Latest news with #JasonJohnson
CBS News
09-07-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
They knew it could happen: History warned of the Central Texas Guadalupe River flood
They knew it could happen: History warned of the Central Texas flood They knew it could happen: History warned of the Central Texas flood They knew it could happen: History warned of the Central Texas flood Texas hydrologists working with the National Weather Service say they recognized the conditions last Thursday that could lead to catastrophic flooding on the Guadalupe River. And they say, based on past events, this kind of outcome was a known risk. The I-Team has learned that's why the hydrologists say their forecast partners at the National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch in parts of that area up to 10 hours before the water swept through campsites along the river, killing multiple people and leaving others clinging to trees. "On Thursday, we made the call yeah, this is going to be an event," said Jason Johnson, a lead hydrologist at the West Gulf River Forecast Center in Fort Worth. "The hardest part is pinpointing where that rainfall is going to occur." The Fort Worth team monitors rivers across the western Gulf, including the Guadalupe. In what experts call "Flash Flood Alley," the terrain reacts quickly to rainfall steep slopes, rocky ground, and narrow riverbeds leave little time for warning. "It's known as 'Flash Flood Alley...' it responds very fast," Johnson said. History repeating The I-Team reviewed National Weather Service and historical crest records and found that the Guadalupe River has experienced major flooding more than a dozen times in the last century. On July 4, preliminary data shows the Guadalupe River at Hunt reached 37.52 feet. The I-Team has learned the river in that area has been even higher four other times since tracking began, and it's reached more than 25 feet on 15 other occasions. These events include deadly flash floods that have taken lives, inundated homes, and overwhelmed campsites. Hydrologists say the signs were there. In 1987, floodwaters rose to 31 feet in Comfort. Ten people died including children after camp buses were caught in the rising current. Similar deadly floods happened again in 2015. In 1869, the Guadalupe crested to above 40 feet. "Each event is different," Johnson said. "But they can all have the same consequences. You can't say this was worse than another because it impacted someone." So how could this still happen? Experts say the physical danger of rising floodwaters is often underestimated. "Once you get into those kinds of depths and flows, it's almost impossible to get away," Johnson said. "Even six inches of water can knock you off your feet. Two feet of water can sweep away a car." The hydrologists say the region has become more densely populated in recent years. The increased presence, both residential and recreational, can make it harder to evacuate quickly when the water starts rising. The hydrologists say the timing of the storm overnight may have played a major role also. Even when warnings go out, they're not always received. Phones may be turned off. People are asleep. "Weather is 24/7... but when it's overnight, it's hard to get messaging out," Johnson explained. "The message may go out but are people awake to receive it? That's always the tough part." He added: "We could be doing everything right, and the message gets out, but it's not received. That's the heartbreaking part." Despite the tragedy, Johnson said his team was staffed and ready. Forecasting models were in place. More scientists were on standby. "We had our best people on shift... everyone was utilized," he said. They also say some high-risk areas may lack reliable systems for receiving warnings raising questions about how alerts reach people in time during fast-moving events like this one. More perspective: Texas Service Storms Association A spokesperson for the Texas Severe Storms Association told CBS News Texas: "Campsites and homes in high-risk areas like the Hill Country should be relocated to higher ground and properties within the flood zone should be utilized only for day use." What comes next Johnson said this tragedy, like others before it, will drive change. "Our mission is protection of life and property," said Johnson. "When you hear loss of life, it's very tough. We'll all be hard on ourselves, asking how we can do better." He said meteorological models have improved since major flooding in 2002, and more updates are underway. New floodplain maps, artificial intelligence tools, and enhanced communication systems are all being considered. What you can do Officials recommend always having multiple ways to receive emergency alerts including a portable weather radio, a smartphone with alerts enabled, and staying tuned to local news. If you're camping or living near water in flood-prone areas, know your escape routes and check forecasts frequently, especially during storm season.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'Have you no decency?!' Republican backs down when confronted for minimizing murder of Dem lawmaker
Republican Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) has backed down after vitriolic posts about the assassination of a Democratic politician. Political analyst Jason Johnson joins MSNBC's Ari Melber to discuss. (The Beat's YouTube playlist: Ari: / arimelber Beat merch:
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Tennessee man charged with 3 counts of attempted murder following I-65 shooting
LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) — The Limestone County Sheriff's Office said it arrested a man involved in a shooting on I-65 Saturday. LCSO said deputies responded to a report of a shooting on I-65 in the area of Mile Marker 347. The sheriff's office said a 911 caller reported that a man on a motorcycle fired shots at him and his family while traveling northbound. The gunfire hit the victim's vehicle, endangering the lives of everyone inside, LCSO said. Following the alert issued with a detailed description of the suspect, troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency found the suspect approximately 10 miles from the scene. LCSO deputies then responded to assist with the traffic stop and positively identified the suspect as Jason Jermain Johnson, 30, of Centerville, Tennessee. Community support for family involved in deadly Mother's Day wreck going beyond state lines During the arrest, Johnson was found in possession of a loaded pistol, two additional loaded magazines and was wearing a bullet-resistant vest beneath an Outcast Motorcycle Club vest. Johnson was arrested and charged with three counts of attempted murder and shooting into an occupied vehicle. A bond has not been set at this time, and Aniah's Law hearing will be scheduled later. 'This reckless violence has no place on our highways,' Sheriff McLaughlin said. 'We are thankful no innocent lives were lost, and we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure the public's safety.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Wiregrass groups set to host National Fentanyl Awareness Day event
DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — Next Tuesday, April 29, Dothan organizations will come together to spread awareness about the deadly illegal drug, fentanyl. A drug that has claimed the lives of hundreds of people across the Wiregrass. P.E.I.R. has an 'Angels of Hope' wall in their office that pays tribute to those victims. 'It's hard some days for some of us because we bust our tails to sit here and watch them die,' Overdose to Action Grant Outreach for P.E.I.R. Dothan, Jonathan Riley said. 'That hurts us.' They will hold a National Fentanyl Awareness Day event at Justice Park in Dothan from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. At the event, people will be able to get help from organizations, hear stories from people who are recovering, and hear about the impact fentanyl is leaving daily in the Wiregrass. 'There are resources here in this community and there is hope,' Executive Director of Transform Central-Dothan, Jason Johnson said. 'We also want everyone to know that addicts do recover, and this event is bringing awareness to those groups that help people recover.' At the event next week, organizations will distribute Narcan, fentanyl test strips, and offer hygiene for people in need of those resources. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Yahoo
School threat defendant in court Monday
EAU CLAIRE — The high school student who was charged after making what authorities call terroristic threats will find out in June what the next steps in the case will be. Jason Johnson, 18, Eau Claire, faces a single charge of terrorist threats, but his defense has challenged the case on First Amendment grounds. According to the criminal complaint, Johnson became 'angry and frustrated' after a teacher told him to avoid being around another student last October. He then 'walked around the classroom pointing his hand in the shape of a gun at other students.' That led the teacher to speak with colleagues, and a police officer was brought in to speak with Johnson. Johnson told the officer he 'thinks of shooting other students daily when they upset or bully him.' At issue is whether Johnson's actions constitute a 'true threat,' thus obviating the protections the First Amendment generally provides for even offensive forms of speech. Prosecutors contended in filings that threats are 'well-established to be outside the protection of the First Amendment.' The defense doesn't agree that Johnson's purported acts rise to that standard, and wants the case dismissed. While prosecutors said the request for an evidentiary hearing sought 'essentially, a mini trial before trial,' the defense said challenges to charges based on constitutional questions are appropriate. 'Constitutional challenges are a well-recognized and often used route of challenging the constitutionality of statutes as they are applied in specific circumstances.' Both sides were in court Monday in a bid to persuade Judge Jon Theisen. Prosecutors had hoped to get a ruling at the hearing, but Theisen said he needed more time to consider the arguments. A ruling is scheduled for June 6.
