www.youtube.com – WRAL – 2024-11-18 17:56:18

SUMMARY: The WL Severe Weather Team has released its winter weather outlook, highlighting several factors affecting the forecast. The team predicts a 60% chance of La Niña development, which typically results in below-average snowfall and warmer temperatures for the region. Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) is also high this year, with fewer winter storms expected due to energy being consumed by hurricanes. Siberian snow cover was below normal, suggesting a stronger polar vortex and milder temperatures. Finally, climate trends show a significant decline in snowfall over the past decades, with expectations of minimal snow this year.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there’s a 60% chance that a La Niña will develop later this month.

In La Niña years, storm tracks stay north of our region and keep the colder air farther north. Sixty-four percent of winters during La Niña result in below-normal snowfall and above-normal temperatures for us. So, for snow lovers, it doesn’t look promising.

Since 2000, we’ve experienced 16 years of above-normal accumulated cyclone energy or ACE, with 10 of those years seeing below-normal snowfall. This year, the tropics have used up a lot of energy.

The atmosphere operates on a finite “energy budget,” and this year hurricanes consumed a significant portion of this budget by transferring heat toward the poles. This imbalance leads to fewer winter storms.

Siberian snow cover reflects 70 to 80% of the sun’s heat back into space. Studies have found a strong correlation between the extent of snow cover in Siberia in October and winter storms in the eastern United States.

When Siberian snow cover is below normal in October, it often leads to a stronger polar vortex, which tends to keep cold air locked at the poles, resulting in milder winters for North Carolina.

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Elyse Apel | The Center Square – 2024-11-19 16:40:00

SUMMARY: North Carolina’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency faces a severe budget shortfall estimated at $175 million, potentially reaching $265 million, sparking criticism from legislators who deem the program a “failure.” Lawmakers are dissatisfied with the office’s handling of prior hurricane recovery efforts, specifically following Hurricanes Matthew and Florence. Only 2,800 of 4,200 approved homes have been completed, leaving many families still affected. Legislators voiced concerns over accountability and the quality of completed work. Despite accepting responsibility, Chief Operating Officer Laura Hogshead refuses to resign. The office is now seeking additional funding to address ongoing recovery needs.

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Casey Harper | The Center Square – 2024-11-19 14:56:00

SUMMARY: FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell confirmed she approved the firing of an employee who instructed workers not to visit homes with Trump signs following Hurricane Helene. The employee’s actions sparked controversy, and some claimed it reflected a broader issue within FEMA. While Criswell asserted this was an isolated incident, lawmakers questioned the agency’s practices, with some alleging similar reports from North Carolina. Rep. Jim Jordan pressed Criswell on inconsistencies between her statements and the claims of other sources. Criswell promised further investigation, and Rep. Scott Perry pushed for an inspector general review. Some lawmakers criticized FEMA’s accountability system.

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The post FEMA head grilled about staffer who told others to avoid homes with Trump signs | National appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com