Tag:

Drought

Hudson Valley Escalates To Drought Warning: Officials Urge Water Conservation Hudson Valley Escalates To Drought Warning: Officials Urge Water Conservation
Hudson Valley Escalates To Drought Warning: Officials Urge Water Conservation As the dry spell continues and wildfires persist, New York State has raised the Hudson Valley's drought status to a warning level, prompting intensified voluntary water conservation efforts across the region. On Wednesday, Nov. 20, the state heightened its drought advisory for the Hudson Valley from a watch to a warning, though immediate concerns for Rockland's water sources remain minimal for now.  Officials said the longer the region experiences dry conditions, the more pressing the concern becomes.  A Drought Warning is the second in a four-stage advisory system that includes …
Snow Could Fall In Sussex County After Rain: Here's Where Snow Could Fall In Sussex County After Rain: Here's Where
Snow Could Fall In Sussex County After Rain: Here's Where Cooler temperatures are here to stay for the week, with the National Weather Service forecasting rain and even snow in some parts of New Jersey this week (scroll for snow map). The National Weather Service in Mount Holly says that the cold front, which brought a 5- to 10-degree temperature drop, will continue to influence the region's weather. "Widespread rain, and even a little snow in the Poconos, will arrive for Wednesday night through Thursday night," officials said. According to AccuWeather, a storm system in the Great Lakes will shift to the Atlantic Coast.  "The rain may behave…
'Historic Low': Manasquan Reservoir Drops Below Half Capacity As Wildfires Burn Across NJ 'Historic Low': Manasquan Reservoir Drops Below Half Capacity As Wildfires Burn Across NJ
'Historic Low': Manasquan Reservoir Drops Below Half Capacity As Wildfires Burn Across NJ The Manasquan Reservoir, a crucial water source in Monmouth County, has dropped to historically low levels as New Jersey experiences wildfires and drastic drought conditions. The reservoir's water elevation was recorded at 91.27 feet above sea level on the morning of Monday, Nov. 18, according to Marc Brooks, executive director of the New Jersey Water Supply Authority (NJWSA). That measurement at the Howell Township reservoir was 11.73 feet below its full pool level. The reservoir was holding 2.3 billion gallons of water, which is just 49.35 percent of its 4.67-bill…
Brush Fire Engulfs, Destroys Greenwich Police SUV Brush Fire Engulfs, Destroys Greenwich Police SUV
Brush Fire Engulfs, Destroys Greenwich Police SUV A Connecticut police cruiser was destroyed when a brush fire leaped onto the vehicle and burned it completely.  A Greenwich police officer was out of the car and responding to a medical call on Wednesday morning when the brush fire crept onto their vehicle, authorities said.  No one was injured.  Related: Brush Fire Destroys Two-Family Home Greenwich Police used the blaze to remind residents to be aware of potential brush fires as Connecticut remains under a red flag warning. Multiple small fires have turned into potentially life-threatening ones in recent weeks because of …
Massive Apartment Fire Displaces 25+ People, Injures Six First Responders In Pine Hill Massive Apartment Fire Displaces 25+ People, Injures Six First Responders In Pine Hill
Massive Apartment Fire Displaces 25+ People, Injures Six First Responders In Pine Hill More than two dozen people were without homes and six first responders were injured after a fire destroyed several apartments in Pine Hill, according to officials and reports. The fire started at the 16-unit apartment building on West Branch Avenue on the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 12, the Camden County firefighters union said in a Facebook post. "First-arriving firefighters found heavy fire showing from the building, people jumping from balconies, and received a report of at least one person trapped," International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 3249 posted. Last night just a…
Governor Provides Update On Wildfires In Hudson Valley Governor Provides Update On Wildfires In Hudson Valley
Governor Provides Update On Wildfires In Hudson Valley As the wildfires continue to burn across the Hudson Valley, Gov. Kathy Hochul updated what's being done to mitigate and contain them. On Tuesday, Nov. 12, Hochul said a multi-agency response had been deployed to fires in Orange and Ulster counties in close coordination with local fire departments and first responders.  According to Hochul, an aerial investigation shows the Orange County fire named the Jennings Creek/Sterling State Park wildfire in New York and New Jersey now encompasses 5,000 acres, half of which is in New York, and is 10 percent contained in both states. The fire in …
2,500-Acre Jennings Creek Wildfire Continues To Burn, Cannonball 3 Wildfire Mostly Contained 2,500-Acre Jennings Creek Wildfire Continues To Burn, Cannonball 3 Wildfire Mostly Contained
2,500-Acre Jennings Creek Wildfire Continues To Burn, Cannonball 3 Wildfire Mostly Contained A massive wildfire spanning 2,500 acres is burning through West Milford, NJ, and into Orange County, NY, threatening homes and historic sites as firefighters battle to contain it.  Known as the Jennings Creek Wildfire, the blaze has put two residential buildings in New Jersey and 14 structures on East Shore Road in New York at risk, along with eight historic buildings in the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said in the latest update Sunday morning, Nov. 10. Good Morning West Milford, Today Forest Fire will begin back burn operations in the …
'Be Better Dude:' Fed-Up NJ Resident Calls Out Lincoln Park Smoker Amid NJ Wildfires 'Be Better Dude:' Fed-Up NJ Resident Calls Out Lincoln Park Smoker Amid NJ Wildfires
'Be Better Dude:' Fed-Up NJ Resident Calls Out Lincoln Park Smoker Amid NJ Wildfires As wildfires continue to rage in Morris County, patience is wearing thin. A Morris County wildfire that residents say was caused by fireworks set off on Halloween night had spread to nearly 140 acres last week as the state continues to be hit with a drought of more than a month. The wildfire occurred at The Craigmeur Lookout near Notch Road in Rockaway Township. Several farms in the area had  to to evacuate their animals for the second time this month, following the Microwave Wildfire last month. One Redditor had enough, in the thread "To the guy in the white Acura…
Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One
Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One New Jersey is actively managing five wildfires across multiple counties, sending smoke into surrounding towns and worsening the air quality. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) continues efforts to contain the flames under a Red Flag Warning issued through Saturday, Nov. 9, by the U.S. National Weather Service.  HIGH Fire Danger Today! A Red Flag Warning is in effect today into this evening as very dry conditions and gusty winds... Posted by US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly on Friday, November 8, 2024 Here's the updated status for each of the five wi…
House Evacuations Ordered For Evesham Twp. Wildfire In Drought-Stricken South Jersey House Evacuations Ordered For Evesham Twp. Wildfire In Drought-Stricken South Jersey
House Evacuations Ordered For Evesham Twp. Wildfire In Drought-Stricken South Jersey Crews were battling a 200-acre wildfire in Evesham Township, the second one burning in a very dry South Jersey, officials said. As of Thursday afternoon, Nov. 7, 104 structures were threatened and 12 were evacuated due to the fire in the Kettle Run section of Evesham, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said. The Forest Fire Service has responded with fire engines, bulldozers, ground crews, a helicopter capable of dropping 350 gallons of water at a time, an observation chopper, and more, the agency said. There was also a 300-acre wildfire burning in Jackson Township. The…
Drought Conditions Declared In 35 PA Counties: State Environmental Officials Drought Conditions Declared In 35 PA Counties: State Environmental Officials
Drought Conditions Declared In 35 PA Counties: State Environmental Officials Drought conditions have been declared in 35 Pennsylvania counties as of Friday, Nov. 1, according to state environmental officials. Thirty-three of those counties are under a Drought Watch while two others are under a Drought Warning, the state's Department of Environmental Protection said in a news release. The following counties fall under the Drought Watch: Adams, Allegheny, Beaver, Bucks, Butler, Carbon, Chester, Clearfield, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Greene, Indiana, Lancaster, Lawrence, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Montgomery, Montour, North…
Burn Ban Issued In Rockland County Due To Red Flag Warnings, Numerous Fires Burn Ban Issued In Rockland County Due To Red Flag Warnings, Numerous Fires
Burn Ban Issued In Rockland County Due To Red Flag Warnings, Numerous Fires In response to ongoing dry conditions and an increased fire danger, Rockland County Executive Ed Day has issued an executive order for a countywide burn ban, effective immediately.  This action was issued for Rockland County on Friday, Nov. 1.  Day said the ban was made in consultation with the Rockland County Office of Fire and Emergency Services in light of the National Weather Service's red flag warnings indicating heightened fire risk. The ban prohibits all outdoor burning activities, including but not limited to the burning of brush, leaves, and other yard debris, along with…
Drought Watch Remains In Effect For These NY Counties Drought Watch Remains In Effect For These NY Counties
Drought Watch Remains In Effect For These NY Counties Drought conditions have improved in New York State since the summer but a drought watch remains in effect in seven counties. The State's Drought Management Task Force updated the drought status to "Normal" from "Drought Watch" for multiple regions including most of upstate New York because of recent rainfall and higher levels of ground and surface water.  "Despite the encouraging hydrological conditions, all New Yorkers are urged to continue reducing unnecessary water waste, fixing leaks, and choosing efficient water fixtures," the New York State Department of Environmental Conservatio…
'Please Continue Those Efforts': County In Hudson Valley Gives Update On Water Restrictions 'Please Continue Those Efforts': County In Hudson Valley Gives Update On Water Restrictions
'Please Continue Those Efforts': County In Hudson Valley Gives Update On Water Restrictions Officials in a Hudson Valley county have given an update on water usage in the weeks since mandatory restrictions were changed to voluntary. Rockland County Executive Ed Day announced that a Modified Stage II Water Emergency was in effect on Thursday, Aug. 18, due to the dry conditions at the time, causing unprecedented flow levels in the Ramapo River, which limited the use of Veolia’s Ramapo Valley Well Field. Water Emergency: Rockland County Implements Mandatory Restrictions On Water Use The restrictions, which mainly impacted outdoor water usage, were made voluntary on Wednesd…
These Areas In NY Under Severe Drought Conditions These Areas In NY Under Severe Drought Conditions
These Areas In NY Under Severe Drought Conditions Long Island and parts of the Hudson Valley are currently experiencing severe drought conditions, according to the US Drought Monitor. The map of drought conditions across the country, which is released every Thursday, classified a number of New York counties as experiencing severe drought conditions as of Thursday, Sept. 1. The website reported that drought persisted or expanded across much of the Northeast since the previous update, with increases in severe drought conditions in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. According to the update, the following areas are experiencing sever…
Nearly All Of CT Under Severe Drought Conditions Nearly All Of CT Under Severe Drought Conditions
Nearly All Of CT Under Severe Drought Conditions Severe drought conditions are being felt throughout Connecticut, leading to dried-out lawns, brittle trees, and lowered water supplies. The US Drought Monitor's map of drought conditions across the country, which is released every Thursday, classified all Connecticut counties as experiencing severe drought conditions as of Thursday, Sept. 1, except for a portion of New London County which is experiencing extreme drought. The website reported that drought persisted or expanded across much of the Northeast since the previous update, with increases in severe drought conditions in Connecticut, …
Breakheart Reservation Fire In Saugus Ignited By 5 Fires, Mass DCR Says Breakheart Reservation Fire In Saugus Ignited By 5 Fires, Mass DCR Says
Breakheart Reservation Fire In Saugus Ignited By 5 Fires, Mass DCR Says A multi-acre brush that has been burning for a week started from five individual fires, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) said. The fires at Breakheart Reservation in Saugus were ignited on Wednesday, Aug. 17, DCR said. Two of the fires later merged into one larger fire and another fire also started, DCR added.  In total, the blaze has burned through 79 acres. Monday rainfall did bring some temporary relief, but the persistent drought conditions in Massachusetts have made it extremely difficult for crews to contain the flames.  Lynnfield Fire Squad 1 …
Breakheart Reservation In Saugus Still Closed As Crews Battle Massive Brush Fire (PHOTOS) Breakheart Reservation In Saugus Still Closed As Crews Battle Massive Brush Fire (PHOTOS)
Breakheart Reservation In Saugus Still Closed As Crews Battle Massive Brush Fire (Photos) Breakheart Reservation in Saugus has been closed for several days because of a multi-acre brush fire that has shown no signs of stopping.  The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) originally closed the park on Wednesday, Aug. 17 but has since extended the closure until Wednesday, Aug. 24.  UPDATE: @MassDCR has issued the following recreational advisory for Breakheart Reservation in Saugus: pic.twitter.com/J6B6jjuRN9 — MassDCR (@MassDCR) August 21, 2022 While the cause of the fire is under investigation, A DCR official told NBC Boston that these fires are "suspi…
Water Emergency: County In Hudson Valley Implements Mandatory Restrictions On Water Use Water Emergency: County In Hudson Valley Implements Mandatory Restrictions On Water Use
Water Emergency: County In Hudson Valley Implements Mandatory Restrictions On Water Use A county in the Hudson Valley is implementing mandatory restrictions on water use due to dry conditions.  Rockland County Executive Ed Day announced that a Modified Stage II Water Emergency will be in effect in the county beginning Thursday, Aug. 18. Earlier report: Drought Watch Expanded To Include These NY Counties The water emergency is the result of unprecedented flow levels in the Ramapo River, which limited the use of Veolia’s Ramapo Valley Well Field, a significant source of water for residents. Officials said the water-saving measures apply to all residents and busin…
List Of All Massachusetts Cities, Towns With Outdoor Water Use Restrictions List Of All Massachusetts Cities, Towns With Outdoor Water Use Restrictions
List Of All Massachusetts Cities, Towns With Outdoor Water Use Restrictions With about 25% of Massachusetts now experiencing extreme drought conditions, many cities and towns in the Commonwealth are limiting outdoor water use to reduce water consumption.  The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) says these restrictions could vary but often include:  Limitations on the hours of the day you may water Limitations on the number of days per week you may water Restrictions to automatic sprinklers or irrigation systems A complete ban on outdoor watering There are about 160 cities and towns that have issued restrictions and a majority of them ar…
Village In Capital District Asks Residents To Conserve Water Village In Capital District Asks Residents To Conserve Water
Village In Capital District Asks Residents To Conserve Water Authorities are asking some residents in the region to conserve water until further notice. In Greene County, the Village of Coxsackie issued a notice Tuesday, Aug. 9, asking customers served by its system to conserve water Village officials cited a recent report from the National Weather Service that listed Greene County as abnormally dry due to the recent lack of rainfall. “Because the water system is affected by this, all residents served by this water system are asked to do their part to conserve water during the above period,” reads the notice. If voluntary conservation efforts are u…
List Of All Massachusetts Cities, Towns With Outdoor Water Use Restrictions List Of All Massachusetts Cities, Towns With Outdoor Water Use Restrictions
List Of All Massachusetts Cities, Towns With Outdoor Water Use Restrictions With all of Massachusetts now experiencing noticeable drought conditions, many cities and towns in the Commonwealth are limiting outdoor water use to reduce water consumption.  The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) says these restrictions could vary but often include:  Limitations on the hours of the day you may water Limitations on the number of days per week you may water Restrictions to automatic sprinklers or irrigation systems A complete ban on outdoor watering There are about 160 cities and towns that have issued restrictions and a majority of them are m…
Northern Mass Man Dies From 'Out Of Control' Shed Fire Sparked By Propane Torch Northern Mass Man Dies From 'Out Of Control' Shed Fire Sparked By Propane Torch
Northern Mass Man Dies From 'Out Of Control' Shed Fire Sparked By Propane Torch A Chelmsford man had died from his injuries sustained from an outdoor fire that grew out of control while he was using a propane torch, the Department of Fire Services said in a release.  The fire started from a shed at a home at 12 Stearns Street shortly after noon on Wednesday, July 21, the department said.  Upon arrival, firefighters found two people were injured. One victim, an older adult male, was airlifted to a local hospital where he later died, the department said. “Outdoor fire safety is important all year long, but especially while most of Massachusetts is in significa…
Brush Fire Torches 11 Acres At Former Western Mass Landfill Brush Fire Torches 11 Acres At Former Western Mass Landfill
Brush Fire Torches 11 Acres At Former Western Mass Landfill Firefighters from several departments helped contain an 11-acre brush fire that occurred in Hampshire County Tuesday, the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services said in a release.  Granby firefighters responded to the fire in area of a former landfill at 11 New Ludlow Road around 2:35 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12, the department said.  It was soon brought to multiple alarms and required help from several neighboring departments and statewide task forces. Granby Fire Chief Michael O’Neill said the massive blaze was mostly fueled by whipping winds and dry vegetation.  Car 1 and Forestry …
NOAA Releases Long-Range Forecast For Summer NOAA Releases Long-Range Forecast For Summer
NOAA Releases Long-Range Forecast For Summer The hot and humid weather this past weekend may have been a preview of what to expect this summer. According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there is a better than average chance that it might be a long, wet summer for parts of the region, after the organization and National Weather Service (NWS) released its three-month seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks for the summer months. According to NOAA, the warmest temperatures are expected in the Midwest, though parts of New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut are expected to see a rise in slight r…
Aquarion Water Company Issues Mandatory Irrigation Ban For Five Towns In Fairfield County Aquarion Water Company Issues Mandatory Irrigation Ban For Five Towns In Fairfield County
Aquarion Water Company Issues Mandatory Irrigation Ban For Five Towns In Fairfield County Residents in five Connecticut communities are prohibited from using automatic irrigation systems and hose sprinklers, according to Aquarion Water Company, after southwest Fairfield County reached their third drought trigger this fall.  Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Stamford and Westport using the service are effected by the ban. Hand-held watering, soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems are still allowed, said Aquarion. “With drought conditions continuing to worsen across the state, this mandatory ban will help to ensure an adequate water supply for everyday needs and give reservoir…
A Worcester Reservoir Is So Dry, It Looks Like A Beach At Low Tide A Worcester Reservoir Is So Dry, It Looks Like A Beach At Low Tide
A Worcester Reservoir Is So Dry, It Looks Like A Beach At Low Tide Worcester has taken one of its 10 reservoirs offline due to "low capacity." As of Sept. 30, Worcester's reservoir system was down to 63 percent "capacity," meaning it's only 63 percent full, the Worcester Water and Sewer Department. City officials temporarily closed Quinapoxet Reservoir on Wednesday, Oct. 14. As is true for the entire area, Worcester's water supply has been declining since May due to a lack of rain.  Many communities in Massachusetts have declared droughts.  Over the last 24 years, Worcester's reservoirs have been, on average, anywhere from 77 percent to 100 per…
Is The Drought Over Yet? Northern Part Of State Dryer Than The Rest Is The Drought Over Yet? Northern Part Of State Dryer Than The Rest
Is The Drought Over Yet? Northern Part Of State Dryer Than The Rest The downpour that soaked the region deposited 2-4 inches of rainfall in Connecticut communities, but still, much of North Eastern Connecticut is experiencing extreme drought. According to state data released Thursday, Oct.1, nearly 25 percent of the state is experiencing “extreme” drought - the second highest degree of drought tracked by the state. The worst degree of drought is “exceptional.” The ranking goes, from least to most drought-like conditions are None, Abnormally Dry, Moderate Drought, Severe Drought, Extreme Drought, Exceptional Drought. All of Con…
Is The Drought Over Yet? Southern Part Of State Drier Than The Rest Is The Drought Over Yet? Southern Part Of State Drier Than The Rest
Is The Drought Over Yet? Southern Part Of State Drier Than The Rest The downpour that soaked the region on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 29-30, deposited 1.5-2 inches of rain, but still, much of southern Massachusetts is experiencing extreme drought. According to state data released Thursday, Oct.1, nearly 30 percent of the state is experiencing “extreme” drought - the second highest degree of drought tracked by the state. The worst degree of drought is “exceptional.” The ranking goes, from least to most drought-like conditions, are None, Abnormallly Dry, Moderate Drought, Severe Drought, Extreme Drought, and Exceptional Drought. In…
Eversource Says Prolonged Drought Led To Downed Trees Saturated By Storm Eversource Says Prolonged Drought Led To Downed Trees Saturated By Storm
Eversource Says Prolonged Drought Led To Downed Trees Saturated By Storm A recent drought coupled with this week’s storms attributed to the downed trees and power lines that left thousands in Connecticut without power overnight. Eversource officials said that hundreds of crews worked through the night to restore power to more than 37,000 customers, though more than 7,000 of the utility company’s 1,281,966 Connecticut customers were still in the dark as of 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30. Earlier story - Storm Knocks Out Powers To Thousands In Connecticut Eversource President of Regional Electric Operations Craig Hallstrom said that the tough conditions - on …