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Articles by Ron Brackett
PHOTOS: Scenes of the damage left by Hurricane Isaias
Here is a look at the shocking devastation left behind as Category 2 Hurricane Isaias struck near Destin, Florida, leaving at least four dead. Roofs were ripped off of homes. Boats tossed onto dry land. Trees crashed down, sometimes killing people beneath them. Hurricane Isaias came ashore as a Category 2 hurricane on Friday near Destin, Florida. At least four people were killed. The full scale of the damage is just becoming clear. Here is a look at some of the aftermath.
PHOTOS: Scenes of the damage left by Hurricane Isaias
Follow PHOTOS: Scenes of the damage left by Hurricane Isaias Updated Sat, October 10, 2026 at 4:27 PM EDT Roofs were of homes. Boats tossed onto dry land. Trees crashed down, sometimes killing people beneath them. Hurricane Isaias came ashore as a Category 2 hurricane on Friday near Destin, Florida. At least . The full scale of the damage is just becoming clear. Here is a look at some of the aftermath.
Southern California hopes Hurricane Polo isn't another Marie
Hurricane Polo is not expected to make landfall in California, but coastal cities there are still working to shore up a seawall and berms battered by an earlier storm. Polo is expected to bring higher than normal surf to Southern California through the weekend, according to weather.com meteorologist Jennifer Gray. The threat could linger into early next week. That's of particular concern in Long Beach, California, which is still trying to rebuild after the damage caused by Hurricane Marie.
UN warns of 'supersized' El Niño in unprecedented forecast
Follow UN warns of 'supersized' El Niño in unprecedented forecast Updated Thu, September 3, 2026 at 6:14 AM EDT Key takeawaysPowered by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo is using AI to generate key points from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. The United Nations warns that this year's El Nino is expected to be stronger than any other on record, with a close to 100% likelihood of persisting through February 2027.
11 hikers trapped by Bryce Canyon National Park flooding
The water stranded 11 adults in four groups of hikers, the Garfield County Sheriff's Office said. Two of the hikers showed signs of hypothermia and were taken to a hospital, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. The other nine were released. Trails affected by the floods included Fairyland Loop, Navajo Loop, Queen's Garden and Peek-a-Boo Loop, the Tribune said. In addition to Garfield County Search and Rescue team members and sheriff's deputies, national park rangers helped with the rescue.
11 hikers trapped by Bryce Canyon National Park flooding
Ron Brackett Updated Tue 25 August 2026 at 1:16 pm UTC 1 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. View of massive rock formations lit by the sun Flash floods trapped nearly a dozen hikers Monday in Bryce Canyon National Park. The water stranded 11 adults in four groups of hikers, the Garfield County Sheriff's Office said. Two of the hikers showed signs of hypothermia and were taken to a hospital, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. The other nine were released.
First views of SpaceX rocket crash site on moon released
No one saw the actual collision, but scientists say the upper stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket did indeed slam into the moon. The chunk of rocket was expected to unintentionally crash into the moon early Wednesday. A telescope in Chile spotted what astronomers have identified as the debris plume resulting from the crash. While researchers at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute said its lunar probe Danuri got images of the crash site before and after the upper stage of the rocket hit the moon.
PHOTOS: Wisconsin tornado leaves scenes of destruction
An aerial view shows the widespread damage left by a tornado that roared through Menasha, Wisconsin, on Monday, July 27, 2026. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) Nothing shows the destructive capabilities of nature better than a tornado. Here is the aftermath of the tornado that touched down in Wisconsin on Monday, shredding homes and businesses, flipping cars and snapping utility poles. The hardest hit areas were the cities of Menasha and Appleton.
PHOTOS: Wisconsin tornado leaves scenes of destruction
Nothing shows the destructive capabilities of nature better than a tornado. Here is the aftermath of the tornado that touched down in Wisconsin on Monday, shredding homes and businesses, flipping cars and snapping utility poles. The hardest hit areas were the cities of Menasha and Appleton. The National Weather Service gave the tornado a preliminary rating of EF3. No deaths or serious injuries were reported.
Take a closer look at the wildfires ravaging Spain and France in photos
Follow Take a closer look at the wildfires ravaging Spain and France in photos Updated Mon, July 27, 2026 at 3:25 PM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. A wildfire in Chapineria, about 30 miles west of Madrid, left burned out hulks of vehicles on Monday, July 27, 2026. Key takeawaysPowered by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo is using AI to generate key points from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article.
Take a closer look at the wildfires ravaging Spain and France in photos
Historic wildfires in France and Spain have forced more than 300,000 people to evacuate their homes in one of the largest evacuation efforts in the region since World War II. The EU’s European Forest Fire Information System estimates 1,160 square miles have burned in the two countries. The current state of the fires A wildfire in Ávila, northwest of Madrid, has become Spain’s largest on record, scorching 193 square miles, the government said — that's five times the size of Barcelona.
Major earthquake strikes off Mexico, Guatemala coast
Ron Brackett Updated Fri 17 July 2026 at 2:19 pm UTC 1 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Earthquake alert map with magnitude 7.3, July 17, 2026 at 8:43 A.M. CST, centered near Guatemala City A strong earthquake struck off the Pacific Coast of Mexico and Guatemala shortly before 11 a.m. EDT Friday. The magnitude 7.3 quake was about was about 30 miles southwest of Aquiles Serdán, Mexico, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Major earthquake strikes off Mexico, Guatemala coast
Follow Major earthquake strikes off Mexico, Guatemala coast Updated Fri, July 17, 2026 at 2:19 PM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Earthquake alert map with magnitude 7.3, July 17, 2026 at 8:43 A.M. CST, centered near Guatemala City Key takeawaysPowered by Yahoo Scout. Yahoo is using AI to generate key points from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Simi Valley Sandy Fire Spreads, Destroys Home
Fire crews battle the Sandy Fire, Monday, May 18, 2026, in Simi Valley, California. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope) A fast-moving brush fire in Southern California's Ventura County prompted evacuation orders for more than 17,000 residents Monday as flames rapidly expanded in steep terrain. The Sandy Fire, first reported around 10 a.m. in the hills above Simi Valley, quickly grew to more than 2 square miles and was only 5% contained, fire officials said Monday afternoon.
Simi Valley Sandy Fire Grows Quickly, Forces Evacuations Original
Fire crews battle the Sandy Fire, Monday, May 18, 2026, in Simi Valley, California. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope) Residents of more than 10,000 homes were ordered to evacuate Monday as a brush fire in Southern California's Ventura County quickly grew to more than 2 square miles. Wind gusts over 30 mph drove the Sandy Fire, which was reported about 10 a.m. in hills above Simi Valley, a city of more than 125,000 people about 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
3 People With Suspected Hantavirus Evacuated From Ship; Case Found In Switzerland
Three people with suspected hantavirus were evacuated Wednesday from the cruise ship at the center of the deadly outbreak, says the World Health Organization. Those patients were on their way to the Netherlands. Meanwhile more than 100 other passengers and crew are still on board the MV Hondius, which has been stuck off the coast of Cape Verde, waiting to learn what's next for them. Three passengers have died in the outbreak of the rare virus that is usually spread by rodents.
Hantavirus Aboard Cruise Ship May Have Passed Between Humans, WHO Says Original
A view of the m/v Hondius Cruise ship anchored at a port in Praia, Cape Verde, Monday, May 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Arilson Almeida) An outbreak of the rare hantavirus aboard a cruise ship in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean may have involved human-to-human transmission, the World Health Organization said Tuesday. Two hantavirus cases have been confirmed and five others are suspected among people onboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, the WHO said. Three of those people have died.
NWS Says Loud Boom That Shook Cleveland Could Have Been Caused By Meteor Original
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates. A loud boom heard across Cleveland on Tuesday morning could have been caused by a meteorite, according to the National Weather Service. "Heard the loudest boom just now in northeast OH. People heard it as far as Avon. What was that? Meteor? @NWSCLE," wrote @jacecraftmiller on X.
NASA Confirms Loud Boom Triggered By Asteroid Seen Over At Least 10 States
A loud boom heard across Cleveland on Tuesday morning, and NASA has confirmed that it was caused by an asteroid that was 6 feet in size weighed roughly 7 tons. "Heard the loudest boom just now in northeast OH. People heard it as far as Avon. What was that? Meteor? @NWSCLE," wrote @jacecraftmiller on X.
Small Earthquake Rattles Parts Of New York Original
A small earthquake rattled parts of New York on Tuesday morning. The magnitude 2.3 quake struck at 10:17 a.m. EDT near Sleepy Hollow, about 30 miles north of New York City, according to the USGS. It was a relatively shallow earthquake, reportedly just 4.5 miles below the surface. It was felt throughout much of the Hudson Valley. So far, there have been no reports of damage. By signing up you agree to the Terms & Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe at any time.
Louisiana Shaken By 4.9 Magnitude Earthquake Original
Louisiana experienced the second-largest earthquake in the state’s history Thursday morning. The magnitude 4.9 quake struck about 6:30 a.m. EST (5:30 a.m. local time) north of Edgefield, Louisiana. That's about 40 miles southeast of Shreveport in northwestern Louisiana. Reports said the earthquake's shaking was felt across a wide swath of the state and into eastern Texas. By signing up you agree to the Terms & Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe at any time.
Weather Words: Why The 'Dew Point' Matters
By Ron Brackett and Jonathan Belles 4 days ago This story originally appeared in the Morning Brief email newsletter. Sign up here to get more stories like this and weekday weather updates from The Weather Channel and our meteorologists. On a hot summer day, you’ll often hear someone talk about how humid it is. But humidity doesn’t tell the whole story. How muggy a day feels also involves the dew point, the temperature to which the air must be cooled, at constant pressure, to be completely saturated.
Morocco Earthquake Death Toll Soars To More Than 800
Sign up for the Morning Brief email newsletter to get weekday updates from The Weather Channel and our meteorologists. At least 820 people were killed late Friday night when a magnitude 6.8 earthquake shook Morocco for several seconds. The earthquake struck at 11:11 p.m. local time (6:11 p.m. EDT) about 43 miles south of Marrakech, the capital of Morocco. As of late Saturday morning, Morocco's Interior Ministry said nearly 700 others were injured, according to the Associated Press.
Hundreds Killed When Powerful 6.8-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Morocco
Mesothelioma in the United States: Where are people at highest risk of developing this deadly cancer? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, killing an estimated 605,213 people in 2021 alone. While lung, colon, and breast cancer are the most common, they are far from the deadliest forms of the disease.
Powerful Earthquake Strikes Morocco; Hundreds Dead
A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck the Moroccan capital of Marrakech late Friday night. The death toll was nearing 300 early Saturday. Buildings lie in ruin. Hundreds of people were killed late Friday night when a magnitude 6.8 earthquake shook Morocco for several seconds. The earthquake struck at 11:11 p.m. local time (6:11 p.m. EDT) about 43 miles south of Marrakech, the capital of Morocco.
What It's Like Inside The Missing Titanic Submersible
The vessel that went missing Sunday in the North Atlantic while exploring the Titanic's wreckage is a submersible not a submarine, and there is a key difference. The Titan, with five people on board, remained missing Tuesday even as an international search and rescue effort was underway. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration explains the difference. A submarine has enough power to leave port and come back to port under its own power. But a submersible has more limited power and range.
What It's Like Inside The Missing Titanic Submersible
The submersible, with five people onboard, has been missing since Sunday. A person who has been onboard describes it like a "minivan without seats." The 23-foot-long cylinder's hatch is bolted closed from the outside and passengers can't open it. It fits five people, but there are no seats. David Pogue, a CBS News correspondent who went on the Titan in November, compared his trip in the 23,000-pound submersible to being in a “minivan without seats.” It looks like a cylinder with domes on each end.
Tornado Damages Oklahoma Homes, Businesses
Several communities south of Oklahoma City are waking up to damage Friday morning after a night of severe storms and possible tornadoes. The Cleveland County Sheriff's Office was assessing storm damage throughout the county, according to a Facebook post. It said the worst of the damage appeared to be in the city of Noble, about 20 miles southeast of Oklahoma City. A tornado was confirmed by radar in the area.
New Vaccine Treatment Shows Promise Against Melanoma
A personalized mRNA vaccine combined with Keytruda cuts the risk of recurrence by 44%. The vaccine is created from the patient's tumor once it has been removed. About 97,610 new melanomas will be diagnosed this year. A personalized mRNA vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of a recurrence of melanoma skin cancer by nearly half when combined with immunotherapy, according to a clinical trial.
Torrential Rains Swamp Fort Lauderdale; Airport Closes
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International is expected to remain closed until at least noon today. Broward County schools are also closed today. Roads throughout the city were flooded. Torrential rainfall inundated Fort Lauderdale and other parts of South Florida on Wednesday leading to widespread flooding that forced the city's airport to close. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is expected to be closed until at least noon Thursday because of the flooding.
What The CDC's Marburg Virus Outbreak Advisory Means
U.S. health officials have been advised to be on the lookout for suspected cases of Marburg virus disease. Marburg virus causes a hemorrhagic fever that has similarities to Ebola. Outbreaks have been confirmed in two countries. With spring travel season ramping up, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued an advisory about Marburg virus, a rare but deadly disease.
Air Pollution May Increase Risk Of Dementia, Analysis Finds
Fine particulate air pollutants, known as PM2.5, cause a variety of health problems. More than 57 million people worldwide are living with dementia. The EPA has proposed lowering the ambient air quality standard for fine particle pollution. Breathing polluted air has been linked to a greater risk of dementia, according to a new analysis from Harvard University researchers.
People Injured In Early Morning Missouri Tornado
The National Weather Service said a radar-confirmed tornado struck in Bollinger County. The storms are part of an outbreak of severe weather. Earlier, high winds and hail caused damage in the Quad Cities area of Iowa and Illinois. An overnight tornado has left injuries and damage this morning in Bollinger County, Missouri. Homes are damaged and roads are blocked in the Glen Allen and Grassy areas in southeast Missouri, Bollinger County Sheriff Casey Graham told KFVS.
Daylight Images Of Deadly Tornado Outbreak Show Devastation
Several cities were ravaged as large tornadoes tore through the Midwest and South. At least 12 people were killed and dozens more injured in the tornado outbreak. In Illinois, the roof of a theater collapsed as people gathered for a concert.
Severe Weather Outbreak: How To Prepare
If you live in the threatened area, you should have multiple ways to receive watches and warnings. Dangerous tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail are possible across a large portion of the Mississippi Valley. With a severe weather outbreak appearing more likely this afternoon and evening, now is the time to ensure you are prepared. Dangerous tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail are possible across a large portion of the Mississippi Valley.
Minnesota Train Derailment Forces Evacuations
Residents living within a half-mile of the derailment in Raymond were ordered to leave their homes. No injuries or deaths have been reported. Residents of a Minnesota city were ordered to leave their homes overnight when a train carrying ethanol derailed and caught fire. About 22 cars of the train derailed at around 1 a.m. CDT on the western edge of Raymond, which is about 95 miles west of Minneapolis, according to the Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office.
Deadly Tornadoes Leave Trail Of Damage Across South
At least 25 people died during tornadoes in Mississippi. An Alabama man died after a tornado flipped his mobile home. More than 100 homes and businesses were damaged in storms in Georgia. Recovery efforts will continue today — and for months to come — in the tornado-ravaged parts of the South where more than two dozen people were killed. Tornadoes, or suspected tornadoes, were reported in Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia over the weekend.
Severe Weather Updates: 2 Dead In Missouri; Possible Texas Tornado Tosses Family
Two people died when the vehicle they were in was swept away by floodwaters. A Texas family of four was inside their mobile home when it was lifted off the ground. The National Weather Service will determine if a tornado hit the town of Poolville, Texas. Severe weather led to deadly flooding in Missouri, and a possible tornado left a trail of damage through a Texas town early Friday. Heavy overnight rain triggered flash flooding in southwestern Missouri.
Flesh-Eating Bacteria Spreading In US Coastal Waters
Infections caused by Vibrio vulnificus rose from about 10 a year to about 80 over a 30-year period. It's usually found along the Southeast and Gulf coasts. The bacteria was regularly causing infections as far north as Philadelphia by 2018. The number of cases of potentially fatal infections caused by a "flesh-eating bacteria" are increasing and the bacteria is spreading farther up the U.S. East Coast because of climate change, according to a new study.
Deadly California 'Bomb Cyclone' Knocks Out Power To Thousands
One person was killed by a falling tree in San Mateo County. A falling tree also killed a passenger in a vehicle in Contra Costa County. Winds gusted as high as 80 mph in some areas. At least two people were killed Tuesday as a powerful "bomb cyclone" slammed California with strong winds and more rain. One person died when a tree fell on a vehicle in San Mateo County, California Highway Patrol Officer David LaRock told weather.com.
Deadly Candida Auris Fungus Spread Rapidly During Pandemic
Candida auris is a drug-resistant fungus. Clinical cases, in which an infection is present, jumped from 476 in 2019 to 1,471 in 2021. Between 30% to 60% of people with C. auris infections have died, according to the CDC. A deadly fungus called Candida auris began spreading at an "alarming rate" and became even more resistant to drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC warns.
Time Running Out To Save World, UN Report Warns
Saving the world requires quickly slashing carbon pollution and fossil fuel use, the IPCC says. To limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the world needs to cut greenhouse gas emissions 60% by 2035. The world has already warmed 1.1 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The message from a major group of climate scientists Monday is that we have many options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to human-caused climate change, and they are available now — but time is quickly running out.
Pet Dog Dies Of Avian Flu In Canada
The dog in Ontario had chewed on a wild goose before getting sick. The number of documented cases of avian flu in animals other than birds, such as cats and dogs, is low. Pet owners can take steps to protect their cats and dogs. In the first case of its kind, a dog in Canada has died with avian flu. The domestic dog was discovered to be infected with bird flu after it chewed on a wild goose and died, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
What Is Spillover? How Animal Viruses Infect Humans
Spillover is likely happening every day somewhere around the globe, an expert says. The European Centre for Disease Control warns that mutations found in the H5N1 avian flu virus are “concerning.” The U.S. is experiencing a massive bird flu outbreak that has spread to mammals. Portions of this article originally appeared in the Morning Brief email newsletter. Sign up here to get more stories like this and weekday weather updates from The Weather Channel and our meteorologists.
EPA Moves To Limit 'Forever Chemicals' In Drinking Water
The new rules would require water providers to reduce levels of six PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. "Forever chemicals" can build up in the human body and lead to health problems. One industry consultant estimates it could cost water utilities $38 billion. The Environmental Protection Agency has taken the first steps to limit the amount of harmful “forever chemicals” in drinking water. The agency is proposing new rules for six PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Global Warming Causing Intense Drought, Rain Events
There were four extreme water cycle events from 2015 to 2021, when the Earth experienced its seven hottest years on record. In the 12 years before that, there had been only three extreme events per year. More monitoring like this could spur action to reduce the effects of climate change, a study author says.
Winter Storm Sage: New England Slammed
Travel was slowed across the Northeast as the winter storm dumped heavy snow. More than a quarter-million homes and businesses lost power. Upwards of 1,000 flights were canceled Tuesday. Winter Storm Sage knocked out power and hampered travel for millions as it dumped snow and swirled strong winds across the Northeast Tuesday. The storm is pulling away from the coast Wednesday morning, but its lasting impacts remain. Here's a look at how the nor'easter has affected the Northeast.
Snow-Covered Roof Collapses At Duluth Mall
No injuries were reported in the roof collapse. Winter Storm Sage dumped 12 to 18 inches of snow on Duluth over the weekend. A crew had been clearing the roof before it collapsed. A roof at the Miller Hill Mall in Duluth, Minnesota, collapsed about 9 a.m. CDT Tuesday morning, according to WCCO. There has been no word on what caused the roof collapse. However, Duluth picked up 12 to 18 inches of snow from Winter Storm Sage last weekend, according to weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman.
How Recent Floods Will Recharge California Groundwater
Water will be diverted from the San Joaquin River to areas where it can percolate into aquifers. Groundwater has been significantly depleted during the state's long-running drought. Some environmental groups opposed the plan. Even as California reels from a series of drenching atmospheric river-fed storms and near-record snowfall, the drought-plagued state has approved a plan to replenish its groundwater.
Storm Brings Flooding, Rockslides To California
California's governor has declared a state of emergency in 21 counties. Evacuation warnings have been issued. Flooding, downed trees and mudslides have closed roads. With another storm lashing California, Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in 21 counties. Evacuation warnings have been issued because of flooding threats from the storm fueled by the Pineapple Express. Some roads closed Thursday because of flooding while downed trees and mudslides blocked others.
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