wind conditions
What is the current situation in the southeast after the recent powerful storm system?
The southeast is facing a worsening crisis as the death toll rises to at least 15 people across several states following a powerful storm system. After relentless rain submerged entire neighborhoods underwater, millions are now confronting a new threat as bitter cold moves into the region. The situation has left residents in a state of shock and uncertainty, with one person expressing their dismay saying, "All you can do is look at it and think, what in the world are we going to do?" The combination of flooding and incoming cold temperatures creates dangerous conditions for affected communities as recovery efforts begin.
Watch clip answer (00:19m)What advice are authorities giving to drivers facing hazardous winter road conditions?
Authorities are strongly advising drivers to exercise extra caution when traveling during severe winter weather conditions. They recommend being particularly vigilant on roads that may be affected by black ice and other winter hazards following recent storms and flooding. Beyond just being careful, officials are suggesting that the safest option is for people to avoid traveling altogether if possible. By staying off the roads completely, drivers can eliminate the risk of accidents on icy surfaces, allowing first responders to focus on helping those already impacted by the severe weather conditions.
Watch clip answer (00:08m)What were the runway conditions at Toronto Pearson Airport when the Dirta Airlines jet crashed?
According to Canadian officials, the runway surface at Toronto Pearson Airport was dry at the time of the incident, contrary to what might be expected following a significant snowstorm. Officials also reported that there were no adverse cross-wind conditions when the crash occurred. While 18 people were injured in the crash, including three critically, the Transportation Safety Board is still investigating to determine the cause, which remains unknown. These initial findings about runway conditions are important early data points in the ongoing investigation.
Watch clip answer (00:11m)What environmental factors contributed to the recent plane landing incident?
The recent plane landing incident was significantly impacted by severe wind conditions. According to CBS News senior transportation correspondent Chris Van Cleave, wind gusts reaching up to 40 miles per hour were present during the landing, creating challenging conditions for the aircraft. These strong crosswinds were identified as a key factor in what appears to have been a hard landing situation. While multiple elements likely contributed to the incident, these wind conditions provide investigators with an important starting point for understanding what happened during the landing.
Watch clip answer (00:07m)What is the current situation with the flooding in Kentucky?
Kentucky is facing a devastating flood crisis with the death toll having risen to 12. The situation has become increasingly dire, with at least 1,000 people stranded by the rising waters, necessitating large-scale rescue operations. The severe flooding has created dangerous conditions across the state, leaving many residents isolated and in need of emergency assistance. Rescue teams have been working to evacuate those stranded by the floodwaters as part of the ongoing emergency response to this weather disaster.
Watch clip answer (00:09m)What are the effects of the current polar vortex on US weather conditions?
The polar vortex is causing life-threatening cold across a vast region from the Canadian border to Oklahoma and central Texas. Wind chills have dropped to extreme levels, reaching minus 51°C in North Dakota and minus 46°C in Montana, prompting the National Weather Service to issue extreme cold warnings for an 11-state area. Meteorologists have identified this as the 10th polar vortex event this season, with Arctic air expected to bring near-record cold temperatures across the US midsection by midweek. This severe weather follows weekend storms that caused flooding in the eastern United States, creating compounding hazardous conditions across multiple regions.
Watch clip answer (00:49m)