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<div>Lucy is originally from the Boston area but has spent the last four years forecasting and living in Colorado! She stayed in the northeast for her education, graduating Summa Cum Laude from SUNY Oswego with a B.S. in Meteorology. Just a few days after graduation, she made the cross country move to Colorado Springs, CO to begin her career at KKTV, the CBS affiliate. Lucy has covered historic blizzards, tornadoes, windstorms, the largest wildfires in Colorado state history and dust storms ... they truly "get it all" in Colorado! Lucy is excited to forecast on a national level and continue her passion of explaining the science behind the weather!</div>
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Lucy Bergemann

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The southern tier of the country has been no stranger to a hot and dry summer, with extreme and exceptional drought conditions spreading from Texas into Louisiana and Mississippi. The drought aided in large fires in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/high-fire-danger-extreme-heat-in-texas">Texas and Louisiana </a>this summer and now is impacting low water levels on the Mississippi River.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/09/drought-1695757297057.jpg">As drought conditions persist, a new issue is impacting southern Louisiana, the saltwater intrusion. Because the mouth of the Mississippi river lies below sea-level is it normal for saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico to run back into the Mississippi. However, under normal conditions there is enough river flow coming downstream to combat serious salt-water progression north into the river. This year due to the drought and low water levels the saltwater is moving upriver, threatening water treatment plants for suburbs of New Orleans.<div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation/videos/1469707107145385" data-width="500" src="https://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation/videos/1469707107145385" style="display: flex; justify-content: center"></div>On Wednesday, September 27th, a National Disaster assistance for the area was given, and according to FEMA, "to supplement state and local response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from the seawater intrusion beginning Sept. 20, 2023, and continuing. [This] authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures to save lives, protect property&nbsp;and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines&nbsp;and St. Bernard Parishes."This has prompted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer to increase an underwater sill to reduce the impact of the saltwater intrusion. According to the agency, "“As a result of continued falling conditions, this existing sill was overtopped and the toe of the saltwater wedge has reached River Mile 69, near the community of Jesuit Bend,” said Col. Cullen Jones, USACE New Orleans District commander. “Our modeling indicates that by augmenting the existing sill, we can support state and local preparedness and response efforts by delaying further upriver progression of the salt water by approximately 10 to 15 days.”"Freshwater is also being transported in, according to USACE, "during previous low-water events, such as 1988 and 2012, barging was used to transport fresh water to treatment facilities downriver of the saltwater toe." This ensures that the treatment facilities aren't negatively impacted by processing saltwater instead of the normal fresh water, which could lead to corrosion or deterioration of the plants.Part of the reason is that upstream precipitation also isn't coming through the Ohio River valley and mid-Mississippi River valley. In fact, we are below flood stage for the Mississippi River at Memphis.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/09/MS RIVER-1695757284950.jpg">With no rainfall in sight, the saltwater intrusion and drought conditions will worsen further.

Emergency Declaration Issued for Louisiana Due to Saltwater Intrusion

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We are now down to one tropical wave and one named storm in the Atlantic: Philippe (pronounced: fee - LEEP). Tropical Storm Philippe is weakening and will continue to do so over the next few days. Originally the track looked to be more north/northwest but the steering currents have weakened and Philippe is now expected to move westerly and impact the Leeward Islands and Greater Antilles by the weekend as a remnant low. This includes the U.S. &amp; British Virgin Islands along with Puerto Rico and Hispaniola.Because Philippe is expected to be a remnant low at that time, heavy rain and surf are the greatest impacts on the central and western Caribbean from the storm.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/09/rainfall-1695822145034.jpg">We are also watching an area of low pressure between the Cabo Verde Islands and the eastern Caribbean. Gradual development is likely and we could see a tropical depression form over the next few days. This wave is moving west-northwest and there is model consensus that it will remain over the open waters of the Atlantic. Since the National Hurricane Center is investigating this wave, spaghetti plots have been released on this potential storm. Invest 91L is the identifier of this system.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/09/09-27_al 91-1695837254274.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/09/09-27_al91 noodles-1695837278668.jpg">We have about 30% of the Atlantic hurricane season left. The rest of September and October can be busy months, tropically speaking because of warm sea surface temperatures this time of the season.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/09/09-25_atl-1695696450973.jpg">A non-consequential tropical wave in the Eastern Pacific also has the eyes of the National Hurricane Center.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/09/09-27_epac-1695837309754.jpg">

Potential Indirect Impacts to the Caribbean From Philippe

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Originally born in Spokane, Washington,  Jackie's Dad was in the Air Force which led her to a life of travel. She has lived in Wichita, Okinawa, Japan, Baltimore, New Jersey, Indiana and South Carolina.  After graduating from Kadena High School, in Okinawa Japan, she got a full basketball scholarship to Coppin State College. On the court she was a 4-year starter and reached over 1000 points in her basketball career. She was also named Athlete of the Year for the whole university in 2002. Off the court, she earned a degree in Broadcast Production/English.

After college, she landed a job as a radio personality. Jackie went on to have a successful career for 12 years working at KXLY broadcast center. While on the radio, she decided to change career. Jackie went back to school, graduating from the Mississippi State Meteorology Broadcast Program. From snow, to tornadoes, to hurricanes, she has had experience forecasting all these events.

Jackie Brown

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An upper-level low is bringing much-needed rain to the Northwest. In addition to this, we've seen some snow in the higher elevations of Washington State. Including the Mount Rainier Visitor Center, which sits at around 5400 feet in elevation.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/09/09-27_rnw_snow-1695841384892.jpg"> We have seen impressive rainfall totals, especially in Washington. Ocean Park saw 3.67 inches of rain! The heaviest rainfall has been along the Cascades and to the west. As this system continues inland, expect increasing rainfall and gusty winds!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/09/washingtong rain reports-1695816151228.png">Multiple rounds of rain will move through the Northwest over the next couple of days. Gusty winds and heavy rain will be possible the next few days.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/09/09-27_rnw_12z-1695839143697.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>On average folks will see an additional one inch of rain, localized amounts of up to 2 inches will be possible. In some portions of the mountains, we can see snow. Expect isolated snowfall totals of up to a foot in the Cascades through Friday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/09/rain accumulation-1695816310884.png">For more updates on this story, tune into our Western Regional Forecast at :50 past the hour.

Slushy Snow in Mount Rainier, Washington

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We saw decent-sized hail in portions of the Midwest yesterday (above), and the severe threat continues today with the main threats being damaging winds and hail. Expect strong storms this morning, and this afternoon we can see another batch of strong to severe storms. In addition to wind and hail, the Storm Prediction Center has issued an isolated tornado threat for portions of Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois. As the low pressure system moves through there will be enough spin in the atmosphere to see a few tornadoes develop.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/09/09-27_rne_svr wed-1695837549007.jpg">A frontal system will continue to move south bringing heavy rain and strong storms through the day. Another batch of strong storms will be around on Thursday morning as it shifts south.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/09/09-27_rnc_fcst 12z-1695837622032.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Rainfall totals on average will be around 1-2 inches. Localized heavier amounts of up to 4 inches will be possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/09/09-27_rnc_fcst rain 2z-1695837665134.jpg">For more on this top weather headline be sure to join us live for the latest details. And if you're starting to see the foliage turn in these spots be sure to tag us on X, Facebook, and Instagram @weathernation for a chance for your weather to be shared on national television!

Large Hail Coming to the Midwest Today

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Rob grew up in South Florida, where daily afternoon storms and hurricanes piqued his interest in meteorology early on. That interest was fostered by his teachers and his father, who one time brought him onto the roof of their home to watch a funnel cloud move through the Everglades several miles away. Years of filmmaking and tv production in high school gradually pushed him toward broadcast meteorology at Florida State University, where he joined and eventually led the student run daily weather show. After graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Meteorology, he began his career at KESQ in Palm Springs, California before heading to KFSN in Fresno and WLOS in Asheville, North Carolina. He has covered a diverse array of extreme weather events, including haboobs and flash flooding in the desert, extreme snow in the Sierra, hurricanes, and Appalachian ice storms. He also enjoys telling stories and reporting about weather issues.

Connect with Rob on <a href="https://twitter.com/WxRobBradley">Twitter</a>

Rob Bradley

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Heavy rain has been inundating portions of Florida this week as tropical moisture continues to interact with a nearly stationary trough of low pressure. This setup produced torrential downpours in Florida on Tuesday, including over 4" of rain in Jacksonville, Florida and Brunswick, Georgia. The 4"+ total in Jacksonville would have set a record, if it has not been for a hurricane nearly 130 years ago. The trough will continue to tap into tropical moisture through Friday, and likely over the weekend, producing the chance for flooding, including flash flooding.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/09/09-27 Fl Jax No Record-1695816765930.jpg">Flood watches are in effect for Jacksonville and the surrounding area for Friday, as another 3-6" of rain is possible on top of the already saturated soils. As is typical for Florida, expect showers to be mainly offshore through the mid-morning, before daytime heating helps shift the wind to draw showers inland. This will remain the pattern through the next several days. Gusty winds could be strong enough to create downed trees at times, so stay aware of any severe thunderstorm warnings.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/09/09-27_rse_fcst-1695837493296.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Although flooding will remain a threat, the rain will be beneficial for portions of the state experiencing drought, especially the Sarasota area.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/09/drought-1695733210667.jpg">More updates are on the way on-air and online throughout the day.

Florida Weather: Soaking Rain for the Sunshine State

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Happening Wednesday, October 4th at 2:20 PM ET, FEMA will be conducting a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). Test messages will be sent to all cell phones with emergency alerts enabled, TVs and radios. The test is broken down into two parts: <h2>PART 1: Emergency Alert System (EAS) </h2>Test messages are sent to radios and televisions. From FEMA: <ul><li>The EAS portion of the test is scheduled to last approximately one minute and will be conducted with the participation of radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers&nbsp;and wireline video providers.</li><li>The test message will be similar to the regular monthly EAS test messages with which the public is familiar. It will state: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.</li></ul><h2>PART 2: Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)</h2>These are sent to cell phones only. The test will display in English or Spanish, depending on the user language settings. The following is from FEMA: All wireless phones should receive the message only once. The following can be expected from the nationwide WEA test:<ul><li>Beginning at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET, cell towers will broadcast the test for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless provider participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message.&nbsp;</li><li>For consumers, the message that appears on their phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”</li><li>Phones with the main menu set to Spanish will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”</li></ul>The test sections will happen at the same time, so if you are listening to the radio and have your cell phone expect to hear both messages. According to FEMA, "The purpose of the Oct. 4 test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level."In case of widespread severe weather or events, the backup/postponement day will be for October 11th.

Next Week: Nationwide Test of the Emergency Alert System

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Thursday, September 28 marks the one year anniversary of Hurricane Ian slamming into Florida's Gulf Coast. Ian was the 6th category four or stronger storm to hit the Gulf Coast in just 6 years. The other storms to precede it were: <ol><li>Ida (2021)</li><li>Laura (2020)</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Michael (2018)</a></li><li>Harvey (2017)</li><li>Irma (2017)</li></ol>Ian made landfall in Cayo Costa, Florida as a Category 4 storm with winds of 155 miles per hour. Post storm analysis showed Ian was a monster CAT 5 just before landfall. Our field correspondents covering the storm witness roofs fly off buildings and tremendous damage in the eyewall of the storm. And though Ian's winds were fierce, the storm will be remembered for its incredible surge. 12 feet of surge slammed Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island. The seawater took over the first floors of homes and wiped away entire buildings on barrier islands. Farther south, in the front right quadrant of the storm, dramatic surge overtook Naples and Marco Island. Sadly, 41 people lost their lives as a result of storm surge, 36 in Lee County, FL alone (home of Cape Coral and Fort Myers). Over 2,000 people were rescued in the aftermath of Ian, airlifted from barrier islands like Sanibel where the causeway was wiped away in the storm. Many roads were destroyed and all terrain vehicles came in to pull people to safety. Ian's impacts stretched beyond that of Southwest Florida: over 20" of rain fell in central and Northeast Florida, turning roads into rivers from Orlando to Daytona. Onshore flow pounded the seawall at Daytona Beach, which then was hit later in the season by Hurricane Nicole leading to homes collapsing into the ocean. After a grueling 24 hours in Florida, Ian reemerged over the Atalntic making a final landfall as a category one hurricane on September 30th near Georgetown, South Carolina. Storm surge on the order of 2-4' impacted coastal South Carolina and the Outer Banks of North Carolina along with torrential rainfall that lead to the evacuation of communities. Sadly, 150 people lost their lives as a result of hurricane Ian, which is the third costliest hurricane in U.S. history and the costliest for Florida.

Hurricane Ian: One Year Later

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A large fire developed Friday in central Colorado, near Fort Carson. The fire was south of Colorado Springs and continues to grow east, however is not (at this time) expected to reach Interstate 25, the main north-south corridor in the south.  Weather, particularly gusty winds and very dry conditions, fueled the flames. The fire is being called the Carson Midway fire. The cause is being blamed on military training operations.

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According to <a href="http://www.koaa.com/story/37742915/evacuations-ordered-as-fire-spreads-beyond-ft-carson-property">WeatherNation affiliate KOAA </a>in Colorado Springs, the fire has burnt 2,000-3,000 acres as of Friday evening. KOAA reports a total of 69 homes have been evacuated in Pueblo County and 250 homes in El Paso County.

Local county sheriff's deputies began evacuations immediately as the fire began around noon local time Friday.

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The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office reports that they used choppers to help gain control of the fire.

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Fire weather concerns remain high through Saturday for parts of Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas as dry, breezy, and warm conditions will continue. That means fires will spread very quickly under these weather conditions.

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Stick with WeatherNation as we continue to get new information on this fire.

Fire Prompts Evacuations in Colorado

Emergency Declaration Issued for Louisiana Due to Saltwater Intrusion

The southern tier of the country has been no

Potential Indirect Impacts to the Caribbean From Philippe

We are now down to one tropical wave and one

Slushy Snow in Mount Rainier, Washington

An upper-level low is bringing much-needed ra

Large Hail Coming to the Midwest Today

We saw decent-sized hail in portions of the M

Florida Weather: Soaking Rain for the Sunshine State

Heavy rain has been inundating portions of Fl

Next Week: Nationwide Test of the Emergency Alert System

Happening Wednesday, October 4th at 2:20 PM E

Hurricane Ian: One Year Later

Thursday, September 28 marks the one year ann