This week’s relentless rain has caused rivers to rise above the flood stage in nine states, and in some areas, the rain isn’t letting up yet; plus, cockroach warning and more of today’s weather news and forecast.
Heavy rains because rivers to rise in 9 states
This week’s heavy rainfall throughout the South has caused rivers in nine states to rise above the flood stage, posing a threat to homes and businesses.
The heavy rain has also caused mudslides in West Virginia, leading to the shutdown of a highway, and in Kentucky causing a train to derail that was carrying ethanol, setting off a fire that burned for hours and injured two people.
NWS warns of high flood risk this year
The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning that the risk of major flooding is far above normal this year.
The NWS released its spring flooding outlook yesterday. The NWS says there is an elevated flood risk along the eastern Missouri River.
Additionally, nearly every area that flooded last year in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri are at a risk to flood again this year because of the extensive damage that occurred to levees during last year’s massive flooding.
Rise in cockroaches, ticks, and mosquitoes due to warm weather anticipated
Due to rising temperatures in the coming weeks, a spike in the populations of cockroaches and other pests is likely, according to a new report from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).
According to the NPMA, the combination of warm and wet conditions typically rises at this time of year, spiking cockroach and rodent populations, but officials say mosquito and tick populations around the nation will also rise.
The biggest danger of rising cockroach populations is the potential for causing food contamination and respiratory issues.
The NPMA recommends removing standing water in and around your home, fixing leaky pipes and clogged drains, and sealing off any gaps or cracks that could create entry points into your home.
Additionally, the NPMA advises disposing of sources of food for the pass, storing food in airtight containers, and cleaning up spills and crumbs.
Today’s US highs
West: San Francisco 58, Los Angeles 70, Las Vegas 66, Reno 59, Salt Lake City 50, Denver 50.
Northwest & Northern Rockies: Seattle 49, Portland 50, Boise 41, Billings 41, Bismarck 37, Rapid City 49.
Southwest: Phoenix 71, Albuquerque 53, El Paso 66, San Antonio 60.
Central & Upper Midwest: Lubbock 47, Dallas 53, Oklahoma City 45, Kansas City 31, Minneapolis 18, Madison 15.
Ohio Valley: Chicago 15, Detroit 23, St. Louis 27, Cincinnati 26.
South: Houston 61, New Orleans 59, Memphis 39, Atlanta 49, Charlotte 52, Jacksonville 58, Tampa 74, Miami 83.
East: Norfolk 46, Washington, D.C. 39, Buffalo 16, New York 36, Boston 33, Bangor 2.