These are the people that are responsible for keeping casualties low, after the initial storm surge:
https://texastaskforce1.org/home
Their coordination with Federal, State and local resources, to rescue people trapped in their houses, is a testament to the planning and execution of Texas' disaster relief. Without this coordination, at all levels, this would have been much worse.
https://texastaskforce1.org/home
Their coordination with Federal, State and local resources, to rescue people trapped in their houses, is a testament to the planning and execution of Texas' disaster relief. Without this coordination, at all levels, this would have been much worse.
3
Day 2 of Harvey. I dozed for about 20 minutes, but other than that, I am operating without sleep. My house is at 15th 1/2 and Dian in Houston. It is in the 100 year flood plane, but we escaped Tropical Storm Allison, Ike, a direct hit, the Memorial Day 2015 flood and the Tax Day 2016 flood without flooding in the house. The water is currently over the sidewalk and creeping up the driveway. I am lucky, others are significantly less so.
Houston is currently the 4th largest city in the United States, and arguably the energy capital of the world, and almost every area has flooding. Houston is an incredibly diverse city, and all of us, no matter race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, are impacted by this, but right now we are all first and foremost, Houstonians and Texans that have a shared experience that brings us all together. I am sure there will be a lot of photos that come out over the next hours and days. All we can ask the rest of the country is to keep us in your thoughts and hope that the rain stops and gives us a momentary reprieve.
Houston is currently the 4th largest city in the United States, and arguably the energy capital of the world, and almost every area has flooding. Houston is an incredibly diverse city, and all of us, no matter race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, are impacted by this, but right now we are all first and foremost, Houstonians and Texans that have a shared experience that brings us all together. I am sure there will be a lot of photos that come out over the next hours and days. All we can ask the rest of the country is to keep us in your thoughts and hope that the rain stops and gives us a momentary reprieve.
3
From Tokyo, my thoughts are with people badly affected.
2
trump is trying mightily to upstage Harvey. First, he was heading to Texas on Monday, right in the middle of ongoing catastrophic rains. Now he's heading down ASAP, whatever that means. So precious security resources will have to be diverted to shepherd him around the coast.
Can you please leave politics out of this? This is a storm and hundreds of thousands of people are affected. Taking shots at President Trump is extremely distasteful. What are you doing to help?
2
Texans responding to mother nature's fury, with hearts as big as our state.
Fixin' to help each other, friends and strangers alike.
I haven't been more proud of my home -- the great state of Texas -- than today.
Fixin' to help each other, friends and strangers alike.
I haven't been more proud of my home -- the great state of Texas -- than today.
8
As a resident of the Gulf Coast in the hurricane zone, the lack of casualties during the storm is a testament to strong preparation and execution by Texas government officials at all levels. Strategic allocation of resources, coupled with upgraded building codes for structures on the coast, dramatically diminished the loss of life. Despite the confusion about the path of the storm, information was readily available and evacuations were reasonable. They deserve to be recognized for this outstanding effort - well done!
10
Isn't it a little early for congratulations? My understanding is that much of the rain hasn't even fallen yet, and the after-rain flooding was expected to be the most damaging part.
2
It's never too early to recognize good planning. This is one of the worst storms to ever hit the USA, but there have only been 5 casualties - that's amazing! The wind and storm surge are the most dangerous parts of a hurricane and that's pretty much over. It's still raining and flooding is a severe problem, but the rescue teams put in place by the state and local governments have really limited the loss of life. Once again, hats off for the fabulous job done by all!
1
Nothing like a good, powerful hurricane to shake things up, such as complacency, and give a boost to the economy. Employment, new construction, upgrading and new infrastructure, improvement in housing, et.al.
2
My heart goes out to these unfortunate people. Mother Nature has dealt you a bad hand but you will pull through. You are Texas strong.
10
Here in Australia, I was horrified when Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005. The exposure of the poverty, people left to drown, waters rising in old folks homes, bloated bodies face down in flood waters, then reports of violence as people took shelter in the local stadium. Remember? 1800 people died! I couldn't believe that was in the US with all its resources and wealth. I visited New Orleans in 2010 and some places were still abandoned. At least this time there seems to be better preparation. Buses for evacuees (not everyone has cars, money for petrol and emergency supplies) and shelters inland, prisoners being moved to higher ground, all good. There has to be a sense of civic duty (volunteer officials for emergency shelters) and government responsibility for the poor, old, sick and disabled who have limited ability to look after themselves in the spirit of rugged individualism. Floods in low lying areas are a real problem in the next few days. Please, no more drownings.
13
Have you visited Texas?
Very different in every way compared to New Orleans.....
If you haven't been to Texas yet you should visit.
Amazing
Very different in every way compared to New Orleans.....
If you haven't been to Texas yet you should visit.
Amazing
4
There is absolutely no way to compare New Orleans to Texas, which is why there has been virtually no casualties. BYW - The reception for the victims of Katrina, at the Houston Astrodome, was coordinated almost entirely by local religious leaders. We'll do the same for our own - it's the Texas way.
7
There's nothing to say except good luck, be careful, and know that we're thinking of you and hoping that everyone stays safe in Texas and anywhere else Harvey goes.
5
Note to readers.
Socrates and gemli have been added to the database with Larry Eisenberg and myself.
You may all sort and peruse the comments at https://nytimes-comments.github.io/
No strings attached.
Socrates and gemli have been added to the database with Larry Eisenberg and myself.
You may all sort and peruse the comments at https://nytimes-comments.github.io/
No strings attached.
1
What does "added to the database mean"? Added to the verified commenters list ?
2
As a proud Houstonian I'm proud of our state, counties and cities. Rest assured 500,000 people will not flee Texas for Louisiana which happened in the reverse during hurricane Katrina due to a lack of local support.
We take care of ourselves.
We take care of ourselves.
3
The Great State of Texas is not just some bumper sticker slogan.
2
Trump should consider building a sea wall.
3
You should consider taking in Syrian refugees.
2
I'd take a Syrian refugee over a born again White Christian Klan Member any day.
12
What kind of ridiculous answer is that, on top of your obnoxious swipe at Katrina victims, and "we take care of ourselves" even as Texas requests the Federal Aid that it voted against Denying to Sandy Victims?
12
Anther story in the Times today (a story does not take comments) says that Harvey is the first major hurricane to make US landfall since 2005. What about Sandy in the NE in 2012?
3
Sandy weakened to a tropical storm by the time it made landfall.
2
Excellent question. Sandy is generally referred to as Hurricane Sandy or Superstorm Sandy, while Sandy was technically downgraded at some point. Sandy, unaware of the downgrade,continued in her widespread path of destruction and devastation.
5
Sandy wasn't a major (cat 3 or above) storm. It was more of a tropical storm, than a true hurricane.
1
My heart and prayers go out to those of you in Texas who are being affected by Hurricane Harvey. I hope that you are safe. As a Sandy Victim from Long Beach, New York, I know the terror ,trauma, destruction and devastation all too well.
14
Since there's no global warming, I guess that means there's been no hurricane either. Fake news.
8
It is despicable that Trump pardoned late Friday as everyone was bracing for Harvey. Using hurricane for politics, look no further than your President. Watching hurricane intently he said, no duh!
4
Missed it, but now I see he pardoned some dude who had a misdemeanor
So
So
3
Hey, the government spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to get the misdemeanor conviction! Now, all the time and money spent on that misdemeanor conviction was wasted.
2
Not sure what "misdemeanor" means regarding this sheriff. The stories coming from Phoenix talk about his targeting of all those who might be Latino immigrants; he detained and arrested citizens in his dragnet. He housed those arrested in tent cities, in extreme heat, out in the open. He forced them to wear pink underwear, in case the housing was not punitive enough. This man is a disgrace to honorable law enforcement officers. Trump is honoring this man; he included innocent protesters in Charlottesville with those armed thugs who arrived from outside the city. This ignorant boor is the President of the United States; he represents all of us to the world at large. He has insulted allies from WWII; he hung up on the Prime Minister of Australia. Finally, Trump has never served in any capacity; he has no experience in governing; he has recently settled a major fraud suit for 25M. His family is busy exploiting his current position in the WH, traveling in government paid planes to remote sites in search of personal financial opportunities: Eric in Peru? Don, Jr. in Mumbai, India? Add to that government paid ski trips to towns which did not want them there. He has refused to release tax returns which might show 250M in loans laundered through the Bank of Cyprus and Deutsche Bank. Now we have 95M flown to FL in a private jet to "buy" distressed Trump properties. The bar for corruption in the WH is now below the water table.
2
I was reading that Texas had seriously extreme weather this year, including a series of tornadoes that devastated communities, caused tremendous injuries, some deaths and significant damage.
A very rare winter storm during the spring had snow accumulation, very strong winds, power outages and issues with travel. Then a period of serious fire danger that moved close to the threshold for fire management assistance grants, and now this horrendous hurricane. Last night I heard a weather expert say they were telling people who didn't evacuate to write their social security numbers on their arms, since emergency crews might not get to them for days on end.
I never heard anything like that before.
A very rare winter storm during the spring had snow accumulation, very strong winds, power outages and issues with travel. Then a period of serious fire danger that moved close to the threshold for fire management assistance grants, and now this horrendous hurricane. Last night I heard a weather expert say they were telling people who didn't evacuate to write their social security numbers on their arms, since emergency crews might not get to them for days on end.
I never heard anything like that before.
11
Okay
Weather on the High Plains is killer.
1
President Heel-Spurs took advantage of a category 4, life-threatening hurricane to carry out several despicable acts and use the hurricane as distracting cover. I have two questions about his busy Friday night:
- Who taught him that trick?
- How much could he have possibly focused on helping people make it through the hurricane, as his enablers insisted, when he was so busy slipping contemptible and/or illegal acts under our noses (... or so he thought!).
If you don't yet know about the beast he pardoned, Joe Arpaio, look him up. This sadistic creature should never be free to wander in public without being chained to jailers. Trump pardoned him during the peak of hurricane Harvey.
My God, this is the United States of America?!
- Who taught him that trick?
- How much could he have possibly focused on helping people make it through the hurricane, as his enablers insisted, when he was so busy slipping contemptible and/or illegal acts under our noses (... or so he thought!).
If you don't yet know about the beast he pardoned, Joe Arpaio, look him up. This sadistic creature should never be free to wander in public without being chained to jailers. Trump pardoned him during the peak of hurricane Harvey.
My God, this is the United States of America?!
15
Perhaps US citizens have an unrealistcally high opinion of this country.
3
@AnAmericanVoice
There's judicial documentation on Arpaio's abusive conditions at tent cities and jails--substandard medical care, women's health needs unmet, crowded conditions, inhumane filth, unchanged sheets, lack of investigation into sexual abuse, crimes towards very young girls, people kept in outdoor tents where the temperature was as high as 120 degrees or more. Police brutality.
What this president has done is legitimize racial profiling and outright contempt for the rule of law--and lawlessness. From what I researched, that pardon is not complete until it meets Justice Dept. rules.
There's judicial documentation on Arpaio's abusive conditions at tent cities and jails--substandard medical care, women's health needs unmet, crowded conditions, inhumane filth, unchanged sheets, lack of investigation into sexual abuse, crimes towards very young girls, people kept in outdoor tents where the temperature was as high as 120 degrees or more. Police brutality.
What this president has done is legitimize racial profiling and outright contempt for the rule of law--and lawlessness. From what I researched, that pardon is not complete until it meets Justice Dept. rules.
7
President Trump hinted that he was going to pardon Joe Arpaio at his rally in Phoenix a few days before it occurred. It was already in the works when it happened. What you call despicable others call fair and just. He should never have been convicted for doing the job he was elected to do. He did not want to make the beautiful state of Arizona a sanctuary state like California. Smart and safe move. The judge who convicted him should be fired. He is despicable.
2
There have always been strong storms and Harvey is one of them. Humans have coped with natural disasters for eons by recognizing that they happen and choosing their shelter accordingly. More advanced societies have engineered mechanical and social fixes for the unpredictable. Witness the Netherlands system of dikes and the Scandinavian countries strong social support.
The modern United States Republican Party has chosen to neglect this responsibility to provide protection to our citizens and recently reconfirmed this by their refusal to provide aid to victims of Hurricane Sandy. Many of those no votes came from Texan congressman.
It makes no sense to provide aid to those who refuse to adequately protect themselves and refuse to provide aid to other needed individuals. Since the majority of the Republican Party are strong right wing evangelical Christians, I think prayer for them is in order. They have evidently failed their god and he has wrecked destruction upon them. Perhaps they will see the light in the coming decades.
The modern United States Republican Party has chosen to neglect this responsibility to provide protection to our citizens and recently reconfirmed this by their refusal to provide aid to victims of Hurricane Sandy. Many of those no votes came from Texan congressman.
It makes no sense to provide aid to those who refuse to adequately protect themselves and refuse to provide aid to other needed individuals. Since the majority of the Republican Party are strong right wing evangelical Christians, I think prayer for them is in order. They have evidently failed their god and he has wrecked destruction upon them. Perhaps they will see the light in the coming decades.
9
So that is how it works?
1
The anti-Christian bigotry of comments such as this speaks for itself.
1
Scandanavia (the region) and the Netherlands are overwhelming white countries. Are you saying only countries with predominantly white populations are advanced societies? BTW - Montana is mostly white too...
2
I hope as many people as possible evacuated ahead of the storm. Those National Weather Service warnings are literal life savers. I thank God we have the science and technology to monitor and predict these storms so people can flee in time. The casualties so far (2107) are only one unfortunate person in this storm. I remember from my history and weather reading that about a century ago, the storm surge from a hurricane in Galveston (just north of Rockport TX) killed 8000 people.
7
Whether there is severe damage to the fuel industry infrastructure or not, be prepared for a spike in gas prices.
3
We are waiting in Houston with baited breath to see what is going with Harvey. There is less than a consensus on what this storm is going to do, and those of us in Houston have seen forecasts of rain from 6 inches to over 30.
This storm is unique in that it intensified very, very quickly. Most people only began recognizing the serious threat that Harvey was on Wednesday or so. That being said, the effort that the state and local governments undertook in Texas has been tremendous. We are not out of the woods yet, and are still assessing what has happened, but it could be so much worse.
This storm is unique in that it intensified very, very quickly. Most people only began recognizing the serious threat that Harvey was on Wednesday or so. That being said, the effort that the state and local governments undertook in Texas has been tremendous. We are not out of the woods yet, and are still assessing what has happened, but it could be so much worse.
15
Local news stations in New Orleans were forecasting a serious storm hitting Texas in the same area last week when Harvey was still over the Yucatan peninsula. Those computer models have really improved.
4
NOAA
2
"At least 1 Casualty amid Widespread Damage". You can recycle this headline and use it this week to refer to the wake of either Hurricane Harvey or President Trump.
5
My heartfelt prayers for those people who, hating their government enough to vote consistently against its health, will now demand its resources.
16
Indeed. Just waiting for the non mandatory evacuation victims to start calling for taxpayer funded FEMA benefits.
8
ASPCA: Animals from the gulf coast are sheltering in North Texas. Donations can be given at spca.org/give
8
I love how all these Red states who hate the government who hate "handouts" always ask for government assistance and money during disasters. Do they really not see how hypocritical they are. Government should be smaller, bureaucrats fired and here's some boots and straps for those in need. Oh no a hurricane, tornado, flooding etc!!! Help us we need FEMA down here and money to help people affected.
19
All states pay into the FEMA Disaster Relief Fund. All states draw from the fund when disaster strikes.
7
Take it elsewhere.
4
Ah Virginia your home state. Lobbyist, right?
4
Science tells us that the atmosphere will hold and pick up more moisture now that it is warming. This means more flooding but Texas as a whole thinks climate science is junk. Reality may overtake politics, just maybe.
12
What a thoughtful response in the aftermath of this major storm. Not.
Save your vitriol for another subject. These people are hurting and their lives will be very difficult for months to come. Why don't you write a check to the Red Cross, then save your political observations for a time and place that is more appropriate.
Save your vitriol for another subject. These people are hurting and their lives will be very difficult for months to come. Why don't you write a check to the Red Cross, then save your political observations for a time and place that is more appropriate.
4
Of course! No hurricanes have ever hit Texas before!
3
"Texas as a whole thinks climate science is junk." Well, no. According to Yale Climate Connection, 63 percent of Texans think climate change is happening -- not so many less than the 68 percent of (presumably liberal) Vermonters who are concerned about it. (https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/2017/02/even-in-texas-people-worr... Perhaps the storm should be selective -- destroy only the houses of those who don't worry about climate change? This appears to be your point. It is not well taken.
3
"This is a concrete building,so nothing is going to happen here."said Mr. Bhagat.
Mr. Baghat doesn't know much about hurricane, apparently. I'm a Superstorm Sandy Victim from Long Beach, New York. I witnessed hunks of concrete buildings turned into projectiles during Superstorm Sandy, glass lobby windows blown out and shattered by the force of the storm search ,and so forth.
I can assure Mr. Baghat that concrete will not hold back a storm surge, while hoping, of course that his hotel and the people inside are safe.
Mr. Baghat doesn't know much about hurricane, apparently. I'm a Superstorm Sandy Victim from Long Beach, New York. I witnessed hunks of concrete buildings turned into projectiles during Superstorm Sandy, glass lobby windows blown out and shattered by the force of the storm search ,and so forth.
I can assure Mr. Baghat that concrete will not hold back a storm surge, while hoping, of course that his hotel and the people inside are safe.
6
Hope is eternal
Yes, the hurricane is frightening and has a lot of potential for catastrophe. But a bigger catastrophe is occurring every day and goes unreported routinely, putting everyone to sleep about it.
I do not mean to fault the Times particularly for this, all the commercial media do the same thing. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report from 2015 reads:
"In 2010, there were 32,999 people killed, 3.9 million were injured, and 24 million vehicles were damaged in motor vehicle crashes in the United States. The economic costs of these crashes totaled $242 billion. "
This is a pretty standard figure for the last 10 years. That means that TODAY slightly under 100 people died, 10,000 people were injured, 150,000 vehicles were damaged, and 2/3 of a billion dollars in economic cost was incurred.
I realize that front page media sales are emotionally, not logically driven, but can't we expect some regular public notification of the many reasons that we need better mass transportation?
I do not mean to fault the Times particularly for this, all the commercial media do the same thing. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report from 2015 reads:
"In 2010, there were 32,999 people killed, 3.9 million were injured, and 24 million vehicles were damaged in motor vehicle crashes in the United States. The economic costs of these crashes totaled $242 billion. "
This is a pretty standard figure for the last 10 years. That means that TODAY slightly under 100 people died, 10,000 people were injured, 150,000 vehicles were damaged, and 2/3 of a billion dollars in economic cost was incurred.
I realize that front page media sales are emotionally, not logically driven, but can't we expect some regular public notification of the many reasons that we need better mass transportation?
9
What a caring and compassionate comment. Do you also attend funerals and set up a little booth in the corner to advise the mourners how much more environmentally responsible it is to be cremated than buried?
1
You know, Concerned, you may be on to something... Sounds real progressive. You'll have them doing it...
1
My husband is a surgeon who has taken care of thousands of avoidably injured pedestrians and motorists, some of whom killed or injured others. It is a never ending tragedy, not an environmental joke.
1
Hurricane Harvey, according to live coverage on TV weather channel is that Harvey has been downgraded to a Tropical storm. Some tall vehicles shown to have been blown over by winds. Even Tropical storms can cause wind damage to trees and homes. Flooding is now reported at 3 feet in places. The weather channel I am watching is concerned about rivers flooding and possible tornadoes at the edges of the storm.
6
My heart goes out to the people affected by Harvey. I've been through three hurricanes myself here in Florida - one category 2 and two category 3's. It is extremely stressful.
12
Last year I was in our poorly built southern condo on wooden sticks as a tornado hit a mere 25 miles or less in February. I was by myself in the bathtub feeling ridiculous, as the wind whistled through cracks in the sliding glass doors. For some reason my husband was on a golf course somewhere. Here in the north we go to our basements and only hear the wind-- The houses on the street constructed of of thick sandstone-- not even an ancient maple tree falling on them would matter. Although we did decide to remove that immense sycamore out back.
1
It's troubling to read the other article stating this is the first major hurricane to strike the US since 2005. I realize Sandy was technically a tropical storm, but over 100 dead and the billions in damages make Sandy one of the worst coastal storms ever. This distinction in future stories should be qualified.
3
Sandy wasn't a major hurricane. It was a tropical storm that hit a heavily populated area that had not prepared for a tropical storm. The death toll was 233, but it wasn't one of the worst storms; it was a storm that hit an area that was the worst prepared.
12
FYI , the weather channel did a special last night on the ten most destructive storms in their archives . Sandy was list at # 8 , #1 was Katrina . Sandy although a tropical storm reached NYC at astronomical high tide , and combined with a Nor'easter . People died because they did not heed the warnings and did not evacuate . It was the flooding that was deadly and so far it seems the Texans are and have listened . It is tragic when people die because they don't heed the warnings and more so when they don't evacuate because they can't , don't have vehicles to do so , or because they can't for health reasons. As many of those who died in Katrina. That is where FEMA and local government authorities should focus on too.
2
William ,they were warned to evacuate because they in the flood plain , they tragically did not listen.
1
Outages caused by Hurricanes highlight the importance of decentralized power. 24/7 solar powered engines will soon provide 1 kW and larger emergency generators that need no fuel.
There hard to believe engines can scale to replace the flood vulnerable huge diesel engines at nuclear plants that, as at Fukushima, can be at hazard in a hurricane.
A converted Ford engine ran without fuel to prove the concept. Additional engines are being converted and will be verified and validated by independent laboratories.
These engines expand the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Most scientists and engineers cannot believe they are possible, let alone practical. A White Paper is available about the engines. The work reflects 27 years of effort by Kenneth Rauen. See SECOND LAW SURPRISES See aesopinstitute.org
Trolls are certain such work must reflect fraud and dishonesty, making funding efforts a nightmare. A few bold individuals can accelerate the effort.
Imagine the implications. Power generation at every scale operating 24/7 without need for fuel. Cars, trucks, boats, ships and aircraft dispensing with the fossil fuels - (or in fact any kind of fuel).
Similar engines will also self-power refrigeration and air-conditioning.
Rapid development and commercialization of this revolutionary science and technology can improve the odds for human survival on a rapidly warming planet.
And perhaps help avoid more even destructive hurricanes and violent storms.
There hard to believe engines can scale to replace the flood vulnerable huge diesel engines at nuclear plants that, as at Fukushima, can be at hazard in a hurricane.
A converted Ford engine ran without fuel to prove the concept. Additional engines are being converted and will be verified and validated by independent laboratories.
These engines expand the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Most scientists and engineers cannot believe they are possible, let alone practical. A White Paper is available about the engines. The work reflects 27 years of effort by Kenneth Rauen. See SECOND LAW SURPRISES See aesopinstitute.org
Trolls are certain such work must reflect fraud and dishonesty, making funding efforts a nightmare. A few bold individuals can accelerate the effort.
Imagine the implications. Power generation at every scale operating 24/7 without need for fuel. Cars, trucks, boats, ships and aircraft dispensing with the fossil fuels - (or in fact any kind of fuel).
Similar engines will also self-power refrigeration and air-conditioning.
Rapid development and commercialization of this revolutionary science and technology can improve the odds for human survival on a rapidly warming planet.
And perhaps help avoid more even destructive hurricanes and violent storms.
2
The power outages are caused by trees falling on transmission lines, not by flooded generators. The same thing would have happened if the power had been generated by solar panels. Solar panels don't work very under water or doing overcast conditions.
1
"There hard to believe engines can scale to replace the flood vulnerable huge diesel engines at nuclear plants that, as at Fukushima, can be at hazard in a hurricane. " HUH? I UNDERSTOOD MOST OF THE REST, BUT THIS PART LEFT ME PUZZLED.
1
Power outages are indeed caused by trees falling. However, nuclear plants subject to flooding are extremely vulnerable. The generators failed at Fukushima due to flooding. Extreme rainfall totals can sadly also cause critical generators to fail. Meltdowns become a serious threat should that occur.
Solar powered engines substitute ambient heat for fuel. They do not depend upon sunlight. The background temperature in space approaches absolute zero. When it is 50 degrees F anywhere on earth there is 500 degrees F of stored heat available. This huge reservoir of solar energy is larger than all Earth's fossil fuel reserves. It has never before been tapped!
Solar powered engines substitute ambient heat for fuel. They do not depend upon sunlight. The background temperature in space approaches absolute zero. When it is 50 degrees F anywhere on earth there is 500 degrees F of stored heat available. This huge reservoir of solar energy is larger than all Earth's fossil fuel reserves. It has never before been tapped!
Please people don't forget to send help. The harm over the next five days from extreme flooding has only just begun. I "borrowed" this from Wunderground - https://www.wunderground.com/cat6/heavy-damage-texas-harvey-now-tropical... - where people who need detailed information or are fascinated by the subject can go for more. I have checked out Portlight and they are some of the best.
http://www.portlight.org/
Portlight is already receiving calls for help for the elderly and the disabled impacted by Harvey. They do great work!
That and other good charities are ways we can help the people in Texas who need it.
http://www.portlight.org/
Portlight is already receiving calls for help for the elderly and the disabled impacted by Harvey. They do great work!
That and other good charities are ways we can help the people in Texas who need it.
6
Susan Anderson as you may NOT know, that as we have learned from Katrina access to suffering areas is the Government's job. Individuals can harm the effort now that quick action is needed. It is like in a fire you get out of the way of the firefighters.
So it is NOT the first few days that individuals should massively rise to help. Now it is the Government's job. Incompetent Bush failed so badly in New Orleans but let's hope the buffoon in charge does better. If nothing else Trump needs to score a propaganda victory after weeks and months of floundering. Individuals and charity however can help during the weeks and months of reconstruction. Lets all pray for the best.
So it is NOT the first few days that individuals should massively rise to help. Now it is the Government's job. Incompetent Bush failed so badly in New Orleans but let's hope the buffoon in charge does better. If nothing else Trump needs to score a propaganda victory after weeks and months of floundering. Individuals and charity however can help during the weeks and months of reconstruction. Lets all pray for the best.
4
As much as I dislike palm trees for their worthless shade and the huge mess they make, I'm impressed how durable they are.
2
It's good to see that people are at their best when our citizens find themselves in times of extreme need: of shelter, of food and water, of general help and medical assistance, to be led to safety. It is going to take a great deal of resources in both time and money to get a lot of the people who were and still are in Harvey's way back on their feet, and that is something they deserve. Why is it that in quieter weather so to speak, that so many of these needs can't be met for so many of our citizens? If there is a silver lining in all this, perhaps the tax dollars needed to get the areas hardest hit running again will make it impossible for Trump to get the money he needs to build his useless, inane, ridiculous, and unpatriotic wall built.
9
Some Texan Congressmen refused to vote aid for New Jersey's flooding because they asserted it was God's justifies punishment.
If that was true, is it possible that now God punished Texas for voting in favor of Trump, hours after Trump pardoned inhuman and violator of the US constitution Sheriff Apraio? I'm just sayin'.
If that was true, is it possible that now God punished Texas for voting in favor of Trump, hours after Trump pardoned inhuman and violator of the US constitution Sheriff Apraio? I'm just sayin'.
15
Please leave god out of it. People make of god what they will, and many good people use faith for good purposes. This kind of talk only makes enemies.
1
The hurricane was forming before the pardon.
The only connection between the pardon of Arpaio and the hurricane is that the cowardly Trump tried to use the hurricane to cover it up.
The only connection between the pardon of Arpaio and the hurricane is that the cowardly Trump tried to use the hurricane to cover it up.
2
Could you show me the quote and the name of the congressman? If not this is just urban legend
5
Climate deniers its time to back off and listen up. We need desparately to greatly reduce the use of fossil fuels and fast with current innovations like cheaper battery operated electric cars, wind power, solar power, and thermal power. Be the leader in the world not the lagger on how to solve and pull back climate change.
The longer we are held back by science deniers the worse it will get, storms stronger more devastating, longer higher temperature heat waves, flooding catastorphies, etc. and our childrens world will be a far less comfortable place to say nothing of a very different economy, the largest cities on waterways reduced in size if not gone altogether. This is not fear mongering it is really happening. Only the stupid are holding their ears.
The longer we are held back by science deniers the worse it will get, storms stronger more devastating, longer higher temperature heat waves, flooding catastorphies, etc. and our childrens world will be a far less comfortable place to say nothing of a very different economy, the largest cities on waterways reduced in size if not gone altogether. This is not fear mongering it is really happening. Only the stupid are holding their ears.
10
When there is a storm, tornado, etc, even when it involves ten or more states, why don't you show people of color. How is it affecting them? We would like to know how it affects all people. This is a mighty storm.
4
Is the Texas governor who needs a wheelchair to get around still working on discriminating against transgender people as to which bathroom they use? Has he ever given a nanosecond of thought to the fact that he can access buildings and sidewalks and handicapped restrooms because the people who can use their limbs decided that people in wheelchairs need to have access too?
I'm hoping the governor of Texas doesn't want any financial aid from the federal government which has a lot of my blue state tax dollars because, frankly, I don't care that his state is drowning and his citizens need help since he doesn't care about other people who may need an assist with something as simple as using a public toilet.
I'm hoping the governor of Texas doesn't want any financial aid from the federal government which has a lot of my blue state tax dollars because, frankly, I don't care that his state is drowning and his citizens need help since he doesn't care about other people who may need an assist with something as simple as using a public toilet.
10
The Texas bathroom bill never came up for a vote. The Justice Department has and Education Department have reverse their policy guidance on transgender access to multi-occupancy restrooms in public schools. So it doesn't seem to matter as much. Schools and businesses are free to do as they please.
Like other starts pay into the Federal Disaster Relief Fund and is entitled to money from the fund. Congress authorized $60 billion in emergency funding to bailout your home state after Hurricane Sandy, which was only a Category 1.
Like other starts pay into the Federal Disaster Relief Fund and is entitled to money from the fund. Congress authorized $60 billion in emergency funding to bailout your home state after Hurricane Sandy, which was only a Category 1.
1
Texans here raised money for Hurricane Sandy victims. There were collection containers everywhere and many were filled to overflowing within hours of being set out.
3
Why is Texas "his state?" It's my state, my friends' state and my family's state. Just because this person supposedly represents the interests of my home state doesn't give him ownership of it nor of me. Texas is a big place. Please don't lump us all together.
6
We love you Texas. Hang in there.
The rest of you: Cut it out with unkind comments. This is no time for Schadenfreude.
The rest of you: Cut it out with unkind comments. This is no time for Schadenfreude.
14
I, along with my Brooklyn born wife, thank you. We love you too, New York.
6
It is not schadenfreude. I am never happy when someone is injured, ill, or dies by any means. Texas is definitely better prepared than Louisiana and New Orleans were for Katrina. So kudos to Texas and Texans for being well prepared.
2
I am a Sandy Victim from Long Beach , New York, who wishes the people of
Texas no ill will, of course ,but I wish I hadn't been the seemingly lone voice in the New York Times comments section urging my fellow commenters, to please refrain from the cruel comments that were addressed towards Sandy Victims.Perhaps most distressing were the mean spirited and downright cruel comments that were posted by some of my fellow New Yorkers,who had been unaffected by Superstorm Sandy.
Texas no ill will, of course ,but I wish I hadn't been the seemingly lone voice in the New York Times comments section urging my fellow commenters, to please refrain from the cruel comments that were addressed towards Sandy Victims.Perhaps most distressing were the mean spirited and downright cruel comments that were posted by some of my fellow New Yorkers,who had been unaffected by Superstorm Sandy.
3
Here's some gratitude for all the scientists who help keep us safe:
Climatologists who observe natural phenomena and keep records.
Mathematicians who create equations for analyzing weather phenomena..
Computer programmers who write weather models.
Rocket engineers who get weather satellites launched.
Technicians who keep all the equipment functioning.
Meteorologists who interpret data and give us predictions.
And so many more!
Without science, people would get taken by surprise, and a hurricane like Harvey would mean ships lost at sea and people drowned by the hundreds.
To all you thinkers and observers and tinkerers, thank you very much!
Climatologists who observe natural phenomena and keep records.
Mathematicians who create equations for analyzing weather phenomena..
Computer programmers who write weather models.
Rocket engineers who get weather satellites launched.
Technicians who keep all the equipment functioning.
Meteorologists who interpret data and give us predictions.
And so many more!
Without science, people would get taken by surprise, and a hurricane like Harvey would mean ships lost at sea and people drowned by the hundreds.
To all you thinkers and observers and tinkerers, thank you very much!
50
Yes, we all owe science and scientists so much. To all the weather scientists out there, thank you. To all the scientist who are working to come up with ways to make people safer in their homes during high winds, thank you. To a
7
This Hurricane Harvey has legs...it may well equal damage in life and property of Katrina in 2003. Bless the inundated. When we live in Hurricane Alleys we pay the price for living right on the sea, whether Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean or Atlantic. We who have lost our homes and belongings more than one time to hurricanes, and who have rebuilt in the same place, are foolish, but we love the sea air and sun and salt water, and we rebuild. Just like children building castles in the sand. Hurricanes and tropical storms are the thorns in the rose of paradisal beach lliving.
6
I think there are vital differences. Texas is well prepared. It's land is not below sea level the way New Orleans' land was, protected only by inadequate levees which all failed. Good luck to Texans. May you weather this storm in good health. Hopefully, no tornados will be spawned.
1
I went through Hurricane Betsy. You don't want to go through more than one hurricane. I noticed that the folks in Slidell were buying bouquets of long crab legs, French bread and wine at the grocery. Now that was the spirit. But we moved anyway.
4
Just watched the video..please tell me that those dogs trapped in the back yard strewn with debris and left out in a hurricane are safe! It is beyond cruel and negligent to leave animals like that.
I was an animal rescue volunteer after Katrina, the suffering I saw still gives me nightmares some nights.
I was an animal rescue volunteer after Katrina, the suffering I saw still gives me nightmares some nights.
30
This is Mother Nature's revenge on the State of Texas for being responsible for all those greenhouse gases released into the Earth's atmosphere.
12
FYI those areas devastated by the hurricane contain large numbers of wind turbines. I hope you don't fly or use a car and emit the same gases you are condemning the state for. No demand, no supply.
1
So you folks up in Chicago don't use fossil fuels? Last time I was there, I saw plenty of cars.
3
Sorry, Mother Nature (and/or God) is completely objective where man and the universe are concerned.
One can marvel at the amount of wisdom of President Trump's announcement to invest in a trillion worth of infrastructure by allowing construction in previously designated flood zone areas.
None.
Mother nature decided to send a warning. Is our president too foolish to take heed?
None.
Mother nature decided to send a warning. Is our president too foolish to take heed?
17
The president has very little to say about "allowing" people to build in previously designated flood zones. In America our citizens have property rights.
1
Aristotle Gluteus Maximus Louisiana
you have NOT be paying attention.
1) infrastructure on flloodplanes
"Rolling back the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard, established by Mr. Obama in an executive order in 2015, is the latest effort by the Trump administration to unravel the former president’s climate change agenda.
But environmental activists, flood plain managers and some conservatives had urged the Trump administration to preserve it, arguing that it protected critical infrastructure and taxpayer dollars."
FROM
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/15/climate/flooding-infrastructure-clima...
This is typical Trump penny wise penny foolish, which the reason he had so many bankruptcies - 6 so far and counting.
2) ALSO wrong on property "rights"
In United States there are many places that your "property rights" are violated by the building code.
No Sir you may not build too close to your neighbor' property for example. Or you go to jail if you try to build on your property saving money on fire escape stairs. Code and zoning trump your so called "rights". Property rights can ONLY be exercised within the confines of the law. Flood zone is part of the law.
you have NOT be paying attention.
1) infrastructure on flloodplanes
"Rolling back the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard, established by Mr. Obama in an executive order in 2015, is the latest effort by the Trump administration to unravel the former president’s climate change agenda.
But environmental activists, flood plain managers and some conservatives had urged the Trump administration to preserve it, arguing that it protected critical infrastructure and taxpayer dollars."
FROM
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/15/climate/flooding-infrastructure-clima...
This is typical Trump penny wise penny foolish, which the reason he had so many bankruptcies - 6 so far and counting.
2) ALSO wrong on property "rights"
In United States there are many places that your "property rights" are violated by the building code.
No Sir you may not build too close to your neighbor' property for example. Or you go to jail if you try to build on your property saving money on fire escape stairs. Code and zoning trump your so called "rights". Property rights can ONLY be exercised within the confines of the law. Flood zone is part of the law.
5
Your president, not mine.
The hurricane developed at lightning speed at the very last minute, by which time it was too late to get out safely. Most people here from San Antonio to Houston - bar the mandatory and voluntary evacuations along the coast - were told to shelter in place, because the main danger was/is/will be a massive rain event. Thousands of panicked citizens driving on flooded roads would be disastrous. It's such a difficult call for authorities to make - people died during the evacuation ahead of Rita, because of 12 hour traffic jams in brutal heat. And Governor Abbott did not help, randomly calling for mass evacuation, contradicting local authorities who were trying to reach those in real danger. My heart goes out to those in Rockport, and surrounding areas, who bore the brunt of the eyewall of a Cat 4. One of of my favorite local weather men here (Travis Herzog) warned with great compassion, that we may not be ready for the news coming out of Rockport - as effectively they endured the strength pf a tornado for about 6 contiguous hours. Thankfully for now, there have been no deaths reported. It was chilling that authorities asked those who remained there, to write their names and social security numbers on their arms in waterproof ink. Now we wait for more news, and hunker down to the possibility of 20-30 inches of rain in the next few days. Wish us luck. We can and should discuss climate change and infrastructure, but today we need to help and support each other.
8
I don't mean to be unkind. I certainly don't wish any specific harm on any specific person. However, I don't have any sympathy for Texas either. I just don't care. I tried to care but the feeling isn't there. I've lived through my fair share of disasters, natural and otherwise. Texas was never high on my list of those deserving gratitude. Like many cultures I've experienced, Texans always seem to do the wrong thing in a polite way.
As a result, I'm going to say something intentionally mean here but I do so with the utmost kindness. I'm bitterly reminded of the healthcare debate. Guess what? Texas had the choice not to live in the path of a hurricane. They chose to live in the path of a hurricane. I hope they chose to buy flood insurance. After all, that's what the freedom of choice really means.
As a result, I'm going to say something intentionally mean here but I do so with the utmost kindness. I'm bitterly reminded of the healthcare debate. Guess what? Texas had the choice not to live in the path of a hurricane. They chose to live in the path of a hurricane. I hope they chose to buy flood insurance. After all, that's what the freedom of choice really means.
25
Few if any private insurer carries flood insurance since Katrina. Only FEDERAL Flood Insurance, underwritten by taxpayers. Sorta like a single payer...
3
One can not "say something mean with the utmost kindness." The two are mutually exclusive.
"Guess What ?Texas had the choice to live in the path of a hurricane.They chose to live in the path of a hurricane." I
I. am a Superstorm Sandy Victim from New York. I didn't chose to live in New York. I was born in New York. My grandparents fled Europe for the safety of America, There were no boats headed from Poland to Salt Lake City. Had there been, My guess is that Eastern European refugees would not have been a good fit with the Mormons of Salt Lake City. I wouldn't feel comfortable moving to Salt Lake City.
I'd imagine that many Texans live in Texas because they were born there. It's not that easy to uproot oneself from one's family, friends and all that with which one is familiar .
I was unaware that I was in any danger until Sandy Struck.There hadn't been a storm of such magnitude. in New York since long before I was born.
I had my fill of mean-spirited Sandy victim bashing comments in this paper.In fact,I finally thought it was safe to renew my subscription this month. Apparently, I was wrong. I guess it's time to cancel my subscription again. It's hard to believe that someone would be intentionally mean, but you exercised that freedom of choice you referenced and used it to be intentionally mean.
I'm traumatized enough. I didn't need to read another mean spirited victim-blaming comment.
"Guess What ?Texas had the choice to live in the path of a hurricane.They chose to live in the path of a hurricane." I
I. am a Superstorm Sandy Victim from New York. I didn't chose to live in New York. I was born in New York. My grandparents fled Europe for the safety of America, There were no boats headed from Poland to Salt Lake City. Had there been, My guess is that Eastern European refugees would not have been a good fit with the Mormons of Salt Lake City. I wouldn't feel comfortable moving to Salt Lake City.
I'd imagine that many Texans live in Texas because they were born there. It's not that easy to uproot oneself from one's family, friends and all that with which one is familiar .
I was unaware that I was in any danger until Sandy Struck.There hadn't been a storm of such magnitude. in New York since long before I was born.
I had my fill of mean-spirited Sandy victim bashing comments in this paper.In fact,I finally thought it was safe to renew my subscription this month. Apparently, I was wrong. I guess it's time to cancel my subscription again. It's hard to believe that someone would be intentionally mean, but you exercised that freedom of choice you referenced and used it to be intentionally mean.
I'm traumatized enough. I didn't need to read another mean spirited victim-blaming comment.
3
Should we sympathize with and contribute to charities for the many Texans who either out of hopelessness, malice, naivete or stupidity voted for Trump and are now getting flooded out of their homes?
I have mixed feelings about this.
For one thing, I doubt that they would be willing to do anything for me.
But recognizing the dire situation they are now in and that many of them are naive and simply deluded themselves into voting for Trump who is a magnificent con-artist, I have decided to make a one-time contribution to the American Red Cross in their behalf.
I say one-time, because I have strong feelings about the damage they have done to the country and little interest in relating to people who are uninterested in relating to people like me.
http://www.redcross.org/local/texas/gulf-coast/texas-flooding
I have mixed feelings about this.
For one thing, I doubt that they would be willing to do anything for me.
But recognizing the dire situation they are now in and that many of them are naive and simply deluded themselves into voting for Trump who is a magnificent con-artist, I have decided to make a one-time contribution to the American Red Cross in their behalf.
I say one-time, because I have strong feelings about the damage they have done to the country and little interest in relating to people who are uninterested in relating to people like me.
http://www.redcross.org/local/texas/gulf-coast/texas-flooding
19
>A. C. Stanton
Let's not forget the animals - none of whom voted for Trump. I'm sure that the SPCA of Teaxs would be grateful for a check or two right now.
Let's not forget the animals - none of whom voted for Trump. I'm sure that the SPCA of Teaxs would be grateful for a check or two right now.
7
Understand the ambivalence. It's probably the worst thing Trump has done to us. Prior to a year ago, many of us would never have had hard, bitter thoughts. We would have simply sent best wishes, prayers, donations, maybe even spent time on rebuilding. Thanks for the link. Time to do the right thing.
1
If you have not made that contribution to the Red Cross yet, please don't.
The Red Cross donations that were earmarked for Superstorm Sandy victims
never made it to us Sandy Victims. The Red Cross refused to answer questions
posed by Congress regarding all the missing Sandy money.An excellent source of coverage on the investigation of the Red Cross regarding the missing Superstorm Sandy donations is Propublica.
I fear that the link you have posted will result in contributions by generous individuals who believe that their contributions will go to Hurricane Victims. They won't.
There are other charities that will actually get donations to the intended recipients and other ways of helping victims .
The Red Cross donations that were earmarked for Superstorm Sandy victims
never made it to us Sandy Victims. The Red Cross refused to answer questions
posed by Congress regarding all the missing Sandy money.An excellent source of coverage on the investigation of the Red Cross regarding the missing Superstorm Sandy donations is Propublica.
I fear that the link you have posted will result in contributions by generous individuals who believe that their contributions will go to Hurricane Victims. They won't.
There are other charities that will actually get donations to the intended recipients and other ways of helping victims .
2
I hope the people will be safe and no lives lost. But it annoys me that politicians (and their supporters) who voted against aid for Sandy victims now want federal aid for Texas.
40
It annoys me that none of these politicians had to ride out the storm. I wouldn't want to see them die, but they could suffer without air conditioning for a while, at least.
I hope the people get their electricity turned back on soon, and roads and bridges cleaned up so those in shelters can return home.
I hope the people get their electricity turned back on soon, and roads and bridges cleaned up so those in shelters can return home.
3
Zejee- As a Superstorm Sandy victim from Long Beach ,New York, I could not
agree more.
agree more.
Let's hope that bill isn't larded with pork for projects not linked to immediate hurricane relief, like the Sandy bill was...
3
Someone left their dogs out during the storm?! That's the real story in this video...
5
Trump is the luckiest man alive. Just when we should be heralding the unveiling of a thespian dictator who is two or three days away from an outright war on Mueller, we will commiserate with Texas. Pledge not to let this tragedy divert us from a worse fate. Trump is a dictator already. He has declared himself above the law and freed his law enforcement legions to hurt citizens with impunity. We humor him every step of the way. Charles Blow remains correct. It has been lonely for him. But the big story today is that Trump turned full-fledged dictator last night at Camp David. The media will not declare it so obviously. But it is the truth and it must be aclnowledged.
15
this is fake news. their is no hurricane Harvey because there is no such thing as global warming. fake science predicted a hurricane. the same fake science that talks about global warming. that is the real truth I heard it on fox news. trump, take a ride down there and hold a rally to show that we don't believe in fake wind and rain.
25
My power went out for a number of days because of Sandy. Fortunately I was spared the long term devastation that hit other parts of the city. So I have an inkling of the hardships people are facing and will be facing. So from this small corner of the universe my love and heart go out to the people of Texas.
22
Living on an island in the Eastern Caribbean, I've experienced my share of hurricanes and It disturbs me that the news coverage (by NYT and others) doesn't explain that the wind speed (mile per hour) means winds sustained for a minimum of a minute. It's the extreme and unpredictable wind gusts that can get your roof, your trees, your car... you.
If you're not regularly schooled by hurricanes (from the Caribbean Indian "hurikan"), you may not properly understand & prepare for the risks and damages. Hurricane Hugo left not a single leaf, blade of grass, undamaged roof or bird on this whole island.
Its ferocity was terrifying.
And yeah climate change is REAL. So get prepared, because this is the future. (Oh, yeah, DT fans, that's not just blue states.)
President Emergency Management Trump is feeding the whirlwind, by creating policies and destroying preventative measures. You can get away with contempt of court, but you can't get away with contempt of Nature.
If you're not regularly schooled by hurricanes (from the Caribbean Indian "hurikan"), you may not properly understand & prepare for the risks and damages. Hurricane Hugo left not a single leaf, blade of grass, undamaged roof or bird on this whole island.
Its ferocity was terrifying.
And yeah climate change is REAL. So get prepared, because this is the future. (Oh, yeah, DT fans, that's not just blue states.)
President Emergency Management Trump is feeding the whirlwind, by creating policies and destroying preventative measures. You can get away with contempt of court, but you can't get away with contempt of Nature.
29
Thank you for your well written story. I had a twinge yesterday, having kept my parents alive near Princeton NJ during Sandy, with many friends without power for over two weeks. It's not the size of the storm, it's the duration and all the side effects. The watersheds in Texas are going to be a mess during this five-day flooding.
4
Arpaio broke the law and the courts acted to punish him. So-called president Trump pardons him as a political payoff. Criminals who support Trump got the message and so did God. That is why Hurricane Harvey arrived in Texas. To punish those in that state for their efforts to undermine the Constitution by seeking to deny people of color the right to vote. Several courts have found their effort as well as those of other states across the nation discriminatory by dening blacks and others from exercising their right to vote. The word is now out: Do what you want. Trump will pardon you!
Why did we introduce God into this discussion? After all a hurricane is a natural event. Is it not?
No it is not, because the 700 club billionaire leader years ago said that the hurricane which wiped out New Orleans was directed and orchestrated by God because the people in New Orleans were sinners. Bush II response screw-ups and the Corp of Engineers initial dam errors were both damning enough but Bush II's mother flying in a helicopter over the sports stadium converted into a temporary housing home for thousands could only say, "Well, it works for them."
"Them?" Was that not the name of a sci-fi atom bomb of the 1950's used to scare Americans into accepting government control over their lives?
No, this hurricane named after Harvey Milk of San Francisco was a response of a loving God to those gun toting right wing born again and again Christians whose only answer to any problem is to deny.
Why did we introduce God into this discussion? After all a hurricane is a natural event. Is it not?
No it is not, because the 700 club billionaire leader years ago said that the hurricane which wiped out New Orleans was directed and orchestrated by God because the people in New Orleans were sinners. Bush II response screw-ups and the Corp of Engineers initial dam errors were both damning enough but Bush II's mother flying in a helicopter over the sports stadium converted into a temporary housing home for thousands could only say, "Well, it works for them."
"Them?" Was that not the name of a sci-fi atom bomb of the 1950's used to scare Americans into accepting government control over their lives?
No, this hurricane named after Harvey Milk of San Francisco was a response of a loving God to those gun toting right wing born again and again Christians whose only answer to any problem is to deny.
15
No, the movie "Them" was about giant ants (made so by nuclear test fallout) that infested the underground flood control tunnels in Los Angeles. But never fear, humanity survived.
1
No no no. Don't be crazy. God does not do things like this to punish people, at least not in the four gospels of the New Testament. That is so Old Testament.
Just when America needs leadership to pull us together against a common cause, our leader dumps news on decisions that divide us further. I no longer recognise the country I was born and brought up in.
20
I expected to find news here of how friends and relatives in southeast Texas are doing. Instead all I am seeing is yapping from people who just have to ride their hobby horses no matter how serious the situation is. Let the real news happen hear, not your inane opinions.
9
Don't read the comments.
19
Unless your friends and relatives are subscribers to WaPo, why would you expect to find out how they are doing in a comments section of WaPo? If you can get on here, you can get on Facebook or social media. Go and find a good way to contact them.
1
If you want local Texas news, look here: http://www.chron.com
While most of us are rooting that innocent lives remain protected, still you could expect to find people who remain angry that Texas's Senators didn't want to help us out after the Sandy storm surge devastated communities, and others who are upset that Texas oil magnates profit from increasing the temperature of the Gulf and the water content of storms while, for decades, starting with Reagan ripping President Carter's solar panels off the roof of the White House, blocking intelligent legislation to switch to sustainable sources of energy.
While most of us are rooting that innocent lives remain protected, still you could expect to find people who remain angry that Texas's Senators didn't want to help us out after the Sandy storm surge devastated communities, and others who are upset that Texas oil magnates profit from increasing the temperature of the Gulf and the water content of storms while, for decades, starting with Reagan ripping President Carter's solar panels off the roof of the White House, blocking intelligent legislation to switch to sustainable sources of energy.
7
Compassion does not have to be separated from pointing out how our warming earth is fueling our weather. When consequences mount we ask for curiosity about cause and effect.
Unfortunately, those whose lives are taken apart by the wide range of consequences from this storm will be silenced as they struggle to survive, while those who wish to ignore them look away. Emergency services last a week or so, but losing everything is forever. Putting a life back together takes years.
"Thinking seriously about climate change forces us to face the fact that nobody’s driving the car, nobody’s in charge, nobody knows how to “fix it.” And even if we had a driver, there’s a bigger problem: no car. There’s no mechanism for uniting the entire human species to move together in one direction."
"all the way down to the individual human soul in conflict with itself, torn between fear and desire, hard sacrifice and easy cruelty, all of us improvising day by day, moment to moment, making decisions based on best guesses, hunches, comforting illusions and too little data.
"But that’s the human way: reactive, ad hoc, improvised. Our ability to reconfigure our collective existence in response to changing environmental conditions has been our greatest adaptive trait. Unfortunately for us, we’re still not very good at controlling the future. What we’re good at is telling ourselves the stories we want to hear."
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/09/opinion/sunday/when-the-hurricane-hit...
Unfortunately, those whose lives are taken apart by the wide range of consequences from this storm will be silenced as they struggle to survive, while those who wish to ignore them look away. Emergency services last a week or so, but losing everything is forever. Putting a life back together takes years.
"Thinking seriously about climate change forces us to face the fact that nobody’s driving the car, nobody’s in charge, nobody knows how to “fix it.” And even if we had a driver, there’s a bigger problem: no car. There’s no mechanism for uniting the entire human species to move together in one direction."
"all the way down to the individual human soul in conflict with itself, torn between fear and desire, hard sacrifice and easy cruelty, all of us improvising day by day, moment to moment, making decisions based on best guesses, hunches, comforting illusions and too little data.
"But that’s the human way: reactive, ad hoc, improvised. Our ability to reconfigure our collective existence in response to changing environmental conditions has been our greatest adaptive trait. Unfortunately for us, we’re still not very good at controlling the future. What we’re good at is telling ourselves the stories we want to hear."
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/09/opinion/sunday/when-the-hurricane-hit...
5
The Trump administration is standing by ready to donate some used confederate monuments...
9
LOL. I will take one. I can think of some good uses for a confederate statue, even a broken one.
Climate change is seemingly most denied by those most affected. Among them are several friends and colleagues in Texas who are receiving a harsh rebuke from Mother Nature. I'll reserve the I-told-you-so gloating for another day.
Please be careful, be safe, be vigilant. Watch out for one another if you can, and your neighbor always. I hope you and your families remain safe and protected.
Please be careful, be safe, be vigilant. Watch out for one another if you can, and your neighbor always. I hope you and your families remain safe and protected.
10
You do know that there have always been hurricanes right? There has not been a major hurricane in 12 years. The same time the earth has been warming. And before you utter the word denier, I'm not but being an alarmist is detrimental to your cause.
6
A major hurricane has not made landfall in the US in over 12 years, but that does not mean there haven't been any major hurricanes moving about. In fact, it was a major hurricane- Joaquin- that sank an American ship and took the lives of 33 American mariners and Polish workers in 2014, north of the Bahamas. How short our memories are.
3
Capt. Kumquat:
No one is "receiving a harsh rebuke from Mother Nature." and you have been unable to "reserve your I-told-you-so gloating " for another day, obviously, though how anyone can gloat , or aspire to gloat, when people
are being to write their social security numbers on their arms so that their bodies can be identified, if necessary ,is beyond me.
I'm a Superstorm Sandy victim. Comments such as your exacerbate my trauma.
No one is "receiving a harsh rebuke from Mother Nature." and you have been unable to "reserve your I-told-you-so gloating " for another day, obviously, though how anyone can gloat , or aspire to gloat, when people
are being to write their social security numbers on their arms so that their bodies can be identified, if necessary ,is beyond me.
I'm a Superstorm Sandy victim. Comments such as your exacerbate my trauma.
I hope that the people are able to be safe during this storm.
I do wish that the TV networks would give us other news rather than seeing their reporters in rain gear wandering around some area telling us how bad the storm is. We really do not need these pictures 24-7 to the exclusion of other news.
I have turned to watching the international news in lieu of US TV channels.
I do wish that the TV networks would give us other news rather than seeing their reporters in rain gear wandering around some area telling us how bad the storm is. We really do not need these pictures 24-7 to the exclusion of other news.
I have turned to watching the international news in lieu of US TV channels.
7
Sadly, the best of them, Al Jazeera, didn't survive the US cutthroat competition. Instead, we have far-right Sinclair taking over. We are a wholly owned subsidiary of marketing and infotainment. I could wish for news about a variety of weather/climate events abroad that have devastated people's lives on a regular basis. People ignore what they don't see.
Like this: https://www.nytimes.com/topic/subject/landslides-and-mudslides
Like this: https://www.nytimes.com/topic/subject/landslides-and-mudslides
4
Addict helplines across the country are being swamped with calls for help from Liberal media staffers who are suffering from Trump Fake News withdrawal synptoms as they are forced to shift the focus to Harvey.
3
where are the Texans who professed that Sandy was god's retribution and voted for no federal aid?
71
yeah, I was wondering that myself.
I'm an atheist who suddenly has had a conversion: I think Harvey is gawd's retribution on the oil-producing climate-change deniers in good ol' Tejas. Let them mop up their own mess without my tax dollars.
I'm an atheist who suddenly has had a conversion: I think Harvey is gawd's retribution on the oil-producing climate-change deniers in good ol' Tejas. Let them mop up their own mess without my tax dollars.
6
Hi Howard. Superstorm Sandy Victim from Long Beach, New York. here.
"Where are the Texans who professed that Sandy was God's retribution and voted for no federal aid ?" They are hiding, and counting on the compassion of decency of the people and representatives of New. York and New Jersey and other liberal states ,whom they despise ,to bail them out, while they voted against helping us.
Of course, the Texans are right. The representatives from New York and New Jersey will vote in favor of aid to Texas, just as they voted in favor of aid to Kansas ,when the representatives from Kansas who had voted against the Sandy Aid Package came crawling to the federal government for help,
Personally,I'd like to see a signed apology required of the representatives from Texas required ,prior to a vote for aid to Texas, but that is wishful thinking.
"Where are the Texans who professed that Sandy was God's retribution and voted for no federal aid ?" They are hiding, and counting on the compassion of decency of the people and representatives of New. York and New Jersey and other liberal states ,whom they despise ,to bail them out, while they voted against helping us.
Of course, the Texans are right. The representatives from New York and New Jersey will vote in favor of aid to Texas, just as they voted in favor of aid to Kansas ,when the representatives from Kansas who had voted against the Sandy Aid Package came crawling to the federal government for help,
Personally,I'd like to see a signed apology required of the representatives from Texas required ,prior to a vote for aid to Texas, but that is wishful thinking.
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As a Supstorm Sandy Victim from Long Beach, New York.who was severely impacted by Sandy. I believe that those Texans who professed that Sandy was God's retribution and voted against Federal Aid for Sandy should hold fast to their belief system, accept that Hurricane Harvey is God's retribution for voting against Federal Aid for Superstorm Sandy, and should not request the Federal Aid they sought to deny Sandy Victims.
To be clear, I do not believe that hurricanes are "God's retribution" ,but those who believe that one hurricane is a sign of God's retribution must believe that applies to all hurricanes, if they are true believers.
To be clear, I do not believe that hurricanes are "God's retribution" ,but those who believe that one hurricane is a sign of God's retribution must believe that applies to all hurricanes, if they are true believers.
3
Texans, have always taken care of other Texans. Texas is its own power grid that is why you outsiders looking in have not had blackouts.
Texas has taken care of the multiple floods over the last several years without any federal assistance. Don't hate the governor for listening to his advisors saying it would be bad and requesting aid that Texans also pay into.
The Texas national guard is experanced in assisting with such national disasters along with TF1 the police state and local, firefighters trained in recovery operations and the Red Cross. Texas will take care of Texas but all Texans apreciate the love and support of the honorary Texans across this great nation
Texas has taken care of the multiple floods over the last several years without any federal assistance. Don't hate the governor for listening to his advisors saying it would be bad and requesting aid that Texans also pay into.
The Texas national guard is experanced in assisting with such national disasters along with TF1 the police state and local, firefighters trained in recovery operations and the Red Cross. Texas will take care of Texas but all Texans apreciate the love and support of the honorary Texans across this great nation
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Apparently there is a selective blackout in your area, only the news has even blacked out.
About 300,000 Texans are without power. Some may be without power for days.
Gov. Abbott asked for and received a Disaster designation from Trump, which will enable FEMA aid and financial assistance - from the Feds.
Texas will take care of Texans with help from the rest of us taxpayers.
About 300,000 Texans are without power. Some may be without power for days.
Gov. Abbott asked for and received a Disaster designation from Trump, which will enable FEMA aid and financial assistance - from the Feds.
Texas will take care of Texans with help from the rest of us taxpayers.
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"Texans have always taken care of of other Texans. Texas has taken care of the
multiple floods over the past several years without federal assistance.Don't hate the governor for listening to his advisors saying it would be bad and requesting aid that Texans also pay into."
If Texas is so self-sufficient,then why would the governor's advisors recommend that the governor request federal aid ?
If Texas is so self-sufficient that it does not need Federal aid, then it is dishonest of Texas to request Federal Aid it does not need. Which is it ? You can't have it both ways.
As for "requesting aid that Texans also pay into " : I am a Superstorm Sandy victim from New York. Your representatives voted against the Sandy Aid Package. We
New Yorkers,and residents of other affected states such as New Jersey pay Federal taxes ,as well, That didn't stop Texas from voting against helping those devastated by Sandy.
multiple floods over the past several years without federal assistance.Don't hate the governor for listening to his advisors saying it would be bad and requesting aid that Texans also pay into."
If Texas is so self-sufficient,then why would the governor's advisors recommend that the governor request federal aid ?
If Texas is so self-sufficient that it does not need Federal aid, then it is dishonest of Texas to request Federal Aid it does not need. Which is it ? You can't have it both ways.
As for "requesting aid that Texans also pay into " : I am a Superstorm Sandy victim from New York. Your representatives voted against the Sandy Aid Package. We
New Yorkers,and residents of other affected states such as New Jersey pay Federal taxes ,as well, That didn't stop Texas from voting against helping those devastated by Sandy.
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Can you show me one quote from one Texan who stated this? I've looked and can't find any? Otherwise urban legend. BTW there were many Texans who volunteered for Sandy.
From the Real Donald Trump [almost]
Scientists were wrong again. Sad. Predicted cat-1; was really cat-4.
Liberals trying to hurt conservatives again. Was this on purpose? Sad....
...Texas will thrive unlike NJ. Better Americans!
Scientists were wrong again. Sad. Predicted cat-1; was really cat-4.
Liberals trying to hurt conservatives again. Was this on purpose? Sad....
...Texas will thrive unlike NJ. Better Americans!
3
This is an unfolding, multifaceted disaster for thousands, perhaps millions of Texans. We need to send prayers and good wishes their way.
And we need to learn lessons from the destruction wrought by nature:
1. Use the best science available to determine what, where and how to rebuild to mitigate the predictable forces of nature.
2. Consider and support the roles of federal, state and local government in disaster preparedness, mitigation and recovery.
3. Thank first responders and don't put them at unnecessary risk for your selfish reasons.
4. Remember that natural disasters can strike anywhere. Be prepared to show empathy and support for those affected. It is the right thing to do and the next time it might be you needing the help. Cornyn and Cruz, pay attention.
And we need to learn lessons from the destruction wrought by nature:
1. Use the best science available to determine what, where and how to rebuild to mitigate the predictable forces of nature.
2. Consider and support the roles of federal, state and local government in disaster preparedness, mitigation and recovery.
3. Thank first responders and don't put them at unnecessary risk for your selfish reasons.
4. Remember that natural disasters can strike anywhere. Be prepared to show empathy and support for those affected. It is the right thing to do and the next time it might be you needing the help. Cornyn and Cruz, pay attention.
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As a Superstorm Sandy Victim, I thank you for writing :"Remember that natural disasters can strike anywhere, Be prepared to show empathy and support for those affected. It is the right thing to do and the next time it might be you needing the help."
All too many commenters posted shockingly mean spirited and even downright cruel comments in the aftermath of Sandy. One woman wrote :"Let those Castle-Dwelling people who live near the ocean DROWN for all I care." I tried to console myself by joking that I did have a moat the night of Sandy. The Ocean had crossed the beach, breached the protective Sand Berms,shattered the boardwalk as if a child had had a tantrum and smashed a toy made out of popsicle sticks. hurtled down the block and crashed up against my home,forming the moat for my "Castle".
The cruelty and lack of empathy exacerbated my trauma. It's hard to believe that so many can be utterly devoid of empathy towards natural disaster victims, or in general.
All too many commenters posted shockingly mean spirited and even downright cruel comments in the aftermath of Sandy. One woman wrote :"Let those Castle-Dwelling people who live near the ocean DROWN for all I care." I tried to console myself by joking that I did have a moat the night of Sandy. The Ocean had crossed the beach, breached the protective Sand Berms,shattered the boardwalk as if a child had had a tantrum and smashed a toy made out of popsicle sticks. hurtled down the block and crashed up against my home,forming the moat for my "Castle".
The cruelty and lack of empathy exacerbated my trauma. It's hard to believe that so many can be utterly devoid of empathy towards natural disaster victims, or in general.
There but for the grace of God.... and a few wind currents.... go I.
When times are tough, people pull together. They don't isolate themselves and say that they can handle this alone. On the contrary, they help each other out.
I have no doubt that we'll be hearing stories of great humanity from both the local authorities and first responders, as well as from ordinary folks helping out other ordinary folks. And the rest of the country's thoughts and prayers can be counted on in support.
We'd be better off politically if our elected officials would ALSO adopt the "we're all in this together" attitude.
When times are tough, people pull together. They don't isolate themselves and say that they can handle this alone. On the contrary, they help each other out.
I have no doubt that we'll be hearing stories of great humanity from both the local authorities and first responders, as well as from ordinary folks helping out other ordinary folks. And the rest of the country's thoughts and prayers can be counted on in support.
We'd be better off politically if our elected officials would ALSO adopt the "we're all in this together" attitude.
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Two thumbs way up for first responders, emergency workers, and all of those who tend to the needs (before during and after) a major disaster like this. It's easy to take what these unsung heroes do for granted.
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Hurricane Harvey is being touted as another Hurricane Katrina. So far, I am not reading about difficulties equal to the magnitude of Katrina which had sustained gusts of 175 mph and vast amounts of very deep flooding. It is still a hurricane but less powerful and probably less damaging, with a lower loss of life due to less very deep flooding. A photo of the flooding so far showed cattle standing in a flooded field. The flooding was at most knee high on the cattle, not roof high as Katrina flooding was.
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Come back Thursday. Here's some background:
"Hell and High Water" (ProPublica 2016) https://www.propublica.org/article/hell-and-high-water-text
"Houston’s perfect storm is coming — and it’s not a matter of if but when. The city has dodged it for decades, but the likelihood it will happen in any given year is nothing to scoff at; it’s much higher than your chance of dying in a car crash or in a firearm assault, and 2,400 times as high as your chance of being struck by lightning."
"Such a storm would devastate the Houston Ship Channel, shuttering one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Flanked by 10 major refineries — including the nation’s largest — and dozens of chemical manufacturing plants, the Ship Channel is a crucial transportation route for crude oil and other key products, such as plastics and pesticides. A shutdown could lead to a spike in gasoline prices and many consumer goods — everything from car tires to cell phone parts to prescription pills."
"Houston’s perfect storm would virtually wipe out the Clear Lake area, home to some of the fastest-growing communities in the United States and to the Johnson Space Center, the headquarters for NASA’s human spaceflight operation. Hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses there would be severely flooded."
More at link.
Many hoped Ike’s near miss would spur action to protect the region.
"Hell and High Water" (ProPublica 2016) https://www.propublica.org/article/hell-and-high-water-text
"Houston’s perfect storm is coming — and it’s not a matter of if but when. The city has dodged it for decades, but the likelihood it will happen in any given year is nothing to scoff at; it’s much higher than your chance of dying in a car crash or in a firearm assault, and 2,400 times as high as your chance of being struck by lightning."
"Such a storm would devastate the Houston Ship Channel, shuttering one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Flanked by 10 major refineries — including the nation’s largest — and dozens of chemical manufacturing plants, the Ship Channel is a crucial transportation route for crude oil and other key products, such as plastics and pesticides. A shutdown could lead to a spike in gasoline prices and many consumer goods — everything from car tires to cell phone parts to prescription pills."
"Houston’s perfect storm would virtually wipe out the Clear Lake area, home to some of the fastest-growing communities in the United States and to the Johnson Space Center, the headquarters for NASA’s human spaceflight operation. Hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses there would be severely flooded."
More at link.
Many hoped Ike’s near miss would spur action to protect the region.
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I am watching the weather channel so I am keeping watch. What I fear are possible tornados being spawned by Tropical Storm Harvey (the Weather Channel has downgraded Harvey.) Tornados, IMHO, are the more devastating than Hurricanes or earthquakes. Some towns hit by tornados never recover, never rebuild.
Thank you for lifting the paywall for your hurricane coverage. Such compassion is a mark of a news organization that is anything but failing.
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Agree!!
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I didn't know they did this. Kudos to NYT.
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Expect stronger and stronger hurricanes' strength since oceans' temperatures have been increasing steadily since the 1900s. We have been feeding these beasts and they will engulf us.
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I know. It's clear that Cat 6 hurricanes are coming. The denial won't stop it.
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Ocean temperature does not seem to matter much for hurricane frequency or strength. At least that is what the numbers tell us.
3
Hope everyone is safe.
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Can't we just stop thinking of Trump- it's such a distraction. I really hope the media understands this and makes this more of a priority. Mainly I look to the NYT to give information of what progress we're making to get rid of him. My thoughts are with the Texans.
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We can handle more than one problem at a time.
The hurricane in Texas is an immediate priority. But Trump's lack of respect for the Office he holds is an ongoing disaster with equally, if not, worse consequences for us all.
The hurricane in Texas is an immediate priority. But Trump's lack of respect for the Office he holds is an ongoing disaster with equally, if not, worse consequences for us all.
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FYI Liz Janapol-- The Trump administration is trying to roll back rules regulating greenhouse gas emissions making worse hurricanes more likely in future where more innocent coast dwellers will be hurt.
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Weaksauce ending, implying the correlation is not understood.
The correlation is pretty well understood, the way the Greeks pretty well understood that the Earth is a sphere.
The correlation is pretty well understood, the way the Greeks pretty well understood that the Earth is a sphere.
3
The earth is not a sphere it is an oblate spheroid.
3
Yes, it is an oblate spheroid.
It is so hard for those of us who love math. We seem weird to other people.
It is so hard for those of us who love math. We seem weird to other people.
1
People are making a political statement and this is not the time to be bringing politics into this tragic situation. Those who are in the heart of this disastrous situation could not care less which political party is at the helm.. They are more concerned with the destruction and devastation that is occurring in their neighborhoods. Life is more important right now than politics.
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I agree that this natural disaster should not be viewed in the context of politics. However, we have a president who chose to tweet on Friday night, at the height of a devastating hurricane that is endangering the lives of people in Texas, about his pardon of a racist sheriff who has broken the law and endangered the lives of Latinos. Unfortunately, Trump was the one making a political statement more than the commenters on this article.
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You are correct, And I agree. However, we all know this water deluge is due to way too warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico. Sometimes you need to use a disaster to open the eyes of people who willfully deny what's happening in real time around them.
1
WMK, I disagree.
Until people are forced to experience the consequences of their voting choices at the household level, they never will learn.
The GOP didn't want to provide aid for victims of Hurrican Sandy. Let their voters get a taste of their own medicine. I really don't care what happens to the people who stuck us with the sociopath in the White Houe. Whatever comes their way is probably less than they deserve.
Until people are forced to experience the consequences of their voting choices at the household level, they never will learn.
The GOP didn't want to provide aid for victims of Hurrican Sandy. Let their voters get a taste of their own medicine. I really don't care what happens to the people who stuck us with the sociopath in the White Houe. Whatever comes their way is probably less than they deserve.
1
A fresh reader comment thread on Hurricane Harvey, AND a second chance for us to show only compassion and concern for our fellow citizens in the path of this ferocious and terrible storm.
I made what I thought was a clever little remark in the last thread, my intention being to 'wink' at, and diffuse, some of the more partisan and mean-spirited comments in the thread - at which I was disturbed. My joke was misunderstood by some, and in the overall tone of the many negative posts, I can totally see why. My bad.
Considering the very serious nature of this storm, joking or ironic remarks of any kind are inappropriate. I apologize.
Hang in there Texas!
I made what I thought was a clever little remark in the last thread, my intention being to 'wink' at, and diffuse, some of the more partisan and mean-spirited comments in the thread - at which I was disturbed. My joke was misunderstood by some, and in the overall tone of the many negative posts, I can totally see why. My bad.
Considering the very serious nature of this storm, joking or ironic remarks of any kind are inappropriate. I apologize.
Hang in there Texas!
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It's ok. Everyone makes mistakes. Not everyone acknowledges them....#DJT
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I hope the best for the people affected by the storm.
For those 'progressives' who suggest that the people in Texas somehow deserve this, you are no different than some fundamentalist preacher stating that others deserve their fate because it is an 'act of God'. For other 'progressives' who think that Harvey is some sort of proof of climate change, please keep track of the current science before stating what amounts to nothing more than opinion and propaganda.
https://www.gfdl.noaa.gov/global-warming-and-hurricanes/
Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory
It is premature to conclude that human activities–and particularly greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming–have already had a detectable impact on Atlantic hurricane or global tropical cyclone activity. That said, human activities may have already caused changes that are not yet detectable due to the small magnitude of the changes or observational limitations, or are not yet confidently modeled (e.g., aerosol effects on regional climate).
Anthropogenic warming by the end of the 21st century will likely cause tropical cyclones globally to be more intense on average (by 2 to 11% according to model projections for an IPCC A1B scenario). This change would imply an even larger percentage increase in the destructive potential per storm, assuming no reduction in storm size.
For those 'progressives' who suggest that the people in Texas somehow deserve this, you are no different than some fundamentalist preacher stating that others deserve their fate because it is an 'act of God'. For other 'progressives' who think that Harvey is some sort of proof of climate change, please keep track of the current science before stating what amounts to nothing more than opinion and propaganda.
https://www.gfdl.noaa.gov/global-warming-and-hurricanes/
Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory
It is premature to conclude that human activities–and particularly greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming–have already had a detectable impact on Atlantic hurricane or global tropical cyclone activity. That said, human activities may have already caused changes that are not yet detectable due to the small magnitude of the changes or observational limitations, or are not yet confidently modeled (e.g., aerosol effects on regional climate).
Anthropogenic warming by the end of the 21st century will likely cause tropical cyclones globally to be more intense on average (by 2 to 11% according to model projections for an IPCC A1B scenario). This change would imply an even larger percentage increase in the destructive potential per storm, assuming no reduction in storm size.
4
I am a "progressive" - don't know why you put that in quote. Progressive is the opposite of regressive - I'm happy to be called a Progressive, also a Liberal. Most good laws that will be assisting the people in the path of this hurricane were part of Democratic/Liberal agenda (Jimmy Carter created FEMA).
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The thing is "progressive"=neo Marxist which is an old failed regressive political system. Nothing about it even remotely supports progress.
2
Good point, Jaco. Maybe "progressive regressive" would ring the bell...
1
I am in Houston, the largest city in Texas. Although it is not in the hurricane path, we do expect heavy rains in the coming few days. So far at noon time on August 26th, we do not have much big news except few street flooding & places with damages caused by small tornado passing. I think Houston is well prepared with so many past experiences.
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Climate change deniers will become believers when the government says we have no more money for disaster relief.
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As a North Carolina resident, I've endured several hurricanes, including a direct hit from a Category 4 storm. There's a philosophical lesson to be learned from these monsters, and in this age in which we try to convince ourselves that modernity and prosperity can keep us secure or insulated from primordial threats and acts of God, a hurricane can serve as a useful and necessary reminder that, no, there is ultimately no safety or security in life. Mother Nature is always in charge. We are all vulnerable and mortal. And I can assure you that nothing brings this home more powerfully than having the roof torn off your house while you're inside it or waking up the next day to find all the one-hundred year-old oaks that canopied your street flattened or having to live for three weeks without electricity or running water.
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As a Superstorm Sandy victim,I disagree with your belief that "a hurricane can
serve as a useful and necessary reminder that ,no, there is ultimately no safety
or security in life."
I would not characterize the terror,trauma, devastation, destruction of home ,
car and possessions, dragging of moldy sheetrock and possessions onto the
street to join my neighbors ,etc as "necessary reminders".
Where I come from, having to live for 3 weeks without electricity or running water
is hardly a blip ,while of course, having the roof torn off one's home while one is inside is certainly not. The residents in my area were without running water, electricity, heat, phone service of any kind, etc for months. We were under a 6 p.m to 6 a.m curfew for a long time. The National Guard arrived by the second day after Sandy and sealed off the entire City, in an effort to protect the residents from further looting. Only residents were allowed to enter the City. Every car attempting to enter the City was checked at gunpoint before being allowed to enter the city.
You had hundred year old oaks flattened. We had hunks of homes, shattered glass, and everything from boats ,to cars, to toilets to every kind of debris imaginable. on the streets and sidewalks, and the charred remains of the cars that burst into flames when the water hit their electrical systems ,and of the homes that caught fire.
People are displaced nearly 5 years later.There are better ways to learn life lessons.
serve as a useful and necessary reminder that ,no, there is ultimately no safety
or security in life."
I would not characterize the terror,trauma, devastation, destruction of home ,
car and possessions, dragging of moldy sheetrock and possessions onto the
street to join my neighbors ,etc as "necessary reminders".
Where I come from, having to live for 3 weeks without electricity or running water
is hardly a blip ,while of course, having the roof torn off one's home while one is inside is certainly not. The residents in my area were without running water, electricity, heat, phone service of any kind, etc for months. We were under a 6 p.m to 6 a.m curfew for a long time. The National Guard arrived by the second day after Sandy and sealed off the entire City, in an effort to protect the residents from further looting. Only residents were allowed to enter the City. Every car attempting to enter the City was checked at gunpoint before being allowed to enter the city.
You had hundred year old oaks flattened. We had hunks of homes, shattered glass, and everything from boats ,to cars, to toilets to every kind of debris imaginable. on the streets and sidewalks, and the charred remains of the cars that burst into flames when the water hit their electrical systems ,and of the homes that caught fire.
People are displaced nearly 5 years later.There are better ways to learn life lessons.
2
I agree with you on everything you say except "act of God". This is not an "act of God". This is climate change. God has nothing to do with it.
2
I wish we could just focus on the disaster at hand - the people of Texas need our support and help. We should keep all politics aside for now. The news media should just give important information so people can stay safe and how to get help. It seems many communication systems have failed in Texas so I hope all the resources including satellite phones are being used for saving lives. At this time that should be the only focus instead of presidential pardons, resignations etc. We just have to get our proprieties right.
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I can hold more than one thought at a time. This storm is localized and will pass. What's happening to our country is a seemingly endless disaster that is strengthening as we speak. Nature has given the Trump crime family a useful distraction, so they can take time off from creating their own.
31
Save the false piety and send that message to Trump who took advantage of the situation to use it to distract from his monstrous pardon of a man convicted of wantonly disobeying a federal court order. In the meantime, please rest assured that God does NOT require us to ignore evil just because of a natural disaster. He is greater than that, even though the cult religion supporters of Trump want us to think otherwise.
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Politics is what will make helping the people of Texas difficult. Trump and the GOP don't believe in helping others. Trump couldn't even be bothered to appoint key officials whose job it is to deal with natural disasters. "Politics" has now infected every layer of our lives.....
12
Good thing the Republicans didn't shut down the government this week.
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At nearly 11 AM, and still no news from Port Aransas, Ingleside, and Aransas Pass. It is not going to be good.
18
Trump has congratulated himself for contributing to the reduction in unemployment since he has taken office.
Now will Trump congratulate himself for America’s contribution to the increase in more violent and extreme weather events, including hurricanes, by withdrawing from the multilateral Paris agreement on Climate Change ???
Now will Trump congratulate himself for America’s contribution to the increase in more violent and extreme weather events, including hurricanes, by withdrawing from the multilateral Paris agreement on Climate Change ???
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I knew it, I knew it, someone would blame Trump for the Hurricane. That is predictable as the sunrise.
6
Good for you. How many comments did you have to go through to get here? So funny.
1
Are you insane? Are you really blaming a hurricane on Trump? You need to seek mental help cause it is obvious that the president lives in your head rent free.
A hurricane is a pretty common event in the Gulf. The fact of the matter is that we were overdue for one. Stop politicizing things that aren't political. I assure you mother nature does not care one iota either way. Hurricanes have existed long before the use of fossil fuels. They will continue to exist long after they are no longer used as well. Get help...
A hurricane is a pretty common event in the Gulf. The fact of the matter is that we were overdue for one. Stop politicizing things that aren't political. I assure you mother nature does not care one iota either way. Hurricanes have existed long before the use of fossil fuels. They will continue to exist long after they are no longer used as well. Get help...
4
We pray for everyone affected by this devastation. Politics doesn't belong here but the parallel cannot be ignored. Two hurricanes at the same time with the earth knowing when to relent and recover.
5
Texans do not deserve less from our government in times of disaster because of their politics. We are who we are even if the recipients of our magnanimity say they reject it on principle. Once back on their feet and in their homes, perhaps those helped will come to look on government less as a problem and more as we, the people.
31
Not all Texans are Republicans. And many that voted Republican appreciate the assistance that is needed right now. Thank you for your support for those in need!
5
You have to be aware and capable of self examination in order to evolve. I predict the 20% in that state will still want to secede. Wish we could make that happen for them.
Of course "Many that voted Republican appreciate the assistance that is needed right now." When people need help, they forget that they don't believe in big government,and federal aid, and that their state voted against relief for States such as New York and New Jersey that were ravaged by Sandy.
Don't worry. Our representatives will vote in favor of federal aid for Texas, just as they voted in favor of aid for Kansas just months after Kansas voted against aid for Sandy Ravaged New York and New Jersey, because ,unlike representatives of states like Texas, our representatives believe in helping others who are in need, even when they have turned their backs on us during our darkest hour.
Don't worry. Our representatives will vote in favor of federal aid for Texas, just as they voted in favor of aid for Kansas just months after Kansas voted against aid for Sandy Ravaged New York and New Jersey, because ,unlike representatives of states like Texas, our representatives believe in helping others who are in need, even when they have turned their backs on us during our darkest hour.
Texas should be commended for its superb preparation, and it should know that at times like this we are united as a country in our concern and well wishes. It transcends politics, for sure.
Be assured that what will be said next truly has nothing to do with ideology, being a Democrat or Republican. And many of us realize that just like what we Californians endure with our unpredictable earthquakes, these unleashed forces of nature have been with this planet for eons. However, we need to listen closely to our experts, our scientists. This is real, this is not "fake" research and findings. We are in the ominous midst of climate change and global warming, much if not all is the result of human exploitation for profit, for power. People need to accept this fact not only for themselves but for generations to follow. We have the collective power to at least assuage if not fully reverse our present paradigm. We need to stop handing over our future to those many institutions which pollute our resources, and accept the reality that they care not one whit for the everyday American, only for themselves, starting with Trump on down.
Be assured that what will be said next truly has nothing to do with ideology, being a Democrat or Republican. And many of us realize that just like what we Californians endure with our unpredictable earthquakes, these unleashed forces of nature have been with this planet for eons. However, we need to listen closely to our experts, our scientists. This is real, this is not "fake" research and findings. We are in the ominous midst of climate change and global warming, much if not all is the result of human exploitation for profit, for power. People need to accept this fact not only for themselves but for generations to follow. We have the collective power to at least assuage if not fully reverse our present paradigm. We need to stop handing over our future to those many institutions which pollute our resources, and accept the reality that they care not one whit for the everyday American, only for themselves, starting with Trump on down.
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Agreed Ms. Lollock but just which "people" are you referring to that need to "accept this fact"? I would argue it's the people that drive cars, fly on airplanes, heat/cool their homes and charge their cell phones...ie *all of us*. Unless WE are actually willing to give up these things...or at least pay a *lot more* for the privileged...nothing will change. Climate change is not "someone else's problem".
4
As a Sandy Victim from Long Beach, New York, I disagree,respectfully. Some officials were recommending that Texans remain in place, while others were recommending that residents evacuate. The last thing that residents need is to be issued conflicting recommendations from officials as a category 4 hurricane barrels towards them. Residents need consensus & clear guidelines from leaders.
Officials in New York did not issue conflicting statement as to whether to evacuate or remain in place as Superstorm Sandy barreled towards us, for which I am grateful. It's hard enough to think straight as one is frozen in terror as major storm is headed one's way. Receiving conflicting messages would have made the situation that much more stressful. In New York, mandatory evacuation were ordered for certain areas, including Long Beach from everyone from the President to the Governor and down. Consistency is important.
Officials in New York did not issue conflicting statement as to whether to evacuate or remain in place as Superstorm Sandy barreled towards us, for which I am grateful. It's hard enough to think straight as one is frozen in terror as major storm is headed one's way. Receiving conflicting messages would have made the situation that much more stressful. In New York, mandatory evacuation were ordered for certain areas, including Long Beach from everyone from the President to the Governor and down. Consistency is important.
2
Laudable sentiments, but earthquakes are not affected by climate change. Drought, wild fires, torrential downpours and mudslides certainly are. While most Americans believe CC is real and happening right now, Scott Pruitt is busy dismantling the EPA .
It is probably already too late. And one thing must be said: It is not as if we were not warned, because we were.
It is probably already too late. And one thing must be said: It is not as if we were not warned, because we were.
Notice how the counter-clockwise motion of the hurricane itself is surrounded by a concentric clockwise storm. Is this the usual pattern? It's too persistent to be happenstance. There's got to be a physical explanation? What is it?
7
Yes, the clouds do move East giving the impression of a clockwise rotation.
I wonder if that may be due to the "wagon wheel" or stroboscopic effect as seen on a movie when spoked wheels seem to move backwards when the car (or wagon) is moving forwards
The satellite images are taken at regular intervals (not continuous) .
Because there is time delay between shots, the faster and slower clouds seem to be moving in different directions
I wonder if that may be due to the "wagon wheel" or stroboscopic effect as seen on a movie when spoked wheels seem to move backwards when the car (or wagon) is moving forwards
The satellite images are taken at regular intervals (not continuous) .
Because there is time delay between shots, the faster and slower clouds seem to be moving in different directions
3
In the northern hemisphere, wind direction is counter-clockwise around low pressure systems. The clouds moving clockwise (relative to Harvey) due north of Harvey are part of the low pressure system located over Colorado. Those clouds actually are moving counter-clockwise as part of the low pressure system in Colorado.
6
Thank you!
Y'all stay safe down there--we're pulling for you. Good luck.
13
looking forward to stories about how all those militias in Texas have put down their AR15s and picked up sandbags.
78
Swords into plowshares is nothing new. Too bad it takes a disaster and never lasts.
1
It's serious when the request is made by authorities to people who decided to shelter in place to write their names and social security numbers on their forearms for identification.
To climate change deniers, I don't for a second hold the belief that these intense storms fueled by a warming atmosphere will persuade you that CC is real. I guess that will only occur when Oklahoma becomes waterfront property.
To climate change deniers, I don't for a second hold the belief that these intense storms fueled by a warming atmosphere will persuade you that CC is real. I guess that will only occur when Oklahoma becomes waterfront property.
143
I would like to see the data you have that confirms that this storm is in fact linked to human intervention in the climate. I would also like you to address the fact that though these storms are supposedly more common now as a direct result of human activity, we were long overdue for one and were actually on year twelve of no major hurricanes.
4
or Trump's WH.
2
One positive: Goodbye Mar-a-Lago.
Great. Texas is being walloped by a catastrophic storm and some people still can't stop talking about politics.
31
Um, maybe because politics has become, by the deliberate design of an insidious, dark-financed cabal of evil manipulators, a catastrophic storm that seems perilously close to blowing our whole democratic experiment into splinters and an apocalyptic aftermath?
5
Texas is being walloped and you are right, the correct response is to do something about it. It appears the emergency responders have mustered, and volunteers are coming out and let us pray that it all goes well. Evacuation is a major financial hardship, and impossible for many, including so sadly the families that have brothers or mothers with uncertain immigration status who have to avoid highway checkpoints. In a needless political jab, Trump is prioritizing keeping the checkpoints open during this mandatory evacuation. He really likes to dish it out on immigrant families on the same day he pardons Joe Arpaio. Reminds me of Baron Harkonnen from the Dune series, at this point. And Trump only cares about climate change when it causes him to want a seawall on his Scottish golf course, leading to a lawsuit with his neighbors. His thumb-in-your-eye governance (or lack thereof) makes it impossible to extract politics from the discussion of the storm, or anything, but you can welcome FUNCTIONAL politics as addressing how we do stuff about the NEXT storm, and the changing climate that is exacerbating extreme weather phenomena, be those heat or rain or wind.
6
It wouldn't be if certain people (you know who you are) had not decided to make science part of politics. Climate change denial is downright willful ignorance to enable an energy economy that actually needs to be phased out in favor of green technology for the sake of the planet. The very same people with power still on in the hurricane hit area are glued to their devices tracking the storm with technology developed by scientists and engineers. Where would they be without them? They are the very same people who support an administration with a proposed budget that would strip funding from FEMA, the national weather service, EPA etc. But protections against pollution become rather important, especially in areas prone to flooding with oil refineries in place, don't they? And so does emergency services and climate science. And yet they will want storm barriers and improvements provided by the Army Corps of Engineers. They will expect clean up of oil and chemical spills. This is how politics became involved. This region largely denies science when convenient and then demands and expects a rescue from the crisis it helped create by obstruction and obfuscation.
13
@Ralphie from CT: In your last post to me yesterday, you said:
“You would be correct in that for many phenomena there is regression to the mean. But we don't know what the true mean is for hurricanes over a long period of time. Alas, coin tosses don't require a historical record.”
But you were the one who claimed I was ignorant regarding probability theory, and you were the one who first compared the hurricane “drought” to a coin toss. After I pointed out the fallacy in your reasoning, your argument morphed into simply claiming (without any evidence) that a recent stretch of less hurricanes portends a trend toward less hurricanes in the future.
Revising your original analogy, that is like saying that if you throw 9 heads in a row, there is a long-term trend in coin tosses toward heads being more likely. Which we (or at least I) know isn’t true.
“You would be correct in that for many phenomena there is regression to the mean. But we don't know what the true mean is for hurricanes over a long period of time. Alas, coin tosses don't require a historical record.”
But you were the one who claimed I was ignorant regarding probability theory, and you were the one who first compared the hurricane “drought” to a coin toss. After I pointed out the fallacy in your reasoning, your argument morphed into simply claiming (without any evidence) that a recent stretch of less hurricanes portends a trend toward less hurricanes in the future.
Revising your original analogy, that is like saying that if you throw 9 heads in a row, there is a long-term trend in coin tosses toward heads being more likely. Which we (or at least I) know isn’t true.
6
First, the good news. For the first time since, oh, The Alamo, today, the entire state of Texas is free of drought (with the glaring exception of common sense and equal rights for all centered centered at 1100 Congress Ave. in Austin). Once again proving, be careful what you ask for.
Gov. Abbott asked for Federal disaster declaration while the storm was still out to sea. (So much Texas's independence. We'll get back to you on the subject of secession another day.) Of course, Our Dear Leader in Washington will gladly oblige.
The bad news? When a Magnitude 10 earthquake hits the coast of California, no such help will be forthcoming.
Gov. Abbott asked for Federal disaster declaration while the storm was still out to sea. (So much Texas's independence. We'll get back to you on the subject of secession another day.) Of course, Our Dear Leader in Washington will gladly oblige.
The bad news? When a Magnitude 10 earthquake hits the coast of California, no such help will be forthcoming.
72
The biggest result of the 1994 Northridge quake was financial: the home insurance industry stopped offering affordable earthquake insurance. The state stepped in and now earthquake insurance is unaffordable for most homeowners.
4
The largest damaging earthquake in California recorded history (since state became a state) was the 1906 earyhquake which was estimated to be a magnitude 7.8. 3000 people died. The earthquake occurred at a time when there were no earthquake regulations in the building code. Gas mains broke, causing significant fires in the city of San Francisco. Collapsing buildings and the fires caused the deaths. There are photos of the damage.
The second most deadly earthquake in California was the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989, magnitude 6.9. Otherwise known as the World Series earthquake. There we 63 deaths. The deaths were mostly related to double decker freeways collapsing, killing people during an evening commute time period. California had earthquake building codes by 1989 which meant fewer buildings (homes) collapsed. The double decker freeways were eliminated after this earthquake; they were not rebuilt as double deckers.
Following 1989, there was the Northridge earthquake in 1994 in southern California.
Magnitude 6.7, deaths 57. There was at least one freeway related death of a police officer on patrol caused by a collapsing slab of roadway on an overpass. The state of California has been retrofitting overpass support structures to prevent future deaths like that. People died from collapsing older buildings, most built before earthquake regs in the building code.
Before you start writing about California earthquakes, research them.
The second most deadly earthquake in California was the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989, magnitude 6.9. Otherwise known as the World Series earthquake. There we 63 deaths. The deaths were mostly related to double decker freeways collapsing, killing people during an evening commute time period. California had earthquake building codes by 1989 which meant fewer buildings (homes) collapsed. The double decker freeways were eliminated after this earthquake; they were not rebuilt as double deckers.
Following 1989, there was the Northridge earthquake in 1994 in southern California.
Magnitude 6.7, deaths 57. There was at least one freeway related death of a police officer on patrol caused by a collapsing slab of roadway on an overpass. The state of California has been retrofitting overpass support structures to prevent future deaths like that. People died from collapsing older buildings, most built before earthquake regs in the building code.
Before you start writing about California earthquakes, research them.
3
Yes. Droughts are a disaster in themselves that always end with another disaster--too much rain too quickly. The intense rains in California this past winter ended the drought but caused massive flooding from which the Central coast is still recovering. Much of it could have been avoided if the aging infrastructure of dams and reservoirs had the funding to be updated.
Those that would have us put aside political differences and get behind Texas must keep in mind that the reverse has not been true. Texas's politicians decided to make a political point with Sandy, voting against federal aid for NY and NJ, where victims are still homeless and received minimal help help from the federal government.
The Big One will certainly devastate California sooner or later. The Republicans, conservatives and President Trump in particular has made it clear they have no interest in helping California in any way.
One hopes that when disaster surely hits California again, we see all the Texans who denounce politicizing Harvey practicing what they preach and ignoring politics while focusing on getting aid to the victims.
Trump and many Republicans have no qualms about admitting that they hate California. It's hard not be cynical about the likelihood of receiving the the same charity Texans so vociferously demand.
Those that would have us put aside political differences and get behind Texas must keep in mind that the reverse has not been true. Texas's politicians decided to make a political point with Sandy, voting against federal aid for NY and NJ, where victims are still homeless and received minimal help help from the federal government.
The Big One will certainly devastate California sooner or later. The Republicans, conservatives and President Trump in particular has made it clear they have no interest in helping California in any way.
One hopes that when disaster surely hits California again, we see all the Texans who denounce politicizing Harvey practicing what they preach and ignoring politics while focusing on getting aid to the victims.
Trump and many Republicans have no qualms about admitting that they hate California. It's hard not be cynical about the likelihood of receiving the the same charity Texans so vociferously demand.
2
We will see (and already are) more frequent and more severe storms because of climate change. Thank goodness we can say 'climate change' here. The Trump administration has banned use of those words from the scientific agencies under the executive branch. Those who study it and its impacts are hamstrung.
Take a good look at the destruction and imagine more of it. The planet is in peril, and this is just one result.
Take a good look at the destruction and imagine more of it. The planet is in peril, and this is just one result.
44
Yes hurricane that have been happening since time began and have decreased in frequencies in the US are a direct result of climate change. I'm not a denier, don't be an alarmist.
Interesting that the state that vilifies government, esp federal government, has already asked the Feds for help. Am I hoping for too much that they might someday also accept/believe that climate change is happening? Or listen to scientific advice? (see 'intel.' design, and their own, very special school textbooks...)
Meanwhile, I hope that the people -- and their animals -- stay safe. This is quite the storm to (attempt to) ride out! I would have listened to the meteorologists (and their science) and left days ago.
Meanwhile, I hope that the people -- and their animals -- stay safe. This is quite the storm to (attempt to) ride out! I would have listened to the meteorologists (and their science) and left days ago.
79
You are hoping for too much. Nevertheless, I hope that the people of Texas will be well.
Sadly, the government that they prefer may not be able or willing to help them.
Sadly, the government that they prefer may not be able or willing to help them.
18
Broad, sweeping generalizations are always the easiest to make when pointing fingers I guess. Last I checked, climate change deniers could be found in every state. There are many good reasons to be suspicious of government, regardless of political leanings, but no good reason to deny people disaster assistance while at the same time attempting to make a cynical point.
3
Tropical storms derive their strength from warm waters and much of the damage comes from storm surge. Increase water temperature and raise sea level and you get more destructive storms.
The closer sea levels approach the top of a wall or levee the greater the risk a storm surge will breach coastal defenses.
So many of these coastal areas won't go slowly with sea level rise, but swiftly in catastrophic storms.
The closer sea levels approach the top of a wall or levee the greater the risk a storm surge will breach coastal defenses.
So many of these coastal areas won't go slowly with sea level rise, but swiftly in catastrophic storms.
16
Scientists have been warning for years - decades - that global warming caused by carbon pollution would increase the risk of super-charged hurricanes like Harvey. Unusually warm Gulf drives the hurricane's power and its capacity to hold moisture, and unusually weak trade winds stalls it out over south Texas.
Why have we not heeded the warning of the scientists, curbed carbon pollution, and moved faster to cleaner energy? Because on Fox News 70% of climate change coverage was given to climate change denial, so now its Republican viewers think it's a hoax. They elect "leaders" who put their heads in the sand and choose deliberate ignorance instead of prudent regulation. Republican Scott Pruitt is busy undoing all the Obama-era rules that would have curbed carbon pollution. Even moderates like Alaska's Murkowski pay only lip-service to an energy policy of "no regrets."
Fox News and Republicans are the party of denial, ignorance and reckless indifference to the risk that carbon pollution would create storms like Harvey. They have failed to protect us from this harm.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/20...
Why have we not heeded the warning of the scientists, curbed carbon pollution, and moved faster to cleaner energy? Because on Fox News 70% of climate change coverage was given to climate change denial, so now its Republican viewers think it's a hoax. They elect "leaders" who put their heads in the sand and choose deliberate ignorance instead of prudent regulation. Republican Scott Pruitt is busy undoing all the Obama-era rules that would have curbed carbon pollution. Even moderates like Alaska's Murkowski pay only lip-service to an energy policy of "no regrets."
Fox News and Republicans are the party of denial, ignorance and reckless indifference to the risk that carbon pollution would create storms like Harvey. They have failed to protect us from this harm.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/20...
73
Climate Change denial was put in place in order to not jeopardize Big Oil. If it had been taken seriously (or if Al Gore had not been denied the Presidency) we would be well on our way to enjoying cheap renewable energy and a cleaner environment. Burning oil and coal for energy nowadays is as primitive as burning peat.
2
As with all natural disasters for those of us in the thick of it we need very local information: Is the road out of the neighborhood flooded or blocked by fallen trees? Is the gas station open and does it have gas? What places are closed because employees cannot get to work?
Fortunately, we can get very local near-time weather and rain information if we have access to the internet: One can tell from animated radar map when the rain is going to arrive, its expected intensity, and when there will be a gap in the rain for a dog walk.
Otherwise, we can just wish others Good luck and be safe!
Fortunately, we can get very local near-time weather and rain information if we have access to the internet: One can tell from animated radar map when the rain is going to arrive, its expected intensity, and when there will be a gap in the rain for a dog walk.
Otherwise, we can just wish others Good luck and be safe!
8
Hopefully there is also radio which if it has emergency power does not need electricity to broadcast local news.
4
Unfortunately, local radio stations cannot really survive in this age of the internet. Radio stations around here are mostly telling us anecdotal stories of people not located near us much like the NYTimes is telling us about a single hotel in Corpus Christi. Since I don't live near that hotel, that news does me no good whatsoever except to make me feel glad that some people stayed dry in CC.
Best is something like Facebook and community internet message boards where locals who have gone on "reconnaissance" missions report what they saw. During Rita and Ike I would chat with every neighbor daily to find out what new local things they had learned. During Sandy (Yes, I was trapped without power in NY during Sandy), I was fortunate to be able to see local police and fire personnel almost daily and get the very local situation (was the local deli open yet?).
Best is something like Facebook and community internet message boards where locals who have gone on "reconnaissance" missions report what they saw. During Rita and Ike I would chat with every neighbor daily to find out what new local things they had learned. During Sandy (Yes, I was trapped without power in NY during Sandy), I was fortunate to be able to see local police and fire personnel almost daily and get the very local situation (was the local deli open yet?).
3
C. Crane Company.
We always think technology makes things better...We bring good things to life, say the folks at G.E. But our technology brought climate change to our lives, inasmuch as it brought utter and complete reliance on that technology for lack of having the skills technology replaced.
Technology is fueled by the extraordinary extraction of energy from the earth to power the push back against the on true force in the universe: entropy, the spreading out and cooling down of everything.
Everything depreciates, and technology just fights against that creating the illusion of appreciation. Technology is the tool we use when so-called "man" tries to control "mother nature." This storm is driven in part by the anthropomorphic heating of the climate and by inevitable natural acts, essentially, Harvey is the spawn of "man" and "mother nature."
Why does this capture the imagination of the nation? Because there is an alluring and compelling desire to feel cradled by nature as opposed to having to be responsible for it. Throughout all time we have been subject to nature, and that lack of control has a sense of serenity to it. We go camping in the woods just to get a break from the stress of having to control nature with our technology 24/7, and this storm is a symbolic respite from the angst of having to do the job of managing the earth. Letting go of control over nature is a warm feeling, and I wonder if we'd be better off spiritually if we just relaxed a little bit and let it rain.
Technology is fueled by the extraordinary extraction of energy from the earth to power the push back against the on true force in the universe: entropy, the spreading out and cooling down of everything.
Everything depreciates, and technology just fights against that creating the illusion of appreciation. Technology is the tool we use when so-called "man" tries to control "mother nature." This storm is driven in part by the anthropomorphic heating of the climate and by inevitable natural acts, essentially, Harvey is the spawn of "man" and "mother nature."
Why does this capture the imagination of the nation? Because there is an alluring and compelling desire to feel cradled by nature as opposed to having to be responsible for it. Throughout all time we have been subject to nature, and that lack of control has a sense of serenity to it. We go camping in the woods just to get a break from the stress of having to control nature with our technology 24/7, and this storm is a symbolic respite from the angst of having to do the job of managing the earth. Letting go of control over nature is a warm feeling, and I wonder if we'd be better off spiritually if we just relaxed a little bit and let it rain.
8
Those of us who went through Hurricane Katrina offer our sympathy and understanding to the people who are undergoing Hurricane Harvey. It's a tough challenge that we face in our lives.
For those who have never been to the Gulf, this land is flat. Rain that is at a rate of an inch to three inches an hour cannot drain fast enough; even just a thunderstorm floods areas. Couple the severe wind damage and it will take some time to recover.
Unanswerable is if these storms will occur with greater frequency. If they do, we'll have an even greater challenge on our hands. They are truly horrible experiences.
For those who have never been to the Gulf, this land is flat. Rain that is at a rate of an inch to three inches an hour cannot drain fast enough; even just a thunderstorm floods areas. Couple the severe wind damage and it will take some time to recover.
Unanswerable is if these storms will occur with greater frequency. If they do, we'll have an even greater challenge on our hands. They are truly horrible experiences.
35
It is unclear whether numbers of storms will change, but the strongest, most damaging storms have already intensified and are expected to continue that trend.
Waters several degrees above average allowed Sandy to retain more strength as it traversed the N Atlantic.
Waters several degrees above average allowed Sandy to retain more strength as it traversed the N Atlantic.
7
"For those who have never been to the Gulf, this land is flat." You left out the part about the people who are wasting oxygen that the rest of the world could use better.
2
"The relationship between hurricanes and climate change is complex."
Yes but only in the details. There is the basic truth that heat is energy and increasing global temperatures means that the Earth's heat energy is increasing and everything that is fueled by energy flow, like hurricanes and water evaporation, is becoming more energetic, happening faster and with greater intensity.
There is nothing happening on this planet that runs contrary to global warming.
Yes but only in the details. There is the basic truth that heat is energy and increasing global temperatures means that the Earth's heat energy is increasing and everything that is fueled by energy flow, like hurricanes and water evaporation, is becoming more energetic, happening faster and with greater intensity.
There is nothing happening on this planet that runs contrary to global warming.
160
not so fast. tropical cyclone energy is derived by atmospheric instability...not surface temperature. Climate change may end up warming the mid-layers of the atmosphere disproportionally to the lower levels and actually stabilize the atmosphere and not have a significant impact on either TC generation or intensity. That's why the relationship is so complicated and difficult to correlate. Sea Level rise, heat waves, sea ice dissipation, receding glaciers, etc et all are directly related to climate change. Tropical cyclones (hurricanes for the US)? not clear.
4
I was surprised this morning to learn that San Antonio had only about 1000 people that had fled the hurricane from the coastal areas. Now I know that there were other places for them to go, but it makes it look like the warnings of high winds and high water were ignored by many citizens. Could be very costly in terms of human life.
20
I am not surprised because as you hinted at most people go and stay with relatives and would not be counted. And some go on an unscheduled vacation since schools and employers will be closed.
Also the Texas coast between Corpus and Galveston is rather sparsely populated compared to Houston and San Antonio.
Also the Texas coast between Corpus and Galveston is rather sparsely populated compared to Houston and San Antonio.
4
It was confusing because the governor was imploring people to evacuate, and the mayor was telling people to stay put
2
Perhaps you should look at a map and review the experiences of people who meet the outer bands of hurricanes.
1
Glad he found time to sign disaster proclamation in between all the racist ones and the North Korean nuclear threat. Not just a low bar, a liability.
95
In the face of homelessness, possible death, displacement of thousands, no electricity, life threatening flooding, loss in what will surely will be the billions, - negative comments of Trump still deserve print space? Really??
7
Only if you print it.
Actually yes. It may take a while, but Trump's policies may indeed create a great surge of homelessness (Carson being in charge of HUD), possible death ("destroy Obamacare"), displacement of thousands (of helpless immigrants), life-threatening flooding of propaganda, and the loss of American prestige here and abroad. We might even suffer a nationwide loss of electricity as Trump's tweets overload the system.
1
Any news from the other little towns near Corpus Christi? Portland, Ingleside, Fulton, Port Aransas?
16
According to Bloomberg News the storm has been downgraded to Category 2 and will probably become a tropical storm right away. Good News for the Good People of Texas. Hope the damage wasn't too severe.
21
Huh? That's not the case at all.
6
Have you ever been in a Category 1 storm? This is whirling around and will go up the coast at that level or slightly lower until Wednesday at the earlier. None of us have ever experienced a Cat 1 storm hovering over us for 5 days. There will be flooding and power outages and toxic effluent of many kinds.
1
Only because the winds won't be so high. It's still going to cause major water damage.
Our future will see more of these as a result of climate change. It's a simple case of entropy - the more energy we put into the system, the more we will get in return. While I'm optimistic that humanity will eventually make the right choice, I don't think the right path will be chosen in my lifetime. We need to prepare our citizens and cities to brace themselves for future weather-born catastrophes.
128
Corporations that use natural weather events to sell their solar panels, windmills and battery powered cars are pathetic.
1
Corporations that take trillions in subsidies for toxic big fossil and fight progress are much more pathetic. Denying facts is not a winning strategy over time; the bill is coming due with each passing year.
5
So are corporations that ignore weather events to sell products that are made from or use fossil fuel.
1
How much does Hurricane Harvey, or any particular storm, have to do with climate change?
The relationship between hurricanes and climate change is not simple. Some things are known with growing certainty. Others, not so much.
The most recent draft of a sweeping climate science report pulled together by 13 federal agencies as part of the National Climate Assessment suggested that the science linking hurricanes to climate change was still emerging. Looking back through the history of storms,
“the trend signal has not yet had time to rise above the background variability of natural processes” the report states.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/25/us/hurricane-harvey-climate-change-te...