Heat and fires in California, tropical storm heading for Florida.
Thousands of people in California are under evacuation orders as dozens of major wildfires continue to ravage parts of the state. An unrelenting heat wave and high winds are making firefighting conditions difficult. Fires are particularly severe in Napa and Sonoma counties, and authorities in Sonoma County warned of an “immediate threat to life” from the ongoing fires.
Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency, has called for rolling blackouts, and asked the California National Guard to help with relief efforts. He said yesterday that California had been hit by 10,849 lightning strikes over a 72-hour period, some of which helped to ignite the wildfires.
Meanwhile, Tropical Depression 13 is moving toward South Florida, according to the National Weather Service. It remains in the forecast cone, but there is much uncertainty as to what its impact will be. Current models show the depression near Puerto Rico on Saturday morning and reaching South Florida early next week. There is a risk of tropical storm conditions in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Friday night and Saturday.
“Tropical storm conditions are possible across portions of the northern Leeward Islands by Friday night, and Tropical Storm watches have been issued for some of these islands,” the National Hurricane Center said in a statement. “Heavy rainfall is likely across this area beginning late Friday.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For residents of California and Florida whose lives and properties are being threatened by wildfires or tropical storms.
- For firefighters and first responders working against the elements on both coasts.
- For those impacted by other recent weather conditions that created chaos in the Midwest and elsewhere.
Sources: CNBC, Sacramento Bee, Fox News
