Weather

Following nearly a decade of drought, Queensland received much needed rain last month—rain that has brought with it more disaster (CNN, February 13, 2019)! The devastating rains on the parched land brought tremendous flooding that subsequently drowned and starved almost a half-million head of cattle. Photos from the air show dead cows huddled together to avoid rising waters and the driving rain and cold.

Queensland in northeastern Australia is experiencing devastating flooding. More than 20,000 homes are at risk of inundation as floodwaters engulf neighborhoods—even bringing displaced saltwater crocodiles!

In the South Australian summer, extreme heat is normal. But  The Guardian reports that the heat this summer has been far more severe than usual—recently reaching a record-breaking 49.5° Celsius (120° F) just north of Adelaide (AFP, January 24, 2019).

Recently, Hurricane Michael pummeled the Gulf coast and the Mid-Atlantic states, causing widespread property damage and loss of life. On the heels of that, Northern California has experienced the worst fire season on record. Firefighters and rescue efforts are overwhelmed, with some small towns facing complete devastation. The loss of life is staggering, with hundreds of people still missing. Wildfires have raced through the bone-dry hills and valleys, driven by fierce Santa Ana winds—an unusual phenomenon in that area.

Hurricane Michael, a powerful Category 4 storm, recently roared ashore in the Florida Panhandle before veering northeast with high winds, record breaking rainfall, widespread flooding, astounding amounts of property damage, and power outages for millions of people. Vacationers scattered, residents evacuated, and emergency crews prepared for the worst. There were scenes of heroic rescues and the dramatic pictures of the devastation in the affected areas dominated the news for days.