Severe storms lead to unprecedented $34 billion in US insured losses so far this year, Swiss Re says
Waves of severe thunderstorms in the U.S. during the first half of this year led to $34 billion in insured losses, an unprecedented level of financial damage in such a short time as climate change contributes to the frequency and severity of violent meteorological events.
UN agency: 2M killed, $4.3 trillion in damages from extreme weather over past half-century
The U.N. weather agency reported Monday that nearly 12,000 extreme weather, climate and water-related events over much of the past half-century around the globe have killed more than 2 million people and caused economic damage of $4.3 trillion.
These live beach cameras show what it looks like as Tropical Storm Nicholas approaches the Texas coast
Tropical Storm Nicholas is expected to strengthen as it approaches the Texas coast, threatening to bring heavy rain and floods. Tropical storm warnings have been issued for many of the stateโs coastal regions.
Some Texas colleges keep spring break while others adapt due to pandemic concerns
People gathered on the beach in front of Claytonโs Beach Bar during spring break on South Padre Island on Wednesday. In the early weeks of the pandemic in March 2020, colleges across the state extended spring break and then moved to online-only classes afterward largely due to initial fears about facilitating the spread of the coronavirus. AdBut spring break for many is now coinciding with Gov. AdโWith spring break, the biggest high risks are going to be people who are young adults,โ Cervantes said. โWe encourage you to make good decisions during spring break, just as you did during winter break, and follow the universityโs public health guidance: wWear a mask (double up!
Space enthusiasts continue to wait for SpaceXโs Starship SN8 41,000-foot flight
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas โ Space enthusiasts have to wait another few days to potentially see SpaceXโs Mars-bound vehicle pass a now 12.5km flight test. As soon as next week, the Starship SN8 prototype is expected to make a 41,010-foot flight at SpaceXโs launch facility in Boca Chica, Texas. In the latest documents filed with the FAA, there is a temporary flight restriction (TFR) filed with the FAA for a 12.5km flight. โItโs just so cool how those things line up together,โ Staci Norton, Bret Nortonโs wife, said. Staci Norton said the space program is inspiring the younger generation.
South Padre Island expected to be crowded for SpaceX Starship SN8 test launch
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas โ The shores at Isla Blanca Park are expected to be the place where hundreds of space enthusiasts and islanders go to watch a test launch across the water at SpaceXโs Starship facility in Boca Chica, Texas. With the Starship SN8 launch teasingly imminent, South Padre Island has found a lot more tourists walking the streets. The view of the SpaceX launch facility just a few miles across the water. โEverybody wants to see it happening,โ said James Baxter, a Houston native and South Padre Island transplant. I was so excited!โThey donโt think they will leave South Padre Island.
31 photos and videos that show the impact Hurricane Hanna had from Port Aransas to South Padre Island
Hurricane Hanna created problems for Texans in places like Port Mansfield, South Padre Island and Corpus Christi, as strong winds and heavy rain hit those areas. Here is footage from one of our stringers, Max Olson, as it caused damage in Port Mansfield. #HurricaneHanna #txwx pic.twitter.com/eAh7vTc7mm โ Stephen Jones (@Tornado_Steejo) July 25, 2020Still ripping in the SW eye wall of Hurricane Hanna over Port Mansfield Texas. #Hurricane Hanna# pic.twitter.com/JrU8pLMJAn โ WitchyWitch (@road2liberty) July 26, 2020Prayers for the folks in Port Aransas. #HurricaneHanna pic.twitter.com/yUrP4lZqrW โ Travis M. Smith (@Travis5mith) July 25, 2020South Padre IslandPadre Island, Texas a few minutes ago as Hurricane Hanna approaches.
WATCH: These cameras show what it looks like along the Texas coast as Hurricane Hanna approaches
You can see what it looks like along the Texas coast through a variety of beach and city cams as Hurricane Hanna makes landfall. Here are live cameras from Corpus Christi, South Padre Island and Port Aransas:Corpus ChristiHere is the link to see the cams for Corpus Christi beaches, including Whitecap Beach and North Padre Sea Wall. Here is the link to see the North Padre Sea Wall cam. South Padre IslandHere is the link to see the cams for South Padre Island beaches, including north and south beaches. Here is the link to see the South Padre Island Beach cam.
The Daytripper: Top 5 places to visit in Port Isabel
Everyone who goes to South Padre Island passes through Port Isabel, but there are plenty of reasons to make this bay front town your final destination. Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic SiteIn this town, there is no spot more quintessential than the Port Isabel Lighthouse. Port Isabel Historical MuseumThis is the go-to spot for all ship nerds and history buffs. I was amazed to learn that the humble town played a critical role in both the Civil War and the founding of Brownsville, a city 40 minutes southwest of Port Isabel. To view the Port Isabel episode visit thedaytripper.com.Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @chettripper.
If you are caught not wearing a mask in public in this Texas county, youโll get fined $1,000
All rights reserved)Willacy County, which covers parts of South Padre Island, is enforcing its residents to wear a mask when out in public. Or face a$1,000 fine. The requirement also states surgical masks or N95 respirators should not be worn and should continue to be reserved for medical professionals on the frontline. The order states those found in violation of the order can be fined up to $1,000. โThe penalty for violating the Mandatory Cloth Face Covering requirement of the provision shall be punishable by a fine not exceed $1,000.000 per violation,โ the order reads.
The odd rules enacted at South Padre in response to COVID-19
The City of South Padre Island is taking action, but it isnโt what most would have in mind. The beach isnโt closed. Any violation of the orders enforced by the City of South Padre Island is a Class C Misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500. Here are some of the odd rules being enforced in South Padre:Gatherings on the beach will be limited to 10 persons on less. Click here for the full list of rules issued by the City of South Padre Island.
PHOTOS: Despite warnings to social distance, spring breakers head to Texas beaches to party
Despite warnings to social distance, Texas spring breakers are still gathering to party in large groups. Pictured below is a group of friends from Dallas who attend Texas A&M University, Texas A&M Corpus Christi, University of North Texas and the University of Kansas. It isnโt looking much for different for spring breakers in South Padre Island. pic.twitter.com/YGwOwVxH99 โ Marissa๐งก (@Charmed_One_Too) March 18, 2020On Monday, the mayor of South Padre Island declared a local state of emergency. Despite both declarations, spring breakers continued to party in South Padre Island.