Tropical Storm Allison: A Lesson Learned

Nine years ago this past week, a mere, yet intense tropical storm battered the central coast of Texas after spending two weeks dancing across the Atlantic, into the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. The first of the 2001 season, the Tropical Storm was named Allison and it proved that storms need not be particularly strong or fast-moving to be deadly and destructive.

With hurricane season upon us this blog post looks back on Allison in an effort to keep you 'weather-ready' and 'tropical storm- and hurricane-prepared.'

Tropical Storm Allison made landfall near Houston, Texas late on June 5, 2001. After landfall the storm stalled and produced widespread flash flooding, which resulted in what became Houston's worst natural disaster in recorded history. Flash flooding continued for days, with rainfall amounts across the state peaking over 40 inches!

This long-lived storm didn't stop there! From Louisiana to southeastern Pennsylvania, Tropical Storm Allison was a major flood disaster all the way up to the Mid-Atlantic. It was not until June 18 that the remnants of the tropical storm were finally absorbed by a frontal boundary in the northern Atlantic, which ultimately led to the the cyclone's dissipation.

Throughout its entire path, Allison caused nearly $7 billion (2010 standards) in damage and 41 deaths.

Not too many tropical storm's identities, such as Allison's, go into the 'retired storm names hall-of-fame', yet "she" managed to do so! A storm for the record books, to say the least!

So, What’s Up with Global Warming?

Weather experts everywhere are saying the winter of 2009 – 2010 could be the coldest recorded in the last 25 years! The past hurricane season was B-O-R-I-N-G! With barely a land falling tropical storm and a minimal amount of hurricanes, the past hurricane season compared to recent years gets a 1 on the notional weather excitement index. What about this past summer? It really was not that hot. I think it was not until August 10 that New York City hit 90 degrees… well, other than those few random days in April. But hey, that was spring. One of the first major metropolitan areas to receive measurable snow this year was Houston, Texas. Wait, WHAT!?!?

So really, what’s up with global warming? Global warming is defined as the increase in the average temperature of Earth's near-surface air and oceans and its projected continuation. There is no doubt that the effects of global warming are felt in many ways and the above-mentioned weather extremes are just a few.

It is FACT that even though the globe is warming compared to the last ice age; we very well could be headed for another glacial period. Or… maybe not. We really don’t know what the affect of global warming will have on our future… and our kid’s future, and their kid’s future. I mean, if we even make it that far (isn’t the world supposed to end in 2012 anyway?)

Forget the weather-related events... what about food and natural resources? Human health? The economy? Cross-nation disputes?

Just something to think about… meanwhile, enjoy the cold weather; it’s the only weather you’ve got!

Now here’s more on the questionable snowstorm late this week! Keeping our fingers crossed here at The Northeast Quadrant…