Extreme weather conditions in some parts of the USA by Alex Deakin
Across the United States, extreme weather conditions have been causing havoc.
Heavy rain and melting mountain snow caused the Santa Clara river, in the western state of Utah, to burst it banks, resulting in at least 20 homes being washed away. The Utah governor has declared the region a disaster area.
Flooding was also a problem in the neighbouring state of Nevada. Reports claim that about 250 homes had to be evacuated in Overton, Logandale, Moapa and Glendale as a result.
And it has rained on and off for almost a week in central Illinois. Wednesday night’s heavy thunderstorms added to the problems. Flood rains soaked fields, roads and homes in Farmer City along the Vermilion River. In some places there was 91cms (3 feet) of standing water!
Meanwhile in Denver, Colorado, snow caused problems for drivers. Icy roads resulted in many accidents.
The south eastern states were also lashed by heavy rain, and powerful storms hit Arkansas, spawning a tornado with winds over 158mph (254kmph).
Severe weather also swept across the Ozarks. The National Weather Service confirmed an F1 tornado in Pomona, Howell County, Missouri. Combined with high floodwaters, it made a deadly and destructive mix.
The F1 twister, having touched down in Pomona then sped across an 18 mile (29kms) path that headed northeast to the Mountain View area. Houses and vehicles were churned up in it’s path. Huge trees were uprooted.
Meanwhile on the other side of the world, in Australia, parts of Adelaide have experienced the worst wildfire in 22 years.
The fires which started on Monday, ripped across South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, about 250 miles (400kms) west of Adelaide resulting in fatalities and destruction. At the time of writing, I am pleased to report that the fires are now under control.
|
|
