The Watchers News Brief: September 25, 2018
Fairly impressive Medicane cyclone is likely to develop in the Ionian sea on September 28
A tropical-like cyclone (TLC) / medicane is increasingly likely to develop in the southern Ionian sea on Friday, September 28. High-resolution ICON-EU model is simulating a rather intense cyclone to develop with 'tropical storm' strength and structure possible.
This medicane could eventually make landfall in WSW Greece on Saturday, SWE meteorologists warn.
First September tornado in Cannon County, Tennessee
NWS damage survey team has determined that an EF-0 tornado with max winds of 137 km/h (85 mph) touched down in western Cannon County along Bradyville Road on September 24.
At least one home was destroyed and several others have been damaged.
This is the first tornado on record to occur in the month of September in Cannon County. Records go back to 1880s.
Environment Canada confirms 3 tornadoes and 2 downbursts in Eastern Ontario on Friday, September 21
Environment and Climate Change Canada confirmed three tornadoes and two downbursts were produced by severe thunderstorms associated with a strong cold front in Eastern Ontario on September 21.
Heavy monsoon rains claim lives of 25 people, strand over 1 100 people, northwest India
At least 25 people have died in flash floods, landslides and other rain-related incidents in northwestern India over the past couple of days, officials said Tuesday, September 25, 2018. Meanwhile, more than 1 000 people have been stranded after landslides and fresh snow blocked roads.
Floods and landslides have affected a total of 10 districts in Himachal Pradesh, a mountainous state whose state minister described the floods as the most devastating since 1995.
Roads, bridges, houses and vehicles were washed away in many places and the Beas waters even flooded the Manali-Chandigarh highway, local media report.
Rains cause heavy crop damage in northwest India
Four days of unexpected and torrential rains in the northwestern states of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir have potentially left up to 30% of standing paddy crops flattened, according to preliminary reports.
Crop losses in this agricultural season are expected to heighten already simmering farmers’ unrest and anger over low sale prices and consequent losses in agriculture.
Capital Chandigarh records nearly 996 mm (39.2 inches), breaking seven-year-old record, Punjab and Haryana
As of September 24, the city of Chandigarh, the capital of the northern Indian states of Punjab and Haryana, has received 996.2 mm (39.2 inches) since the beginning of the monsoon on June 1, breaking the record of the past seven years of monsoon rainfall.
"The rainfall will subside from Tuesday in Chandigarh. There are light chances of rain at isolated places on Tuesday after which it will remain dry," said an Indian Meteorological Department official.
Frost damages up to 80% of Western Australia crops
Significant damage has been done in Western Australia’s grain growing regions, with one industry professional estimating up to 80% of crops were hit by last weekend’s frosts.
In Victoria, frost in the Mallee could affect about 20% of crops, leading to more growers cutting cereal crops for hay.
Drought to make Germany a net grain importer
The drought has heavily affected grain, rapeseed, and forage production in Germany. As a result, Germany is expected to strongly increase imports of soybeans/soybean meal and to become a net grain importer.
The drought was officially declared, 'a weather incident of national extent,' enabling the Government to award financial support for over 10 000 farms.
The Ministry for Food and Agriculture recently issued a preliminary estimate for the 2018 grain and winter rapeseed crops. It put grain production (excluding corn) at 34.5 million tonnes, compared to 41 million tonnes a year ago.
Germany’s corn crop was more severely impacted, as BMEL forecasts a 50% reduction in production compared to a year ago, which would be the lowest output since 1994 and is mainly a result of the drought in the northern and eastern regions of the country.
The US is set to become top source of soybeans to Germany.
Major wildfires near Pisa, northern Italy
A major wildfire is ongoing near Pisa, Tuscany, northern Italy since yesterday afternoon, September 24, forcing evacuations and temporarily closing Pisa airport. Air traffic was reportedly set to remain blocked for three hours as firefighters scramble to stop the wildfire.
Wildfire enters the city of Orebić, at least 4 homes damaged, Croatia
Wildfire that started during the early morning hours near the village of Mokalo on the Island of Pelješac, Croatia has entered the city of Orebić during the afternoon hours, damaging at least 4 homes.
At least 300 firefighters and 3 firefighting planes are battling the fire fueled by very strong winds.
Moderate eruptive activity continues at Etna, Italy
Moderate eruptive activity continues at Etna's three of four summit craters. The following video was recorded on September 24:
Featured image credit: Rita Pizzo. Edit: TW
Isaiah 66:15 For behold, the Lord will come in fire and his chariots like the whirlwind. To render his anger with fury, And His rebuke with flames of fire.