Saturday, February 8News That Matters

Tag: snow

Winter Storm Paralyzes Mid-Atlantic as NOAA Satellites Prove Vital

Winter Storm Paralyzes Mid-Atlantic as NOAA Satellites Prove Vital

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Space, Tech
On January 6, 2025, a ferocious winter storm swept through Washington, D.C., and the Mid-Atlantic region, bringing life to a halt with heavy snowfall, icy winds, and widespread disruptions. As the storm wreaked havoc across states, NOAA's National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) played a critical role in forecasting and mitigating its impact, proving indispensable in the face of extreme weather. The storm began its journey across the Central Plains, leaving a trail of heavy snow and plunging temperatures in states like Missouri, Kansas, and Ohio. By the time it reached the Mid-Atlantic, it had gathered strength, blanketing Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia in thick layers of snow. In the nation’s capital, over five inches of snow accumulated by eve...
Winter Storm Hits US Heartland: Record Snowfall, Dangerous Conditions, and Widespread Disruptions

Winter Storm Hits US Heartland: Record Snowfall, Dangerous Conditions, and Widespread Disruptions

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment
A powerful winter storm blanketed parts of the central United States with heavy snow, ice, and freezing temperatures on Sunday, creating hazardous travel conditions and setting records in several areas. The National Weather Service described it as the potential "heaviest snowfall in a decade" for some regions, impacting 63 million people across the central and southern U.S. States Struggle with Record Snowfall and Ice Major roadways in Kansas, western Nebraska, and Indiana were buried under snow, leading to closures and travel chaos. Snowfall north of Interstate 70 in Kansas reached 10 inches, with some areas predicting totals exceeding 14 inches. Indiana: Portions of major interstates were fully covered in snow, prompting officials to activate the state’s National Guard to assist...
Season First Major Snowfall in Srinagar Disrupts Air Travel, Cancels All Flights

Season First Major Snowfall in Srinagar Disrupts Air Travel, Cancels All Flights

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment
Srinagar experienced its first major snowfall of the season on Friday, bringing picturesque views to the Valley but causing significant disruptions at Srinagar International Airport. Heavy snow accumulation and reduced visibility led to the cancellation of all flights, leaving passengers stranded. Operations at the airport began smoothly but were soon halted due to snow buildup on the runway and dense cloud cover. “So far, five flights have been cancelled. I urge passengers to check the status as the ongoing snowfall is affecting operations,” said the airport director. An airport spokesperson added, “The safety of passengers and crew remains our top priority, and operations are heavily dependent on weather conditions.” Passengers expressed mixed emotions about the delays. While so...
Shimla Manali Turn into White Wonderland as Fresh Snowfall Delights on Christmas Eve

Shimla Manali Turn into White Wonderland as Fresh Snowfall Delights on Christmas Eve

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment
Popular tourist destinations Shimla and Manali in Himachal Pradesh, along with parts of Jammu and Kashmir, have been transformed into stunning snowy landscapes, bringing festive cheer for visitors celebrating Christmas. However, the heavy snowfall has also caused disruptions, including road closures and accidents. Shimla, Manali, and surrounding regions have been receiving snowfall, creating picturesque views that have flooded social media. The weather has delighted tourists seeking a ‘white Christmas,’ a rare and cherished experience. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain and snow at isolated locations in Himachal Pradesh, with the heaviest snowfall expected between Friday evening and Sunday afternoon. The heavy snow has resulted in the closure of over 200 roads...
Water Shortages Feared as Hindu Kush Himalaya Records Second-Lowest Snow Persistence on Record, Warns ICIMOD Report

Water Shortages Feared as Hindu Kush Himalaya Records Second-Lowest Snow Persistence on Record, Warns ICIMOD Report

Breaking News, Climate Actions
Snow persistence, the fraction of time snow remains on the ground, is significantly lower than normal in the Hindu Kush Himalaya this year, with serious implications for downstream communities’ water security. Leading experts from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), which publishes the annual Snow Update Report, warn water management officials to initiate drought management strategies and pre-emptive emergency water supply measures. The report reveals that snowmelt, a critical source of water, contributes approximately 23% of the total water flow to 12 major river basins originating in the HKH region. However, its contribution varies significantly among rivers: the Amu Darya receives 74% of its flow from snowmelt, the Helmand 77%, and the Indus 40%. ...