Robert Wirt- 23 Tornadoes in Kansas

Link: http://www.kansas.com/news/weather/article45167823.html

In Western Kansas 23 tornadoes were reported on Nov 16, 2015. As a state in the heart of the Tornado ally Kansas sees many tornadoes. Kansas has had tornadoes touch down in all 12 months of the year

Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/news/weather/article45167823.html#storylink=cpy.

"A total of 41 tornadoes were reported in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Significant damage occurred near Pampa, Texas, and lesser damage was reported elsewhere." This was considered a rare November outbreak of tornadoes."
"At least two tornadoes touched down in northwest Kansas on Monday night, shattering the previous record for the latest tornado of the year in the region. The previous record was set nearly 100 years ago, when a large tornado touched down on the morning of Nov. 4, 1922, in Yuma County, Colo."

Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/news/weather/article45167823.html#storylink=cpy"

Robert Wirt- Cyclone Pam Hit Vanuatu

Link: http://www.weather.com/storms/typhoon/news/cyclone-pam-vanuatu-south-pacific

Cyclone Pam, with category 5 winds, directly hit Vanuatu in the South Pacific Ocean on March 13th. Pam devastated the Vanuatu people and this cyclone marks one of the worst natural disasters in the islands history. Though powerful Cyclone Pam only caused about 24 deaths. This cyclone led to wave induced coastal flooding.
"At the height of its strength, during the evening to late night hours on March 13 (local time), Cyclone Pam produced winds as high as 165 mph, making it the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane during its closes approach to the islands."

Enhanced satellite imagery of Cyclone Pam during the height of its strength as it made a direct strike to Vanuatu on March 13, 2015.

Samuel (L) and his father Phillip search through the ruins of their family home on March 16, 2015 in Port Vila, Vanuatu. (Dave Hunt-Pool/Getty Images)

Robert Wirt- Hurricane Joaquin

Link: http://www.weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/hurricane-joaquin-bahamas-atlantic-east-coast-bermuda-2015

Hurricane Joaquin formed on September 27, 2015 in the Atlantic Ocean. Joaquin was Category Four (only 2mph under Category 5 speeds) and struck the Bahamas for several days.
"At one point Joaquin saw a pressure drop of 57 millibars in about 39 hours, going from a strong tropical storm to a Category 4 hurricane in the process. Hurricane Joaquin rapidly intensified as wind shear – harmful to the intensification of tropical cyclones – diminished, allowing Joaquin's core convection to feed off the warm water near the central Bahamas. "

Hurricane Joaquin hovers over the central Bahamas on October 1, 2015.

Robert Wirt- White House Preps for Solar Storm

Link: http://www.nextgov.com/emerging-tech/emerging-tech-blog/2015/12/white-house-prepping-most-violent-space-weather-imaginable/124223/

The White House is focused on preparing for a Solar Storm. When the Sun emits solar flares they have the potential to be the financially costliest weather event by damaging satellites and other electronic systems.
"In November, the White House’s National Science and Technology Council released its National Space Weather Action Plan outlining how the federal government might respond to a solar storm, the term used to describe varying bursts of energy released by the sun.

According to researchers, an extreme enough solar storm could cripple the world’s electronic and satellite systems, potentially causing financial damages tallying over $2 trillion."

"In October, NOAA took control of DSCOVR from NASA, which launched the satellite, and is optimizing the satellite before it becomes fully operational. The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, which continuously monitors the sun, factors into the action plan as well, providing the initial notification that a solar flare or storm occurs.That initial warning allows up to a 15-hour window to prepare the Earth’s communication, power and satellite systems in the event of a serious solar storm."

Robert Wirt- Tropical Storm Chedza

Link: http://www.disaster-report.com/2015/01/chedza-storm-kills-14-in-madagascar.html

In January 2015 Tropical Storm Chedza caused the deaths of fourteen in Madagascar. Flooding and heavy rains has been wreaking havoc in Madagascar.  Chedza caused about 40 million dollars in damages.
"Tropical storm Chedza has further displaced more than 36,000 Madagascans. Most of the fatalities are as a result of landslides caused by heavy rain and building collapses as strong winds tore roofs from houses." 

Robert Wirt- Colombian Landslide

Link: http://www.disaster-report.com/2015/05/colombia-landslide-news-at-least-78-dead.html

A Colombian Landslide killed 78 people. Heavy rains caused the river Liboriana to burst its banks causing a devastating landslide. The houses of more than 500 people had been damaged. It was so devastating the Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos declared a State of Emergency.

Landslide in Salgar municipality, Antioquia department, Colombia (AFP Photo/Raul Arboleda)

Robert Wirt- Canada, Bad Weather in Whale Watching is Fatal

Link: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/canada/11959350/Whale-watching-boat-operators-dangerously-exposed-to-bad-weather.html

Five British nationals enjoying whale watching were killed when their boat capsized. The waters the boat was sailing through was exposed to incoming bad weather.

"Fishermen who were working in the area at the time of the accident – and who led the subsequent rescue mission – said they had chosen to avoid that stretch of water that day because they knew it was 'too dangerous'." “We stayed away from the reef because we knew the weather was going to blow up. The waves were bigger and the wind had picked up,” said Ken Brown, who, along with his boating partner, was the first to reach the sinking vessel.

The Boat , The Leviathan II capsized after sailing near a rocky outcrop, so that the tourists on board could observe a group of sea lions.

The whale-watching boat capsized in the waters northwest of Tofino, British Columbia, Canada Photo: Rick Collins

Robert Wirt- Russia Claims Bad Weather Caused Jet to Violate Turkish Airspace

Link: http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/international/europe/2015/10/05/russia-bad-weather-caused-jet-violate-turkish-airspace/73394304/

Before the November 24, 2015 shoot down of a Russia jet by Turkish jets after violation of Turkish airspace Russian jets where intercepted previously on Oct 5th. Russia responded that their Jets were forced to go into Turkish airspace due to bad weather conditions.

"Russia on Monday said one of its warplanes had briefly entered Turkish air space during raids in Syria at the weekend due to bad weather, after the incident sparked concern in Ankara and the West. Turkey said the Russian aircraft exited its airspace after it was intercepted by two Turkish F-16 fighter jets. Moscow said that a Russian Su-30 warplane entered Turkish air space for "several seconds" on Saturday as it sought to return to Syria's Hmeimim air base after carrying out raids against Islamic State militants."

A Russian Su-27 SM fighter jet lands on the airfield of Belbek military airport outside Sevastopol on Nov. 26, 2014.

Robert Wirt- Flooding In Belfast

Link: http://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/floods-chilly-winds-belfast-signal-10409389

On November 8th Belfast was hit by bad storms causing flooding. This causes a particular hazard to those driving through Belfast's flooded streets.
"A chilly wind and flood-ridden roads greeted the people of Belfast today - signaling the arrival of bad weather after a bit of an Indian summer in recent weeks. Temperatures throughout the week are forecasted between 12°C and 16°C - but it promises to be wet and windy throughout."

Flooding on the Andersonstown Road in West Belfast

Robert Wirt- Weather prevents helicopter wreck recovery

Link: http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/290253/bad-weather-hampers-crash-recovery

On November 21, 2015 a sightseeing helicopter crashed on Fox Glacier in the South Island of New Zealand. All seven people on board the helicopter died. The days after bad weather prevents the recovery of the crash, because it is not safe to put anyone on the glaciers at the time being.

"The wreck of the AS350 helicopter remains wedged in a crevasse towards the top of the glacier.Police, military and civilian teams were in the township of Fox Glacier on Sunday waiting for a break in the weather and it came just before midday, allowing multiple helicopter flights."

The first recovery chopper leaves for the Fox Glacier.

Photo: RNZ / Peter Newport

Robert Wirt- Ohio Plane Crash caused by bad weather

Link: http://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2015/11/18/pilots-akron-crash-were-warned-bad-weather/76007646/

"Nine people on board the jet, including the two pilots, were killed when it crashed Nov. 10 less than two miles from Akron Fulton International Airport." The 10-seat Hawker H25 jet then crashed on a flight from Dayton to Akron.The pilot was allegedly warned before crashing the jet. 
" A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board says that just before a business jet crashed into an Akron apartment building, an instructor on another plane warned the pilots that weather conditions were barely suitable for landing."

Robert Wirt-Hurricane Patricia

Link: http://www.weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/hurricane-patricia-mexico-coast


Hurricane Patricia was a tropical cyclone that formed in the eastern Pacific and rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane. The cyclone strengthened, then it rapidly weakened over the rugged terrain of Mexico. Patricia started on Oct. 20, 2015 and last until Oct. 24. Patricia also broke records. 
"Just 30 hours after peaking in intensity as the most powerful tropical cyclone ever measured in the Western Hemisphere, former Hurricane Patricia degenerated into a weak remnant low over northeast Mexico.On Oct. 23, Patricia became the most powerful tropical cyclone ever measured in the Western Hemisphere as its maximum sustained winds reached an unprecedented 200 mph (320 kph) and its central pressure fell to 879 millibars (25.96 inches of mercury)."

An enhanced satellite image showing Category 5 Hurricane Patricia at landfall near Cuixmala, Mexico at 6:15 p.m. CDT, Oct. 23, 2015.

Robert Wirt- Australia, Brisbane Electric Storm

Link: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/amazing-image-brisbane-electric-storms-6937472

Australia experiences recent freak weather with electric storms with lots of lightning.  Brisbane had heavy electric storms.
"The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted a long hot summer ahead for the area, with more powerful thunderstorms coming up in the next few months."

"Photographer Matthew Drinkall caught 33 individual lightning strikes as they bombarded the city from above, then morphed them into this one electrifying image."

Lighting shooting East from Kangaroo Point

Robert Wirt-El Nino revive California's Ski Industry hopes after drought

Link: http://cvbj.biz/2015/12/04/18956/

Four years of no rain has devastated winter storms in California. Luckily recent storms have given Sierra Ski resort almost three feet of snow. Ski parks are hoping El Nino will bring more snow for a better more profitable winter season.
"Some forecasters predict California’s mountains will see three times as much snowfall this winter compared to last year. Meteorologists believe the ski industry has El Nino to thank for its good fortune."
"California has 27 resorts – with two nearby in Nevada. It’s the nation’s most popular skiing and snowboarding region after Colorado."
"The last couple of years have been bad beyond anyone’s imagination, but this season’s already far better,” said California Ski Industry Association Executive Director Bob Roberts. “Because it’s been such a rough time for winter recreation, every resort felt obligated to open as early as possible.”

PHOTO: DODGE RIDGE

Robert Wirt- Britain Prepares for Storms

Link: http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/478591/FLOOD-ALERT-Britain-braced-storm-rain-Clodagh

The UK will be experiencing heavy storms and snow through December leading up to Christmas.
Wales is expected to be hit the hardest. Environment Agency officials have issued 32 flood warnings across Britain. Recently Storm Clodagh struck the Uk with 70mph gusts seen below.

Robert Wirt- 24 year record rain in Texas

Link: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/11/28/rain-ice-coat-parts-of-texas-oklahoma-and-arkansas/76491054/

Fourteen deaths occurred over Thanksgiving Weekend in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
8 Deaths in North Texas from floods. This broke a 24 year record. Six other fatalities happened due to ice storms causing car accidents in Oklahoma and Kansas.
"Rainfall totals for Texas surpassed a 24-year record set at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, reaching well over 4 1/2-feet, or 55.91 inches, for the year. The 1991 record was 53.54 inches."
"Weather experts have predicted a wet year across the country because of a strong El Niño, a periodic warming of tropical Pacific Ocean water that affects weather around the world."

Robert Wirt- 8.3 Magnitude Earthquake Chile

Link: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-34275783

"At least 10 people died when the 8.3-magnitude quake hit at at 19:54 local time (22:54 GMT).

Residents of Illapel, near the quake's epicentre, fled into the streets in terror as their homes began to sway. 

In the coastal town of Coquimbo, waves of 4.7m (15ft) hit the shore. A tsunami alert was issued for the entire Chilean coast but has since been lifted."

Resulting from the quake Tsunami waves half a meter high hit North and South off Chile's coast. This disaster affected thousands leaving many without drinking water or electricity. 

Robert Wirt-Guatemala Volcano Eruption

Link: http://news.yahoo.com/guatemala-volcano-roars-back-life-214146249.html

On October 7, 2015 Guatemala's volcano Fuego spewed gas and ash 16,000 feet above sea level. Fuego is located 30 miles from Guatemala City.  Safety officials did not however need to warn residents to evacuate yet. Its name translates to Volcano of Fire. Fuego is 12,346 ft in elevation. Fuego is famous for being a persistently active Volcano at a low level.

Robert Wirt- Nicaragua's Momotombo Volcano's Eruption 110 Yr Record

Link: http://abc13.com/weather/nicaraguas-momotombo-volcano-erupts-for-first-time-in-110-years/1109422/

Tuesday December 2nd, the Momotombo Volcano located in Leon, Nicaragua began to erupt, the first known eruption in 110 years! Some of the volcanoe's plumes reached 1000 yards high. In 1610 the entire city of Leon was forced to relocate after a big eruption.

View image on Twitter

Robert Wirt-Western Kansas Hit hard by natural disasters.

Link: http://ksn.com/2015/11/19/western-kansas-experiences-tornadoes-blizzard-earthquake-in-matter-of-days/

In a matter of days around 11/19/2015 Kansas experienced tornadoes, a blizzard, and earthquake in a matter of days. The Earthquake a magnitude 4.7 was centered near Cherokee, Oklahoma.

"Pointing to a map on a computer screen, Hutton, Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Dodge City, explains the tornado events across southwest Kansas on Monday.

“If you look, it actually turned a little left and missed Kismet and got very large almost a mile wide west of north Plains,” he said.