US: Gas Line Explosion Reported Near Willow River in Minnesota, Forcing Evacuations

A large gas line explosion was reported on Friday, January 16, near Willow River in Pine County, Minnesota, forcing nearby residents to evacuate. Minnesota Energy Resources said customers in the area could be without natural gas for days, though authorities reported no injuries and suspect no criminal activity at this time.

US: Gas Line Explosion Reported Near Willow River in Minnesota, Forcing Evacuations 2

A large gas line explosion was reported on Friday, January 16, near Willow River in Pine County, Minnesota, forcing nearby residents to evacuate. Minnesota Energy Resources said customers in the area could be without natural gas for days, though authorities reported no injuries and suspect no criminal activity at this time.

US: Smoke from California’s Gifford Fire Blankets Las Vegas Valley

Smoke from California’s Gifford Fire, which has burned over 65,000 acres in Los Padres National Forest, drifted into the Las Vegas Valley, reducing visibility and leaving a strong smell of smoke. The blaze, only 3% contained, is expected to keep haze over the area until Tuesday. This video shows hazy sky over Las Vegas Monday morning, August 4.

US: Gifford Fire Closes Highway 166 in California, Prompting Evacuation Orders

The Gifford Fire, a series of brush fires that broke out along Highway 166 near the Gifford Trailhead, about 30 miles east of Santa Maria on Friday, August 1, burning over 5,000 acres in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo County. The blaze forced the closure of the highway and prompted evacuations in parts of the two counties.

US: 1 Dead, More Than 300 Immigrants Arrested in California ICE Raids

Federal immigration authorities said they arrested more than 300 immigrants suspected of being in the U.S. illegally during raids on Thursday, July 10, on two cannabis farm sites in Camarillo and Carpinteria, California. A farmworker who was critically injured during the raid died on Saturday afternoon, according to his family.

US: Brush Fire Closes Highway 101 in Santa Barbara County, California

A brush fire broke out in Santa Barbara County, California, along northbound Highway 101 near Mariposa Reina on Tuesday, June 17. The flames prompted the closure of southbound lanes of the highway. The fire burned an estimated 30 acres.

US: Mid-Missouri Hit by Severe Storms and Possible Tornado, Thousands Lose Power

Severe storms swept through mid-Missouri on Sunday, April 20, prompting tornado warnings and causing widespread damage. A possible tornado in Callaway County injured one person in New Bloomfield. Thousands of customers experienced power outages.

US: Small Plane Crashes In Santa Barbara County, Leaving Two Seriously Injured

A small plane crashed and burst into flames in a field near the 101 Freeway in Goleta, Santa Barbara County, on Wednesday, January 29, leaving two people seriously injured and hospitalized. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

US: Lake Fire Explodes To More Than 34,000 Acres In Santa Barbara County

The Lake Fire, a wildfire that erupted in Santa Barbara County, California, on July 5, has now exploded to more than 34,000 acres as of Thursday, July 11. Currently, the largest fire burning in California now, it has prompted evacuation warnings and orders for thousands of people.

US: Aero Fire Erupts In Copperopolis, California Forcing Road Closures And Evacuations

A vegetation fire, dubbed Aero Fire, erupted in Copperopolis in Calaveras County on Monday, June 17, and quickly spread to 5,000 acres as of 9:00 p.m. A portion of Highway 4 and several other roads were closed. Evacuation orders were issued for multiple locations near the site of the fire.

US: Point Fire Rages In Sonoma County, Evacuation Orders Issued

The Point Fire, burning in northern Sonoma County near Lake Sonoma, burned more than 1,100 acres as of Monday morning, June 17. Evacuation orders were issued, and hundreds of homes lost power.

US: Flooding Hits Montecito, California As Storm Brings Heavy Rain

A storm brought heavy rainfall to parts Southern California on Saturday, March 30 causing flash flooding in Montecito.

California governor declares state of emergency for 13 counties due to severe winter storms

STORY: California governor declares state of emergency for 13 counties due to severe winter storms DATELINE: March 3, 2023 LENGTH: 0:00:52 LOCATION: LOS ANGELES, U.S. CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of the closure of State Route Highway 138 in San Bernardino County 2. various of mountain areas impacted by winter storms in San Bernardino County STORYLINE: California Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday announced a state of emergency in 13 counties of the most populous U.S. state due to severe winter storms. The emergency proclamation will support disaster response and relief in the counties of Los Angeles, Amador, Kern, Madera, Mariposa, Mono, Nevada, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Sierra, Sonoma and Tulare. The western U.S. state, home to around 40 million residents, has a total of 58 counties. Severe winter storms struck California beginning in late February, bringing damaging winds and historic precipitation, including snowfall in areas unaccustomed to snow, said the