery Committee is to make sure none of the tornado victims slip through the cracks.
Victims needing long term assistance are invited to contact the office by calling (812) 490-6806. The FEMA deadline to apply for assistance is January 7th.
http://www.14wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=4281509&nav=3w6o
Tornado cleanup led to dispute among officials
By THOMAS B. LANGHORNE Courier & Press staff writer 464-7432 or langhornet@courierpress.comDecember 23, 2005
Vanderburgh County officials presented a united front in the days after a deadly F3 tornado killed 18 people at Eastbrook Mobile Home Park on Nov. 6.
But behind the scenes, an argument was ensuing about whether to have county Highway Department crews clean up the privately owned property and whether to seek federal aid as reimbursement for expenses.
http://www.courierpress.com/ecp/news/article/0,1626,ECP_734_4336926,00.html
Saved Through Organ Donations
Reporter: Shannon Samson
New Media Producer: Rachel Chambliss
Brandy Morefield was only 28 when her life was cut short on November 6th by an F-3 tornado.
Photo shows Brandy smiling, next to her mobile home last summer, unaware that in the fall a tornado would cut a path through that field behind her, and carry her and her sister Candy away.
Candy Newton, Brandy's sister, says, "It took a trailer about four lots down and threw that trailer on top of me. So, I was pinned. I was yelling for her. I could hear her screaming, 'It hurts.'"
The hurt was caused by head trauma. Although it was very serious, Brandy was able to hang on for four more days at St. Mary's where at times, she was lucid.
Those days were a precious gift, just like the years that were added to Brandy's life when she needed ten units of blood after delivering a stillborn child. It would have been her third little girl. Karen Morefield, Brandy's mom, "If it wasn't for the people donating the blood, I wouldn't have had her five years ago. I had her five more years."
So when Brandy could hold on no more, they didn't hesitate to donate her organs.
Her heart went to a man in Virginia, her kidneys helped two fellow Hoosiers, and up to 75 people will benefit from the donation of other tissue.
Karen says, "She's going to be greatly missed. But giving life back to others, she's going to live on, and she's going to live on through these two little girls."
There is a college fund set up for Brandy's daughters, 9-year-old Leah and 6-year-old Autumn at Old National Bank. Their first $100 deposit came from a fundraiser held by a group of art students at USI.
http://www.14wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=4280207&nav=3w6o
Family Remembers Latest Tornado Victim
Forty five-year-old Laura Rose Furgerson never fully recovered from her injuries from the November 6 tornado. She was taken back to the hospital where she died Saturday.
Laura and Cliff Furgerson lived in the Eastbrook Mobile Home Park. They awoke in the early morning on November sixth under debris. Cliff suffered broken ribs and a collapsed lung. Laura had broken bones and when she was discharged from the hospital, Cliff hoped and prayed his wife would make a full recovery.. But it wasn't to be.
http://www.14wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=4264517&nav=3w6o
12/20: Feds to Wisconsin on request for tornado money: No soup for you
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Federal emergency officials have denied the governor's appeal for disaster aid for three Wisconsin counties ravaged by tornadoes in August, state emergency management officials said Tuesday.Gov. Jim Doyle requested federal disaster aid on Aug. 25, seven days after the tornadoes struck. But the Federal Emergency Management Agency denied it in September, saying the damage wasn't so severe the state and local governments couldn't handle it. The decision came down just weeks after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast.Doyle appealed on Oct. 18, but the agency again said no."We're just very disappointed. We felt we presented a strong case," said Lori Getter, a spokeswoman for Wisconsin Emergency Management. "We really believe there are a lot of unmet needs."Twenty-seven tornadoes, a new-single day state record, tore across southwestern Wisconsin on Aug. 18. One person was killed and 20 others were hurt.More than 400 homes were damaged and 67 destroyed. In all, the tornadoes caused more than $43 million in damage, according to Wisconsin Emergency Management.
http://www.journaltimes.com/nucleus/index.php?itemid=3247
Feds Deny Tornado Aid To Wisconsin
Officials: Tornado Damages Total $43M
UPDATED: 2:28 pm CST December 21, 2005
MADISON, Wis. -- Federal officials have denied Gov. Jim Doyle's appeal for disaster aid following the August tornadoes that ravaged three Wisconsin counties.
Doyle requested federal disaster aid a week after tornadoes struck southwestern Wisconsin.
But the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials denied the request in September, saying that the damage in Dane, Richland and Vernon counties wasn't too severe for state and local governments to handle. Doyle appealed, but FEMA again said no.
The news is especially disappointing for not only individuals but the cities and towns that bore the costs of cleaning up.
In Pleasant Springs progress is evident, as new homes, once leveled, have begun to rise again.
The town government of Pleasant Springs spent hundreds of thousands of dollars cleaning up after the Aug. 18 tornadoes.
"We did have some road projects we didn't do this year as a matter of reckoning our budget with our needs," said town chairman Ken Schuck.
Fortunately the municipalities are working with each other so bills will be paid off over many years, which lessens the impact somewhat.
"Right now we're not anticipating we'll postpone anything, but we'll be watching it closely," said Schuck.
But for tornado victims like Gary Nelson, FEMA's denial is just one more disappointment to add to the list.
"It's just the stress of going through this," said Nelson. "I want it to be over with."
Doyle has a different opinion than FEMA officials as to why Wisconsin was denied, WISC-TV reported.
He said that too many homeowners were insured, and Wisconsin residents are being penalized for taking care of themselves.
Nelson said despite having insurance, there are still many out-of-pocket expenses.
"Your landscaping and trees," said Nelson. "I lost a lot of trees. Our whole neighborhood, all the trees are gone. It would be nice if they stepped in and just planted trees."
Despite FEMA's denial, there is hope for some assistance in Stoughton.
Donations from the community have gone to a long-term tornado recovery fund and will be dispersed to those with unmet needs.
WISC-TV has learned that Dane County will likely announce that it will offer aid to the municipalities on Wednesday.
The county executive's office said the aid isn't likely to be a huge amount, but will offset some of those unexpected costs.
Twenty-seven tornadoes -- a new single-day state record -- tore across southwestern Wisconsin on Aug. 18. One person was killed and 20 others hurt.
More than 400 homes were damaged and 67 destroyed. According to Wisconsin
Emergency Management, the tornadoes caused more than $43 million in damage.
http://www.channel3000.com/news/5590202/detail.html
Dinner to Honor Tornado First Responders
This Wednesday, Newswatch and a coalition of media partners will honor first responders who worked the disaster scene in Vanderburgh and Warrick counties on November 6th.
The event will be held from 5:30-7:30pm CST at the National Guard armory in Evansville. All police, fire, EMS and other emergency workers who were at the scene of the tornado damage on November 6th are welcome to attend. Invitations have gone out to the agencies being honored.
Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel, Warrick County Sheriff Marvin Heilman and others are scheduled to speak at the buffet style meal.
All facilities, supplies and food are being donated for the event. None of the money given for tornado relief is being used for the dinner. Sponsors include the National Guard, Black Buggy, Sam's Club, Coca-Cola and T.R.U. Event Rentals.
The event is being coordinated by the media coalition that raised over $1.2 million for tornado relief. Media partners include WFIE, WTVW and the South Central Communications Group of TV and radio stations.
http://www.14wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=4263521&nav=3w6o
Sens. Jauch, Miller: Blast FEMA Decision to Deny Aid for Stoughton Area Tornados
12/20/2005 For more information, contact:Sen. Bob Jauch: 608.266.3510Sen. Mark Miller: 608.266.9170Senators Jauch and Miller criticize determination that assistance "is not necessary or appropriate"Madison-- Two state lawmakers, State Senator Bob Jauch (D-Poplar) and State Senator Mark Miller (D-Monona), have angrily denounced FEMA’s decision to refuse disaster assistance for the August tornadoes that ravaged southern Wisconsin, killing one and injuring 20. "I am disappointed and dismayed at FEMA's denial of assistance to Wisconsin residents," stated Senator Miller. "FEMA's response that assistance is ‘not necessary’ is a slap in the face of tornado victims still trying to put their lives back together." In a letter sent to Governor Doyle (attached), acting FEMA chief R. David Paulison wrote that in the case of the Stoughton area tornados, federal assistance was "not necessary or appropriate."
http://www.wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=51303
Woman's death ups tornado toll to 24
Items compiled from Tribune news servicesPublished December 19, 2005
EVANSVILLE, INDIANA -- A woman who was injured last month when a tornado swept through her trailer park has died, bringing the death toll to 24.Laura Furgerson, 45, was hospitalized for two weeks after the Nov. 6 tornado ripped the roof off her home and threw her more than 100 feet.She was recovering at home Nov. 30 when was readmitted to the hospital complaining of stomach pains.Rev. Ken Raymes, a minister at Metro Christian Center, said Furgerson's death on Saturday was unexpected.The tornado had winds up to 206 m.p.h. and destroyed at least 500 homes as it cut a 20-mile path through the area.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0512190119dec19,1,1134741.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed&ctrack=1&cset=true
Webster City raises funds to help in tornado recovery
by Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster CityA weekend fundraiser in Webster City brought in several thousand dollars to help residents in the nearby community of Stratford, which was hit by a tornado last month. Jane Curtis helped organize the Saturday night fundraiser which included an auction of all sorts of donated items and services. The event was called "Blue Christmas" and besides the auction featured bluegrass music and an Elvis impersonator. Curtis says more than seven-thousand dollars was raised to help the families in Stratford. Curtis says "It's beyond the money, it's amazing the people who come forward, come together and make this happen. It is astonishing." While 14 central Iowa counties saw significant damage from the November 12th storm's high winds, tornadoes and hail, Stratford and Woodward were the hardest hit, with dozens of homes damaged or destroyed.
http://www.radioiowa.com/gestalt/go.cfm?objectid=015ACB63-1564-4198-93E6AF0FAA4A262A
24th Victim Of Indiana Tornado Dies
Reported by: A.P.Web produced by: Neil RelyeaPhotographed by: 9NewsFirst Posted: 12/18/2005 1:39:59 PM
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) -- A woman who was injured last month when a tornado swept through her mobile home park died Saturday, bringing the storm's death toll to 24.
Laura Furgerson, 45, suffered broken bones throughout her body and was hospitalized for two weeks after the November 6 tornado swept through the Eastbrook Mobile Home Park, ripping the roof off her house and throwing her more than 100 feet.
http://www.wcpo.com/news/2005/local/12/18/indy_tornado.html
First a tornado, then a hurricane
RANKIN COUNTY — Donna Luchi couldn't wait to pull out the Christmas decorations she had bought on sale last January, the stash of holiday trinkets her children had made at school over the years, the yard ornaments the family always displayed in front of their manufactured home.Then she remembered the tornado last April."Gone," she says, in a voice layered in disbelief. "All of the Christmas stuff is gone. Scattered to who knows where. And it's been like that ever since the storm. You start looking for things — paperwork or pictures — and you remember you don't own it anymore."
Luchi, a single mother of six children who works at a convenience store in Mendenhall, lost almost every material thing she owned when an F3 tornado tore through the Monterey community, in rural Rankin County, shortly after 7 a.m. on April 9.
http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
AID=/20051218/FEAT05/512180314/1020
Woman dies nearly a month after being hurt in tornado
EVANSVILLE, Ind. An Evansville, Indiana, woman injured last month when a tornado swept through her mobile-home park is dead, raising the toll from the November Sixth storm to 24..
Laura Furgerson suffered broken bones throughout her body. The twister ripped the roof off her house and threw her more than 100 feet.
The 45-year-old woman was released from the hospital two weeks later but returned at the end of the month complaining of stomach pains. The Evansville Courier-and-Press reports she died Saturday from a blood clot. Her husband says there was just nothing doctors could do.
http://www.wkyt.com/Global/story.asp?S=4259070&nav=4CAL
Boy hurt in tornado making progress
By MARK WILSON Courier & Press staff writer 464-7417 or mwilson@evansville.netDecember 18, 2005
William Pfingston's goal is to walk again someday. "He still says he is going to," said his mother, Melinda Pfingston.
She has spent the last two weeks with her son at St. Vincent Pediatric Rehabilitation Center in Indianapolis. He is receiving therapy for injuries he suffered during the Nov. 6 tornado that struck the Eastbrook Mobile Home Park, killing 20 people and injuring dozens more.
http://www.courierpress.com/ecp/news/article/0,1626,ECP_734_4324000,00.html
'Micro-burst' ruins crops and trees
16.12.05
A tornado-like "micro-burst" ripped trees out of the ground, flooded houses and destroyed a $20,000 crop in just minutes in the central Southland area of Heddon Bush, near Winton, yesterday afternoon. 45South Weather Services forecaster Andy Fraser said was probably a micro-burst of wind and hail during a very active thunder storm. "It could have been a tornado but I like to see a funnel before I call it that," he said. The storms were often localised to a few square kilometres and could whip up 160 km/h winds. Heddon Bush farmer Peter Dykes said he was driving back to his house when the sky closed in and blackened. "I was thinking, 'I hope the windows in the tractor are pretty strong' otherwise I'd be open to the elements. It was just an intense hailstorm, windy and very noisy." He thought about jumping out and heading for a stand of poplars, but moments later they were "knocked over like match- sticks". "It was just so black and dark you couldn't see a thing." Several 100-year-old macrocarpa trees were uprooted, sheds were flung around and one lost its roof. Vehicles received hail-stone damage and the inside of the family house was flooded. Crop farmer Robert Saunders returned to his Heddon Bush farm to find a 9ha crop of beans, worth about $20,000, destroyed by the storm.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10360241
New Store Hosts Tornado Fundraiser
It's fashion - for a cause. A new women's clothing store is helping with tornado relief.
District, located on Lincoln Avenue, will be having a runway fashion show Saturday to raise money for the American Red Cross's local tornado victims.
Katie Blair of District says, "I just thought it was a worthy cause, being because it hurt so many people so close to home, being that there is a lot of people that need our help right now."
http://www.14wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=4238697&nav=3w6o
Tornado victims' fund tops $400,000
GILLETTE (AP) -- A fund for victims of last summer's tornado in Wright has grown to more than $400,000, and about a quarter of the money has been distributed, according to town officials.Donations poured into town coffers following the Aug. 12 disaster that damaged about a third of the town's homes and killed two residents. The donations came on top of governmental money and relief efforts by nonprofits like the American Red Cross.Town officials formed the Wright Community Disaster Relief committee to disburse the donated money. Those affected by the disaster then completed a needs assessment to determine how much they would get, according to Vicky Schlidt, committee member and director of Wright Community Assistance.Committee Vice Chairman Tim Boyd said the committee already has given away about $125,000, plus another $125,000 designated but not yet distributed. In all, 80 people have been helped, with 30 more applications partially processed, Boyd said.
Wright Mayor Ralph Kingan said eligible individuals received between $2,000 and $3,000 each from the fund in the form of things such as insurance deductible payments or repairs. Cash will not be handed out, he said.Among the donations are 50 sheds already given to people who lost theirs during the storm, Schlidt said.The money also has been used to buy appliances and to offer utility credits, Schlidt said.Because there is no deadline on applying for a share of the money, officials don't yet have a final count on how much they'll disburse and to how many people."I don't believe we've got all the applications yet, and I believe we're still getting donations, so it's still variable," Boyd said.
http://www.jacksonholestartrib.com/articles/2005/12/13/news/wyoming/5a0db1ecee7db412872570d50083617a.txt
Crawfordville church hit hard by tornado
The tornado that sliced through northern Wakulla County Monday afternoon left plenty of fallen trees and debris, but the worst damage was to homes that weren't occupied, said emergency management director Joe Blanchard.
Only two homes were severely damaged, a mobile home was tipped on its side and a tree buckled a house. Trees fell on about 10 houses. Only three families did not have electricity. The Capital Area Red Cross reported that there were 33 affected homes as of Monday night, 22 were mobile homes. Only one family- Bryan Maness, his wife and two kids-needed a place to stay, said Chris Floyd, administrator of the Red Cross.
Maness stood in front of Ivan Assembly of God in Crawfordville with his back to the flapping tarp now covering the parsonage. There was no roof on much of it. The corners of the building looked chipped away. Parts of the sanctuary's roof were missing and covered by tarp to protect the inside from rain. Three sheds and a 750-foot office was demolished. Pink insulation stuck to the pine trees like it was bearing cotton candy. There wasn't much of the yard that wasn't covered with sections of the roof, broken glass or fallen limbs.
"There are a couple of trees here that we don't know where they came from," Maness said. "We have stuff that's gone, that we don't know where it is."
http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051206/NEWS01/512060372
Tornado roars through Sylvester
Sylvester - Windows were blown out, cars damaged and utility poles toppled by a tornado that ripped through downtown Sylvester.
The damage covered more than three blocks of the downtown area when the twister hit at 12:05 Monday afternoon.
There've been no reports of major injuries.
A radio transmission tower at the Sheriff's office collapsed onto the roof of the Worth County jail. About 35 inmates were transferred to the Tift County jail.
There was some damage reported at First Baptist Church. Cars in some downtown area neighborhoods were crushed by trees.
John Baldwin, who was inside a house on West Street, says he heard a loud noise, walked outside and saw the twister. Baldwin says he took cover in his pickup truck.
http://www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=4203560&nav=5kZQ
Swift, fierce thunderstorms descend on Oahu
Officials investigate reports of a funnel cloud in Aiea
By Rosemarie Bernardorbernardo@starbulletin.com
Oahu residents might have been expecting rain yesterday, but no one seemed ready for the thunder, lightning and the deluge that drenched most of Oahu.
The thunderstorms wreaked havoc throughout the island, causing power failures, flooding homes and city streets -- and making it a tough go for Christmas shoppers on this first December weekend.
Lightning struck the roof of one person's house in Waialae Nui twice, forcing firefighters to rush to the scene to put out some flames.
In Kaneohe, one man's house was knee-deep in water after an overwhelmed storm drain at his intersection sent water pouring into his yard and kitchen.
More than 3,000 people lost power on Oahu -- 2,000 temporarily had to go without electricity in Waikiki, along with about 1,000 in Kaimuki and another 500 in Aina Haina.
And the National Weather Service was investigating whether a funnel cloud descended upon Aiea, downing several trees and blocking traffic.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning minutes before 2:30 p.m., lasting until 5:30 p.m. Rain was persistent from Kaneohe to Hawaii Kai, said meteorologist Bob Burke. And a cold front was approaching the islands last night, with predictions that it would bring scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms to Oahu today.
The weather is still expected to be unsettled until tomorrow night, with some chance of showers, said forecaster Peter Donaldson. "The rainfall looks probably widespread and is going to be concentrated on the Windward side," Donaldson said. Thunder and rainy weather are expected to clear by Wednesday morning, he said.
At 3:30 p.m. yesterday, police reported four down trees, possibly caused by the thunderstorm, at the intersection of Kaonohi Street and Iho Place in Aiea. The fallen trees blocked part of the roadway, prompting police to temporarily shut down one lane until the trees were removed. There were no injuries, police said.
Weather officials also received reports of flooding, including Hobron Lane in Waikiki. A power line also went down in a resident's yard on Sierra Drive, said Capt. Kenison Tejada, spokesman with Honolulu Fire Department.
Tejada said firefighters responded to a roof fire at a home on Ahaana Way in Waialae Nui. There were no flames when firefighters arrived, but Tejada said a small area near the roof was blackened, shingles were damaged and some four-by-six rafters at the home were split.
The house also had damage to its electrical system. A resident who lives at the home told firefighters that he believed the house was struck twice by lightning.
http://starbulletin.com/2005/12/05/news/story02.html
Tornado damages 50 homes south of Tallahassee
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A tornado damaged about 50 homes in rural Wakulla County on Monday, but no deaths or injuries were immediately reported, state officials said.
The extent of the damage, in an area south of Tallahassee and northeast of Crawfordville, was not immediately known, said Mike Stone, spokesman for the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
The tornado was initially spotted at 12:34 p.m. in Liberty County and moved northeast into Wakulla, southern Leon County and then Jefferson County, where it dissipated about 2 p.m., said National Weather Service forecaster Jennifer McNatt.
That path kept in almost entirely within the Apalachicola National Forest, reducing the chances for property damage.
The tornado preceded a front that then brought a line of showers and thunderstorms into the eastern Florida Panhandle, McNatt said.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-12-05-florida-tornado_x.htm
Damage from tornado worse than expected
Published December 5, 2005
INDIANA -- About 200 homes in Warrick County will have to be razed because of irreparable structural damage from the Nov. 6 tornado, officials said after only recently discovering the full extent of damage from the storm.An additional 400 homes will need extensive rebuilding and repair, Warrick County building inspector Mike Winge told the Evansville Courier and Press last week.The tornado, which cut a 20-mile path from the Evansville area to the northeastern Warrick County community of Degonia Springs, was categorized as an F3 tornado, with wind speeds of up to 206 m.p.h. Four people died in Warrick County and 19 died in Evansville.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0512050020dec05,1,1728921.story?coll=chi-news-hed
No Injuries in S. Ga. Tornadoes
Provided by: The Associated Press
Last Modified: 12/5/2005 5:17:47 PM
SYLVESTER, Ga. (AP) -- Work crews are busy cleaning up downtown Sylvester after a tornado touched down in the southwest Georgia city.The twister struck as severe thunderstorms tracked across south Georgia, leading the National Weather service to warn of tornadoes in several locations.WALB-TV in Albany reported that power lines were downed in Sylvester, and homes and vehicles were damages, although there are NO reports of serious injury. Witnesses heard a loud noise and then saw a funnel cloud move across the ground. A building at the First Baptist Church was damaged and a few windows were broken at the Worth County Courthouse.The downtown area was littered with debris, and Main Street was closed off as crews cleaned up the litter. A local bank building's roof had given way in the storm, and workers were pumping water from the carpet.The Weather Service posted a tornado warning for northeastern Clinch county after a trained spotter reported a twister crossing into the county about ten miles southeast of Lakeland.And the weather service said Doppler radar indicated a developing tornado near Valdosta, moving northeast at 30 miles per hour. Forecasters also said radar indicated another tornado near Waycross, moving east across northeern Ware County at about 40 miles per hour.In Sylvester, witnesses heard a loud noise and then saw a funnel cloud move across the ground. A building at the First Baptist Church was damaged and a few windows were broken at the Worth County Courthouse.
http://www.11alive.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=72835
Stockbridge Storm Was Tornado
Officials with the National Weather Service confirmed Monday afternoon that the damage in a Stockbridge subdivision was caused by a tornado."I looked out the back door, and visibility was down to zero, and I saw my trees and they started to bend over," said Stockbridge resident John Deleon.After seeing the damage to their homes from Sunday’s storms, people living in the Willow Springs subdivision in Henry County suspected a tornado touched down in their neighborhood."Sleet was coming down, terribly," said Deleon. "And you couldn’t even see. I got a little scared, I have to say. Because I’ve been through hurricanes in Puerto Rico and everywhere else, but this is one that actually touched me a little bit."The National Weather Service confirmed their suspicions. "At best, an F-0 tornado," said Barry Gooden of the National Weather Service. "Much of the damage suggested straight-line winds, but in the end, looking at some of the shingles and things that were lifted off suggest that it might have been at least an F-0 tornado."The home with the most damage had a tree that came crashing down through the back part of the house. Crews spent much of the morning cleaning up and removing the tree. Fortunately, no one inside was injured.In many of the residents' backyards, trees were snapped and tossed about, and there was significant roof damage."Trees down in the back yard, some snapped in half, some uprooted, and some knocked into the lake. It was quite a sight to come home to," said resident Lewis Edwards.Despite all of the damage, no one was reported injured in the subdivision.
http://www.11alive.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=72845
Tornado hits Rotorua suburb
6/12/2005 16:20:03
A freak tornado has ripped through a suburb in Rotorua. It happened just after 2pm.
Residents in the Fordlands area say they saw sheets of iron fly through the air. They say the tornado came and went very quickly.
Cuddles Childcare on Sunset Road had its roof blown off. Manager Sarah Rowe says it had started to rain so they brought the children inside and then the tornado hit soon after, making doors fly open and windows shake.
She says the children are all safe.
Ms Rowe says a house next to the daycare centre had a tree fall on it.
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=85642
Thunderstorms bring hail, possible tornado
Associated Press
COLUMBIA, S.C. - Several severe thunderstorms moved across western South Carolina Sunday evening brining hail and at least one report of a possible tornado.
The heaviest storm appeared to reach its peak in southern Greenwood County, dropping enough hail to cover the ground about seven miles southwest of Greenwood, the National Weather Service reported.
A trained storm spotter saw a tornado touch the ground from the same storm about five miles west of Greenwood around 5:50 p.m. No damage was reported, forecasters said.
At least three separate storms brought hail ranging from penny to quarter-sized to Abbeville, Lexington, Newberry and Saluda counties, the weather service said.
A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for much of the Midlands and western Pee Dee until 1 a.m. Monday.
http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld/myrtlebeachonline/news/local/13328059.htm
Disaster Aid Sent to Tornado Ravaged Counties
Conway County - Financial assistance is on its way to tornado ravaged areas of the state. The governor has declared seven counties disaster areas. They include Cleburne, Conway, Fulton, Garland, Perry, Pike and Van Buren. Huckabee authorized $200,000 from the governor's disaster fund. That money has been given to the Department of Emergency Management. Rather than decorating for Christmas, residents in Cherry Hill are picking up the pieces and trying to put their lives back together. The area was hit hard Sunday night when tornadoes ripped through Perry County. County Judge True Robinson says his county is a poor county and he hopes the money will come soon. (Robinson) "As of right now, we don't know what we're going to get as of yet, but I'm sure we'll hear something shortly." Judge Robinson says everyone in the small community is pitching in to help clean up, even begin to rebuild. With Christmas a few weeks away, Robinson says these people won't go without. (Robinson) "All of these people have pitched in to clean up and they're not going to go hungry and they're going to have a warm place to sleep at night. We’re going to assure them of that." The National Weather Service (website/news) now says 14 tornadoes touched down Sunday night.
http://www.katv.com/news/stories/1205/282634.html
Three die as mini-tornado wreaks havocSelina Mitchell and Annabelle McDonaldDecember 03, 2005
A MAN was killed when a mini-tornado hit Canberra, and two people including cattle baron Peter Menegazzo died when their plane was brought down by a suspected lightning strike, as storms lashed the eastern states yesterday.The middle-aged man died in the Canberra suburb of Curtin when a tree fell on him about 5pm. Dozens of trees and power lines were felled by 100km/h winds.
The city's airport was closed and roofs were torn off several houses and buildings, including The Canberra Times's press hall.
Both of the city's public hospitals, Calvary and Canberra, were damaged, with ACT Emergency Services commissioner Peter Dunne calling on people to stay away unless they were in urgent need of medical attention. One hospital lost power and was running on generators and the other received "superficial" damage, with doors and windows blown in.
Mr Dunne said the light industrial suburb of Fyshwick appeared the worst hit. "Roofs are off, there is a lot of water damage and structural damage. We have 330 people on the ground."
The ACT Emergency Services received about 200 calls for help. The NSW SES received more than 500.
There were reports of damage in Albury on the NSW-Victorian border, but NSW's central tablelands and northwest slopes bore the brunt of the storms. Further north, the roofs of about 40 homes were damaged within minutes when a storm hit the small central western Queensland town of Aramac. A spokeswoman for the Counter Disaster and Rescue Services said the storm lasted only about 10 minutes but caused widespread damage. The local hospital suffered damage and patients were evacuated.
The storms came as Queensland's southeast corner was recovering from heavy rainfall on Thursday. Noosa on the Sunshine Coast was flooded when 260mm of rain fell in six hours and two people were taken to hospital after being hit by lightning.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,17443539%255E2702,00.html
Tornado picture touches many
By ELLA JOHNSON Courier & Press staff writer 464-7420 or ejohnson@evansville.netDecember 1, 2005
Robin Smedley was walking his dogs recently in Salem, Ind., when he saw what he thought was a piece of trash.
He turned the scrap of paper over to see a photograph of a man wearing a party hat, holding a toddler wearing a cowboy hat.
http://www.courierpress.com/ecp/news/article/0,1626,ECP_734_4282865,00.html
Marshall County gains tornado warning sirens
Thursday, December 01, 2005
From staff reportsHuntsville Times
GUNTERSVILLE - Tornado warning sirens will soon be placed throughout Marshall County and paid for with more than $80,000 in federal and local money.
At its meeting Monday, the County Commission said the sirens will be placed on Blount Avenue in Guntersville, Simpson Point Road in Grant, Beulah Road and McVille Road near Boaz, Nixon Chapel Road near Guntersville and Matt Morrow Road and Ruth Road in Arab. A Federal Emergency Management Agency grant of $63,878 and $17,610 in matching money from the county is paying for the sirens.
Another FEMA grant of $44,250 and $14,750 in matching county in-kind services will pay for the construction of a storm shelter in Grant.
In other business, the commission announced it will close County Park No. 1 in Guntersville because the lake level is too low but will reopen it in February or March.
http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/1133432364291420.xml&coll=1
Fort Riley hit by tornado
FORT RILEY, Kan. (Army News Service, Nov. 30, 2005) -- Although no injuries were reported, the tornado that struck Fort Riley Nov. 27 displaced 17 military families and damaged nearly 33 sets of quarters to the point they were uninhabitable, post officials said.Garrison emergency crews and recovery teams responded to the tornado within minutes of touch down, establishing a command post in the Ellis Heights housing area, which bore the brunt of the tornado's wrath.Many of the displaced families were relocated to local hotels at no charge to the individuals, while several families elected to stay with friends or family in local homes. Other families are currently away from post, either on vacation or staying with relatives while the Soldier is deployed or on temporary duty elsewhere. All family pets are accounted for, officials reported.Repair of the damaged quarters has already begun, and could take up to several weeks, depending on the severity of the damage. The majority of damage includes broken windows and torn siding.The tornado also broke trees and damaged numerous headstones at the post cemetery. Garrison officials have begun contacting affected families to address headstone replacement.Fort Riley Public Works officials initially estimated the cost to repair the damage to the post and remove the debris to be more than $1 million. A more detailed assessment is ongoing, officials said.
http://www4.army.mil/ocpa/read.php?story_id_key=8277
No federal aid for tornado victims
ALICE - FEMA said it will not provide any aid for the victims of the severe weather over in Jim Wells County on October 27th. Several homes in Premont and San Jose were damaged by those storms.
FEMA officials said there was not enough damage to warrant federal aid. Jim Wells County officials are now putting together a list of people who need assistance. That list will be sent to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, along with a request for help.
http://www.kristv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4185392
Happenings in Hanson: Tornado continues to have effects on community
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Greetings to all of you from the north end of the county. Dang, it has gotten cold. Folks are working to get their lives back to what can be as close to normal as possible. For some it will be easier than others. Whatever your situation: If I may speak for all the folks here in Hanson, we wish the best for you.
Although the tornado did not touch down in Hanson, we had family and friends involved. Mandy Fields, a teacher at Hanson had just gotten home with her husband, Chris, right behind her. He kept watching and when he saw it headed toward them, they took cover.
Mandy says it is all you see on television times 10. She says it will surely put things in perspective. It's not all the stuff, it is your family and friends. Margaret Vaughn feels extremely blessed to have her mother, Mary Shelton, safe and recovering at her home. Mary's home was completely destroyed.
We welcome Mary to Hanson but we wish the situation was different. Christopher Parker, a preschool student said, "That tornado just blew my grandma's house down." The children also talked about their lights being off, seeing the trees blown down, and hearing the sirens going off. It is good for children to talk about what happened and we try to answer any questions they may have. Now when we practice a tornado drill, they will still be a little scared but they will know how important it is to get to safety.
http://www.the-messenger.com/articles/stories/public/200511/30/hansonstory_penny_plus.html
Severe thunderstorms in the Southeast spawned tornadoes Monday, while snow, some of it heavy, fell in the mid-Atlantic, the Plains and the Rockies. Several tornadoes swept through parts of the Florida Panhandle and southern Georgia as showers and thunderstorms fired up along a cold front. Moderate to heavy snow fell over parts of the mid-Atlantic. Icy conditions were reported in eastern Virginia. Light to moderate snow fell over Minnesota and Wisconsin. A weak front produced light snow from the northern Rockies into the Plains. Skies were partly cloudy over the much of the Southwest and southern Plains. Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Monday ranged from a morning low of 22 below zero in Jordan, Mont., to a high of 82 degrees in Punta Gorda, Fla.
http://www.forbes.com/entrepreneurs/feeds/ap/2005/12/05/ap2370859.html
December 30, 2005 -- Posted at 5:31 p.m. CST
JONESBORO, AR -- Tornado season in Arkansas has remained very busy in 2005 with double the number of tornadoes this year than normal.
The National Weather Service's warning system gave Arkansans more time to respond to the increased number of tornadoes.
"I believe the last account so far this year is fifty two tornadoes to date in Arkansas in 2005 -- which is about double the average," said David Moore, with the Craighead County Office of Emergency Services.
http://www.kait8.com/Global/story.asp?S=4303284&nav=0jsh
Tornado time off cost 'snow days'
By MARK WILSON Courier & Press staff writer 464-7417 or mwilson@evansville.netDecember 30, 2005
Warrick County School Superintendent Brad Schneider is hoping for the rest of this winter stays warm - or at least not snowy.
Schools in Warrick County now have only two more days built into the 2005-2006 school schedule to make up snow days without extending the school year.
The Warrick County School Corp. received word Wednesday from the Indiana Department of Education that it would have to make up Nov. 7 and Nov. 8 after a tornado tore a path of damage all the way from Newburgh to Tennyson, Ind. The tornado ultimately killed 25 people in Warrick and Vanderburgh counties and destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes and businesses, disrupting services and everyday activities.
The school corporation had asked the state to waive those two missed days, in effect writing them off. That request was denied.
In addition, school was called off on Dec. 9 because of snow.
As a result, three make up days have been scheduled. Students will attend school on Jan. 16, Feb. 20 and April 21.
http://www.courierpress.com/ecp/news/article/0,1626,ECP_734_4351239,00.html
BOY UNDER TORNADO TRAILER - A NEIGHBOR
Friday, December 30, 2005 - FreeMarketNews.comMore than twelve hours passed before a search and rescue dog found eight year old Noah Donner after the Evansville tornado hit Eastbrook Mobile Home Park on November 6. But Noah was not alone as he lay going in and out of consciousness under the floor of a mobile home with a car on top of that floor. Dead nearby were Noah’s six year old sister and his father. Eighteen other residents of the mobile home park also died along with five Warrick County citizens. It was the worst tornado to hit Southwestern Indiana in more than thirty years. Although he did not know it a tiny peach faced lovebird huddled in Noah’s right armpit struggling to stay alive just as Noah was doing hidden from rescuers. Paula Tieken, volunteer foster parent for the Evansville Department of Animal Care and Control, who is a veterinary technician, cared for the bird along with other animals lost in the storm until the bird’s owner located the bird in her care. Joan Fultz, the bird’s owner, broke her hip in the tornado. She felt that she would not be able to care for the bird anymore and asked Tieken to give it to Noah. A smiling Noah received the bird Friday just before Christmas. He calls his new pet "Mr. Peepers". Noah and his mother live with a grandmother now. The front page picture of Noah and his grandmother with Mr. Peepers in The Evansville Courier will stay in many of our minds as one of the many reminders of how this tiny corner of the world came together in a time of crisis. First responders were on the scene within minutes searching for the injured and dead in the two am darkness along with neighbors from those trailers not hit by the tornado. A private company came with strong lights. Police and sheriff deputies from both counties, Vanderburgh and Warrick, set up roadblocks almost immediately when the wind passed. They manned these stations until the National Guard arrived in the afternoon. Then they assisted the Guard which did not know the area for several weeks. Governor Mich Daniels came in early afternoon from Indianapolis. Asked about help from Homeland Security Daniels said, "We will take care of our own" And we did! All manner of vehicles transported the injured to Evansville’s two hospitals. The hospitals and first responders are trained and drilled in what to do. We expect storms but not one this bad. The homeless were taken to designated shelters in both counties where volunteers flocked with all manner of food, clothing and assistance. Churches on the edge of the disaster opened kitchens and aid stations. The media got a telethon going which raised millions of dollars. Companies sent their employees into the storm damaged areas as soon as they could work there safely. We hear a lot about red and blue states these days. The only colors which concerned us here in the aftermath of the storm were red, white and blue. The wreckage of one hundred and fifty trailers is gone and standing alone visible from I-164 is an American flag. Those who lost their families and their homes will remember November 6th as tsunami, hurricane and earthquake. The rest of us hope that in time their wounds will heal as they get new homes and go on with their lives. We were glad to help our neighbors.-Nan Hardin is FMNN contributor living in Evansville. This is her second article on the tornado.
http://www.freemarketnews.com/WorldNews.asp?nid=4489
John Oncken: Tornado's fury made it year to remember
By John Oncken December 29, 2005
Another year has come and mostly gone. The past 52 weeks have brought both good and bad into our lives and in many cases the results were based on where we were at a given point in time.
A good example is Aug. 18, 2005. On that day people's lives were greatly impacted if they lived in the paths of tornadoes that hit the Stoughton area in Dane County or Viola in Richland County. Houses and farm buildings were destroyed or damaged while other buildings just a few feet away went unscathed.
Four months later, the effects of that Thursday are still very evident.
A quick trip through Dunn, Pleasant Springs and Christiana townships near Stoughton shows that much of the debris is gone. Owners and volunteers have picked, piled, hauled and burned immense amounts of lumber that once made up houses and barns. New construction is evident with houses springing up. Meanwhile, siders and roofers are busy repairing damaged homes.
But one can't miss the broken and bent trees standing naked in the winter air along the narrow path of the tornado. Farm buildings on Kaase Road, once a total mess, are now gone. There's a "For Sale" sign stuck into a driveway that leads to nothing, a stark reminder that life has indeed changed for some.
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/index.php?ntid=66852&ntpid=1
'Tornado-like' storms cut power to Inverell and district
By Matthew MulliganFriday, 30 December 2005
INVERELL and its wider district suffered from significant blackouts on Wednesday evening when powerlines were brought down by tornado like storms.
Country Energy Regional General manager for the Northern Region Paul Brial said the storm that caused the power interruption was one of many fierce storms that had hit the northern part of the state in past months.
"They've been particularly notable for their ferocity," Mr Brial said. He described the storms as being "tornado-like" in their intensity.
"The destructive power is quite high."
Mr Brial said that on Wednesday evening storms brought down a 22,000 volt powerline between Inverell and Warialda at about 6pm.
He said that because the powerline was a strategic feeder to the area a widespread part of the district experienced blackouts.
Mr Brial said the affected area included, among others, Inverell, Bingara, Warialda, Coolatai, Gravesend, North Star, Yallaroi and Yetman
He said restoration of the power supply began at about 8pm and power was mostly restored to all affected areas by 11.24pm.
Many Inverell businesses were interrupted by the blackout. Hong Yuen owner Harry Fay Jnr said the supermarket had had to close early.
"We were greatly inconvenienced," he said.
When power went out people had to be ushered from the dark building, leaving half full trolleys of groceries in the aisles. Mr Fay said shoplifting also became a huge problem at a time like this.
Inverell McDonalds franchisee Julianne Rodgers said the store had prepared to close down, but when the power returned customers had entered the restauraunt instantly.
Mrs Rodgers said another problem for many businesses in such a situation was that refrigerated and frozen food could spoil if the power was off for too long.
http://inverell.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?
class=news&subclass=local&story_id=448707&category=General%20News&m=12&y=2005
Tornado-Damaged Ellis Park to Race in 2006
by Tom LaMarraDate Posted: 12/29/2005 8:32:07 AMLast Updated: 12/30/2005 1:30:50 PM
Ellis Park sustained signficant damage from a tornado that hit Nov. 6.Photo: Associated Press
Though repairs to damage from a Nov. 6 tornado won't be completed by summer, Ellis Park in western Kentucky will conduct its 36-day meet in 2006, parent company Churchill Downs Inc. announced Dec. 28.
Plans for all repairs aren't official--CDI is still working out details with its insurance company--but the facility will be ready enough to race live from July 19-Sept. 4. The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority had approved the dates earlier this year.
"Everybody likes to start the New Year out with a little good news," Churchill Downs president Steve Sexton said.
Repairs are under way on the grandstand roof, racing office, and several barns damaged by high winds. Plans to fix the paddock, jockeys' quarters, and safety rail are in the development stages, officials said.
The tornado destroyed 11 barns as well as the grandstand "Turf Terrace," an older wooden grandstand that offered tiered seating adjacent the paddock. The status of those repairs is uncertain.
John Asher, vice president of communications for Churchill Downs, indicated Ellis Park would have enough stall space even if all the barns aren't rebuilt. Before the storm, the track had stalls for 1,100 horses; currently, there's room for about 800 horses, about the number that was on the grounds for the 2005 meet.
Sexton said there would be room for close to the same number because the receiving barn can hold about 50 horses. Horses regularly ship in from other facilities in Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois.
Sexton said it was important to make the announcement on 2006 racing so employees and horsemen could plan accordingly. When asked about long-term plans for Ellis Park, Sexton said CDI would "take it one year at a time."
"It is important for everyone concerned that we be thorough in both our assessment of storm damage at Ellis Park and our planning for its future," he said. "There are several key business factors that must be considered, including the continued maturity of casino and off-track betting competition in the local market, and prospects for legislation in the 2006 Kentucky General Assembly that could allow for additional gaming at racetracks."
A coalition of horse interests led by the Kentucky Equine Education Project plans to push for a constitutional amendment on racetrack gaming. It's expected the legislation will be made public early in the General Assembly session that begins Jan. 3.
No humans were seriously injured in the tornado, though three Thoroughbreds were killed. Simulcast operations at Ellis Park resumed Nov. 16 after damage to the clubhouse was repaired.
http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=31517
Tornado Cleanup Led to Dispute Among Officials
Evansville-area officials say they gambled that the federal government would help pay the clean-up bill from November's deadly tornado at the Eastbrook Mobile Home Park.
The gamble paid off last week when the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced it would reimburse the county over $178,000 for the work.
A tornado hit the mobile home park in the pre-dawn hours of November sixth, killing 18 people.
County commission president Cheryl Musgrave says officials debated whether to have county highway crews clean up the private site and seek federal reimbursement or let the property owner pay for the cleanup.
County officials weren't sure if the property owner or the county could afford to complete the cleanup without federal help.
http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4290564&nav=0Ra7
Boy, bird survived tornado together
Story of a small miracle
By THOMAS B. LANGHORNE Courier & Press staff writer 464-7432 or langhornet@courierpress.comDecember 27, 2005
bove the ditch where a mangled Noah Donner lay buried in debris after last month's tornado at Eastbrook Mobile Home Park, life had stopped.
Eighteen people, including Noah's father and 6-year-old sister, were dead. Noah, 8, also lost his beloved dog.
http://www.courierpress.com/ecp/news/article/0,1626,ECP_734_4343890,00.html
Christmas night fire burns tornado-damaged house in Lulaby Fokes
LinkLULA - No one was injured in a fire Christmas evening in Lula that destroyed an house that was being renovated."This house was hit by the tornado that came through Hall County August 30th and was only valued at $10,000 at the time of the fire because of the prior destruction," said Hall County Fire Marshall Scott Cagle. "It is now a total loss."Cagle said the fire appears to be accidental, possibly caused by a kerosene heater while the owner, Chuck Mickam, was in Oakwood for dinner."It's still under investigation, officially, but definitely an accidental fire," he said.
http://www.accessnorthga.com/news/hall/newfullstory.asp?ID=99471
Best post-tornado gift? Home for the holidays
JUDY NEWMAN jdnewman@madison.com
TOWN OF DUNN - For Sam, Noah and Chloe Neumeyer, Christmas is all about the presents piled under the tree - Disney toys for Chloe, 3, and video games for Sam, 8, and Noah, 6.
But for their mom, Diane Neumeyer, the best Christmas present this year is: coming home.
After the Aug. 18 tornado devastated their house and dozens of others in the town of Dunn and in nearby Pleasant Springs, the Neumeyers finally returned to their nearly rebuilt home Dec. 3.
"I feel like I got my life back," Diane Neumeyer said. "It was comforting to be back to my own walls, my own things. The kids have their own toys back. It feels normal; it feels good."
In the two small communities in southeast Dane County, near Stoughton, scars of the tornado - blamed for $33.6 million in damage - are not yet healed.
http://www.madison.com/wsj/mad/top/index.php?ntid=66420&ntpid=1
Tornado misses Greymouth
26/12/2005 10:25:25
Greymouth residents have had a lucky escape from a tornado this morning.
A twister was spotted out at sea, but it died down before reaching land.
One resident says he feared it would be a repeat of the tornado in March this year, which caused widespread damage and cost the town thousands.
Russ Down, from The Jade radio station, says he could see the twister become quite big from the station's studios. He says it then just vanished.
He admits his fingers were crossed as this was similar to the way the big tornado had appeared.
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=86906
Tornado's path of sadness Somber residents returning to Indiana mobile home park
By Alex Davisalexdavis@courier-journal.comThe Courier-Journal
EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- Sitting on a swing set outside her family's mobile home, Emily Flahardy runs down her Christmas wish list.
She's hoping for a DVD player and maybe some music by her favorite band.
But most of all, the 9-year-old wishes for something she knows she can't have: to travel back in time before Nov. 6, the day a tornado roared through the Eastbrook Mobile Home Park, where she lives.
"To have a miracle," she said last week, "like it never happened."
Emily's family -- her parents and an older brother -- survived the storm with only minor damage to their home.
But 20 residents were killed and about a third of the park's 270 occupied homes were destroyed as Eastbrook bore the brunt of the storm, the worst to hit Indiana in three decades.
A month and a half later -- after a temporary evacuation of the entire park -- families are returning and starting to rebuild.
As of Dec. 16, residents were back in about 140 homes, according to Evansville attorney David Hatfield, a spokesman for the park's owner, the Westbrook Corp.
Among them were Marcella and Clifford Rawlings, both 84, who have lived at Eastbrook in their single-wide mobile home for eight years.
They moved back as soon as they could after the storm, despite an estimated $14,000 in damage to their home.
So far it hasn't been easy -- in part, Marcella Rawlings said, because she is haunted by memories from the storm. One of her close friends, a widow who was 78, broke her neck and died as a result of the tornado's winds, which topped 160 mph.
"It was really pitiful, hearing all the people hollering 'Help me!' " Marcella Rawlings said of the morning after the storm. "It was just a sad time."
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
AID=/20051224/NEWS02/512240385/1008/NEWS01
Volunteer firefighter reflects on tornado's emotional aftermath
By GARRET MATHEWS Courier & Press staff writer 464-7527 or mathewsg@courierpress.comDecember 25, 2005
Dale Naylor, volunteer firefighter, was one of the first responders to the Eastbrook Mobile Home Park after the Nov. 6 tornado.
He saw several mangled bodies, some without clothes. Even in the black night, he knew they were dead.
Naylor, eighth-grade basketball coach at Plaza Park Middle School, had a game two days later.
"I told my boys that winning is important, but I just witnessed 19 people who lost their lives. " I told them to have a good time playing ball and then go home and tell Mom and Dad how much you love them. I had a focus problem after the tornado. I'm conducting drills on the basketball floor and seeing dead bodies in my mind."
Naylor has coached at Plaza Park for 20 years. He also teaches physical education.
"I never got a chance to debrief after the disaster. I felt myself getting horribly depressed. I would get a knot in my throat and my eyes would moisten.
"I couldn't get it out of my mind. Here were kids I was coaching who were about the same age as some who died. It was probably two weeks before I could run a practice and not think about it."
Naylor, 46, is currently third in command at the Knight Township Fire Department. He's been on the crew for 15 years.
"I live about two miles from the trailer park. Driving to the scene, I knew it was gonna be bad. Stuff was still dropping out of the sky.
"So many people needed treatment. They were bleeding and separated from their families. People were shouting and tugging on our coats to help find their children.
"It was an eerie calm that's hard to explain. There was no sound except for the screams. No wind. No noise from the trucks.
"The only light was our flashlights. We were reaching in piles of debris desperately looking for victims. There were gas leaks and exposed power lines. We were in spaces that weren't secured. Beams and partially standing dwellings could have fallen on us. It's amazing that not a single rescuer was hurt."
Naylor came home that Sunday night just long enough to shower and change clothes.
"Three years ago, my wife Laura and I adopted a little girl from China. When I came in the doorway, I had hit the wall. I had dealt with a lot of death before, but nothing like this.
"Ellie threw her arms around my legs and told me everything was going to be all right. That child did an awful lot for my morale."
The Knight Township fire hall (that was severely damaged in the tornado) is strictly volunteer. Naylor didn't make a dime for the untold hours he spent at the trailer park.
"I wouldn't do it if I got paid."
He grins.
"Then it would be like a job. I've always wanted to be a firefighter. Some of the guys on the department are former students. This is the perfect place for me."
His Plaza Park basketball team finished the season with a 7-7 record.
"They were a good bunch of boys. Hard workers.
"Were they aware of the scope of everything that was going on outside the school? Probably not. They'd come up and say they saw me on TV. I told them that wasn't how I wanted to be on television."
http://www.courierpress.com/ecp/news/article/0,1626,ECP_734_4341063,00.html
Tornado Recovery Committee Office Open
The Long Term Recovery Committee of Southwest Indiana has opened its disaster office for tornado victims.
The office is located at Epworth United Methodist Church which is at the corner of Outer Lincoln and Epworth Road.
The goal of the Recovery Committee is to make sure none of the tornado victims slip through the cracks.
Victims needing long term assistance are invited to contact the office by calling (812) 490-6806. The FEMA deadline to apply for assistance is January 7th.
http://www.14wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=4281509&nav=3w6o
Tornado cleanup led to dispute among officials
By THOMAS B. LANGHORNE Courier & Press staff writer 464-7432 or langhornet@courierpress.comDecember 23, 2005
Vanderburgh County officials presented a united front in the days after a deadly F3 tornado killed 18 people at Eastbrook Mobile Home Park on Nov. 6.
But behind the scenes, an argument was ensuing about whether to have county Highway Department crews clean up the privately owned property and whether to seek federal aid as reimbursement for expenses.
http://www.courierpress.com/ecp/news/article/0,1626,ECP_734_4336926,00.html
Saved Through Organ Donations
Reporter: Shannon Samson
New Media Producer: Rachel Chambliss
Brandy Morefield was only 28 when her life was cut short on November 6th by an F-3 tornado.
Photo shows Brandy smiling, next to her mobile home last summer, unaware that in the fall a tornado would cut a path through that field behind her, and carry her and her sister Candy away.
Candy Newton, Brandy's sister, says, "It took a trailer about four lots down and threw that trailer on top of me. So, I was pinned. I was yelling for her. I could hear her screaming, 'It hurts.'"
The hurt was caused by head trauma. Although it was very serious, Brandy was able to hang on for four more days at St. Mary's where at times, she was lucid.
Those days were a precious gift, just like the years that were added to Brandy's life when she needed ten units of blood after delivering a stillborn child. It would have been her third little girl. Karen Morefield, Brandy's mom, "If it wasn't for the people donating the blood, I wouldn't have had her five years ago. I had her five more years."
So when Brandy could hold on no more, they didn't hesitate to donate her organs.
Her heart went to a man in Virginia, her kidneys helped two fellow Hoosiers, and up to 75 people will benefit from the donation of other tissue.
Karen says, "She's going to be greatly missed. But giving life back to others, she's going to live on, and she's going to live on through these two little girls."
There is a college fund set up for Brandy's daughters, 9-year-old Leah and 6-year-old Autumn at Old National Bank. Their first $100 deposit came from a fundraiser held by a group of art students at USI.
http://www.14wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=4280207&nav=3w6o
Family Remembers Latest Tornado Victim
Forty five-year-old Laura Rose Furgerson never fully recovered from her injuries from the November 6 tornado. She was taken back to the hospital where she died Saturday.
Laura and Cliff Furgerson lived in the Eastbrook Mobile Home Park. They awoke in the early morning on November sixth under debris. Cliff suffered broken ribs and a collapsed lung. Laura had broken bones and when she was discharged from the hospital, Cliff hoped and prayed his wife would make a full recovery.. But it wasn't to be.
http://www.14wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=4264517&nav=3w6o
12/20: Feds to Wisconsin on request for tornado money: No soup for you
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Federal emergency officials have denied the governor's appeal for disaster aid for three Wisconsin counties ravaged by tornadoes in August, state emergency management officials said Tuesday.Gov. Jim Doyle requested federal disaster aid on Aug. 25, seven days after the tornadoes struck. But the Federal Emergency Management Agency denied it in September, saying the damage wasn't so severe the state and local governments couldn't handle it. The decision came down just weeks after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast.Doyle appealed on Oct. 18, but the agency again said no."We're just very disappointed. We felt we presented a strong case," said Lori Getter, a spokeswoman for Wisconsin Emergency Management. "We really believe there are a lot of unmet needs."Twenty-seven tornadoes, a new-single day state record, tore across southwestern Wisconsin on Aug. 18. One person was killed and 20 others were hurt.More than 400 homes were damaged and 67 destroyed. In all, the tornadoes caused more than $43 million in damage, according to Wisconsin Emergency Management.
http://www.journaltimes.com/nucleus/index.php?itemid=3247
Feds Deny Tornado Aid To Wisconsin
Officials: Tornado Damages Total $43M
UPDATED: 2:28 pm CST December 21, 2005
MADISON, Wis. -- Federal officials have denied Gov. Jim Doyle's appeal for disaster aid following the August tornadoes that ravaged three Wisconsin counties.
Doyle requested federal disaster aid a week after tornadoes struck southwestern Wisconsin.
But the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials denied the request in September, saying that the damage in Dane, Richland and Vernon counties wasn't too severe for state and local governments to handle. Doyle appealed, but FEMA again said no.
The news is especially disappointing for not only individuals but the cities and towns that bore the costs of cleaning up.
In Pleasant Springs progress is evident, as new homes, once leveled, have begun to rise again.
The town government of Pleasant Springs spent hundreds of thousands of dollars cleaning up after the Aug. 18 tornadoes.
"We did have some road projects we didn't do this year as a matter of reckoning our budget with our needs," said town chairman Ken Schuck.
Fortunately the municipalities are working with each other so bills will be paid off over many years, which lessens the impact somewhat.
"Right now we're not anticipating we'll postpone anything, but we'll be watching it closely," said Schuck.
But for tornado victims like Gary Nelson, FEMA's denial is just one more disappointment to add to the list.
"It's just the stress of going through this," said Nelson. "I want it to be over with."
Doyle has a different opinion than FEMA officials as to why Wisconsin was denied, WISC-TV reported.
He said that too many homeowners were insured, and Wisconsin residents are being penalized for taking care of themselves.
Nelson said despite having insurance, there are still many out-of-pocket expenses.
"Your landscaping and trees," said Nelson. "I lost a lot of trees. Our whole neighborhood, all the trees are gone. It would be nice if they stepped in and just planted trees."
Despite FEMA's denial, there is hope for some assistance in Stoughton.
Donations from the community have gone to a long-term tornado recovery fund and will be dispersed to those with unmet needs.
WISC-TV has learned that Dane County will likely announce that it will offer aid to the municipalities on Wednesday.
The county executive's office said the aid isn't likely to be a huge amount, but will offset some of those unexpected costs.
Twenty-seven tornadoes -- a new single-day state record -- tore across southwestern Wisconsin on Aug. 18. One person was killed and 20 others hurt.
More than 400 homes were damaged and 67 destroyed. According to Wisconsin
Emergency Management, the tornadoes caused more than $43 million in damage.
http://www.channel3000.com/news/5590202/detail.html
Dinner to Honor Tornado First Responders
This Wednesday, Newswatch and a coalition of media partners will honor first responders who worked the disaster scene in Vanderburgh and Warrick counties on November 6th.
The event will be held from 5:30-7:30pm CST at the National Guard armory in Evansville. All police, fire, EMS and other emergency workers who were at the scene of the tornado damage on November 6th are welcome to attend. Invitations have gone out to the agencies being honored.
Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel, Warrick County Sheriff Marvin Heilman and others are scheduled to speak at the buffet style meal.
All facilities, supplies and food are being donated for the event. None of the money given for tornado relief is being used for the dinner. Sponsors include the National Guard, Black Buggy, Sam's Club, Coca-Cola and T.R.U. Event Rentals.
The event is being coordinated by the media coalition that raised over $1.2 million for tornado relief. Media partners include WFIE, WTVW and the South Central Communications Group of TV and radio stations.
http://www.14wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=4263521&nav=3w6o
Sens. Jauch, Miller: Blast FEMA Decision to Deny Aid for Stoughton Area Tornados
12/20/2005 For more information, contact:Sen. Bob Jauch: 608.266.3510Sen. Mark Miller: 608.266.9170Senators Jauch and Miller criticize determination that assistance "is not necessary or appropriate"Madison-- Two state lawmakers, State Senator Bob Jauch (D-Poplar) and State Senator Mark Miller (D-Monona), have angrily denounced FEMA’s decision to refuse disaster assistance for the August tornadoes that ravaged southern Wisconsin, killing one and injuring 20. "I am disappointed and dismayed at FEMA's denial of assistance to Wisconsin residents," stated Senator Miller. "FEMA's response that assistance is ‘not necessary’ is a slap in the face of tornado victims still trying to put their lives back together." In a letter sent to Governor Doyle (attached), acting FEMA chief R. David Paulison wrote that in the case of the Stoughton area tornados, federal assistance was "not necessary or appropriate."
http://www.wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=51303
Woman's death ups tornado toll to 24
Items compiled from Tribune news servicesPublished December 19, 2005
EVANSVILLE, INDIANA -- A woman who was injured last month when a tornado swept through her trailer park has died, bringing the death toll to 24.Laura Furgerson, 45, was hospitalized for two weeks after the Nov. 6 tornado ripped the roof off her home and threw her more than 100 feet.She was recovering at home Nov. 30 when was readmitted to the hospital complaining of stomach pains.Rev. Ken Raymes, a minister at Metro Christian Center, said Furgerson's death on Saturday was unexpected.The tornado had winds up to 206 m.p.h. and destroyed at least 500 homes as it cut a 20-mile path through the area.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0512190119dec19,1,1134741.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed&ctrack=1&cset=true
Webster City raises funds to help in tornado recovery
by Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster CityA weekend fundraiser in Webster City brought in several thousand dollars to help residents in the nearby community of Stratford, which was hit by a tornado last month. Jane Curtis helped organize the Saturday night fundraiser which included an auction of all sorts of donated items and services. The event was called "Blue Christmas" and besides the auction featured bluegrass music and an Elvis impersonator. Curtis says more than seven-thousand dollars was raised to help the families in Stratford. Curtis says "It's beyond the money, it's amazing the people who come forward, come together and make this happen. It is astonishing." While 14 central Iowa counties saw significant damage from the November 12th storm's high winds, tornadoes and hail, Stratford and Woodward were the hardest hit, with dozens of homes damaged or destroyed.
http://www.radioiowa.com/gestalt/go.cfm?objectid=015ACB63-1564-4198-93E6AF0FAA4A262A
24th Victim Of Indiana Tornado Dies
Reported by: A.P.Web produced by: Neil RelyeaPhotographed by: 9NewsFirst Posted: 12/18/2005 1:39:59 PM
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) -- A woman who was injured last month when a tornado swept through her mobile home park died Saturday, bringing the storm's death toll to 24.
Laura Furgerson, 45, suffered broken bones throughout her body and was hospitalized for two weeks after the November 6 tornado swept through the Eastbrook Mobile Home Park, ripping the roof off her house and throwing her more than 100 feet.
http://www.wcpo.com/news/2005/local/12/18/indy_tornado.html
First a tornado, then a hurricane
RANKIN COUNTY — Donna Luchi couldn't wait to pull out the Christmas decorations she had bought on sale last January, the stash of holiday trinkets her children had made at school over the years, the yard ornaments the family always displayed in front of their manufactured home.Then she remembered the tornado last April."Gone," she says, in a voice layered in disbelief. "All of the Christmas stuff is gone. Scattered to who knows where. And it's been like that ever since the storm. You start looking for things — paperwork or pictures — and you remember you don't own it anymore."
Luchi, a single mother of six children who works at a convenience store in Mendenhall, lost almost every material thing she owned when an F3 tornado tore through the Monterey community, in rural Rankin County, shortly after 7 a.m. on April 9.
http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
AID=/20051218/FEAT05/512180314/1020
Woman dies nearly a month after being hurt in tornado
EVANSVILLE, Ind. An Evansville, Indiana, woman injured last month when a tornado swept through her mobile-home park is dead, raising the toll from the November Sixth storm to 24..
Laura Furgerson suffered broken bones throughout her body. The twister ripped the roof off her house and threw her more than 100 feet.
The 45-year-old woman was released from the hospital two weeks later but returned at the end of the month complaining of stomach pains. The Evansville Courier-and-Press reports she died Saturday from a blood clot. Her husband says there was just nothing doctors could do.
http://www.wkyt.com/Global/story.asp?S=4259070&nav=4CAL
Boy hurt in tornado making progress
By MARK WILSON Courier & Press staff writer 464-7417 or mwilson@evansville.netDecember 18, 2005
William Pfingston's goal is to walk again someday. "He still says he is going to," said his mother, Melinda Pfingston.
She has spent the last two weeks with her son at St. Vincent Pediatric Rehabilitation Center in Indianapolis. He is receiving therapy for injuries he suffered during the Nov. 6 tornado that struck the Eastbrook Mobile Home Park, killing 20 people and injuring dozens more.
http://www.courierpress.com/ecp/news/article/0,1626,ECP_734_4324000,00.html
'Micro-burst' ruins crops and trees
16.12.05
A tornado-like "micro-burst" ripped trees out of the ground, flooded houses and destroyed a $20,000 crop in just minutes in the central Southland area of Heddon Bush, near Winton, yesterday afternoon. 45South Weather Services forecaster Andy Fraser said was probably a micro-burst of wind and hail during a very active thunder storm. "It could have been a tornado but I like to see a funnel before I call it that," he said. The storms were often localised to a few square kilometres and could whip up 160 km/h winds. Heddon Bush farmer Peter Dykes said he was driving back to his house when the sky closed in and blackened. "I was thinking, 'I hope the windows in the tractor are pretty strong' otherwise I'd be open to the elements. It was just an intense hailstorm, windy and very noisy." He thought about jumping out and heading for a stand of poplars, but moments later they were "knocked over like match- sticks". "It was just so black and dark you couldn't see a thing." Several 100-year-old macrocarpa trees were uprooted, sheds were flung around and one lost its roof. Vehicles received hail-stone damage and the inside of the family house was flooded. Crop farmer Robert Saunders returned to his Heddon Bush farm to find a 9ha crop of beans, worth about $20,000, destroyed by the storm.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10360241
New Store Hosts Tornado Fundraiser
It's fashion - for a cause. A new women's clothing store is helping with tornado relief.
District, located on Lincoln Avenue, will be having a runway fashion show Saturday to raise money for the American Red Cross's local tornado victims.
Katie Blair of District says, "I just thought it was a worthy cause, being because it hurt so many people so close to home, being that there is a lot of people that need our help right now."
http://www.14wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=4238697&nav=3w6o
Tornado victims' fund tops $400,000
GILLETTE (AP) -- A fund for victims of last summer's tornado in Wright has grown to more than $400,000, and about a quarter of the money has been distributed, according to town officials.Donations poured into town coffers following the Aug. 12 disaster that damaged about a third of the town's homes and killed two residents. The donations came on top of governmental money and relief efforts by nonprofits like the American Red Cross.Town officials formed the Wright Community Disaster Relief committee to disburse the donated money. Those affected by the disaster then completed a needs assessment to determine how much they would get, according to Vicky Schlidt, committee member and director of Wright Community Assistance.Committee Vice Chairman Tim Boyd said the committee already has given away about $125,000, plus another $125,000 designated but not yet distributed. In all, 80 people have been helped, with 30 more applications partially processed, Boyd said.
Wright Mayor Ralph Kingan said eligible individuals received between $2,000 and $3,000 each from the fund in the form of things such as insurance deductible payments or repairs. Cash will not be handed out, he said.Among the donations are 50 sheds already given to people who lost theirs during the storm, Schlidt said.The money also has been used to buy appliances and to offer utility credits, Schlidt said.Because there is no deadline on applying for a share of the money, officials don't yet have a final count on how much they'll disburse and to how many people."I don't believe we've got all the applications yet, and I believe we're still getting donations, so it's still variable," Boyd said.
http://www.jacksonholestartrib.com/articles/2005/12/13/news/wyoming/5a0db1ecee7db412872570d50083617a.txt
Crawfordville church hit hard by tornado
The tornado that sliced through northern Wakulla County Monday afternoon left plenty of fallen trees and debris, but the worst damage was to homes that weren't occupied, said emergency management director Joe Blanchard.
Only two homes were severely damaged, a mobile home was tipped on its side and a tree buckled a house. Trees fell on about 10 houses. Only three families did not have electricity. The Capital Area Red Cross reported that there were 33 affected homes as of Monday night, 22 were mobile homes. Only one family- Bryan Maness, his wife and two kids-needed a place to stay, said Chris Floyd, administrator of the Red Cross.
Maness stood in front of Ivan Assembly of God in Crawfordville with his back to the flapping tarp now covering the parsonage. There was no roof on much of it. The corners of the building looked chipped away. Parts of the sanctuary's roof were missing and covered by tarp to protect the inside from rain. Three sheds and a 750-foot office was demolished. Pink insulation stuck to the pine trees like it was bearing cotton candy. There wasn't much of the yard that wasn't covered with sections of the roof, broken glass or fallen limbs.
"There are a couple of trees here that we don't know where they came from," Maness said. "We have stuff that's gone, that we don't know where it is."
http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051206/NEWS01/512060372
Tornado roars through Sylvester
Sylvester - Windows were blown out, cars damaged and utility poles toppled by a tornado that ripped through downtown Sylvester.
The damage covered more than three blocks of the downtown area when the twister hit at 12:05 Monday afternoon.
There've been no reports of major injuries.
A radio transmission tower at the Sheriff's office collapsed onto the roof of the Worth County jail. About 35 inmates were transferred to the Tift County jail.
There was some damage reported at First Baptist Church. Cars in some downtown area neighborhoods were crushed by trees.
John Baldwin, who was inside a house on West Street, says he heard a loud noise, walked outside and saw the twister. Baldwin says he took cover in his pickup truck.
http://www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=4203560&nav=5kZQ
Swift, fierce thunderstorms descend on Oahu
Officials investigate reports of a funnel cloud in Aiea
By Rosemarie Bernardorbernardo@starbulletin.com
Oahu residents might have been expecting rain yesterday, but no one seemed ready for the thunder, lightning and the deluge that drenched most of Oahu.
The thunderstorms wreaked havoc throughout the island, causing power failures, flooding homes and city streets -- and making it a tough go for Christmas shoppers on this first December weekend.
Lightning struck the roof of one person's house in Waialae Nui twice, forcing firefighters to rush to the scene to put out some flames.
In Kaneohe, one man's house was knee-deep in water after an overwhelmed storm drain at his intersection sent water pouring into his yard and kitchen.
More than 3,000 people lost power on Oahu -- 2,000 temporarily had to go without electricity in Waikiki, along with about 1,000 in Kaimuki and another 500 in Aina Haina.
And the National Weather Service was investigating whether a funnel cloud descended upon Aiea, downing several trees and blocking traffic.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning minutes before 2:30 p.m., lasting until 5:30 p.m. Rain was persistent from Kaneohe to Hawaii Kai, said meteorologist Bob Burke. And a cold front was approaching the islands last night, with predictions that it would bring scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms to Oahu today.
The weather is still expected to be unsettled until tomorrow night, with some chance of showers, said forecaster Peter Donaldson. "The rainfall looks probably widespread and is going to be concentrated on the Windward side," Donaldson said. Thunder and rainy weather are expected to clear by Wednesday morning, he said.
At 3:30 p.m. yesterday, police reported four down trees, possibly caused by the thunderstorm, at the intersection of Kaonohi Street and Iho Place in Aiea. The fallen trees blocked part of the roadway, prompting police to temporarily shut down one lane until the trees were removed. There were no injuries, police said.
Weather officials also received reports of flooding, including Hobron Lane in Waikiki. A power line also went down in a resident's yard on Sierra Drive, said Capt. Kenison Tejada, spokesman with Honolulu Fire Department.
Tejada said firefighters responded to a roof fire at a home on Ahaana Way in Waialae Nui. There were no flames when firefighters arrived, but Tejada said a small area near the roof was blackened, shingles were damaged and some four-by-six rafters at the home were split.
The house also had damage to its electrical system. A resident who lives at the home told firefighters that he believed the house was struck twice by lightning.
http://starbulletin.com/2005/12/05/news/story02.html
Tornado damages 50 homes south of Tallahassee
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A tornado damaged about 50 homes in rural Wakulla County on Monday, but no deaths or injuries were immediately reported, state officials said.
The extent of the damage, in an area south of Tallahassee and northeast of Crawfordville, was not immediately known, said Mike Stone, spokesman for the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
The tornado was initially spotted at 12:34 p.m. in Liberty County and moved northeast into Wakulla, southern Leon County and then Jefferson County, where it dissipated about 2 p.m., said National Weather Service forecaster Jennifer McNatt.
That path kept in almost entirely within the Apalachicola National Forest, reducing the chances for property damage.
The tornado preceded a front that then brought a line of showers and thunderstorms into the eastern Florida Panhandle, McNatt said.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-12-05-florida-tornado_x.htm
Damage from tornado worse than expected
Published December 5, 2005
INDIANA -- About 200 homes in Warrick County will have to be razed because of irreparable structural damage from the Nov. 6 tornado, officials said after only recently discovering the full extent of damage from the storm.An additional 400 homes will need extensive rebuilding and repair, Warrick County building inspector Mike Winge told the Evansville Courier and Press last week.The tornado, which cut a 20-mile path from the Evansville area to the northeastern Warrick County community of Degonia Springs, was categorized as an F3 tornado, with wind speeds of up to 206 m.p.h. Four people died in Warrick County and 19 died in Evansville.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0512050020dec05,1,1728921.story?coll=chi-news-hed
No Injuries in S. Ga. Tornadoes
Provided by: The Associated Press
Last Modified: 12/5/2005 5:17:47 PM
SYLVESTER, Ga. (AP) -- Work crews are busy cleaning up downtown Sylvester after a tornado touched down in the southwest Georgia city.The twister struck as severe thunderstorms tracked across south Georgia, leading the National Weather service to warn of tornadoes in several locations.WALB-TV in Albany reported that power lines were downed in Sylvester, and homes and vehicles were damages, although there are NO reports of serious injury. Witnesses heard a loud noise and then saw a funnel cloud move across the ground. A building at the First Baptist Church was damaged and a few windows were broken at the Worth County Courthouse.The downtown area was littered with debris, and Main Street was closed off as crews cleaned up the litter. A local bank building's roof had given way in the storm, and workers were pumping water from the carpet.The Weather Service posted a tornado warning for northeastern Clinch county after a trained spotter reported a twister crossing into the county about ten miles southeast of Lakeland.And the weather service said Doppler radar indicated a developing tornado near Valdosta, moving northeast at 30 miles per hour. Forecasters also said radar indicated another tornado near Waycross, moving east across northeern Ware County at about 40 miles per hour.In Sylvester, witnesses heard a loud noise and then saw a funnel cloud move across the ground. A building at the First Baptist Church was damaged and a few windows were broken at the Worth County Courthouse.
http://www.11alive.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=72835
Stockbridge Storm Was Tornado
Officials with the National Weather Service confirmed Monday afternoon that the damage in a Stockbridge subdivision was caused by a tornado."I looked out the back door, and visibility was down to zero, and I saw my trees and they started to bend over," said Stockbridge resident John Deleon.After seeing the damage to their homes from Sunday’s storms, people living in the Willow Springs subdivision in Henry County suspected a tornado touched down in their neighborhood."Sleet was coming down, terribly," said Deleon. "And you couldn’t even see. I got a little scared, I have to say. Because I’ve been through hurricanes in Puerto Rico and everywhere else, but this is one that actually touched me a little bit."The National Weather Service confirmed their suspicions. "At best, an F-0 tornado," said Barry Gooden of the National Weather Service. "Much of the damage suggested straight-line winds, but in the end, looking at some of the shingles and things that were lifted off suggest that it might have been at least an F-0 tornado."The home with the most damage had a tree that came crashing down through the back part of the house. Crews spent much of the morning cleaning up and removing the tree. Fortunately, no one inside was injured.In many of the residents' backyards, trees were snapped and tossed about, and there was significant roof damage."Trees down in the back yard, some snapped in half, some uprooted, and some knocked into the lake. It was quite a sight to come home to," said resident Lewis Edwards.Despite all of the damage, no one was reported injured in the subdivision.
http://www.11alive.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=72845
Tornado hits Rotorua suburb
6/12/2005 16:20:03
A freak tornado has ripped through a suburb in Rotorua. It happened just after 2pm.
Residents in the Fordlands area say they saw sheets of iron fly through the air. They say the tornado came and went very quickly.
Cuddles Childcare on Sunset Road had its roof blown off. Manager Sarah Rowe says it had started to rain so they brought the children inside and then the tornado hit soon after, making doors fly open and windows shake.
She says the children are all safe.
Ms Rowe says a house next to the daycare centre had a tree fall on it.
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=85642
Thunderstorms bring hail, possible tornado
Associated Press
COLUMBIA, S.C. - Several severe thunderstorms moved across western South Carolina Sunday evening brining hail and at least one report of a possible tornado.
The heaviest storm appeared to reach its peak in southern Greenwood County, dropping enough hail to cover the ground about seven miles southwest of Greenwood, the National Weather Service reported.
A trained storm spotter saw a tornado touch the ground from the same storm about five miles west of Greenwood around 5:50 p.m. No damage was reported, forecasters said.
At least three separate storms brought hail ranging from penny to quarter-sized to Abbeville, Lexington, Newberry and Saluda counties, the weather service said.
A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for much of the Midlands and western Pee Dee until 1 a.m. Monday.
http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld/myrtlebeachonline/news/local/13328059.htm
Disaster Aid Sent to Tornado Ravaged Counties
Conway County - Financial assistance is on its way to tornado ravaged areas of the state. The governor has declared seven counties disaster areas. They include Cleburne, Conway, Fulton, Garland, Perry, Pike and Van Buren. Huckabee authorized $200,000 from the governor's disaster fund. That money has been given to the Department of Emergency Management. Rather than decorating for Christmas, residents in Cherry Hill are picking up the pieces and trying to put their lives back together. The area was hit hard Sunday night when tornadoes ripped through Perry County. County Judge True Robinson says his county is a poor county and he hopes the money will come soon. (Robinson) "As of right now, we don't know what we're going to get as of yet, but I'm sure we'll hear something shortly." Judge Robinson says everyone in the small community is pitching in to help clean up, even begin to rebuild. With Christmas a few weeks away, Robinson says these people won't go without. (Robinson) "All of these people have pitched in to clean up and they're not going to go hungry and they're going to have a warm place to sleep at night. We’re going to assure them of that." The National Weather Service (website/news) now says 14 tornadoes touched down Sunday night.
http://www.katv.com/news/stories/1205/282634.html
Three die as mini-tornado wreaks havocSelina Mitchell and Annabelle McDonaldDecember 03, 2005
A MAN was killed when a mini-tornado hit Canberra, and two people including cattle baron Peter Menegazzo died when their plane was brought down by a suspected lightning strike, as storms lashed the eastern states yesterday.The middle-aged man died in the Canberra suburb of Curtin when a tree fell on him about 5pm. Dozens of trees and power lines were felled by 100km/h winds.
The city's airport was closed and roofs were torn off several houses and buildings, including The Canberra Times's press hall.
Both of the city's public hospitals, Calvary and Canberra, were damaged, with ACT Emergency Services commissioner Peter Dunne calling on people to stay away unless they were in urgent need of medical attention. One hospital lost power and was running on generators and the other received "superficial" damage, with doors and windows blown in.
Mr Dunne said the light industrial suburb of Fyshwick appeared the worst hit. "Roofs are off, there is a lot of water damage and structural damage. We have 330 people on the ground."
The ACT Emergency Services received about 200 calls for help. The NSW SES received more than 500.
There were reports of damage in Albury on the NSW-Victorian border, but NSW's central tablelands and northwest slopes bore the brunt of the storms. Further north, the roofs of about 40 homes were damaged within minutes when a storm hit the small central western Queensland town of Aramac. A spokeswoman for the Counter Disaster and Rescue Services said the storm lasted only about 10 minutes but caused widespread damage. The local hospital suffered damage and patients were evacuated.
The storms came as Queensland's southeast corner was recovering from heavy rainfall on Thursday. Noosa on the Sunshine Coast was flooded when 260mm of rain fell in six hours and two people were taken to hospital after being hit by lightning.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,17443539%255E2702,00.html
Tornado picture touches many
By ELLA JOHNSON Courier & Press staff writer 464-7420 or ejohnson@evansville.netDecember 1, 2005
Robin Smedley was walking his dogs recently in Salem, Ind., when he saw what he thought was a piece of trash.
He turned the scrap of paper over to see a photograph of a man wearing a party hat, holding a toddler wearing a cowboy hat.
http://www.courierpress.com/ecp/news/article/0,1626,ECP_734_4282865,00.html
Marshall County gains tornado warning sirens
Thursday, December 01, 2005
From staff reportsHuntsville Times
GUNTERSVILLE - Tornado warning sirens will soon be placed throughout Marshall County and paid for with more than $80,000 in federal and local money.
At its meeting Monday, the County Commission said the sirens will be placed on Blount Avenue in Guntersville, Simpson Point Road in Grant, Beulah Road and McVille Road near Boaz, Nixon Chapel Road near Guntersville and Matt Morrow Road and Ruth Road in Arab. A Federal Emergency Management Agency grant of $63,878 and $17,610 in matching money from the county is paying for the sirens.
Another FEMA grant of $44,250 and $14,750 in matching county in-kind services will pay for the construction of a storm shelter in Grant.
In other business, the commission announced it will close County Park No. 1 in Guntersville because the lake level is too low but will reopen it in February or March.
http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/1133432364291420.xml&coll=1
Fort Riley hit by tornado
FORT RILEY, Kan. (Army News Service, Nov. 30, 2005) -- Although no injuries were reported, the tornado that struck Fort Riley Nov. 27 displaced 17 military families and damaged nearly 33 sets of quarters to the point they were uninhabitable, post officials said.Garrison emergency crews and recovery teams responded to the tornado within minutes of touch down, establishing a command post in the Ellis Heights housing area, which bore the brunt of the tornado's wrath.Many of the displaced families were relocated to local hotels at no charge to the individuals, while several families elected to stay with friends or family in local homes. Other families are currently away from post, either on vacation or staying with relatives while the Soldier is deployed or on temporary duty elsewhere. All family pets are accounted for, officials reported.Repair of the damaged quarters has already begun, and could take up to several weeks, depending on the severity of the damage. The majority of damage includes broken windows and torn siding.The tornado also broke trees and damaged numerous headstones at the post cemetery. Garrison officials have begun contacting affected families to address headstone replacement.Fort Riley Public Works officials initially estimated the cost to repair the damage to the post and remove the debris to be more than $1 million. A more detailed assessment is ongoing, officials said.
http://www4.army.mil/ocpa/read.php?story_id_key=8277
No federal aid for tornado victims
ALICE - FEMA said it will not provide any aid for the victims of the severe weather over in Jim Wells County on October 27th. Several homes in Premont and San Jose were damaged by those storms.
FEMA officials said there was not enough damage to warrant federal aid. Jim Wells County officials are now putting together a list of people who need assistance. That list will be sent to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, along with a request for help.
http://www.kristv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4185392
Happenings in Hanson: Tornado continues to have effects on community
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Greetings to all of you from the north end of the county. Dang, it has gotten cold. Folks are working to get their lives back to what can be as close to normal as possible. For some it will be easier than others. Whatever your situation: If I may speak for all the folks here in Hanson, we wish the best for you.
Although the tornado did not touch down in Hanson, we had family and friends involved. Mandy Fields, a teacher at Hanson had just gotten home with her husband, Chris, right behind her. He kept watching and when he saw it headed toward them, they took cover.
Mandy says it is all you see on television times 10. She says it will surely put things in perspective. It's not all the stuff, it is your family and friends. Margaret Vaughn feels extremely blessed to have her mother, Mary Shelton, safe and recovering at her home. Mary's home was completely destroyed.
We welcome Mary to Hanson but we wish the situation was different. Christopher Parker, a preschool student said, "That tornado just blew my grandma's house down." The children also talked about their lights being off, seeing the trees blown down, and hearing the sirens going off. It is good for children to talk about what happened and we try to answer any questions they may have. Now when we practice a tornado drill, they will still be a little scared but they will know how important it is to get to safety.
http://www.the-messenger.com/articles/stories/public/200511/30/hansonstory_penny_plus.html
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