Tropical Storm Chantal

Having formed off the Georgia coast, Tropical Storm Chantal is expected to make landfall in South Carolina by tomorrow morning.  Since it is not a hurricane, it may not be taken as seriously as it should.

Heavy rain is expected to fall across coastal and near-inland areas of the Carolinas and coastal flooding from wind-driven waves and storm surge is forecast for North Carolina.  The risk of inland flooding may also extend into the Mid-Atlantic Region.

As we have seen with this weekend's tragic flooding in central Texas, it is increasingly difficult to predict regional rainfall.  Established models do not apply as our climate warms and those who minimize the potential effects of Chantal do so at their own risk. 

Red River Valley Storms

A stationary front stretching through the Red River Valley will be the focal point of severe thunderstorms later today.  Expected to produce strong winds, large hail, tornados and torrential rains, the train of storms will lash southern Oklahoma, northern Texas and northern Louisiana.

While the storms themselves will be destructive enough, the danger is heightened by the fact that they will peak after sunset and continue until midnight.  Deaths from severe weather are especially common at night, when many persons in their path are asleep or out for the evening.

Tomorrow, the storm system will track across the Southeast and up the Mid-Atlantic Coast .  Flooding rains will be the major concern in that region. 

A Massive Wind Storm

A powerful storm is moving across the Great Plains this afternoon, currently centered over southern Nebraska.  Ahead of the storm's cold front, strong, southwesterly winds are producing blinding dust storms and a high risk of wildfires across the Southern Plains.

Farther east and closer the the storm's center, a line of severe thunderstorms is marching across the Midwest.  Blizzard conditions are expected on the Northern Plains while a high risk of tornados has been issued for the Gulf Coast States and the front pushes eastward.

Such storm systems are common in spring but, once again, their power will continue to intensify as our climate warms.  Here along the Front Range, we are on the back side of the monster storm and downsloping, northwest winds have pushed our afternoon high into the mid 50s F.  Had the storm tracked farther to our south, an upslope snowstorm would be in progress. 

Southern Snowstorm expands Northward

The most recent snowstorm, forecast to spread from northeast Texas to the Mid-Atlantic region, is taking in more real estate than expected.  Here in central Missouri, we were initially thought to be on the northern fringe of the passing storm but received more snow overnight than we did with last week's storm, when we were squarely in the bullseye.

Indeed, snow is falling across the southern States, from Arkansas to the Carolinas, but the breath of the snowfall is now expected to reach northward to the Great Lakes.  Apparently, the storm has more strength than expected, a development that will be all too common as our climate warms.

The snowfall in our region will likely end by late morning but some of the system's more dangerous effects will come in the form of an ice storm along the southern edge of the snow swath.  As wildfires rage in the west, ice may cripple some areas of the Southeast. 

Southern End of the Appalachians

As one drives northward across the Piedmont of central Alabama, prominent ridges are noted in Metro Birmingham.  These represent the southern end of the Ridge and Valley Province of the Appalachians.

North of the city, Interstate 65 negotiates the southern end of the Appalachian Plateau, dipping, rising and curving through this heavily dissected terrain.  Along the northern edge of the Plateau is the broad valley of the Tennessee River; the highway crosses this major stream within Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, where, on cue, a pair of sandhill cranes cruised above our vehicle.

North of the river's floodplain, an appealing topography of low hills and ridges border the Interstate, drained by the Elk and Duck Rivers of Southern Tennessee; flowing westward, they are major tributaries of the Tennessee River, which curves northward toward the Ohio.  The Duck River, designated a Wild and Scenic River, is the longest stream totally within the State of Tennessee.

See also: The Western Appalachians 

Anhingas

 Among the more exotic birds in the Deep South are anhingas (photo).  Often called the "snakebird" since it swims with its long neck and pointed beak out of water, the anhinga favors wooded swamps, bayous and mangrove lined bays.

Like cormorants, they commonly perch on snags and posts to dry their wings and feed primarily on fish.  Most often seen alone, anhingas gather to breed in colonies, often in the company of other species (waders, pelicans, cormorants).

Anhingas are permanent residents in Florida, along the Gulf Coast, in coastal Mexico and Central America and throughout much of South America.  In summer, their range extends northward up the Southeast Coast and into the lower Mississippi Valley.

Little River Canyon National Preserve

The Little River rises on the Appalachian Plateau of northeast Alabama and carves a scenic canyon through the Plateau as it flows southwestward toward Weiss Lake.  Most of its winding course has been protected within a National Preserve since 1992.

The Little River Canyon Center, east of Fort Payne on Route 35, is managed by Jacksonville State University and the National Park Service; maps and other information on the Preserve's geology, flora and fauna can be found there.  It is also the starting point of an 11-mile scenic drive that winds along the north rim of the canyon, offering pull-offs and viewpoints (photo).

Our side trip to this beautiful river and its canyon was all too brief but we had to get back on the Interstate. A rendezvous with the Subtropics beckoned.

 

Cloudland Canyon State Park

Heading south for the Holidays, we took a detour to a couple of parks on the Appalachian Plateau.  The first of these was Cloudland Canyon State Park, established in 1938, in the northwest corner of Georgia.

Renowned for its scenic, Y-shaped gorge (photo), carved from the Plateau by Daniel and Bear Creeks, it is accessed by an extensive network of trails that run along the rim of the canyons, across the valley floor and throughout backcountry areas atop the plateau.  Waterfalls occur along the creeks and also plunge from the steep canyon walls.

Due to our limited time at the Park, we settled on a pleasant hike along the canyon rim but more adventurous visitors will find many more miles of trails to explore within this 3538 acre refuge.  Information, maps and supplies are available at the Visitor Center, near the main entrance off Route 136.

Widespread Drought Relief

The latest Pacific storm system, currently centered over North Texas, will track northeastward this week, bringing welcome relief to many drought-plagued areas.  Today, its trailing cold front is expected to ignite strong thunderstorms (with possible tornados and flooding rains) across the Southern Plains.

By tomorrow, the rains will fall primarily across the Midwest while the Great Lakes and Upper Ohio Valley can expect significant precipitation by mid week.  Finally, before moving out to sea, the front is forecast to bring much needed rain to New England, where wildfires continue to develop.

As the lower section of this storm front moves eastward along the Gulf Coast, it is expected to sweep copious moisture from Tropical Storm Sara across that region and the Florida Peninsula.  Meanwhile, much cooler air will drop south behind the storm as the next Pacific system brings rain and snow to the Northwest. 

Climate Change and Deveaux Bank

In the Autumn, 2024, issue of Living Bird from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, an article describes both the importance of and threat to Deveaux Bank, an offshore island at the mouth of the Edisto River, near Charleston, South Carolina.  Long known as an important breeding site for brown pelicans, black skimmers and other marine birds, it gained special notoriety in 2017 when it was documented to be a rest stop for 20,0000 whimbrels, migrating between the Arctic and South America.

As is reported in the article, Deveaux Bank was significantly eroded by Hurricane Idalia and another powerful storm last year, though some acreage has since been added back by river sediment.  Knowing its importance as both a marine bird nesting site and as a rest stop for half of the whimbrels in Eastern North America (in addition to other shorebird migrants), the island was closed to human use for seven months (March 15-October 15).

This saga highlights the fact that humans are not the only species affected by climate change (though we were the only species to cause it).  Then again, many, if not most species are more adaptable than we are; nevertheless, we must intervene on their behalf whenever possible. 

Helene takes aim on Atlanta

As Hurricane Helene churns northward above the Gulf of Mexico hot tub, residents along the Florida Gulf Coast are taking action, boarding up homes and heading for higher ground.  While devastation along the coast is expected, more individuals will likely be impacted in cities farther inland.

Both Tallahassee and Atlanta are in the "cone of uncertainty" and Helene's forward movement is rapid.  As a result, she will not weaken quickly as she comes ashore with her high winds and abundant tropical moisture.  Both of these cities can expect wind damage and extensive flooding.

Worse yet, Atlanta will receive significant precipitation from a cold front that arrives prior to Helene.  At least ten inches of rain is expected to fall across that concrete jungle over the next few days.  Once again, our warming climate is having an impact on areas far from the shore. 

Francine tests NOLA's Pumps

As Hurricane Francine comes ashore, early this afternoon, her counterclockwise winds will pull copious amounts of rain in from the Gulf of Mexico.  New Orleans lies in the projected path of that firehose and, unlike other coastal cities of the U.S., it lies below sea level.

Following the disaster produced by Hurricane Katrina, the city invested in a system of water pumps that are designed to handle up to 1 inch of rainfall per hour.  Since Francine is currently "only" a Category 1 Hurricane, it is hoped that extensive flooding can be avoided; unfortunately, the soil of southern Louisiana is already saturated due to recent heavy rains, increasing the risk of flooding.  Fortunately, the pumps are on their own power grid and will not be affected by more widespread power outages.

Nevertheless, landfalling tropical storms and hurricanes have recently over-produced when it comes to flooding.  Warmer air and warmer sea water, the products of climate change, augment the humidity of the onshore flow and, should Francine slow down, the rainfall in NOLA could exceed the capacity of its pump network.  We should know by later in the day.  

Debby Floods the Southeast

After raking the Gulf Coast of the Florida Peninsula with strong winds, heavy rain and tornados, Hurricane Debby made landfall in the State's Big Bend area this morning, producing a storm surge of six feet or more.  Despite all of this havoc, the storm's wrath may increase as it stalls over southern Georgia and South Carolina, dropping up to two feet of rain as it pulls in moisture from the Atlantic.

Though not a powerful hurricane, Debby will deliver copious tropical moisture to the region, fed by the very warm ocean waters.  Since there is no approaching front to force the storm out to sea, extensive flooding is expected.

Once again, our warming climate is fueling the development of more tropical storms and augmenting their destructive effects.  Unless we take this problem seriously, the welfare of communities and ecosystems across the globe will be threatened.  Vote Democratic!  

The Appeal of Rolling Terrain

Following several days in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it was a pleasure to travel south across the rolling terrain of Georgia's east-central Piedmont.  While I love to spend time in mountainous regions, driving through such geography can be a challenge.

More open, hilly terrain offers broader views and straighter roadways.  One can anticipate curves at a distance while also appreciating the lay of the land.  For those of us attuned to hydrology, we can more easily note the flow of the streams and rivers that we cross, "putting together" the overall landscape as we travel through it.  Of course, the scenic farmlands, woodlands and wetlands add to one's enjoyment of such regions and serve to complete the natural puzzle through which we move.

Flat desert landscapes, extensive plains and mountain corridors are both beautiful and fascinating; however, if I must drive, I'll choose to cover rolling terrain.  Tomorrow we'll leave the Piedmont and drop onto the flat Coastal Plain as we head for South Florida.  

A Walk on the A.T.

Since we are spending two days in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northern Georgia, we decided to take a hike on the Appalachian Trail.  Though we never managed to hike the entire route of the A.T., we have covered sections in several States over the years.

Our morning hike was from Woody Gap, on Route 60, to Preacher's Rock, a distance of just over 1 mile with an elevation gain of 460 feet.  From the large rock outcrop (elevation 3600 feet), one enjoys a broad view to the south (see photo).

It is always an honor to hike on that famous trail but one soon realizes that many others seek the opportunity as well.  While the trail itself was not congested, the parking lot was nearly full and we were joined by several groups atop the Rock.  The Appalachian Trail is not recommended for those seeking solitude (especially in popular day-hike areas). 

Detour across Southern Georgia

On our journey back to Missouri, we elected to avoid the stop-and-go slog through Metro Atlanta and took a detour across Southern Georgia, from Tifton to Columbus.  That decision proved to be a rewarding one, offering efficient travel through pleasant scenery.

The route took us across rolling terrain, a mosaic of pine woodlands, pecan groves, cotton fields, peanut farms and rural towns.  Nearing Columbus and the Chattahoochee River Valley, we wound through forested hills, unexpected topography on the Coastal Plain.  Unfortunately, wildlife observations were limited to hawks and vultures on this cool, sunny morning.

Today's detour did not turn up fascinating ecosystems or spectacular geography but the landscape was new to us and that (in the words of Robert Frost) made all the difference.  So little time and so much to see! 

Southern Discomfort

I enjoy occasional escapes to America's Deep South, especially during the winter months.  The weather is usually pleasant and the natural ecosystems are always fascinating.

But, over the past few years, I have had second thoughts about these adventures, reluctant to offer any personal support to this swath of Red States.  While the residents almost always manifest the southern hospitality that we have come to expect, the regional politics, apparently supported by the majority, are offensive at best.  Even today, human rights, educational freedom, and voting access are under attack.

Of course, this intolerance may not be condoned by many (perhaps most) citizens of the South but their elected representatives seem to suggest otherwise.  On the positive side, I have yet to encounter any book burnings.  Vote Democratic! 

Idalia & Climate Change

As Hurricane Idalia churns toward the Great Bend of Florida, it is expected to strengthen to a Category 3 or, possibly, a Category 4 Storm, fueled by the excessively warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.  Damage along the Florida Coast will result primarily from storm surge, forecast to reach 15 feet in some areas.

There is no doubt that global warming is increasing the power of hurricanes and augmenting their effects on both coastal and inland communities and ecosystems.  Higher sea levels, warmer ocean waters and the increasing water content of warm air all play a role, exacerbating the effects of storm surge, wind damage and inland flooding.

While Idalia will likely make landfall along the Great Bend of Florida, its effects will extend far inland, across northern Florida, southern Georgia and the Carolinas.  Indeed, it could re-strengthen off the Southeastern Coast, producing storm surge in that region as well.   

Tishomingo State Park

On our last morning in Mississippi, we visited Tishomingo State Park (named for the Chief of the Chickasaw Nation) in the northeast corner of the State.  Covering more than 1500 acres in the Bear Creek Valley (a tributary of the Tennessee River), the Park is renowned for its spectacular cliffs and slump blocks of Carboniferous sandstone and limestone.

Several trails provide access to the rocky terrain, the most popular of which begins at a swinging bridge that crosses Bear Creek.  This loop hike runs along and atop the scenic cliffs and returns to the bridge along the banks of the stream.  Recessed caves and a natural spring are also encountered in the gorge.

In a State known best for its lowlands and beaches, Tishomingo State Park, lying in the foothills of the Southern Appalachians, offers rugged topography more typical of the mountains to its north and east.  Finally, this refuge lies along the Natchez Trace Parkway, a route of historic significance across the Deep South.

Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee NWR

Named for a local and national conservationist, the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge stretches across the Noxubee River Valley in east-central Mississippi.  Its informative Visitor Center, fine trail network and multiple boardwalks make it seem more like a State Park than a NWR.

The damming of Oktoc and Loakfoma Creeks has created two sizable lakes, bordered by forest and baldcypress swamps.  A restored prairie augments the natural diversity and offers a spectacular view of the lakes.  Bald eagles, ospreys, migrant waterfowl, cormorants, barred owls, red-cockaded woodpeckers and a wide variety of waders highlight the avian population; alligators, river otters, bobcats, fox, beaver, white-tailed deer and a host of snakes and turtles may also be encountered.

Mild weather and bright sunshine made our visit especially enjoyable.  It was also rewarding to learn that this large, attractive refuge honors a man who dedicated his life to protecting natural ecosystems.