Climate Impact Report – 1/30

Key Facts Of The Day 1/30

Storms And Flooding

• Flood watches are in effect late Wednesday through Friday for the Hawaiian Islands as a strong storm system is expected to pass to the north of the chain.
  • Residents were urged to prepare for the possibility of power outages and minor property damage.
  • Scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms Thursday could cause flash flooding and isolated instances of severe weather such as locally damaging gusts, large hail, waterspouts, or brief tornadoes.
• A large storm is delivering rain, snow, and ice to the Midwest and Northeast, resulting in widespread disruptions and hazardous travel.

Wildfires

• In California, 5 fires have burned 54,624 acres as of Thursday. 
  • As of Thursday, the Palisades Fire has burned 23,448 acres and is 97% contained. 
  • As of Thursday, the Eaton Fire has burned 14,021 acres and is 99% contained.
  • As of Thursday, the Hughes Fire has burned 10,425 acres and is 98% contained.
  • As of Thursday, the Border 2 Fire has burned 6,625 acres and is 96% contained.
  • As of Thursday, the Rosa Fire has burned 105 acres and is 75% contained.
  • Altadena and Pacific Palisades are buried under toxic debris.
    • The ash contains harmful chemicals, including asbestos, lead, mercury, and other heavy metals, creating a health hazard.
  • The recent rainfall and increased debris from fire zones have prompted Los Angeles County public health officials to issue an advisory and close several miles of coastline from Malibu to Playa del Rey.
• In North Carolina, 1 fire has burned 250 acres as of Thursday.
  • As of Thursday, the Crooked Fire has burned 250 acres and is 55% contained. 
    • On Wednesday, officials ordered evacuations as a major brush fire broke out in a rural area in McDowell County, North Carolina. 
    • The wildfire strikes an inland region of North Carolina that is still recovering from the damage wrought by Hurricane Helene in September.

Extreme Heat

• A new study found that almost 90% of the North American stadiums hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup could face potentially dangerous levels of heat. 
  • Of the 16 stadiums in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. involved in the tournament, 14 could exceed 82.4 degrees Fahrenheit at least some of the time during matches.
• Central Ohio Transit Authority bus riders will no longer have to pay fares during extreme hot or cold weather.
• A new study found that more intense dry seasons in the Amazon significantly reduced the survival rates for almost all bird species they studied.