... In Search of Severe Weather: USGG

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Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Doppler On Wheels Deployed At Hurricane Ike

ScienceDaily (Sep. 18, 2008) — The only scientific team to successfully brave Hurricane Ike's knock-down winds and swells in Galveston was the DOW, the Doppler on Wheels mobile weather radar operated by the Center for Severe Weather Research (CSWR) in Boulder, Colo.

"The DOW mission to Ike provided, for the first time, high-resolution radar data collected from the ground of the inside of a hurricane eye strengthening during landfall, and from a hurricane that directly impacted a large urban area," said scientist Josh Wurman of CWSR.

The National Science Foundation (NSF)-supported DOW was deployed on a 35-foot-high overpass in Galveston during the passage of Ike.

"The mission will allow researchers to better understand how phenomena called fine-scale wind streaks and boundary layer rolls, discovered by the the DOW in 1996, affect hurricane evolution," said Steve Nelson, program director in NSF's Division of Atmospheric Sciences, which funds the DOW. "These rolls may be important in how efficiently heat is extracted from the ocean, and how strongly hurricane winds are slowed by surface friction."

The DOW collected data for 17 hours. The center of Ike's eye passed nearly directly over the DOW, allowing scientists to take measurements of the front and rear eyewalls, and of the inside of the eye.

Deployed with the DOW were two vehicles equipped with instruments to track winds and raindrop size distributions, and ten unmanned "pods," which measured winds at locations so close to the water that human observers could not safely remain in the vicinity.

The vehicles were deployed at raised locations near the ends of the Galveston Causeway.

The pods stood watch in lines on the end of the Galveston Sea Wall and the Texas City Sea Wall, with 500-meter-spacing so the passage of small-scale gusts could be measured.

The DOW observed several mesovortices--swirling winds--in Ike's eyewall, which intensified winds and rainfall as these mesovortices rotated around the eye.

"The mesovortices are likely associated with some of the worst localized wind damage caused by Ike," said Wurman.

"The understanding from the DOW project is essential to improving forecasts of hurricane intensity, path, and rainfall amounts," he said. "It will lead to new insights on the nature of near surface winds in hurricanes, the behavior of hurricane eyewalls and processes inside eyewalls, and processes in hurricane rainbands."

WEATHER NOTE

KATC StormTeam 3 Weather BLOG NWS Post Hurricane Ike Preliminary Report

Ike Damage at Dunes State Park, Indiana

Dunes Creek / Dunes River? Aerial photo shows the collapsed Indiana Dunes State Park main parking lot. The Pavilion is at lower right. The parking lot collapsed during the heavy rains September 13 and 14. Photo was taken by John W. Cripliver, pilot of a Piper Warrior single-engine airplane on Sept. 17. The darker water of Dunes Creek is shown flowing into Lake Michigan at bottom. (Photo provided by John W. Cripliver)

AAHC Releases Guide to Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response

WASHINGTON, Sept 19, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Systems, leadership, management, and communication highlighted

The Association of Academic Health Centers (AAHC) today released Managing Emergency Preparedness: Academic Health Centers Organize and Innovate, a brief guide to enhancing institutional, system-wide approaches to emergency response.

The brochure provides recommendations on effective ways academic health centers can manage operations and systems to help ensure that institutions, communities, and policymakers can respond to an array of emergencies, including natural disasters and bioterrorism. It also highlights the importance of academic health center resources, and how integration of functions makes a significant difference in the event of an emergency.

Leaders of academic health centers and experienced emergency response experts contributed to the brochure, which provides specific suggestions on fundamental imperatives such as establishing leadership teams, coordinating an organization-wide emergency preparedness plan, and facilitating communication. In light of the critical need to safeguard major university resources, the guide also highlights priorities for protection of life, equipment, and property - including a short checklist to help secure and protect the research enterprise.

"September is National Preparedness Month, and recent disasters remind us of the significant role academic health centers play in preparedness and the need for organization, good management, and collaboration at the community, regional, and national levels," said AAHC President Dr. Steven A. Wartman, adding "Ultimately, we all want to protect the nation's health and well-being."

For more information, visit AAHC's website: www.aahcdc.org

The Association of Academic Health Centers is a national non-profit association dedicated to advancing well-being through leadership in health professions education, patient care, and research.

SOURCE Association of Academic Health Centers http://www.aahcdc.org

The Report: Managing Emergency Preparedness 2008 (pdf)

Weather service confirms a sixth tornado from Ike
By The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Saturday, September 20, 2008

A National Weather Service survey team has confirmed a sixth tornado spawned by the remnants of Hurricane Ike and expects to find at least one more, which would make it the second-worst year for tornadoes in Arkansas.

Walgreens Electronic Outdoor Signs Now Deliver Vital Weather Messages at More Than 3,000 Corner Locations Across America

DEERFIELD, Ill., Sept. 9, 2008 – The electronic outdoor signs at Walgreens stores across the country are now a source of critical weather updates. Walgreens has teamed up with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association’s (NOAA) National Weather Service to alert customers and passersby of impending severe weather.

Under the agreement Walgreens is able to access data about approaching storms, then post updates to any of its 3,300 electronic outdoor signs in affected areas. The drugstore chain will link to NOAA’s data feed every five minutes to provide timely and pertinent details as severe weather draws near. Walgreens locations with electronic signs represent more than half of the company’s 6,443 stores nationwide.

“Our highly visible corner locations give us a unique opportunity to provide this valuable service to communities,” said Walgreen director of community affairs John Gremer. “Severe weather warnings are potential lifesavers, and what better place to make this information available than a source that captures the attention of millions of people everyday?”

Walgreens weather alert system is just one of the ways it’s using its electronic signage to provide important information to local communities. In 2005, Walgreens launched its Amber Alert initiative that posts regional bulletins on recent child abductions.

“The use of our outdoor signs for public alerts is well received in communities across the country,” said Gremer. “Because so many of our stores are located in the heart of the communities they serve, we are well positioned to deliver important safety messages. We will continue to seek other opportunities to provide this type of service.”

Walgreens is the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2008 sales of $59 billion. The company operates 6,443 drugstores in 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Walgreens provides the most convenient access to consumer goods and cost-effective health care services in America through its retail drugstores, Walgreens Health Services division and Walgreens Health and Wellness division. Walgreens Health Services assists pharmacy patients and prescription drug and medical plans through Walgreens Health Initiatives Inc. (a pharmacy benefit manager), Walgreens Mail Service Inc., Walgreens Home Care Inc., Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy LLC and SeniorMed LLC (a pharmacy provider to long-term care facilities). Walgreens Health and Wellness division includes Take Care Health Systems, which is comprised of: Take Care Consumer Solutions, managers of 220 convenient care clinics at Walgreens drugstores, and Take Care Employer Solutions, managers of worksite-based health and wellness services at 368 employer campuses.

Cruise with Hurricane Ike

MARITIME NOTE:

UK. Maritime And Coastguard Agency reports 6 foreign ships under detention in the UK during August

Friday, 19 September 2008

The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) announced today that 6 foreign flagged ships were under detention in UK ports during August 2008 after failing Port State Control (PSC) inspection.

Latest monthly figures show that there were 3 new detentions of foreign flagged ships in UK ports during August 2008 and 3 vessels under detention from previous months. The overall rate of detentions compared with inspections carried out over the last twelve months was 4.4% a slight increase on Julys' twelve month rate.

During the month of August 125 Port State Control inspections were carried out in the UK. A total of 30 vessels had no deficiencies raised against them,55 had between one and five deficiencies, 29 had between six and ten deficiencies 10 had between eleven and twenty deficiencies and there was 1 vessel inspected that had more than twenty deficiencies.

Out of the detained vessels, 1 was registered with a flag state listed on the Paris MOU white list, 1 was registered with a flag state on the grey list, 3 were registered with a flag states on the black list and one was registered with an unlisted flag state.

Vessels detained in August included:

A 17,825 GT Bulk Carrier was detained in Avonmouth for cracks in the port and starboard lifeboat buoyancy chambers and suspected water ingress into the lifeboats. The fire and abandonment drill was sub standard and the crew needed to practice emergency drills or undertake refresher training. The emergency generator was not exciting or developing the voltage and there was no 24v emergency light for the GMDSS batteries to the GMDSS console or Furuno FM 8800 VHF.

The number and nature of the defects identified on board indicated a major failure of the vessels' Safety Management System (SMS).

A 22,466 GT Bulk Carrier was detained in Belfast because of deficiencies relating to the Gyro and Magnetic Compasses which resulted in no effective means of taking a bearing. These deficiencies were against the ISM code sections 7 and 10.

The oil leakage detectors on the generators had temporary wiring or were disconnected and the emergency fire pump was inoperative; as the exhaust was not properly maintained. The high pressure jacketed piping system on the main engine fuel pipe sheathing was missing on one cylinder and loose on another.

In response to one of the recommendations of Lord Donaldson's Inquiry into the prevention of pollution from merchant shipping and in compliance with the EU Directive on Port State Control (95/21/EC as amended), the Maritime and Coastguard agency (MCA) publishes full details of the foreign flagged vessels detained in UK ports each month.

2. Inspections of foreign flagged ships in UK ports are undertaken by surveyors from the MCA. Where a ship is found to be deficient or lacks the required documentation, MCA surveyors can take a range of actions leading to detention in serious cases. The UK is part of a regional agreement on port state control known as the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Paris MOU) and information on all ships that are inspected is held centrally in an electronic database known as SIReNaC. This allows the ships of flags with poor detention records to be targeted for future inspection.

3. Detained ships have to satisfy surveyors that remedial work has been carried out before they are allowed to leave port.

4. When applicable the list includes those passenger craft prevented from operating under the provisions of the EU Directive on Mandatory Surveys for the safe operation of regular Ro-Ro ferry and high speed passenger craft services (1999/35/EU).
Notes on the list of detentions

Full details of the ship

The accompanying detention list shows ship's name, the flag state and the ship's International Maritime Organization (IMO) number which is unchanging throughout the ship's life and uniquely identifies it.

Company

The company shown in the vessel's Safety Management Certificate or the party otherwise believed to be responsible for the safety of the ship at the time of inspection.

Classification Society

The list shows the Classification Society responsible for classing the ship and not necessarily the party issuing and/or carrying out surveys for certificates relevant to the defect found.

Recognised Organisation

The "organisation" - responsible for conducting the statutory surveys: and issuing statutory certificates, (on behalf of the Flag State).

Defects

The list gives a summary of the main grounds for detention and includes information where the ship has been released to sail to another port for repairs.

Ships detained in August 2008

Date & Place of Detention:01/08/2008 Avonmouth (erroneously recorded in SIReNaC as 31/07/2008)

Vessel Name: ANTIKERI (Bulk Carrier)
GT: 17,825
IMO No: 8200503
Flag: Malta
Company: Amalthia Marine Inc
Classification Society: Det Norske Veritas (DNV)
Recognised Organisation: Det Norske Veritas (DNV)
Recognised Organisation for ISM: Lloyds Register (LR)

Summary: 32 deficiencies (6) - grounds for detention

This vessel was detained in Avonmouth for 8 days because the port and starboard lifeboat buoyancy chambers were found cracked and water ingress into the lifeboats was suspected. A major non conformity was raised in relation to the maintenance of ship and equipment which was not according to SMS which suggested a breakdown of the ISM safety management system. The ships' personnel showed lack of emergency preparedness during a fire and abandonment drill, a major non conformity was raised in respect of this deficiency. The crew needed to practice emergency drills or undertake refresher training. Other deficiencies identified included: the starboard lifeboat fire extinguisher was showing no pressure and the starboard lifeboat gunwale GRP was wasted. The passage plan was inadequate and the antenna plan required updating also there was no 24v emergency light from GMDSS batteries to GMDSS.
The vessel was released on 08/08/2008

Date & Place of Detention:19/08/2008 Tilbury

Vessel Name: MORNING CHARM (Vehicle Carrier)
GT: 21,757
IMO No: 7729368
Flag: Panama
Company: Univan Ship Management
Classification Society: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NKK)
Recognised Organisation: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NKK)
Recognised Organisation for ISM: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NKK)

Summary: 12 deficiencies (3) - grounds for detention

The vessel was detained in Tilbury for 5 days because the stern ramp was damaged; affecting seaworthiness and the lifebuoys were not ready for use. Other deficiencies included - the passage plan was not as required, DSC test calls were unable to be made and the grinding wheel needed changing. In addition the engine room was dirty.
The vessel was released on23/08/2008

Date & Place of Detention: 29/08/2008 Belfast

Vessel Name: GOKHAN KIRAN (Bulk Carrier)
GT: 22,466
IMO No: 7433696
Flag: Turkey
Company: Pasifik Shipping
Classification Society: Bureau Veritas (BV)
Recognised Organisation: Bureau Veritas (BV)
Recognised Organisation for ISM: Bureau Veritas (BV)

Summary: 41 deficiencies (11) - grounds for detention

This vessel was detained in Belfast because the gyro and magnetic compasses were defective, and there was no means of taking a bearing. The gyro compass was unreadable, and the compass fluid in the magnetic compass was almost empty. The high pressure jacketed piping system on the main engine fuel pipe sheathing was missing on one cylinder and loose on another. The oil leakage detectors on the generators had temporary wiring or were disconnected and the emergency fire pump was inoperative; as the exhaust was not properly maintained. Other deficiencies identified included: the voyage passage plan was not complete: the galley scupper was not hygienic: and the cold room was out of order and dirty.
The vessel was still detained as at 31/08/2008

Detentions carried over from previous months

Date & Place of detention: 23/07/2007 - Falmouth

Vessel Name: OCEAN ALERT (Other)
GT: 1,455
IMO No: 7006780
Flag: Panama
Company: Marr Vessel Management.
Classification Society: Lloyds Register (LR)
Recognised Organisation: Lloyds Register (LR)

Summary: 5 deficiencies (all detainable).

The vessel was detained for failure to comply with the International Safety Management Code, with no safety management system on board or planned maintenance undertaken. The ship was still detained at 31/08/2008

Date & Place of detention: 20/09/2007 - Lowestoft

Vessel Name: ST PIRAN (Other Cargo)
GT: 306
IMO No: 5085407
Flag: Sierra Leone
Company: Charter Shipping Inc
Classification Society: Phoenix Register of Shipping (PRS)

Summary: 18 deficiencies in total, (6 detainable).

The vessel was detained with a significant amount of oil leaking from the silencer drain soaking the exhaust manifold lagging of the main engine, causing an imminent fire hazard. There was no effective fire pump available due to the breakdown of the main engine, and the alternative submersible electric pump was not effective. Also the Aldis signalling lamp was out of order, the VHF radio installation had an incorrect MMSI number and the radio battery charger arrangement and power distribution was incorrect. Other deficiencies included: some inoperative navigation lights as well as improperly maintained emergency batteries and portable fire extinguishers. The ship was still detained at 31/08/2008

Date & Place of Detention 24/07/2008 Immingham

Vessel Name: FENG LI 9 (Bulk Carrier)
GT: 38657
IMO No: 9041021
Flag: Panama
Company: Cosco Wallem Ship Management Co Ltd.
Classification Society: American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
Recognised Organisation: American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
Recognised Organisation for ISM: American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
Summary: 27 deficiencies 2 detainable

The vessel was originally detained in Immingham because the engine room quick closing valves were defective, however further inspection of the ship revealed over 20 deficiencies. There were numerous deficiencies identified which indicated a major breakdown of SMS on board. The fire drill was unsatisfactory and there was no sanitary water on board. The VHF radio installation Sailor D RT 2008 & RM 2002 DSC was not secured and the wiring was hanging loose and three VHF handsets antennas were defective. The engine room hatch on the aft deck was not watertight or secured correctly, bolts were missing and of the wrong size. The engine room damper port side forward ventilator, air operated damper cylinder was leaking so badly it would not operate on its' own. The vessel was released on a single direct voyage in ballast condition, to Amsterdam in the Netherlands to rectify outstanding deficiencies.

The vessel was released on 22/08/2008

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!Lightning Safety Week: June 22-28, 2008

Summer is the peak season for one of the nation's deadliest weather phenomena— lightning. But don't be fooled, lightning strikes year round.

The goal of this Website is to safeguard U.S. residents from lightning.

In the United States, an average of 62 people are killed each year by lightning.

Already in 2008, 8 people have died due to lightning strikes. In 2007, 45 people were struck and killed by lighting in the U.S.; hundreds of others were injured. Of the victims who were killed by lightning:

98% were outside
89% were male
30% were males between the ages of 20-25
25% were standing under a tree
25% occurred on or near the water

The reported number of injuries is likely far lower than the actual total number because many people do not seek help or doctors do not record it as a lightning injury. People struck by lightning suffer from a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms, including memory loss, attention deficits, sleep disorders, numbness, dizziness, stiffness in joints, irritability, fatigue, weakness, muscle spasms, depression, and an inability to sit for long.

Lightning is a serious danger. Through this site we hope you'll learn more about lightning risks and how to protect yourself, your loved ones and your belongings. As a start, get an overview of Lightning Safety or stop by our comprehensive page of handouts, brochures, links and more.

USPLN Lightning Data for the Continuental United States. Data is delayed 30 minutes and represents 2 hour period.

USPLN Lightning Data for CONUS, image, copyright 2008 WDT; data, copyright 2008 WSI Corporation. Used by permission from WSI Corporation. All rights reserved.

WEATHER NOTE

Menendez panel will look at U.S. role in global disasters

by The Associated Press
Tuesday June 17, 2008, 5:37 AM

A congressional subcommittee chaired by a New Jersey senator is taking up the politically sensitive question of how the United States can aid disaster victims if their governments reject foreign involvement.

The panel headed by Sen. Robert Menendez, (D-N.J.) will hear from foreign relations experts Tuesday as it weighs issues raised after last month's cyclone in Myanmar, the recent earthquake in China and other disasters.

Myanmar's ruling military junta severely restricted humanitarian aid after the storm there left tens of thousands dead and missing.

National Weather Service Finds Department is TsunamiReady™

June 17, 2008

The Orange County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday recognized the Department's Emergency Management Bureau, along with emergency managers from coastal cities in Orange County, for the achievement of completing the Natonal Weather Service StormReady and TsunamiReady programs. Orange County has become the nation's most populous county to earn the Weather Service honor.

To read the Board of Supervisors staff report on the issue click here.

To see the National Weather Service press release on the county's achievement click

Contact: Matt Ocana FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
801-524-5692 June 17, 2008

NOAA Recognizes Orange County, Calif., as TsunamiReady™ and StormReady®

Orange County, Calif., has completed NOAA’s National Weather Service StormReady® and TsunamiReady™ programs, better equipping the county to handle severe weather and tsunamis. The Orange County emergency management team fulfilled a rigorous set of warning and evacuation criteria, including the development of a formal hazardous weather plan.

“Orange County is vulnerable to tsunamis and severe weather due to its location on the coast,” said Jim Purpura, meteorologist-in-charge of the weather forecast office in San Diego. “As the second most populous county in the state of California, and the fifth most populous in the United States, the likelihood of the public encountering a tsunami or severe weather is greatly increased. Public awareness and preparedness are essential.”

Orange County now becomes not only the most populous county in the U.S. to achieve TsunamiReady recognition, but also the only county to have every coastal community both StormReady and TsunamiReady. Orange County cities that completed the TsunamiReady program are Dana Point, Huntington Beach, San Clemente, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, and Laguna Beach.

“Orange County was able to achieve this recognition because of the planning partnerships we have within our county along with state and federal agencies like the National Weather Service,” said Orange County emergency manager Donna Boston.

At a ceremony in Orange County today, Purpura will present a recognition letter and TsunamiReady™ and StormReady® road signs to county officials.

To be recognized as TsunamiReady™ and StormReady®, a community must:

• Establish a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center;
• Have more than one way to receive tsunami and severe weather warnings and forecasts to alert the public;
• Create a system that monitors local weather conditions;
• Promote the importance of public readiness through community seminars; and
• Develop a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises.

Resilience to disasters is everyone's responsibility. Educating yourself and your family on environmental hazards, maintaining a disaster supply kit, and having an emergency plan in place, are all proactive ways you can be better prepared.

The TsunamiReady™ and StormReady® programs are part of NOAA National Weather Service's working partnership with the International Association of Emergency Managers, the National Emergency Management Association, and the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program. The TsunamiReady™ and StormReady® recognitions expire in three years, after which the county will go through a renewal process.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an agency of the U.S. Commerce Department, is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and information service delivery for transportation, and by providing environmental stewardship of our nation's coastal and marine resources. Through the emerging Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), NOAA is working with its federal partners, more than 70 countries and the European Commission to develop a global monitoring network that is as integrated as the planet it observes, predicts and protects.

On the Web:
TsunamiReady™ program: http://www.tsunamiready.noaa.gov
StormReady® program: http://www.stormready.noaa.gov

StormReady® and TsunamiReady™ are registered trademarks of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Sent from our friend Sam! Thanks Sam!

Week's Best: Twister Strikes, More

A huge tornado funnel cloud touches down in Orchard, Iowa, Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 9:04 p.m. The Globe Gazette and Mitchell County Press News reported that Lori Mehmen of Orchard, took the photo from outside her front door. Mehmen said the funnel cloud came near the ground and then went back up into the clouds. The incident caused tree and crop damage, but no human injuries were reported.
(Lori Mehmen/AP Photo)

Here is more video from Iowa storm chasers as they tracked the tornado that hit Parkersburg.

MARITIME NOTE

From the Masters Quarters at

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Early And Intense Tornado Season Could Be Record

ScienceDaily (June 14, 2008) — This year may set records for tornadoes and tornado-related deaths. “We have already seen more than 115 tornado-related deaths, making this the deadliest tornado season since 1998,” said Greg Carbin, a meteorologist at NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla.

“It is only the third time since the 1974 super tornado outbreak that there have been more than 100 tornado-related deaths during a single tornado season in the U.S.,” added Harold Brooks, a research meteorologist at NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory also in Norman. “In 1998 and 1984 there were 132 and 122 tornado-related deaths, respectively — 2008 will likely equal or exceed that record.”

Recent years averaged about 1,200 tornadoes and 60 tornado-related deaths reported annually across the United States. Most tornadoes occur from late winter to mid-summer, mostly in the Southeast in the early part of the season, followed by the Midwestern and Plains states in the later part of the season.

So why has this tornado season been so active? Meteorologists at NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center say this winter's and early spring’s unusually turbulent weather may be to blame.

"The storm track over the last three months was very active across the Rockies and into the East Coast. This active storm track lends itself to more severe weather events, including tornadoes," said Carbin. “In previous years, major storms happened every week or so, but we have had a major storm system affecting some part of the U.S. every three to four days through early spring.”

“Another contributing factor is this year’s early start to the season. A total of 87 tornadoes struck the Tennessee valley and Midwest over a 24 hour period starting on Feb. 5, resulting in a total of 56 deaths,” said Carbin. “This storm ranks as number 15 in terms of the number of fatalities since 1950. February will likely turn out to be a record setting month once all the tornado reports have been verified.”

The tornadoes this season are also touching down in highly populated areas, thus increasing both the number of fatalities and the number of eyewitness reports of each tornado.

The strong start to the tornado season should serve as a reminder to us all that tornadoes can strike anywhere at any time. The best defense is to monitor the news and listen to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for the latest weather updates. Be prepared to move to safety if weather conditions become threatening.

WEATHER NOTE

NOAA: New Orleans at risk from Cat. 2 hurricane
Tuesday June 17, 1:34 pm ET
By Cain Burdeau, Associated Press Writer

NOAA says New Orleans still vulnerable if hit by strong Category 2 hurricane

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) -- Despite a massive effort to repair and upgrade flood defenses since Hurricane Katrina, storm surge could pour over levees in New Orleans if a strong Category 2 or higher hurricane strikes the city, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.

While the forecast uses what officials say is the most accurate and complete picture yet of the region's levee heights, they said they weren't surprised by findings that reaffirm the area surrounding New Orleans is among the nation's most hurricane-vulnerable. The forecast released Monday represents the first time the yearly storm surge predictions have used levee heights based on global positioning system technology.

A team led by Roy Dokka, the director of the Center for Geoinformatics at Louisiana State University, traveled 1,000 miles of levees, flood walls and other coastal features since Katrina with GPS technology mounted on vehicles to obtain the new measurements.

"They are more correct than they have ever been before," Wilson Shaffer, a hurricane modeling expert with NOAA's National Weather Service, said of the levee-height measurements.

To predict how strong a storm would be to overpower a levee, researchers factor in variables including topography and a storm's wind speeds, size and intensity. The projections on storm surge are used by emergency planners, builders, residents and the Army Corps of Engineers.

The Corps of Engineers is determining how high to build levees under a congressional mandate to complete by 2011 a hurricane protection system capable of handling a storm likely to hit over the next century. A strong Category 2 likely would fall under that definition.

On Monday, the corps was unable to provide a breakdown on how much has been spent so far on work to repel storm surge. Since Katrina, Congress has given the corps about $7.1 billion to work with and it is considering giving the corps $5.7 billion more.

"We have a long way to go," said Randy Cephus, a corps spokesman in New Orleans. "There still remains risk and even once the system is complete, there will always be risk."

Before Katrina hit nearly three years ago, levee heights were woefully out-of-date and in many places far lower than officials thought they were, Dokka said.

But, unfortunately, the new measurements, incorporating post-Katrina levee upgrades, confirm an old story: the region remains at risk.

"In general, the pattern hasn't changed remarkably," said Stephen Baig, a storm surge expert with NOAA's National Hurricane Center. "Somewhere between a Category 2 and Category 3 overtopping occurs."

The NOAA storm surge estimates do not take into consideration possible engineering failures, like the levee breaches that caused most of the misery in New Orleans during Katrina, which was a category 3 upon landfall south of New Orleans.

State officials were not surprised by the latest findings.

"All of coastal Louisiana is vulnerable and will continue to be vulnerable," said Jerome Zeringue, a top levee aide to Gov. Bobby Jindal.

MARITIME NOTE

U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety Proposals

On March 31, 2008, the Department of Homeland Security posted an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) that has the potential to impact certain commercial fishing vessels. The Coast Guard is developing a set of proposed amendments to enhance maritime safety through changes to commercial fishing industry vessel regulations. The proposed changes would add new requirements for vessel stability and watertight integrity, stability training and assessments, vessel maintenance and self-examinations, immersion suits, crew preparedness, safety training, emergency preparation, safety and training personnel, safety equipment, and documentation. Miscellaneous conforming, clarifying, and other administrative changes are also contemplated.

To view the ANPR visit http://www.regulations.gov (In the search box type in USCG-2003-16158 proposed rule). You can also secure a copy of the ANPR by: visiting the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's website at http://www.mafmc.org; requesting a copy of the ANPR from the Council by calling (302) 674-2331; or, emailing the Council at info@mafmc.org.

Following is the list of the 30 questions included at the end of the Federal Register Notice to which the Coast Guard is requesting public response.

1. Given the statistics on vessel losses in Tables 2 and 3, what issues related to stability and watertight integrity should the Coast Guard consider addressing in regulations?

2. Table 2 shows that vessel flooding results in the most vessel losses, and Table 3 shows that flooding and sinking account for a significant portion of fatalities. What areas should be addressed to reduce vessel flooding losses and fatalities?

3. What routine measures are used to prevent unintentional flooding?

4. How often is your vessel examined by a marine surveyor and under what circumstances? Is documentation of the survey provided?

5. Table 3 shows that fire is a significant cause of vessel losses. What areas should the Coast Guard consider addressing to reduce the number of fire related vessel losses (including, but not limited to: construction standards, detection and extinguishing equipment, fire fighting equipment, and firefighting training)?

6. What means are used to limit the danger of fires and the consequence of fires?

7. Table 2 shows that a significant number of vessel losses are related to allisions, collisions, and groundings; how should the Coast Guard address these causes of vessel losses?

8. What impact has safety training had in improving safety within the commercial fishing industry? Do you have recommendations concerning safety training?

9. What impact has crew drills had in improving safety within the commercial fishing industry? Do you have recommendations concerning crew drills?

10. If training were required would it be accomplished during off-season times?

11. How would additional training impact one’s ability to fish?

12. If stability standards for vessels between 50 feet and 79 feet in length are considered, what standards should apply, and to which vessels should the standards apply?

13. How does a crew become experienced in safety procedures?

14. Should entry level crewmembers be expected to have a minimum level of familiarity with safety procedures?

15. How and when is stability guidance used? If stability guidance is available but not used, please explain why.

16. How are operating personnel made aware of stability and watertight integrity guidance?

17. How often should stability guidance be reviewed, updated, or validated?

18. How are modifications to a vessel or its gear accounted for relative to the vessel’s maximum load, watertight integrity, and other stability considerations?

19. How adequate are current requirements for personal protection and survival equipment?

20. How do crew members become familiar with vessel safety and survival equipment?

21. How are safety risks aboard your vessel(s) identified and minimized?

22. If you are a small business, what economic impact on you, your business, or your organization would the rules we are considering have? In your comments please explain why, how, and to what degree such rules would have an economic impact.

23. Have you experienced—or are you aware of—any situations where any of the measures under consideration saved lives, or prevented/reduced harm/damage to vessels?

24. Are there areas not addressed that would benefit safety within the commercial fishing industry?

25. What are the costs of each requirement we are considering? Are there comparable alternative solutions to each requirement under consideration that may be more cost effective?

26. What are the direct and indirect costs of each requirement we are considering? For example, labor costs, training costs, and hourly wages of fishermen (or alternative measures of valuing their time if they are not salaried)? The costs of vessel losses, including equipment, lost catches, and any other opportunity costs?

27. Can any of the requirements we are considering be completed offseason? If so, which ones? For those that cannot, how much time would be taken away from productive fishing time to complete the requirement? How would this affect revenue, i.e., fish catches?

28. What would be the impact on the domestic fishing industry, if any, of each requirement we are considering? Would there be a differential impact by size of vessel or region?

29. What would be the economic impact of each requirement we are considering on States, local, and tribal governments?

30. What other requirements, if any, should the Coast Guard be considering?

Comments and related material must reach the Docket Management Facility on or before July 29, 2008. You may submit comments identified by Coast Guard docket number USCG-2003-16158 to the Docket Management Facility at the U.S. Department of Transportation. To avoid duplication, please use only one of the following methods:

(1) Online: http://www.regulations.gov.

(2) Mail: Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

(3) Fax: 202-493-2251.

(4) Hand deliver: Room W12-140 on the Ground Floor of the West Building 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington DC 20590 . , between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is 202-366-9329.

If you have questions on the proposed rule, call M.M. Rosecrans, Chief, Fishing Vessel Safety Division (CG- 5433), U.S. Coast Guard, telephone 202-372-1245, or e-mail Michael.m.rosecrans@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Ms. Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

***This press release will be available on our website in a downloadable PDF format in the coming days. Please visit:

http://www.mafmc.org/mid-atlantic/press/press.htm

Friday, June 20, 2008

Flaws stir debate on severe storm alert systems

Emergency sirens that have failed to warn residents of severe storms in several communities this year are sparking debate across the USA about how to best alert people about dangerous weather.

Local governments are weighing the benefits of spending money to fix or replace sirens made ineffective by wear, age or vandalism versus moving to newer systems such as reverse 911 telephone systems, weather radios and text messaging.

When a tornado tore through downtown Jackson, Miss., April 4, it hit residents in the Northgate subdivision hard and without warning. No one was injured, but city officials discovered during the massive clean-up that the siren in the neighborhood did not work. Thieves apparently had disconnected it to steal the copper wiring and connectors, said Larry Fisher, Hinds County emergency management director.

Fisher said one out of every four emergency sirens in the county does not work. Weather, vandals, and normal wear have taken their toll on sirens, some of which date back to the 1950s, he said.

TORNADO TOLL: 2008 twisters on record-setting path

Maintaining an aging and at times unreliable network of sirens is a problem for communities in storm-prone areas nationwide.

• In Longview, Texas, at least two sirens of the city's 20 sirens did not go off during a March 18 tornado, even though the city has spent $300,000 over the past five years upgrading the system, Mayor Jay Dean said.

•In Topeka, Shawnee County Emergency Management Director Dave Sterbenz said residents reported that nearly a dozen sirens failed to sound during a May 2 tornado. Sterbenz said most actually sounded; but couldn't be heard inside houses.

• Franklin County, Ohio, which includes Columbus, spent more than $279,000 to fix its siren system after three-quarters of the system was damaged during a test last August, interim Emergency Management Director Jim Leonard said.

•The sole siren in tiny Keo, Ark., was not working when a tornado hit May 2. Mayor Nancy Tardy said firefighters drove fire trucks, sirens wailing, around the city of 235. Tardy said Keo has purchased a used siren for $8,000.

The Warning Alert and Response Network Act, which was signed into law in 2006, calls for a nationwide system of alerts for dangerous weather and other hazards distributed by text message. Although voluntary, the nation's major wireless carriers have agreed to participate, and last month the Federal Communication Commission approved guidelines that could put the system in place by 2010.

In testimony earlier this month before the House Homeland Security Committee, Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistant Administrator Martha Rainville touted what she called the "nation's next generation alert system" which will use telephones, cellphones, websites and e-mails to deliver alerts across multiple media. Dean said residents in his city of 76,000 still want the sirens, but he thinks the are too ineffective to stand alone. "We have about 75 to 80% go off when they are supposed to, " he said.

Longview is adding a reverse 911 system that calls residents when a tornado warning is issued for their area. Dean said the telephone solution is more dependable than the sirens.

"At 1:15 in the morning, had that siren been going off in my area, I wouldn't have heard it," he said. "People are going to pick that phone up, especially in the dead of night."

Joyner reports for The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Miss.

WEATHER NOTE

Local Camps Prepared For Severe Weather

By Gina Ford

Multimedia

Watch The Video

Locally, one summer camp is taking precautions to ensure the safety of its children this tornado season.

It was a disastrous evening for Midwesterners as a tornado swept across the plains, killing two people in Chapman and Soldier, Kansas.

In Iowa, four boy scouts were killed and 48 others injured as another tornado passed through their campgrounds. The tornado flattened tents and structures at their isolated Western Iowa campgrounds. And now the potential for sever weather has many tornado alley residents shaken up.

But at Camp Kearney, they say they take extra precautionary measures to ensure the safety of all their campers.

Camp Kearney is a summer camp for low-income city and rural children.

Camp Director John Theien says they have a plan if severe weather hits Fulton County.

"Well it all starts with our training with our staff. Being aware of our grounds and where protection is."

He says there are camp counselors that constantly watch all 65 children who are at the summer camp.

Counselor Emily Gerber says she is on constant alert in case she has to get her girls to shelter.

She said, "We listen to radios, we are allowed radios in our cabins, so I usually have mine going to weather."

If a tornado warning takes effect, they rush all of the kids to the bathhouse, a windowless area surrounded by concrete walls.

They also sound a bell to let everyone know that it is an urgent situation.

Theien says he has worked with camps for 15 years, and he is confident that he and his counselors will keep their campers safe in the event of severe weather.

MARITIME NOTE

A Note On Roz Savage

While both Captain Konrad and myself understand the drive to challenge the sea and undertake a voyage such as the one Roz Savage has. I listened with sadness to Savage's podcast taking note of Captain John Konrad and myself. Ms. Savage while taking one of the ultimate challenges in any ones life...the sea. Seems to be not just attempting to row across the Pacific, but spin herself across the Pacific.

Ms. Savage is noted as saying that neither Captain Konrad nor I understand the expert team she has in place. Well if that is the case then my mother is a ULCC. Ms. Savage, both Captain Konrad and myself know exactly the make up of this so-called expert team.

What ever team (sic) Ms. Savage has in place is not a structured team at all and very loosely assembled. I do not want to take anything away from anyone associated with Ms. Savage, with exception of Mr. Shema. I am sure all associated are proficient to some degree. Whether they really know what is going on is another story. I can tell you all this much. If there is an expert team in place Ms. Savage's main sponsor who has provided her with over $200,000.00 + does not know about it either. So let's stop kidding everyone here.

We also note that someone asked a question about why Ms. Savage did not have a chase boat? Her answer? She could not afford one. That to is really not the truth. The truth is that both she and Rick Shema her weather guy, believe that having a chase boat would be a "Green Political Problem". Meaning that it would not look so good if a power craft came along side to assist her because Savage is rowing "Green" to save the environment. Green? Like the carbon footprint she is rowing in is all "Green"!

While the fact is that she never asked her sponsor for a chase boat and this so-called expert team never did either. The same applied to cutting her tangled anchor sea in heavy seas. She refused because that too would be considered polluting the ocean. I guess potentially sinking that carbon footprint "row boat" and loosing ones life is not a form of pollution at sea.?

Two week's ago, Ms. Savage while stranded some 160nm off of Point Conception, California in sea states of 8 and 9, asked Captain Konrad to obtain a rib boat and come out and assist her in retrieving her tangled sea anchor and resupply her with emergency drinking water as well as some gourmet foods. So much for telling the truth about chase boats.

Captain Konrad was not about to risk his life by taking a rib boat out 160nm in those types of sea states. Matter of fact, after inquiring about other supply and fishing boats that were large enough to undertake that type of trip, of which Ms. Savage's main sponsor was willing to absorb the costs for such a craft, none were willing to undertake the trip because of the weather. That is really how bad it was out there.

In my opinion and after a great deal of involvement with Ms. Savage, the USCG and her main sponsor. it is my belief that this ill-planned voyage has very little to do with focusing on pollution at sea and is nothing more than a elaborate public relations stunt for fame and glory.

Savage has an epiphany

To update the bog today regarding Ms. Savage and her "light bulb moment" idea on how to retrieve her tangled sea anchor. She writes in her blog of last night......

"This morning, as I was waking up, an idea came to me. The problem with the sea anchor was that although I could pull it in a certain distance, the next time a big wave came along it would yank the line out of my hands and I would lose the progress I had made. What I needed was a cleat that would allow me to wind the line around it, taking the strain off my hands and bringing the line in little by little. But I had no suitable cleats in the cockpit."

Brainstorm? It is sad, this was her idea? Try again Ms. Savage. This fix was what both Captain Konrad and myself explained to you over a week ago. But then again as you tell everyone, you have a expert team in place and no one on this team could find a solution? .......Just sad....

Executive Interview with US Coast Guard ADM Thad Allen

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This week's archived print article features an exclusive executive interview with U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen. First published in our April 2008 Maritime Executive edition, the article outlines the way forward for the Coast Guard and also looks back at the past.

In this week's archive piece, U.S. Coast Guard Commandant ADM Thad Allen has pledged to modernize a Coast Guard that, in his own words, "has not kept pace" with the demands placed upon it in the post-9/11 regulatory world. Selling that message to Congress will be the linchpin of how successful his effort will be. The full amount of the President's FY '09 Coast Guard budget request hangs in the balance.

Allen has done a lot of selling in the past six months. More accessible to industry and on the move more often than any of his predecessors, he also spends a large amount of his time on Capitol Hill. Because he constantly meets with industry stakeholders, getting him to slow down long enough to take his temperature on the full range of his responsibilities is usually next to impossible.

In mid-February, Managing Editor Joseph Keefe was privileged to get two hours of Allen's undivided attention as he flew to Houston for an industry function. The details of this exclusive interview, providing direct and unvarnished dialogue that Allen willingly delivers, cannot be read or seen anywhere else. Follow along as ADM Thad Allen explains what he means by "Honoring the past, not operating in it."

Normally, this article can only be read by subscribing to the print edition THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE. Our print vehicle is the most comprehensive business journal, written for and about maritime executives. Click HERE to read the article.

Redefining Liability: Who's Really to Blame in the COSCO BUSAN Case?

Redefining Liability: Who's Really to Blame in the <span class=

COSCO BUSAN Case?" style="border: 0pt none ; float: right;"> Ship's owner asserts plausible case to deflect blame and accuse others of negligence and misconduct

The owner of the COSCO BUSAN, the ill-fated vessel that allided with the San Francisco Bay Bridge, has finally come out swinging against those who would blame the operator for a major San Francisco Bay oil spill last year. Alleging negligence and misconduct by the U.S. government because the ship's pilot was granted a license despite a history of drug and alcohol abuse, the response of Hong Kong-based Regal Stone directly contradicts a lawsuit filed earlier by the Justice Department which claims the owner and the pilot of the COSCO BUSAN broke environmental laws when the ship struck a bridge support and spilled 53,000 gallons of oil in the bay. It may be years – in fact, decades – before this one is settled.

The counterclaim probably has some merit. A vessel's owner should have a reasonable expectation that competent service will be provided when its vessels arrive at strange ports. These ports, at least here in the United States, typically stipulate compulsory pilotage for registered traffic. The goal? To ensure a safe and environmentally transit of the vessel through waters that can include sharp turns, mysterious currents and shallow waters (insufficient draft) where you least expect it. In the case of the COSCO BUSAN, many have already made up their minds that – for one reason or another – the ship did not get what it paid for.

Notwithstanding the National Transportation Safety Board's recent, callous and casual disclosures of the most intimate details of pilot John Cota's life, the counterclaim alleges that the pilot was medically unfit and incompetent to perform the duties required by his United States Coast Guard license. If the ship owner can demonstrate this accusation to the satisfaction of judge or jury, then they also may be on their way to getting off the hook. The irony of this situation may rest in the fact that the NTSB has already done most of the hard work that will be necessary to do just that.

Marine pilots typically make a lot of money, commanding salaries that put them in the same league as top surgeons and successful attorneys. And, it is a difficult job; one that puts the fate of hundreds of millions of dollars of cargo and similar priced ships in the hands of one individual. That person is also tasked with ensuring the safety of those ashore and the protection of the environment, as well. And so, if they are burdened with those responsibilities, then they should be adequately compensated for the job. By the same token, that pilot has heavy liabilities if something goes wrong. The age-old tenet of a pilot being merely an advisor to the Master is all but gone. Unfortunately, that tradition may also be all the government has left to argue its position, in the wake of this week's counterclaim by the ship owner.

In Boston, Massachusetts – at this very minute – the state legislature is actually contemplating the licensing of docking masters who operate under specific conditions of employment (and want to continue that situation) as laid out HERE. And, while most of us would think it extremely unlikely that pilots will escape liability for errors in the future, the terms and conditions that you just read in the clickable link could become standard operating procedure in Massachusetts, and soon. Just imagine the basis for a future lawsuit in the Bay State when a maritime incident occurs and the pilot – mandated by law – cannot be held liable for anything.

Meanwhile, back in San Francisco, Cota has pleaded not guilty and a trial date has not been set. The Justice Department is predictably not saying much and supposedly has until early August to respond to the counterclaim. Pilots, regulatory personnel, federal and state governments everywhere are watching closely; and with good reason. There's only one thing that is very clear in all of this: there's plenty of blame to go around for everyone. And, when the fog finally lifts, I doubt there will be anyone – pilots, ship's operators or crew, regulators and governments alike, that will be happy with the final result. Somebody once told me that the mark of a good deal is one which leaves all parties somewhat unsatisfied. I'm betting that in the case of the COSCO BUSAN, this adage will hold especially true. - MarEx

FREAK WAVES PART V

WEEKEND PODCAST ENJOYMENT

Have a great weekend!

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Dar be Storms Ablow'in!

Monster storm sweeps through California

Updated Sat. Jan. 5 2008 7:52 AM ET

The Associated Press

"We don't take these evacuation orders lightly. We do everything we can to make sure they're necessary," Blawn said. "The thing with debris flows, mudslides and flash floods is that you can't see them coming."

A voluntary evacuation was in effect at an apartment complex northwest of downtown Los Angeles because of flooding and a small mudslide.

Flash flood warnings were issued late Friday for most of Los Angeles County and all of southeastern Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Riverside and San Bernardino counties deployed swift-water rescue teams in case torrential rains brought flash floods and mudslides.

Homeowners in Southern California stacked sandbags and hay bales around their homes while residents in the low-lying areas of the Central Valley piled sandbags to barricade their homes from streams and creeks that forecasters warned might swell.

The state opened its emergency operations center Friday morning to coordinate storm response, and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said he had spoken with Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff by phone.

The National Guard said it had personnel on standby, and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection dispatched inmate crews in Northern California's Butte, Glenn and Placer counties to clear debris from roadways, spokesman Daniel Berlant said.

The agency also deployed swift-water rescue teams in Butte, Placer and Riverside counties to handle torrential rains that might bring flash floods and mudslides.

In the Sierra National Forest, a frantic daylong search for three missing members of a Clovis family ended just after nightfall when rescuers found them in good condition with three other hikers who had apparently gotten trapped in the woods after the storm hit.

Forecasters expected the storm to dump as much as 10 feet of snow in the Sierra Nevada, where a blizzard warning was downgraded Friday evening to a winter storm warning.

Lake Tahoe was forecast to get between 1 to 2 feet of snow, and the Sierra foothills could get some light accumulation when a third, colder storm moves into the region Saturday.

"It's going to be a mess for travelers," said Chris Smallcomb, a weather service meteorologist. "We expect the road conditions will be hazardous if not impossible."

Friday evening, the California Department of Transportation closed Interstate 80 across the Sierra, the main east-west link between Northern California and Nevada.

The Red Cross set up a 200-bed shelter in Truckee for stranded motorists, as well as a shelter in Butte County.

Air travelers saw their flight plans put on hold when airlines delayed or canceled flights in Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area.

About 600,000 people from the Bay Area to the Central Valley were in the dark early Saturday, down from about 1.5 million the day before. Crews worked to restore power, but it could be days before all the lights are on, Pacific Gas & Electric officials said.

Howling winds, pelting rain and heavy snow took its heaviest toll Friday on Northern California, where trucks flipped on interstates.

The huge storm also toppled trees and cut power to thousands of residents in Washington and Oregon.

"A huge tree, over 100 years old, just fell across the house. It just wrecked the whole thing," said Faye Reed, whose daughter Teenia owns the damaged home north of Sacramento. "They won't be able to live in it. The whole ceiling fell in, and now it's raining inside."

INTERNATIONALLY - IAEM EUROPE REPORTS

MEXICO: Authorities in Tijuana are preparing for the heavy rains. Emergency officials are working to spread word about the storm to people in Tijuana's far flung neighborhoods. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story. Tijuana's director of Civil Protection, Alberto Escobedo, says weather officials predict the same amount of rain as 1993 when storms killed 28 people in Tijuana and left about 5,000 homeless. He says then the city's lack of infrastructure combined with four inches of rain in just six hours spelled disaster. Escobedo says a similar prediction for heavy rain this weekend has them preparing for the worst. Escobedo says shelters in Tijuana and Rosarito are ready to take in 2000 people and more shelters are open in neighborhoods throughout the region. Tijuana still suffers from overcrowded neighborhoods and drainage problems that contributed to massive flooding in 1993. Many newcomers live in makeshift homes on hillsides. Escobedo says that makes them vulnerable and many don't realize what heavy rain can do.

AUSTRALIA: New South Wales - Parts of the NSW North Coast have been declared natural disaster areas after heavy rain and severe flooding. NSW Emergency Services Minister Nathan Rees has officially declared the Tweed and Kyogle areas natural disaster zones after visiting the region today. A spokesman for the minister says they're still considering natural disaster declarations for the Richmond valley and Lismore depending on whether more rain falls tonight. Overnight some 500 people were evacuated from areas around Kyogle and South Murwillumbah where more than 300mm of rain fell in just three hours.

AUSTRALIA: Queensland - The Queensland State Emergency Service says flash floods in the Gold Coast Hinterland have caught many people by surprise. More than 350 millimetres of rain fell in some areas overnight, causing flash flooding and raising floodwaters in the Logan and Albert Rivers. The Logan River is expected to flood later today. SES spokesman Andy Christie says volunteers have been involved in 20 rescues overnight.

AFRICA: Deadly floods hit southern Africa
Heavy rain is expected to continue until February. Severe flooding in Zimbabwe and Zambia has killed at least 21 people and left thousands homeless in the past month, and threatens to affect farming. In Mozambique, the authorities have declared a red alert, with rivers rising above "critical" levels. The rains, which began in early December, have washed away homes and livestock throughout the area.

FROM PUERTO RICO