EPA funding for clean water in Gulf communities at center of virtual listening sessions: How you can take part
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday that it is holding two virtual opportunities for the public to share input on a grant program being developed to support clean water in underserved Gulf of Mexico communities.
Tropical Storm Nalgae, flooding in Australia and Hurricane Lisa in Belize
Hello, and welcome to November! Typically this can be a very active time for us here in Southeast Texas with cold air moving in and interacting with our warm moist Gulf air, forming a secondary severe weather season. Thankfully for us here, our tropical season is done, but that is NOT the case across the globe.
Introducing the โModelcaneโ
Last Wednesday, all the Media-rology lit up with a potential Category 4 hurricane in the Gulf (headed toward Texas, no less) just in time for Memorial Day weekend. The cover shot today shows what was going around. This was a forecast from the American model a good two weeks out. We call these hurricanes from the model a โmodelcaneโ and Iโll explain whatโs going on in a moment. Suffice it to say that, first of all, there has never been a major hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico in May, so that would be highly unusual, and second, never trust a model more than a week out, especially for tropical systems that develop in the Caribbeanโs west end. Trust me, things will change.
VIDEO: KPRC 2 meteorologists Justin Stapleton and Khambrel Marshall track Tropical Depression 9 and answer questions from Houston-area residents
With the situation in the Gulf evolving throughout each day, the KPRC 2 severe weather team is watching it closely. The current models indicate this is likely to be a storm that will impact our neighbors in Louisiana, but the strength and exact landfall location are still unknown.
What to know about our Gulf Tropical Disturbance
Weโll have a chance to get either or both of the tropical flare ups to make Tropical Depression status the next 24-48 hours although the one in the Gulf better hurry! Circulation from this morningโs NOAA Satellite is pretty evident and youโll notice a north movement for now:
Galveston orcas stun visitors: Other creatures visitors can find off the Gulf Coast
GALVESTON, Texas โ Last weekโs viral video of orcas swimming near a Galveston Party Boat had people talking about the wonders of the islandโs wildlife. Greg Whittaker, animal husbandry manager and wildlife expert with Moody Gardens, spoke to KPRC 2 about these unexpected visitors of the Gulf and what other animals Galveston visitors can expect to see around the island. Usually, they would be hunting fish such as tuna and smaller dolphin species,โ Whittaker said. Dolphins (Pixabay)Sea turtlesSea turtles, according to Whittaker, are usually found in the bay areas of the Gulf, foraging for food. Larger stingrays are usually found in the deeper waters of the Gulf, while smaller types (usually golden colored) are finding clams on the Gulf shoreline, according to Whittaker.
UN warns of mass famine in Yemen ahead of donor conference
FILE - In this Oct. 1, 2018 file photo, a woman holds a malnourished boy at the Aslam Health Center, in Hajjah, Yemen. The stark warning comes a day before a pledging conference co-hosted by Sweden and Switzerland. The U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will appeal for $3.85 billion in relief aid for Yemen this year. Wealthy Gulf donors such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which contributed generously to U.N. appeals in 2018 and 2019, cut back drastically on aid to Yemen last year amid the pandemic and corruption in Yemen aid efforts. The rebels have been implicated in stealing aid and using aid access to extort concessions and money.
Houston-area forecast: Muggy, foggy weekend ahead
Our ever present fog stuck around until 10am for the coastal counties along with warmer than normal temperatures for the weekend. MUCH warmer than normal weekend (KPRC)The southerly flow from the Gulf is bringing warm moist air over cooler water and creating the fog issues. The rain amounts will be meager however with about half inch to one inch for the week ahead. Rain chances ramp up Sunday night into Monday (KPRC)Weโll see only slight sprinkle chances today ahead of an increase in those chances Sunday night. AdRain chances at the start and end of the week (KPRC)Remember to check for any changes to this forecast at Click2Houston.com/weather .
Houston Zoo releases 25 sea turtles back to the Gulf after Texas freeze
HOUSTON โ 25 green sea turtles were given a second chance to live and released back to the Gulf thanks to animal care professionals from the Houston Zoo. Partnering with Texas A&M University-Galveston and Texas Parks and Wildlife, the zoo facilitated the rescue after last weekโs winter storm, according to a news release. Last week, as Texas experienced unprecedented freezing conditions from Winter Storm Uri, 37 green sea turtles were rescued along the Texas coast. Working with our partners @AggiesByTheSea, the Houston Zoo's veterinary staff oversaw the care & treatment of these wild sea turtles. pic.twitter.com/DqoYsJwLcm โ Houston Zoo (@houstonzoo) February 24, 2021Eleven of the turtles rescued continue to receive veterinary care from Houston Zoo and are not ready for release at this time, the news release said.
Houston-area forecast: Spring is out, winter is back in
After almost breaking a record Thursday afternoon with temperatures hitting 80 degrees in Houston, winter is back. The weather is now cloudy, chilly, and damp. Jackets and umbrellas are a must as scattered showers and chilly temperatures will last all of Friday. Expect seasonable weather for Super Bowl Weekend. The long-range forecast features a cold front next week that could bring in a cold winter blast for next week.
Easing dispute, UAE announces reopening of borders to Qatar
Al Thani's arrival in the kingdoms ancient desert city of Al-Ula on Tuesday was broadcast live on Saudi TV. Saudi Arabia announced the reopening of its airspace and borders with Qatar earlier this week. National carrier Qatar Airways said it had started to reroute some flights through Saudi airspace, with the first flight cruising over Saudi skies from Doha to Johannesburg, South Africa on Thursday night. The four Arab states severed commercial and diplomatic ties with Qatar in 2017, accusing the country of cozying up to Iran and financing extremist groups in the region, charges that Doha denies. The boycott only pushed Qatar closer to Iran, for instance by forcing Qatar Airways to change routes through Iranian skies.
Galveston is filled with holiday cheer for families to take part throughout this year
GALVESTON โ The coast and bay offer great weather, incredible events, world-class attractions, award-winning Gulf seafood and an array of shops full of unique gifts for your shopping pleasure. During the holiday season, Galvestonโs family of coastal communities is offering two months of magical events and activities from November to New Yearโs. Thereโs plenty of gift shopping you can do with these amazing local vendors for some interesting finds that will impress your family and friends. You can even shop online at each one of the businesses listed below by simply clicking on their names! For more information about all the magical happenings in Galveston, just click here to find out how you can make memories there that youโre family will remember for years to come!
5 things for Houstonians to know for Wednesday, Dec. 2
Here are things to know for Wednesday, Dec. 2:1. There is a small chance that some of Wednesdayโs storms will produce strong wind gusts. For the first time, KPRC 2โฒs Bill Spencer is getting answers for hundreds of people -- all at once. They said they have been getting high water bills for months and they are confused as to why. As Spencer learned, things are so out of sorts and an independent investigation is underway.
Warm weather heading into the weekend
Winds are turning back onshore and with a southeast breeze moisture is slowly and surely returning to Southeast Texas. Expect a warm and slightly more humid Thursday afternoon. Thursday AfternoonWith more moisture in place patchy fog could be an issue for the Friday morning commute as well as our weekend mornings. Fog Friday MorningThis surge of moisture and unseasonably warm weather is ahead of a couple cold fronts on the way. The second front next Tuesday will cut temperatures slightly returning seasonable weather, afternoon temperatures in the low 70s, back to Houston for Thanksgiving.
Cold front late this weekend will bring in fall fantastic weather for next week
Houston โ After a record-breaking Thursday, temperatures hit 85 degrees at Bush Airport, unseasonably warm weather continues. FridayOur cool mornings and warmer than average afternoons will continue through the weekend. Missing Fall weather? Not to worry it is on the way for next week! A cold front on Sunday will usher in chilly mornings and mild afternoons.
Eta remains a strong tropical storm heading to Florida
HOUSTON โ The storm is expected to weaken just slightly down to a strong tropical storm before making landfall somewhere between Cedar Key and Clearwater, Florida by this evening. It will bring heavy rain, wind and up to a 2-3 foot storm surge during high tide across central and NW Florida coastline. Eta is approaching the central Florida coastline this eveningEta will move across Florida tonight and tomorrowWe might be nearing the end of hurricane season but the tropics are still very busy! Tropical Storm Theta is churning in the north Atlantic heading towards Spain and Portugal and we will likely be looking at โIotaโ over the next few days tracking in the Caribbean towards Central America. Busy TropicsTHETA marks the 29th named storm of the 2020 season breaking the record for the most named tropical systems in a hurricane season.
Eta: A tale of 2 models
Lauderdale area since last Thursday, Florida is hoping Eta will continue to drift west and wash itself out over the Gulf. However, the European model and NHC forecast is persistent with a slow north and then northeast trek across northern Florida, which would mean more rain in a different location. The American modelThe GFS, or American model, has consistently shown quite the opposite with ETA drifting west and eventually moving north. Hereโs the latest:American Model courtesy Tropical TidbitsThis model suggests that no front gets involved until Sunday, so high pressure continues to send Eta on its westerly drift. Obviously, we have a while to watch this and the path over time will become more certain.
Hurricane Epsilon now a major hurricane, continues to close in towards Bermuda as it meanders in the Atlantic
Epsilon is the 27th tropical system of the 2020 Hurricane Season. Thankfully Epsilon is in the central Atlantic and projected to stay in the central Atlantic not threatening the East Coast of the United States. Late Thursday night Epsilon will approach Bermuda as a Category 2 hurricane, but a direct hit to the island is not anticipated. After passing east of Bermuda, it will turn eastward into the north-central Atlantic. EpsilonBeyond Epsilon, there is one spot we are watching in the Northwest Caribbean that has a 20% chance for development.
US, Israeli envoys fly to Bahrain to advance nascent ties
The national flags of Bahrain, Israel and America, flutter in near the Israeli flag carrier El Al plane that will fly an Israeli delegation, accompanied by U.S. aides, to Bahrain to formalise relations and broaden Gulf cooperation, at Ben Gurion airport in Lod, near Tel Aviv, Israel Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020. (Ronen Zvulun/Pool Photo via AP)
Delta weakens to a depression
After Hurricane Delta made landfall Friday evening as a Category 2 storm with winds of 100 mph near Creole, Louisiana, it has continually weakened overnight and through this morning and as of 10am become a depression. Delta weakens to a depression (KPRC)The biggest threat is still rain with 2-4 inches likely along its path with some isolated amounts possible as much as 6-10 inches for the lower Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys. Delta picks up speed toward the northeast (KPRC)WindCameron and Lake Charles, Louisiana, which took a direct hit from Hurricane Laura, stayed on the โcleanโ side of Delta -- west of the eye. Compared to Laura, Delta is not as strong and not as well-organized. Delta made landfall near Creole Louisiana, only about 12 miles to the east of the track of Hurricane Laura six weeks earlier.
Ask 2: Why such an increase in Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico storms?
HOUSTON โ At KPRC 2, weโre dedicated to keeping Houstonians informed. As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: 2020 was predicted and has been an exceptional year for tropical storms. But why such an increase in Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico storms? Answer: From KPRC 2โฒs Frank Billingsley -- โThe water temps over the Gulf and the Caribbean are the warmest this year on the planet and the lack of El Niรฑo has meant less shear, or upper level wind, to tear storms apart.
Can we retire a Greek hurricane name? Delta made us wonder.
Louisiana residents who are still recovering from the devastation of a powerful hurricane less than two months ago braced for another hit as Hurricane Delta steamed north through the Gulf on Thursday after swiping Mexicoโs Yucatan Peninsula, the Associated Press reported. โThey do not retire Greek alphabet storm names -- at least so far,โ Gross said. The last time we went through all the letters of the alphabet and moved on to the Greek alphabet was 2005. In 2005, a record-breaking year of devastating hurricanes, we made it through six Greek letters. The Committee also agreed that it was not practical to retire into hurricane history a letter in the Greek alphabet.
Hereโs what Houstonโs weather will look like as Delta makes landfall
Rain and wind, main impacts from Delta (KPRC)Hurricane Delta continues to be a massive, dangerous and major hurricane. Landfall is expected along the Louisiana coast just east of Cameron some late this afternoon or early evening. The storm is being pushed into Louisiana due to a trough of low pressure moving into Texas. Although Delta will be to our east, the rain and wind will make for an uncomfortable day. After Delta, the next ten days are warmer than normal with very little rain.
What to know about Deltaโs direction
Two storms in the Gulf (again) looks to be the headline this week with Gamma having trouble with the kickstart due to wind shear and eventually being absorbed by stronger Delta. Right now, Delta is forecast to become a Category 2 hurricane with 105-mph winds headed toward Louisiana. The Florida high is still there (this is an extension of the Bermuda High), but itโs been beaten down a bit by our cold fronts. And as you can see on the forecast map below, a low-pressure system in the upper atmosphere is expected to be over Texas by mid-week. Right now, the only immediate concerns are at the coast with 1-2โฒ higher tides, rip currents and off-shore seas of 6-9โฒ.
Voluntary evacuations issued for Bolivar Peninsula, city of Galveston ahead of Tropical Storm Beta
GALVESTON COUNTY โ As the wind begins to pick up across the island and another disturbance brews in the Gulf, Galveston County and city leaders are already preparing. During a news conference Saturday, Henry issued a disaster declaration for the county in preparation for what could be โsignificant damageโ and a voluntary evacuation for the Bolivar Peninsula. โThe peninsula has a chance of being cut off from the rest of the county,โ Henry said. According to Henry, people who feel comfortable being without power for a few days are in the clear to stay home. โWe hope you donโt have to execute it, but be prepared in case you do.โWatch the full update below:Galveston County Judge Mark Henry gives update on Tropical Storm Beta.
Get ready, Houston! A cold front has moved through
Nice dry air is slowly taking over behind a cold front! Although we will have seasonable afternoon temperatures close to 90 degrees Friday afternoon, lower humidity will be a treat. While Sunday will still be pleasant showers will return especially along the coast due to a tropical system in the Gulf. 10 day forecastMake sure you stay engaged this weekend and watch the forecast for the Gulf. There are still big questions on how Wilfred will impact our local weather next week and we will get key information over the weekend.
Gov. Greg Abbott urges Texans to be prepared, monitor this weekendโs weather, flood threats
HOUSTON โ Governor Greg Abbott is urging Texans to be vigilant over the next few days as he and his office closely monitor a potential tropical development brewing in the Gulf. RELATED: What to know about the two Tropical systems brewing right nowAbbott said the state is preparing its resources to assist communities with potential flooding and heavy rainfall. โI urge Texans across the state to monitor the weather in their area and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones from possible flash flooding and heavy rainfall,โ Abbott said. โAs this Tropical Depression approaches the Lone Star State, we are taking the necessary precautions to keep Texans safe,โ Abbott said. โThese resources I have rostered will help our communities respond to the severe weather and possible flash floods caused by this Tropical Depression.
Our hurricane history and the 2020 hurricane forecast
Tropical Storm One PATHTropical Storm One 19601960 did not have much action for Texas, but there was Tropical Storm One which is one of those sneaky storms. The next season, 1966, left Texas completely alone and, in fact, didnโt do much to the Gulf:1966 Hurricane PathsBut 1980 was another story. Believe it or not, Tropical Storm Danielle would follow in September, moving into Beaumont where Nederland picked up 18โณ of rain. The 1980 season lasted well into November and Texans were glad to see it go. Before Ike, however, was Hurricane Dolly in Brownsville dropping 15โณ of rain in Harlingen and causing damage to South Padre.