National Summary
Sat Mar 29
- **Severe Weather Events and Natural Disasters:**
- Southern Texas has been recently overwhelmed by catastrophic flooding, with reports of at least four deaths and hundreds of rescues as the region faced over half a year's worth of rain. The Rio Grande Valley saw more than a foot of rainfall, triggering flash floods and water rescues.
- South Carolina wildfires continue to grow, posing risks to homes as firefighters battle the flames. Over 10,000 acres have been affected, requiring an intensified response to contain the blazes.
- In North Carolina, the aftermath of Hurricane Helene continues to be a concern, with debris from the storm contributing to long-term wildfire risks. Vegetation management areas are still processing the damage.
- The upcoming 2025 hurricane season's first forecast suggests an active year, though with fewer named storms than previous seasons.
- **Avalanche Warnings and Snow Conditions:**
- The Mount Shasta Avalanche Center in California has issued a 'considerable' danger rating, urging careful snowpack evaluation and conservative decision-making due to dangerous avalanche conditions.
- The Utah Avalanche Center reports 'considerable' danger in the Skyline area, emphasizing the need for careful evaluation of snow and terrain as heightened avalanche conditions exist on specific terrain features.
- New snowfall has been observed across various locations, including California's Stouts Meadow and Mumbo Basin, with snow accumulation ranging from 1 to 25 inches.
- **Hydrology and River Flows:**
- The Mississippi River shows high streamflow levels at multiple locations, including Vicksburg, Baton Rouge, and Memphis, with river flows reaching hundreds of thousands of cfs (cubic feet per second).
- In the Pacific Northwest, the Columbia River at The Dalles, Oregon, reports a streamflow of 199,000 cfs, while the Willamette River in Portland shows significant flow rates.
- **Wildfire Updates:**
- Several wildfires are active across South Carolina, with the Table Rock wildfire expanding past 8,600 acres and efforts to contain it intensifying.
- Oklahoma's Forestry Chief stepped down amid controversy over wildfire response, sparking a discussion on state wildfire management strategies.
- **Outdoor Recreation Impact:**
- As the wildfire threat increases in areas like Horry County, South Carolina, outdoor burning penalties may rise to prevent the onset of wildfires.
- In areas affected by heavy snowfall and heightened avalanche danger, outdoor recreationists are urged to exercise extreme caution and stay informed about current conditions. Read more
