All articles tagged with #flooding
Waymo is voluntarily recalling about 3,800 robotaxis using its fifth- and sixth-generation ADS to fix software that could drive into flooded roadways, after incidents in Austin and elsewhere; the company says it’s implemented mitigations, added safeguards, and is restricting operations during extreme weather as it works to resume public rides, including in San Antonio where a recent flood-related incident prompted a NHTSA probe.
Waymo is recalling roughly 3,800 of its robotaxis due to safety concerns about navigating flooded roadways, prompting a precautionary review and temporary limits on operations in affected areas until fixes are implemented.
A regional flood has closed the Smoothstone River Bridge, disrupting Cameco's main supply route to the McArthur River and Key Lake operations. Although the sites are not flooded, Key Lake mill production is temporarily halted and McArthur River mine activity reduced as delivery routes are restricted. Cigar Lake continues to operate. The timeline for resuming normal deliveries is unknown, potentially impacting Cameco's 2026 production outlook for McArthur River/Key Lake, while the company works with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways to minimize disruption and keeps the overall annual production plan unchanged for now.
Scientists expect a 2026 El Niño, potentially strong or 'Super,' driven by warmer Pacific waters, which could bring heavier rains and more storms to California later this year; however, outcomes are uncertain and not guaranteed to end drought deficits.
A forecast from the International Joint Commission indicates Lake Ontario could be within a quarter-inch of flood stage by May 15, risking flooding in lakeshore communities near Rochester and prompting residents and officials to prepare, echoing memories of the damaging 2017 and 2019 floods.
North Texas remains under a weather alert as cleanup begins from Mineral Wells tornado damage; additional disturbances are expected to bring more rain and the potential for flooding through the workweek, with 1–3 inches of rain likely by Friday night and cooler, unsettled conditions into the weekend. Shelters are assisting displaced residents, and two fatalities from weekend Texas tornadoes in Parker and Wise counties have been identified.
Severe flooding from heavy rainfall hits southern China's Guangxi region, prompting evacuations in Qinzhou and leaving vehicles submerged.
Heavy rainfall pushed the Fox River and Des Plaines River above flood stage in Lake and McHenry counties, prompting widespread road closures (including Grand Avenue in Gurnee and River Road near Moraine Hills) and flood warnings as officials warn major flooding could rise downstream; residents are urged to avoid floodwaters, heed closures, and use bottled water if wells are contaminated while sandbagging efforts continue.
Chicago is experiencing its wettest start to meteorological spring on record, with rainfall surpassing typical seasonal totals and ending a multi-year drought. Through mid-April, more than 10 inches of rain have fallen this spring (about 5.47 inches in April so far, on top of March’s 4.54 inches), pushing the season well above normal and, per meteorologists, into historic territory. The heavy rains have flooded basements and streets, triggering hundreds of 311 calls, especially in the Far Northwest Side, with forecasters warning of more rain before a cooler, drier spell arrives.
A tornado watch is in effect for the Chicago area through 11 p.m. (8 p.m. for DeKalb and McHenry counties), with severe storms possible—damaging winds, hail and a few tornadoes. Flash flood warnings continue along the Des Plaines River and Fox River. Storms are moving west to east tonight and are expected to taper off, followed by cooler, drier weekend conditions with possible frost.
Severe storms swept through Chicagoland Friday evening, triggering multiple tornado warnings and severe thunderstorm warnings across several counties. The main threats are damaging winds, large hail and the potential for tornadoes, with localized flooding possible as rivers rise. The Chicago area sits in a Level 3 out of 5 risk for severe weather, with activity expected roughly from 5 p.m. to midnight as storms move west to east. Utilities prepared crews for possible outages, and a cooler, drier weekend is forecast afterward.
Forecasters warn a fresh round of severe weather is expected across the central U.S. Friday into the weekend, bringing the threat of strong tornadoes, large hail, damaging winds and flash flooding. The Upper Mississippi Valley faces the highest tornado risk, with more than 51 million people from Texas to Wisconsin under threat as communities continue to recover from recent storms. The Chicago area remains under a tornado watch, and a Saturday threat extends to Cincinnati, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Buffalo. Michigan is dealing with record flooding and a state of emergency has been declared in 33 counties, while a cold front moving east will bring cooler air to the East next week.
A tornado watch expands to the entire Chicago area as two waves of severe storms move in, bringing the risk of tornadoes, funnel clouds, hail and up to 70 mph winds. Multiple tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings are in effect across several counties, with flash flood and flood watches as rivers run high. The second line of storms is expected around 8 p.m. and could last several hours, tapering off by midnight, with the western suburbs facing the highest tornado risk; power outages are possible and ComEd is staging crews, advising people to avoid downed lines and report outages.
A day of severe weather swept across Wisconsin with multiple tornado warnings and confirmed touchdowns (including near Delavan and Milton) alongside flash floods, damaging hail, and road closures. The National Weather Service issued warnings from Walworth to Marathon counties, and Milwaukee formed a Flood Mitigation Task Force while urging water conservation due to sewer overflows. Schools canceled activities, and residents were advised to seek shelter, monitor radar, and check local updates as the system moves through the state.
A new Scientific Reports study evaluates Venice’s options against IPCC sea‑level rise projections and finds no single ‘best’ path. Protective measures like dikes or a wide “super levee” could shield the city up to about 0.5 m of rise at costs ranging from €0.5–4.5 billion (and over €30 billion for a broad barrier), but relocation may be needed beyond 4.5 m of rise after 2300, potentially costing up to €100 billion. Because large defenses take 30–50 years to build, early planning is essential. Venice’s challenges are compounded by its sinking ground (~1 mm/year), storm surges, and the need to balance residents, economy, ecosystems, and heritage in decision making.