Latest news with #TheNationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministration
The Journal
6 days ago
- Climate
- The Journal
Debunked: Fatal floods in Texas spark false claims of weather manipulation amid political blame
FLASH FLOODS IN Texas last week that killed more than 100 people have been blamed, without evidence, on intentional weather manipulation. State authorities said that dozens of people were killed in the disaster, including campers and councillors who died when floods hit a Christian summer camp. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said this week that dozens more people are unaccounted for, and he warned that another bout of heavy rain could cause even more dangerous flooding in the region. Authorities have faced questions about whether enough warnings were issued in an area that has long been vulnerable to flooding, and whether enough preparations were made. However, among accusations of unpreparedness, a familiar and more sinister claim has resurfaced: that the storms that caused the floods were purposely created using weather-manipulation technology. 'Texas extreme floods were not natural,' one such claim shared on Facebook by an Irish user from 6 July reads. The post includes an image of a bureaucratic form from The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a US agency responsible for predicting the weather as well as for some environmental regulation. The same image of a form also appeared in American posts that claimed this was proof that the floods were caused by weather manipulation, viewed tens of thousands of times on Facebook. The form appears to show a company called Rainmaker Technology outlining a 'rain enhancement' and 'hail suppression' project. The form shown in the post The full version of the form is available online and confirms that it is, in fact, a form used to report on weather modification activities. Advertisement The completed form on the Facebook post shows that these activities were expected to take place from March to October 2025. But does this screenshot prove that the flash floods in Texas were man-made? No. For one thing, the area where the form says 'rain enhancement' was being undertaken is named as the Trans Pecos Wildlife Management Area in Far West Texas, which is hundreds of kilometres from where last weekend's flooding occurred. Weather reports for that arid and sparsely populated region show small amounts of rainfall for July. Meanwhile, firefighters from the city of El Paso, where most of the population of Far West Texas lives, have been sent to Central Texas to help manage the disasters there. Rainmaker Technology is a startup that uses cloud-seeding technology over drought-stricken areas. This involves planes releasing silver iodide (AgI), a harmless and naturally occurring substance, from planes in the hope of producing raindrops, often over arid regions, or sometimes above ski resorts hoping to encourage snowfall. In either case, the technology's efficacy is questionable , with positive studies showing up to a 20 percent increase in rainfall — nothing close to the more than half-metre of rain that fell in some areas of Central Texas in the last few days. Unusual and extreme weather events are common targets of conspiracy theories. Earlier this year, an unfounded claim spread that claimed a red weather warning issued in Ireland for Storm Éowyn was a ' climate lockdown ' designed to remove civil liberties. With reporting from Press Association. Want to be your own fact-checker? Visit our brand-new FactCheck Knowledge Bank for guides and toolkits The Journal's FactCheck is a signatory to the International Fact-Checking Network's Code of Principles. You can read it here . For information on how FactCheck works, what the verdicts mean, and how you can take part, check out our Reader's Guide here . You can read about the team of editors and reporters who work on the factchecks here . Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... It is vital that we surface facts from noise. Articles like this one brings you clarity, transparency and balance so you can make well-informed decisions. We set up FactCheck in 2016 to proactively expose false or misleading information, but to continue to deliver on this mission we need your support. Over 5,000 readers like you support us. If you can, please consider setting up a monthly payment or making a once-off donation to keep news free to everyone. Learn More Support The Journal
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Northern Lights in MN: Wildfire smoke could make the aurora difficult to see
The Brief There is a potential for vibrant Northern Lights Sunday night that could be visible for much of the northern United States. Haze from wildfire smoke might make the aurora more difficult to see in Minnesota. The best times to view the aurora are generally around the midnight hour. (FOX 9) - The Northern Lights are expected to be visible Sunday night, but haze from wildfire smoke might spoil the show for Minnesota. What we know The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting a severe (G4) level geomagnetic storm on Sunday evening. Geomagnetic storms are what fuel the aurora and a G4 is the second-strongest level of storm. The NOAA forecast shows the aurora could be visible as far south as central Iowa. What's next Typically, the best times to view the aurora are around the midnight hour. It appears that's about the time the storm will be at its strongest in the overnight hours. The other side Unfortunately for Minnesota, smoke from wildfires burning in Canada has made skies hazy across the state, and particularly in areas to the north. While it might not be impossible to see the aurora, FOX 9 meteorologist Ian Leonard compares it to a foggy morning. He says it is worth taking a look in your area, to see if you can spot anything, but it's probably not worth traveling a far distance to seek out the aurora. Much of Minnesota is under an unhealthy air quality alert due to smoke. What you can do The NOAA recommends the following tips for the best chance to see the Northern Lights. It's generally better to go north (but with the smoke, that might not be the case tonight). Go to areas with less light pollution. You can use this map to find the best spots near you. Spring and fall are often the best times to see the aurora, because "the subtleties in the way the solar wind interacts with Earth's magnetosphere" can create larger geomagnetic storms.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NOAA braces for mass layoffs, fueling concerns about lifesaving weather services
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is preparing to lay off more than 1,000 workers as part of the Trump administration's mandate for agencies to prepare "reductions in force," according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. The cuts are fueling concerns that NOAA's ability to deliver lifesaving services, such as weather forecasting, storm warnings, climate monitoring and fishery oversight, will be hampered. The concerns are especially acute as hurricane and disaster season looms. MORE: How job cuts at NOAA could impact weather forecasting NOAA was "already significantly understaffed, so this is devastating. This is beyond a s---show," Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Ca., the ranking member on the House Natural Resources Committee, said in an interview with ABC News. "It means we're going to be less safe. It means there will be all sorts of collateral damage." A person familiar with staffing levels at NOAA told ABC News that the agency is already down about 2,000 people since January as a result of the first round of the Trump administration's cuts, the "Fork in the Road" offer and regular retirements. In January, this source said, staffing was at about 12,000 employees, which is described as average. With an additional 1,000 cuts looming, the agency would be down 25% since the start of the year. "There is no way to absorb cuts of this magnitude without cutting into these core missions," Huffman said. "This is not about efficiency and it's certainly not about waste, fraud and abuse. This is taking programs that people depend on to save lives and emasculating them." MORE: Yes, NOAA adjusts its historical weather data: Here's why NOAA's reduction in force plan is currently in the Department of Commerce and is due to be delivered to the Office of Management and Budget this week, sources familiar said. It's unclear when exactly the resulting cuts will be announced, but sources said it could be as early as Friday. "NOAA was required to submit their cut plan today, and they were asked to eliminate entire functions, not just individual personnel. The number of terminations is more than 1,000, and that is on top of the probationary folks who've already been let go," Huffman said. "Our ability to forecast flood conditions and tornadoes is reduced, and in a matter of days, it's going to be significantly reduced, as we head into fire season, which is almost all year round now in the West. "Our ability to forecast red flag weather conditions for wildfires is significantly reduced," he added. "Literally, the people that run these systems are being terminated. The people that run these offices where these programs do this critical work are being terminated." MORE: Trump nominates 'Sharpiegate' scientist to lead NOAA Between the already announced and looming cuts, plus the funding battle that could reduce the agency's budget, a source familiar said NOAA "could be at a breaking point," adding that amid all the talks of reducing costs, taxpayers only pay 6 cents per day for all of the services provided by the agency. "More importantly, the services provided by NOAA wouldn't be as robust or functional -- or maybe even exist at all," the source said. NOAA braces for mass layoffs, fueling concerns about lifesaving weather services originally appeared on
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What are tar balls? These black sticky clumps are washing up on Palm Beach County beaches
Tar balls, these sticky, dark clumps have been appearing along the beaches in Florida, staining sand and skin, and even causing Fort Lauderdale Beach to temporarily close. The U.S Coast Guard investigated the tar balls, which were reported from Port Everglades to Palm Beach, but said on the social media site X that "the source remains unknown." While some may seem harmless, experts warn that tar balls can contain toxic chemicals and should be avoided. Their increasing presence has left many wondering, where do they come from, are they dangerous, and what should you do if you spot one? Here's what you need to know. Tar balls are small, sticky clumps of oil that sometimes wash up on shore. They're often leftover from oil spills but can also come from natural oil seeps, places where petroleum slowly rises from the ocean floor. While they may seem harmless, they can contain toxic chemicals and should be avoided. More: Cold front bumps May-like temperatures. Expect cooler temperatures later this week Tar balls form when crude oil on the ocean's surface breaks apart and hardens over time. After an oil spill, the oil spreads into a thin layer, but wind and waves break it into smaller patches, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric administration. As it undergoes weathering, a process of chemical and physical changes, it thickens, hardens, and eventually washes up on shore. More: What are tar balls? How to remove tar ball stains from feet, hands For most people, brief contact with a small amount of oil isn't harmful, but it's best to avoid it. Some people are more sensitive to the chemicals in crude oil, which can cause rashes or allergic reactions, according to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. If you see tar balls on the beach, it's safest to keep your distance. If you get tar on your skin, wash the area with soap and water, baby oil, or a safe cleaning product like the ones found at auto parts stores. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can irritate the skin. Contributing: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Diamond Walker is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at dkwalker@ Help support our journalism. Subscribe today This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Tar balls on the beach in Florida: What is the cause of black clumps
