Across the Nation

Published April 26 2025

- **Severe Weather and Wildfires**: The USA is currently experiencing multiple significant weather events, including large wildfires in various regions. Michaux State Forest in Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey are grappling with wildfires consuming thousands of acres, prompting emergency responses and evacuations. The New Jersey Pine Barrens' Jones Road Wildfire alone has burned over 15,300 acres.

- **Flooding Concerns**: Flash flood warnings have been issued across several states including Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana due to persistent rainfall and thunderstorms. Urban areas are facing unexpected flooding challenges, with residents in places like Omaha and Tyler expressing frustration with frequent floodwaters entering homes due to insufficient stormwater infrastructure.

- **Avalanche Risks**: As the winter season transitions, avalanche danger ratings have been updated for various regions. The Valdez Avalanche Center in Alaska has issued a moderate danger level warning, urging outdoor enthusiasts to remain cautious of unstable snow conditions.

- **Climate Trends**: Reports indicate emerging climate trends showing Houston's extreme weather future, with intensified fires and severe weather incidents becoming more common. Officials and emergency response teams across the country are preparing for what is expected to be a 'very busy and heavy' wildfire season, particularly in Anchorage, Alaska.

- **Natural Disaster Response**: In the aftermath of recent natural disasters, such as Hurricane Helene, communities are actively seeking federal disaster relief and assistance. The State Emergency Response Commission has released updates on hurricane response efforts, highlighting the ongoing recovery and aid processes.

- **Legislative Actions on Wildfires**: Lawmakers are addressing wildfire risks and insurance challenges through proposed legislation and working groups. Congressman Flood emphasized the importance of weather balloons for wildfire predictions, while states like Wyoming are enhancing interagency wildfire response training to bolster preparedness.

Warnings & Alerts

As the country braces for an amalgamation of turbulent natural events, Oklahoma is under the thumb of severe thunderstorms, with multiple warnings from Norman's NWS highlighting imminent threats, including those near Faxon moving northeast, unleashing potential hail and damaging winds until 7:45 AM CDT. Meanwhile, Western Comanche County faces the peril of flash floods until 9:45 AM CDT. Over in New Mexico, the early hours have seen thunderstorms spawning flash floods, particularly daunting for residents up until 7 AM MDT. The South isn't spared either; Mississippi's relentless rains have led to continued flood warnings across numerous rivers, including the Yazoo at Yazoo City and the Mississippi River, affecting life and landscape well into early May. Up north, Wisconsin's Wisconsin River at Portage remains under a flood warning till late evening, reflective of an expansive crisis from the Midwest to the Southern states, including Kentucky, Tennessee, and Louisiana, where rising waters threaten communities along the Angelina and Neches River and the Mississippi River at Reserve is under vigilant watch. Arkansas's Ouachita River at Thatcher L&D is another site of concern, echoing the broader pattern of rivers swelling beyond their brims. Missouri's Osage River and Michigan's Sturgeon River haven't been spared, with flood warnings indicating the widespread grip of Mother Nature's deluge. Amidst this, the enduring battle against wildfires stretches from Pennsylvania's Michaux State Forest, where recent efforts have turned the tide in containment, to the lingering smokes in New Jersey's Pine Barrens, and proactive measures in states like Alaska and Colorado anticipating a heavy wildfire season. As communities across the USA navigate floodwaters and keep a wary eye on the horizon for wildfires, it's a poignant reminder of the relentless cycle of nature's challenges and the resilience demanded from us all.

Avalanche Outlook

As spring advances across the nation, mountain enthusiasts must remain vigilant as the complex interplay of warming weather and lingering snowpack creates a diverse set of avalanche conditions. While the data from avalanche centers in regions like California and Washington indicate a period of off-season or low danger, suggesting generally stable conditions overall, sudden shifts in weather can alter the avalanche risk dramatically. The backcountry, particularly in more elevated or northerly areas, can still hold pockets of instability that demand ...

Reservoirs & Dams

Across the nation, dams and reservoirs play a critical role in water supply, flood control, and recreation. Observations of these vital water bodies reveal varied storage levels, with some regions experiencing surpluses due to increased precipitation or snowmelt, and others facing drought conditions that lead to lower than average water levels. These conditions are consequential not only for the immediate areas around the reservoirs but also for downstream water users and ecosystems that depend on consistent water flows.

For ...

Flood Monitoring

Devastating floods have swept across several regions of the nation, following torrential rains that have caused rivers to swell beyond their banks. Current observations indicate that streamflow measurements in areas such as the Tombigbee, Shenango, and Brazos watersheds have been exceedingly high, with percentages several times above normal, signaling a severe and immediate threat to surrounding communities. Cities like Aberdeen and Carrollton near the Middle Tombigbee-Lubbub, as well as Greenville along the Brazos River, are facing particularly perilous conditions. With ...

Ski Area Conditions

As winter sports enthusiasts look forward to fresh powder, the latest snowfall reports and forecasts point to prime conditions in select areas of the United States. In California, the Mumbo Basin Raws near the Mount Shasta ski area has received a substantial 14 inches of new snow with a base of 93 inches, though skiers should be prepared for a chance of rain in the forecast. Nearby, Nohrsc Horse Meadows received 9 inches of new snowfall, with a base of ...

As wildfires continue to ignite across the nation, communities are grappling with the fallout and the significant threat they pose to both human life and the environment. Today's reports reveal a series of fires, including the 'Easter Fire' and '3 Mile' fire, both caused by human activity, scorching through hectares of land. In addition to the destruction of natural habitats, these fires have been implicated in the worsening air quality in regions like Cincinnati, underscoring the far-reaching impacts of such ...

Snowpack & Snowfall Totals

As the winter season unfurls its chilly embrace, snow enthusiasts are reveling in the recent snowfall reports and upcoming forecasts for the nation's frosty landscapes. In the last 24 hours, the Mumbo Basin Raws in California has seen a significant dusting, with 14 inches of fresh powder adding to a base of 93 inches, even though the weather teases with a chance of rain. Not far behind, the Nohrsc Horse Meadows in the same state is blanketed by 9 inches ...

River Levels

Recent observations across the United States have indicated that a variety of rivers and streams are experiencing above-average streamflows, leading to concerns about potential flooding and the impacts on communities and ecosystems. The latest data from stream gauges reveal that the mighty Mississippi River is swelling considerably with its tributaries reporting high waters in states including Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Illinois. Cities like Vicksburg, Memphis, Baton Rouge, and St. Louis should stay alert as weather forecasts predict more rain, which ...