If you've been reading these weather reviews over the past few days, then you'll be aware of the catastrophic flooding and mudslides that have affected Hispaniola in the Caribbean this week. With hundreds of people missing, the final death toll is feared to be as many as 2000.

Further steady rain returned on Thursday, although not with the same intensity as has been seen the past few days. It has, however, not helped the US Marines' efforts to deliver drinking water and chlorine tablets, together with medical supplies, to remote towns where the numbers of the deceased are quickly rising still.

In the USA, tornadoes continue to cause chaos in the Tennessee Valley. The Midwest is prone to tornadoes and storms at this time of year, as the temperature contrast across the continent is so great. Cold, arctic air blowing in from the north clashes with warm, tropical winds from the Gulf of Mexico, and where they meet, the resultant up draught causes the tornadoes to be set off.

St Louis in Missouri was not only hit by tornadoes on Thursday night, but also with accompanying thunderstorms and heavy rain, leaving motorists to attempt the drive home through flooded streets. Ohio has also suffered flooding following two weeks of continuous stormy weather.

Speaking of storms, the Atlantic hurricane season officially gets underway on Tuesday, 1st June. Having said that, last year did see a tropical storm develop early, which was extremely unusual! There does seem to be a mass of cloud developing off the west coast of Africa at the moment (the spawning ground for the Atlantic storms), so there could well be an active start to this year's season too.

As it happens, this year is predicted to be slightly more active than average, with 14 named storms expected to develop, 8 of these to reach hurricane strength. You can find out how accurate this is around November time!

Weather News from the last five days:
27/05/2004
26/05/2004
25/05/2004
24/05/2004
23/05/2004

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