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Each year, World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2nd. Wetlands come in many forms and go by many names – estuaries, bogs, mangrove swamps, vernal pools, marshes, riparian wetlands, cypress swamps, playa lakes and more! Wetland areas improve water quality, provide flood protection and support tons of fish, wildlife and plants. If you’ve been [...]

Severe weather events—hurricanes, flooding, tsunamis, storms and heat waves—can be bad news for estuaries. Strong storms, particularly hurricanes, tropical storms, and nor’easters, can wreak havoc on estuarine ecosystems. While only about a third of all hurricanes make landfall, those that do can create dramatic surges in water levels that can push saltwater into coastal freshwater [...]

With drought causing wildfires in the west and southwest, researchers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center certified to conduct prescribed burns suggest these safety tips for your home. Viewer Tip: Studies of wildfires suggest wind-borne embers reaching a roof or other flammable material on your house are the biggest threat. Removing leaf litter and [...]

Recent flooding, wildfires and earthquakes provide good reminders of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters and other emergencies. According to NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center, there have been 10 billion-dollar weather disasters so far in 2011, including flooding from Hurricane Irene; drought, heat waves and wildfires in the Southern Plains and Southwest; and [...]

Winds and heavy rain from Hurricane Irene took a toll on many communities.  As flood waters recede, many home and business owners will be facing cleanup activities. Viewer Tip: When the water goes down, keep these tips in mind to assess damage and begin clean-up activities safely: Pay close attention to your local media for [...]

A major threat hurricanes and tropical storms bring to land is inland flooding, which results from intense rainfall from the storms. The intensity of rainfall does not directly relate to the wind speed of the storm, however – some intense flooding events occur during weaker storms that slowly drift or stall over one area.  A [...]

Insects can become a major problem after heavy rains or flooding has occurred.  Standing water and debris are perfect breeding grounds for insects, especially mosquitoes and houseflies.  Cleanup should be done immediately after heavy rains or flooding to eliminate possible breeding areas and control insect populations around your home. Viewer Tip: To prevent insects from [...]

Heavy rains can cause flash flooding quickly and without warning.  Flash flooding may occur below burn scars from recent wildfires – just a short burst of moderate rainfall can lead to floods and debris flows in these areas.  Water running over burned areas can pick up ash, dirt, large rocks and loose vegetation.  Rushing water [...]

In the United States, more fires are reported on the Fourth of July each year than any other day. In 2009, fireworks ignited an estimated 18,000 fires, many of which were outdoor grass and brush fires. These fires can spread quickly, especially in areas that are experiencing dry weather or drought. Viewer Tip: The best [...]

May 22-28, 2011 is Hurricane Preparedness Week.  Hurricanes come with many hazards – storm surge, high winds, heavy rains, inland flooding and even tornadoes. The official Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1 and ends on November 30.  As peak season approaches, it is important to understand and prepare for hurricane hazards, even if you [...]

National Public Health Week takes place from April 4-10, 2011.  This year’s theme is “Safety is NO Accident: Live Injury Free.” Safety from weather events is central to keeping people well.  A 2009 NOAA study found that floods, extreme heat and rip currents are leading causes of weather-related fatalities. Common causes of weather-related injuries are [...]

March 14-18 is the National Weather Service’s Flood Safety Awareness Week. Flooding occurs from coast to coast at all times of the year – and there are many factors that contribute to flooding events. Snowmelt Flooding: When snow begins to melt, flooding can occur if the amount of snowmelt exceeds the capacity for soils and [...]

Unlike storms that can be tracked days in advance, tsunamis cannot be predicted. This means that tsunami warning centers only have a few hours – at most – to forecast landfall and wave heights. A tsunami warning in an area means that a tsunami may be imminent and coastal areas should be prepared for inundation [...]

Currently, about 25 percent of the western United States is experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions – these conditions are concentrated in Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado. Wildfire risk can be especially high in areas where homes and buildings are located adjacent to woodlands, parks and other natural landscapes. Viewer Tip: This is a good [...]

Currently, more than 96 percent of the southern United States is experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions. The spring months – March through May – are a time of increased wildfire risk in this part of the country. Wildfire risk can be especially high in areas where homes and buildings are located adjacent to woodlands, parks and [...]

Currently, nearly 95 percent of the southeastern United States is experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions. The spring months – March through May – are a time of increased wildfire risk in this part of the country. Wildfire risk can be especially high in areas where homes and buildings are located adjacent to woodlands, parks [...]

Have you ever wondered why potholes appear on roadways during the winter months? Water from melting snow and ice seeps into pavement and the sub-material between pavement and soil below.  When repeated spells of cold weather occur, the water in the pavement refreezes and expands, breaking up the pavement at and below the road surface. When [...]

Wind chill temperature measures how cold humans and animals feel when they are outdoors, based on how cold air and wind affect the rate at which heat is lost from the body. When wind increases, it reduces skin temperature and eventually your internal body temperature by drawing heat away from the body. While wind makes [...]

High winds and winter storms can forcefully bring down trees and branches, causing damage to homes, vehicles and utility lines – and sometimes even power outages.  Examining trees on your property for easy-to-spot problems can help avoid damage later on.  Look for dead or diseased branches, cracks in the tree trunk or large limbs, trees [...]

Burns are a common form of injury during  heavy snowfall or freezing rain events. Winter storms may break utility poles or disrupt electric lines, cutting off some households from power, heat and communication. Those unaccustomed to using candles or burning wood for heat can suffer from burns and other injuries. Wood burning and use of other [...]