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The concept!

I saved this set of articles from the Wiki thought police today! Sorry about download speeds, but there were many refugee pages!--Wipsenade (talk) 15:09, 16 December 2010 (UTC)

The events of 2010.The global storm activity of late 2010 includes major meteorological events in the Earth's atmosphere from the first day of October to the last day of December including winter storms (blizzards, ice storms, European windstorms), hailstorms, out of season monsoon rain storms, extratropical cyclones, gales, microbursts, flooding, rainstorms and other severe weather.

October

October 1 and October 2

The National Weather Service Of the United States of America has issued a flood watch and a high wind warning for Darien and surrounding areas as a couple of thunderstorms have developed and are heading to impact the region beginning on Thursday morning. 2.5 and 4.5 inches of rain has been predicted by the Institute. Sustained winds with a speed of 25 miles (40 km) to 35 miles (56 km) and gusts extending to 60 miles (97 km) are also likely from 11 a.m on Thursday to 6 a.m on Friday. The heaviest rain will mainly impact New York City as they warned.[1]

flood waters in Pakistan diverted the Swat River about a kilometer to the side which caused it to swallow houses and drowning wheat, maize and sugarcane fields that can no longer produce. As winter approaches, chances for unrest will increase if the government fails to provide adequate food, shelter and clothing and ensure food security to those in need.[2]

The remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole hit the U.S Atlantic Coast like a hurricane and moved from the Carolinas to New England October 1. It was a minimal tropical storm for just six hours on September 30, but the broad, ragged system poured very heavy rain on Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Cuba, south Florida and the Bahamas before moving ahead on its northern path.

The Connecticut officials started a part of the state's emergency operations center in Hartford and said that they will be working along with local officials and utilities in order to prepare for a storm that will be packing heavy rain and strong winds. The National Weather Service has been expecting the storm to pour 2 to 4 inches of rain all over the state, along with 6 inches of rain possible in some areas and bring wind gusts of up to 60 miles (97 km) from early morning on October 1. Jodi Rell said she has asked local officials and utilities to prepare for responding quickly to downed power lines, tree damage, blocked roads and high water. The state's largest utility, Connecticut Light & Power, opened its emergency operations center. The utility, which serves more than 1.2 million customers has reported more than 3,100 people leaving town on Thursday.[3][4]

New figures have showed that this year's rainfall across Australia was around 30% more than normal. September was the wettest month on record all over the country with rainfall in Queensland and Murray-Darling Basin received the highest rain as it has been since 1974. But BOM official Dr Blair Trewin said that it was too early to declare that Australia's decade-long drought has come to an end. Areas that are most affected by the drought in Australia's south-west regions have still not experienced any increase in rainfall.[5]

The remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole hit hard on the U.S coast, but Connecticut Light and Power, as well as the Litchfield County Dispatch, were ready for the initial impact of the storm. The storm was expected to bring high winds and torrential rain. the National Weather Service had issued a high winds warning for Litchfield County, but a break between the morning downpour and evening rain gave responders a chance to dispense with early inconveniences. Connecticut Light and Power spokesman Mitch Gross said the company had restored power service to 4,000 customers around the state by 3:30 p.m., with just over 1,300 customers still without power. Those numbers dropped as low as 750 outages by 4:30 p.m., but as the second wave of rain hit, more and more customers started reporting outages. Torrington police did not respond to any accidents, while Winsted police reported that only one minor accident had taken place the injured party refused medical attention. The Torrington Fire Department had only responded to downed wires, while the Winsted Fire Department did not receive any complaints. Litchfield County Dispatch had responded to two calls in Litchfield and Washington.[6] The Ryder Cup golf championship was disrupted by the heavy rain on October 1.[7] Later it was again delayed till October 4.[8]

By 14.00 GMT, it was raining across most of the UK. Galloway, Norfolk, the Orkneys, the Shetlands, Gwynedd, Pembroke, the Kintyre peninsula, the Isle of Man. County Down was the only place where it did not rain. Most of Ireland too didn’t experience any rain. Normandy’s Cotentin Peninsula was also hit as the thunderstorm passed over northern France.[9]

High winds and heavy rain of more than 2 inches battered the Western Massachusetts on October 2 as Tropical Storm Nicole's remnants swept inland. All over the Pioneer Valley, streets and highway underpasses were flooded and water-laden tree limbs brought down power lines causing scattered electrical outages. As abc40 meteorologist Dan Brown described, it was a wild day of weather. The rain also caused the Big E in West Springfield to have a setback in its pursuit for an all new attendance record. One vendor described the turnout as dead all day. Westover Air Reserve Base experienced 2.3 inches of rain since midnight of September 30. Orange Municipal Airport experienced 2.1 inches and Barnes Municipal Airport experienced 2.8 inches. Allover, the area did okay. Central Park in New York City experienced 3.08 inches of rain. Farther south, parts of North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland suffered a very heavy rain peaking 9 to 12 inches. The National Weather Service wad forecasting clear and sunny skies for Western Massachusetts for the next two days. High temperatures were expected to be reaching 60 °F (16 °C). Minor flooding of the Connecticut River is still possible in parts of Northampton and Montague.[10]

October 3 to 9

A long lived storm stretched from the Carolinas to New York for several days and ravaged parts of the Eastern Coast and killed seven people leaving more than 2,000 others under water. By the afternoon of October 3, much of the rain had stopped but the effects of the storm was still visible, especially in the eastern North Carolina town of Windsor. Rivers and creeks have begun to retreat, but many roads were still closed. A lead forecaster with the National Weather Service in Maryland, namely Bob Oravec said, It was probably one of the largest areas of precipitation we've had in quite a while. Rain in Eastern North Carolina reached 2 feet making it the highest since Friday. All week the remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole broke many daily rainfall records in the cities of Norfolk Va., Lancaster, Pa., and Cooperstown.[11]

Many areas in Tamil Nadu, mainly the southern districts and coastal areas experienced heavy rain since Saturday night with Periyanaickenpalayam city located in Coimbatore district receiving a maximum of 11 centimeters. The rain stopped early on Sunday. Several parts of Erode, Gobichettipalayam, Tirunelveli and Dindigul received good rain on Saturday night and on Sunday morning. It was reported that Chennai, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli, Tuticorin and Kanyakumari districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will be experiencing moderate to heavy rain over the next 24 hours. Other districts in the state will also experience light rain as they reported.[12] Two women were killed by the rain related incidents in Thiruvananthapuram and its suburbs. Excessive rain cause minor flooding in parts of the city. One woman died when granite fell on top of her house at Kilimanoor and the other died in a landslide at Palode.[13]

A massive flood hit the Southern China. Over 130,000 villagers were evacuated leaving 6,000 people were stranded. Because of the flood, over 130 people died in Asia in October 2010. 7 inches of rain hit 16 cities all last week in September 2010. The excess water from the Wanquan River was released just a few days ago as its levels had become unacceptably high resulting in the flooding of the nearby villages. 33 people died and 19 others were missing in the province of Quang Binh.[14]

The number of deaths in flash floods of West Papua in the eastern parts of Indonesia climbed up to 124 and additional 123 missing. Another mud slide in Wasior town of Teluk wounded 72 people leaving 535 others suffering from minor injury. The catastrophe displaced more than 2,000 people forcing them to take shelter in the town of Manokwari and Nabire. Relief aid set in with a better distribution technique that is through sea and air. The airport too started operating again after the clean-up. The floods destroyed almost all infrastructure facilities in the town. Jakarta and the local administration have sent more aid including logistic aid, medicine, baby food, paramedics and hundreds of body bags. Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that he will be visiting the affected areas next week to ensure whether the disaster was caused by illegal logging of water or extreme weather, following different claims by activists and officials over the unexpected trigger of the floods. Local television channels have also participated actively in the covering of this even. They have also shown many water logs and claim that it is the reason of the sudden flooding.[15]

Wind gusts of more than 53 miles per hour on November the 7 Argentina’s San Juan region, with more than 50% of the region's apricots, plums and peaches ruined, according to local news website Diario de Cuyo.[16]

Hurricane Otto was a moderate Category 1 storm that caused widespread damage in the northern Leeward Islands. Originating as a subtropical cyclone on October 6, Otto transitioned into a tropical storm the next day, the fifteenth of the season. Otto hit the extreme northeastern Caribbean as a subtropical cyclone on October 6, producing persistent rainfalls and strong winds across the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico for at least four days. As a result, localized flooding and rough sea conditions caused extensive road damage, infrastructure failures, and some beach erosion along coastlines. Additionally, numerous people were left without water and power as the storm made its passing, and a state of emergency was declared for several countries. The weather system ultimately accounted for at least $58 million (2010 USD) worth of damage throughout the Caribbean, where it was widely regarded to be one of the wettest storms in recent local history.[17][18]

On October 8, Otto intensified into a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson scale, with winds peaking at 85 mph (140 km/h). The storm subsequently entered a weakening trend due to incompatible surroundings, and became extratropical west of the Azores on October 10. Additionally, Otto was the first Atlantic tropical cyclone on record to have transitioned from a subtropical storm since Tropical Storm Laura in 2008.

The storm dropped heavy rainfall in the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico for several days, triggering widespread flooding and several mudslides. However, it subsequently re-curved toward the north-east and headed into the open Atlantic, sparing any land from further devastation. Overall, damage estimates as a result of the storm have amounted to over $20 million (2010 USD).

Otto as a subtropical depression north of Hispanola.

Intermittent torrents lashed Saint Kitts and Nevis for at least four days; during that time, a total of up to 11 inches of precipitation was recorded. Several home-owners reported significant flooding and a number of persons had to be rescued from their homes. Strong winds produced rough sea conditions, resulting in some beach erosion and the collapse of a sidewalk section. Additionally, rainfalls topped a number of culverts and bridges, washed out the sides of some roadways, and damaged some utility lines, which caused significant disruptions to electricity services.[19]

Heavy downpours in the U.S. Virgin Islands caused flooding across some local roads, and on October 6, officials opened shelters on all three islands.[20] In total, approximately 20 inches of rain have been recorded on the islands' territory.[21] An estimated 100 homes were flooded in Saint Lucia, and a fishing village on the island's east coast was declared a disaster zone. Schools, businesses and some government offices across all of the Virgin Islands and in Saint Kitts and Nevis were closed until conditions improved.[22][23]

Throughout the British Virgin Islands, the flooding was regarded as the worst in the islands' history.[17][24] Preliminary estimates of damage across the islands reached $50 million, substantially higher than losses ensured by Hurricane Earl earlier in the year.[25]

Storm total rainfall related to Otto in Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico, rain began to pour across several parts of the island on October 5 and persisted in some places for up to five days. The greatest amount of rainfall during the six-day period of October 3–8 was registered at Rio Portugues in Ponce, with 17.86 inches (454 mm) recorded. Damage to roads infrastructure has been preliminarily estimated at $6.5 million.[26]

Heavy rain and treacherous weather related saftey conditions on the 9th ruined the final practice session at the Suzuka Circuit and forced the postponement of qualifying for the 2010 Japanese Grand Prix until the 10th.[27]

Cotonou’s residents had to board canoes, Benin, the 9th due to severe flooding. The UN said 680,000 people were homeless as , more than 300,000 acres of crops were destroyed and 81,000 livestock killed.[28]Flooding began in mid-September when heavy rains caused the Niger River in Benin's north to overflow and break it’s banks. Rainfall continues across the country, ensuring the foods will continue.[28]Heavy rains caused the collapse of a already damaged a dam in Ghana and displaced more than 700,000 people.[28]

October 10th to 17th

A weekend of severe thunderstorms led to extreme floods across several parts of Queensland, Australia. Thunderstorms unleashed torrential rains across the state with rainfall totals reaching 250mm (10 inches) in parts of the Gold Coast area between Sunday and Monday. According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, about 150mm (6 inches) of rain fell in the state capital Brisbane by Monday afternoon, causing severe flash floods. Many homes and businesses have also been affected, with many homes and shops in the worst affected areas flooded. Brisbane police said that several drivers had to be rescued from stranded vehicles, and many roads around the city were closed due to the flooding. Strong winds associated with the storm also brought down hundreds of trees and power lines, cutting over 20,000 people off. Heavy rain is forecast to ease during tonight so officials can access the damage and begin the clean-up operation.

A major flood warning was issued for the upper Murray River region with river heights reaching their highest level over 35 years. However, the State Emergency Service reports the area around Jingellic on the NSW-Victoria border is sparsely populated so the flood is not expected to cause a major disaster or take hundreds of lives. An emergency flood alert was issued after observers reported the river rising 1.3 metres higher on October 16 than it did on 15. Victoria is experiencing a cold, wet and windy weekend with possible flooding all over the state. The $2.5 million Caulfield Cup horse race was also disrupted by the bad weather. Victoria Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Andrea Peace reported that Melburnians had experienced the coldest October low since 1995 overnight with temperatures dropping below 4.7 °C (40.5 °F). It is been reported that snow has been falling around the Dandenong Ranges, Kinglake and Ballarat. About 30 millimetres (1.2 in) of rain fell around Melbourne with up to 60 millimetres (2.4 in) in some areas. Flood warnings were issued in the north-east and north, greater Melbourne, including Werribee, Maribyrnong, Yarra, Dandenong and Bunyip and the west and South Gippsland are on a flood watch. rainfall of only 5 millimetres (0.20 in) or less was expected mostly south of the ranges.[29]

floods in the Tuapse district of the Krasnodar territory in southern Russia have killed eight peoplon Saturday. From those eight, four people were killed in the village of Kirpichny, one in Dzhubga, one in Novomikhailovskoye, one in Tuapse's suburb of Govorovo, and one more in Gizeldere. So far, 17 communities have been affected by the flood in the Tuapse district, while as many as 280 people have been evacuated from their homes and are forced to live in temporary shelter centers. Measures have been taken to overcome the flood's aftermath and evaluate the damage it caused. The flood had also disrupted the functioning of the local railway, which was later again restored.[30]

On October 11 at 5 pm EDT (2100 UTC), the Government of Mexico issued hurricane warnings for the coast of Mexico from Punta Gruesa northward to Cancún including Cozumel and tropical storm warnings from Chetumal northward to south of Punta Gruesa. A tropical storm warning is also in effect for the coast of Honduras from Limon eastward to the Nicaragua-Honduras border including the Bay Islands.[31] Hours later, the Government of Belize issued a tropical storm watch for the entire coastline of the country, this watch was later discontinued on October 12.[32][33] During the evening of October 11, the hurricane warning in Mexico was extended northward to Cabo Catoche and a new tropical storm warning was issued from that point westward to San Felipe.[34] By the morning of October 12, all warnings along the Honduras coastline were discontinued as Paula moved away from the region.[35] That afternoon, the Government of Cuba issued a hurricane warning for Pinar del Río Province. Additionally, the tropical storm warning for areas south of Punta Gruesa in Mexico was canceled.[36]

During the evening of October 12, further advisory cancellations were made in Mexico, with areas south of Punta Allen no longer being under a hurricane warnings.[37] The following day, all hurricane warnings in Mexico were discontinued; however, a tropical storm warning remained in place for areas between Cancun and San Felipe. Due to the more northerly track of Paula, a tropical storm watch was also issued for the Florida Keys.[38] During the afternoon of October 13, the Government of Mexico discontinued all advisories related to Paula as the hurricane moved away from the Yucatán Peninsula. The storm's eastward track also prompted the issue of a tropical storm warning for La Habana Province and the city of La Habana in Cuba.[39] On the morning of October 14, the hurricane warning in place for Pinar del Río Province was replaced with a tropical storm warning, despite Paula maintaining hurricane status.[40] Later that day, the tropical storm watch for the Florida Keys was discontinued.[41] That evening, all warnings associated with Paula in Cuba were discontinued shortly before it weakened to a tropical depression.[42]

Hurricane Paula weakening as it approaches Cuba

Along the north-eastern coast of Honduras, several homes were destroyed by the storm. Dangerous conditions produced by Paula also forced officials to evacuate low-lying areas and shut down schools.[43] Gale-force winds onshore resulted in the closure of the Puerto Lempira Airport.[44] Throughout coastal districts, rainfall from the storm ranged from 150 to 200 mm (5.9 to 7.9 in), resulting in widespread flooding. Winds from the storm were also estimated up to 60 mph (97 km/h), and locals in the region stated that the winds were stronger than those produced by Hurricane Mitch in 1998.[45] In Puerto Lempira, four homes and two roads were destroyed by high winds and flooding.[46] In the city, a total of 3.31 in (84 mm) of rain fell during Paula's passage on October 11.[47] More than a dozen structures in Cauquira, including a school and police station were also damaged by flood waters. Along the coast, waves up to 7 ft (2.1 m) pounded beaches, leading to fears of additional flooding. A state of emergency was declared for the Bay Islands Department on October 12 and was to remain in place for 48 hours.[46]

In Mexico, officials assured tourists their safety and did not issue evacuations; however, about 1,560 locals were evacuated from Isla Holbox and Isla Contoy. Roughly 28,800 people were estimated to be visiting the region, most of which were in Cancún. Between October 12 and 13, transportation officials canceled 22 international flights to and from Cancún. Off the coast of Cozumel, an American citizen drowned after being overcome by rough seas produced by the storm.[48] Only light to moderate rain fell along the north-eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula; throughout October 13, 0.91 in (23 mm) of rain had fallen in Cancún and winds gusted up to 27 mph (43 km/h).[49] Despite the storm's close passage to the Yucatán Peninsula, Paula's small size resulted in very little impact on land. According to Quintana Roo's governor Félix González Canto, the storm left no structural or vegitation damage. Following the hurricane's passage, the red alerts issued for four Mexican states were discontinued and ports were re-opened.[50]

In Cuba, the outer bands of Paula brought heavy localized rains, especially to the Isla de la Juventud where 71 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation was recorded on October 12.[51] As Hurricane Paula neared landfall in the country on October 13, heavy rain fell across much of Pinar del Río Province. In Cape San Antonio, 4.85 in (123 mm) of rain fell by the morning of October 14.[52][53] The highest winds recorded during the storm's passage were measured in Puerto Esperanza at 68 mph (109 km/h).[54] Throughout the country, Paula resulted in relatively little damage. Near Havana, a few homes lost their roofs and power was lost to many homes, mostly as a result of a precautionary power shutdown. High winds also downed numerous trees, blocking many roads. Along the coast, rough seas damaged parts of the capital city's seawall. Some streets near the shore were left under 1 to 2 ft (0.30 to 0.61 m) of water at the height of the storm. By the afternoon of October 15, emergency crews began clearing debris left behind by the storm.[55]

Further north in the nearby Florida Keys, the outer bands of Paula brought moderate rainfall and increased surf. In Key West, a total of 1.51 in (38 mm) of rain had fallen between October 13 and 15.[56][57][58] Following the threat of a landfalling storm in Florida, orange juice futures dropped by 8.9%, reaching their lowest value since September 9. Values for delivery fell to $1.409 a pound (453 grams) at the worst of the downturn.[59]

October 18th to 27th

15 days of floods and torrential rain killed 43 people, left 97,815 and 55,000 homes were destroyed in Benin according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs aid worker Kemoral Jadjombaye.[60]

Nearly 66% of the nation was experiencing some degree of flooding and the city of Cotonou, the economic capital, was in chaos on the 18th. A total of 42 of the 77 communes, were flooded. Cotonou is low-lying city and flooded by Oueme River virtually every year. 800 people also caught Cholera, of which 7 have died.[60]

Nigeria has seen entire northern villages washed away and aid workers have finally worked out that 200,000 were made homeless in the Niger since the rains started falling in mid-August.[60]

Typhoon Megi within hours of making landfall in Luzon on October 18

The centre of the storm made landfall near Divalacan Bay, Luzon, at 11:25 a.m. (local time) on October 18 preceded by torrential rain and flash flooding[61][62] forcing residents of the area to seek shelter.[63] A reported total of 3,687 individuals from the northern Philippines[64] were evacuated to schools, churches, halls and other sturdier structures [65] but over 200,000 people were rendered homeless.[66][67][68] Although at little risk of being struck by the departing typhoon, classes throughout Metro Manila were suspended on October 19 as a precaution.[69]

Initial estimates were reported that Philippines could lose over 600,000 metric tons of the rice crop [70][71] as the typhoon swept through some of the biggest agricultural areas, such as Isabela and Cagayan,[72] in the northern Philippines. Official estimates following the passing of the typhoon placed agricultural losses at around US$34 million with tens of thousands of tons of rice and corn lost.[73][74] Fears of a rice shortage in the next few weeks were allayed by the National Food Authority which announced that sufficient food had been stockpiled.[75]

Megi inflicted substantial damage to much of the infrastructure as it crossed Luzon.[76] Communication infrastructure in Cagayan and Isabela suffered extensive damage during the typhoon with an estimated 90% of regional communications lost.[77] Officials believe that it would take five days to restore them.[78] Electricity in the northern provinces of Cagayan, Kalinga, Apayao, Northern Isabela, the Mountain Province, parts of Benguet, Ilocos Norte, la Union, Nueva Ecija, Aurora, parts of Tuguegarao[79] was disrupted by Megi. The National Grid Corp. announced that eleven towers along one transmission line suffered extensive damage, which also affected power supplies to the capital leading to outages of up to 3 hours.[80]

Many domestic and international flights by carriers such as Cebu Pacific[81][82] and Philippine Airlines[83] bound for the northern Philippines were cancelled because of the impact of the typhoon, but as the typhoon leaves the islands, many flights were restored.[84] Many roads in Luzon remained closed as of October 18[85] and bus operators have cancelled trips to Cagayan and Isabela due to the poor weather.[86] The departure of Megi will leave large quantities of debris as well as unsanitary conditions that could bring outbreaks of disease if not cleared.[87]

The Philippine Red Cross dispatched a water search and rescue team to Cagayan to aid rescue operations.[88] UNICEF announced that the organisation was monitoring the event and that relief supplies were being prepared should the Philippines Government request aid.[89] The United Nations Office for the Coordination on Humanitarian Affairs have also committed to helping with disaster relief .[90][91] Thousands of military reserve officers and volunteers were on standby, along with helicopters with one retired army general describing the operations as "preparing for war".[92] Search and rescue operations for survivors was hampered by winds that were still reaching 210 kilometres (130 mi) throughout the region.[93] According to official reports, the province of Isabela bore the brunt of the storm with the towns of Palanan and Divilacan suffering extensive damage and Maconacon reportedly being completely destroyed .[94]PAGASA lowered storm signals as the typhoon weakened when it crossed into the mountains in northern Luzon.[95]

Casualties

One person drowned near Tuguegarao, Cagayan during the afternoon of October 18 after being swept away in a river that had overflowed its banks.[96][97] The body of another man who had drowned in Ilocos Sur province was recovered.[98] Another five people died during the storm: one man after being pinned by a falling tree, a mother and her two children when a tree fell on their house and a fifth when struck by lightning. Three people were killed in Isabela province by a storm surge while another drowned attempting to cross a river in Nueva Ecija province.[99] A further nine people have been injured, some by falling debris.[100][101][102] The president made a statement expressing his sympathy and condolences for the bereft families, while also declaring that despite the strength of Megi, the loss of life was significantly less than during Typhoon Basyang and Tropical Storm Ondoy.[103] As of October 20, the death toll stood at 19.[104]

Throughout Yilan County, torrential rainfall from Typhoon Megi and the weather front, peaking at 1,182 mm (46.5 in) in Suao,[105] triggered widespread flash flooding and landslides. According to the Central Weather Bureau, a record 939 mm (37.0 in) of rain fell in a 24 hour span between October 20 and 21. This surpassed the previous record set by Typhoon Morakot in August 2009, just over a year prior.[106] In Suao, a record 181.55 mm (7.148 in) of rain fell within an hour, triggering some of the worst flash flooding in the area in over 20 years.[107] Megi also brought much rainfall in Hualien, Taitung, Pingtung, Taipei, Keelung, and Xinbei. At least 12 people have been confirmed dead and 23 others are missing. Early damage estimates placed losses to agriculture at NT$45 million ($1.5 million USD).[108] Later reports on October 22 indicated that seven people were killed when the temple they were sheltering in was buried by a landslide.[109] Near Suao, multiple landslides struck a major highway stranding more than 400 people. Torrential rainfall caused a 500 m (1,600 ft) section of a nearby mountain to collapse, burying a bus carrying 19 people, whom officials fear may have all perished. Air force helicopters have been called in to aid in the search for the bus and any survivors.[110]

By the morning of October 24, 13 fatalities had been confirmed and 25 people were reported missing.[111] After more than ten days of search-and-rescue operations, all missing persons across the island were declared legally deceased.[112]

After brushing Taiwan, Typhoon Megi struck southern China as a severe tropical storm. Throughout Fujian Province, an estimated 729,800 people were affected by the storm. A total of 36,050 hectares of crops and 530 houses were destroyed by the storm with overall losses incurred in Fujian Province reaching 2.8 billion yuan ($411.7 million USD).[113]

Starting late on October 21, the Government of Honduras issued a tropical storm watch for then-Tropical Storm Richard, which covered the north coast of Honduras from Limón to the border with Nicaragua.[114] When Richard finally began to head westward on October 22, the tropical storm watch was upgraded to a tropical storm warnings; a hurricane watch was also issued for the same location.[115] By 1500 UTC on October 23, the Government of Honduras had issued a tropical storm warning from Limón heading westward toward Puerto Cortés; the tropical storm warning also included the three Bay Islands of Guanaja, Roatán, and Útila.[116] As Richard was predicted to brush the coast of Honduras just offshore, the tropical storm warning was upgraded to a hurricane warning.[116]

At the time Richard had intensified into a hurricane, it had moved away from eastern Honduras, and the tropical storm warning and hurricane watch was discontinued from Limón to the border with Nicaragua.[117] While Hurricane Richard was approaching Belize on October 24, the Government of Honduras discontinued all watches and warning that had been issued in association with the storm as was no longer considered a possible threat for landfall.[118]

The Government of Belize began warning of the threat of Richard on October 22, starting with a tropical storm watch issued for the entire east coast of the country.[119] As Tropical Storm Richard was rapidly intensifying, the tropical storm watch on the coast of Belize was replaced with a tropical storm warning, which had been upgraded at 1500 UTC October 23. Only three hours after the replacement of the tropical storm watch to warning, Richard was nearing hurricane status,[116] and the tropical storm warning in place on the east coast of Belize upgraded to a hurricane warning.[120] The hurricane warning associated with Hurricane Richard remained in place for the east coast of Belize as landfall was occurring,[121] since the storm made landfall to the south-southeast of Belize City as a lower-end category 2 hurricane.[122]

Throughout Belize, Hurricane Richard damaged thousands of homes and leaving many without power. According to the Prime Minister of Belize, damage was likely to run into the millions of dollars.[123] Overall damage was BZ$33.8 million ($17.4 million 2010 USD), most of which from crop damage. The entire grapefruit harvest was lost, and several large trees were downed. In addition, about 200 homes were destroyed.[124]

The Government of Mexico also gave warnings of the approaching Richard, first issuing a hurricane watch also the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula from Punta Gruesa southward to the city of Chetumal, which is on the border with Belize.[119] In addition to the hurricane watch issued for that portion for the Yucatan Peninsula, a tropical storm warning was set in effect for the same area.[116] Although Hurricane Richard approached closely to the Mexican portion of the Yucatan Peninsula, there were no changes to the watches and warning from 1500 UTC October 23 to the time of landfall in Belize.[121] Even though at least tropical storm conditions were possible in Guatemala,[116] there were no tropical storm watches or warnings issued in association with Richard.

After Hurricane Richard made landfall in Belize, the Government of Mexico discontinued the hurricane watch from Punta Gruesa southward to Chetumal, although the tropical storm warnings in the same area remains in effect as of 0300 UTC October 25.[125]

According to local media, Cyclone Giri brought a storm surge up to 3.7 m (12 ft), along with waves up to 8 m (26 ft) and winds in excess of 260 km/h (160 mph).[126] In Kyaukphyu, much of the city was left more than 1.2 m (3.9 ft) under water by the storm. Residents stated that most of Kyaukphyu destroyed by Giri, with nearly every tree and lamppost felled and all structures damaged or destroyed.[127] Later reports confirmed that roughly 70% of the city had been destroyed by Giri.[128] In the Ashey Paing ward, an entire village was flattened by the storm as roughly 1,000 homes were destroyed. Near the Gangawtaw Pagoda in the city, nearly 100 homes were completely destroyed.[127] The local Red Cross office in the city was also destroyed after a large tree fell on it due to high winds.[129] Myebon Township was the hardest-hit area in the country: several villages were completely destroyed by the storm and many others were severely damaged.[130] According to the United Nations, roughly 15,000 homes were destroyed by the storm throughout Arakan State.[131]

In the Seikphyu Township, flood waters up to 4.6 m (15 ft) deep inundated 20 villages after overflow from a dam was released without warning. Thousands of residents were stranded by the flood and left in dire need of assistance. Of the few reports coming from the region, there were indications of fatalities in outlying villages. Most of the livestock in the area perished as there was no time to bring them to higher ground safely.[132] The overall timing of the cyclone's landfall was also devastating for the region. It came at the only harvest of the year for Rakhine State. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, 16,187 hectares (40,000 acres) of rice paddies were destroyed and another 40,468 hectares (100,000 acres) were damaged.[133]

Within a day of Giri striking Myanmar, three people were reported to have been killed by the storm and tens of thousands of residents were believed to have been left homeless.[127] By October 25, officials in Myanmar stated that the death toll had risen to 50 and at least 30 people in the Pyin Wan Village were missing. According to press reports, "The situation here is alarming"; the death toll is believed to continue to increase over the following days as bodies continue to be found.[134] Offshore, more than 100 fishermen from Myanmar and Bangladesh were reported missing after 21 ships were caught in rough seas produced by the cyclone.[126] As of October 29, the at least 94 people were confirmed to have been killed by Giri. Of these fatalities, 84 were in Myebon Township (Mray Bon) and 10 in Pauktaw Township.[135][136] However, according to local relief groups, the death toll had risen over 100 by October 28.[131]

As of November 2, 157 fatalities had been confirmed as a result of Cyclone Giri. Of these fatalities, 138 were in Myebon Township, 11 in Pauktaw Township, 5 in Minbya Township and 3 in Kyaukpyu Township.[137] According to officials in Kyaukpyu Township, damage from the storm amounted to 2.34 billion kyat (US$359 million).[138]

Immediately following the storm, urgent requests for food and clean water were made by residents in the hardest hit areas. By the afternoon of October 23, the Red Cross began deploying relief supplies to the affected region; 300 tents and 150 bags of rice were planned to be distributed to Kyaukphyu where at least 5,000 people were left homeless.[139] According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), a total of 176,823 people were affected by the storm and 70,795 were left homeless.[140] By October 30, the number affected and homeless had risen to 1.1 million and roughly 100,000 respectively.[141][142] Red Cross officials also reported that an estimated 60,000 people were in need of assistance throughout Myanmar.[129] Later that day, a relief charity was opened in Rangoon to aid victims of the storm; the charity in short order had received donations of 10 million kyat ($10,000 USD).[143] By October 25, temporary shelter camps set up by relief agencies housed an estimated 5,000 people.

By October 26, the Government of the Union of Myanmar had begun distributing 60,000 zinc roof sheets and the Ministry of Forestry provided 200 tonnes (220 tons) of timber. The World Food Programme set up four field monitors, stocked with a total of 900 tonnes (992 tons) of rice with another 300 tonnes (330 tons) on the way; stocks of rice in Kyaukpyu itself had reportedly been exhausted. Roughly 1,500 households in Kyaukpyu townhsip were being cared for by the Save the Children foundation. Through the end of October, six non-governmental ogranizations in Myanmar planned to distribute emergency food supplies, such rice, oil, salt and pulses, to 5,000 residents in Kyaukpyu and Myebon. Health supplies were also being distributed at relief camps by UNICEF in the hardest-hit areas. About 500 family kits containing non-food items, such as tarpaulins and moskito nets, had been distribted by the Myanmar Red Cross Society and another 1,200 were being sent to the area.[140] On October 26, United States Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton stated that the country offered emergency assistance and aid to Myanmar.[144]

By the start of November, the government of Myanmar requested medial aid from the United Nations as a cholera outbreak began to unfold. Additional post-storm diseases such as diarrhoea, dysentery, eye infections and skin diseases became prevalent as well. According to locals, at least six people have died as a result of cholera.[145]

It shows the victim nations of the windstorms, snow and floods caused by storms Becky and Carmen.

The horrific non-tropical cyclonic storm and later became extratropical cyclone Carmen generated wind speeds of up to 70 m.p.h. was caused by a server low pressure zone over Nebraska on the October 24th.[146]

America's Mid West was hit by an area of extreme low pressure which would later become a extratropical cyclone (known as 'Carmen' after November the 8th) between October 25 and 27.[147]

Its severe weather battered Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio on the 25th and 26 October. Thunderstorms, strong winds, rain, hail, widespread tornadoes and the major 'Chiclone' (for Chicago+cyclone) all took place on the 26th.[146]

Windstorm Carmen initially formed as a low pressure system off the east coast of the United States. It devistated Maine on November the 7th and 8th.[148]

October 30 and 31

Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression
Typhoon Chaba

Typhoon Chaba (International Designation: 1014, JTWC designation: 16W, PAGASA Name: Katring) was the first typhoon to impact Japan since Typhoon Melor in October 2009. Chaba means Hibiscus in Thai.[149]Early on October 20, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) upgraded an area of low pressure into a tropical depression.[150] Later that day, the JMA reported that the tropical depression slightly intensified.[151] The next day, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center started monitoring the system as tropical depression 16W.[152] On October 23, the system entered the Philippine Area of responsibility and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) started monitoring the system as Tropical Depression "Katring"[153] On October 24, the JMA and JTWC upgraded the tropical depression into a tropical storm and the JMA named it "Chaba".[154][155]

On October 25, the JMA further upgraded the storm into a Severe Tropical Storm.[156] Later that day, the JTWC upgraded the storm into a Category 1 Typhoon.[157] Early on October 26, the JMA further upgraded the storm into a Typhoon.[158] Early on October 27, the JTWC upgraded the typhoon into a Category 2 Typhoon.[159] Later that day, the JTWC further upgraded the typhoon into a Category 3 Typhoon.[160] The following day JTWC upgraded the system into a Category 4 Typhon.[161] Later that day, the JTWC downgraded Chaba into a Category 3 Typhoon.[162] Early on October 29, the JTWC further downgraded Chaba into a Category 2 Typhoon, while the JTWC downgraded it into a Category 1 Typhoon.[163] Early on October 30, the JTWC reported that Chaba had transitioned into an extratropical cyclone. During the afternoon of October 30, the JMA downgraded Chaba to a remnant low as passed near Japan. The remnants of Chaba continued to weaken as it moved northeast, but strengthened again in approaching the Gulf of Alaska into a major storm[164] with 55-knot winds,[165] kicking up 40–50 foot waves, with pressure as low as 939 mb.[166] The storm's center came ashore in the vicinity of Cordova, Alaska on November 1, but not before pulling an atmospheric river of moisture into the American Pacific Northwest, setting a record[167] for that date of precipitation in Seattle.

In preparation for Chaba, more than 160 flights were cancelled.[168] Islanders in southern Japan started sandbagging doors and reinforcing windows as Chaba churned closer.[169] Strong winds and heavy rains lashed through Okinawa and there were a lot of concerns about the island of Amami which was in the typhoon's path.[170]

On Minami-Daito Island in Okinawa Prefecture, winds from the typhoon gusted up to 160 km/h (99 mph), resulting in roughly 500 residences losing power. Five people were also injured across the island.[171] Chaba dumped nearly 50 mm (2.0 in) of rain per hour across southern Japan.

As tropical Cyclone Anggrek continued to grow and became a category 2 cyclone on the Australian scale, the Australian Federal Police advised a yellow alert for the communities on Home and West Island.[172] Wind gust reaching 130 kilometres (81 mi) were expected to smash into the Cocos Islands according to the Bureau of Meteorology, the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center in the Australian region.[173] But later, all the warnings went wrong when the cyclone started weakening. As a result, no or minimal damage was reported in the Islands.[174] Even though the warnings were wrong, the prediction that the season will be highly active with a lot of storms was true as Anggrek was a very early season tropical cyclone.[175]

File:Thai flood1.jpg
Rail network in Thailand, disrupted by the flooding.

The 2010 Thai floods are a series of flash floods that hit various areas in Thailand. The floods were due to having a higher than average rainfall in the month of October and November 2010. The death toll in the country stands at 215 people. According to the Thai government data the floods Nearly affected 7 million people in more than 25,000 villages, mostly by destruction of property, livelihood and infrastructure.[176] The government announced that 38 provinces have been hit by floods from October 1 until November 13 and waters have receded in 8 provinces leaving 30 provinces still affected including 12 in the southern region of the country.[177]

As the vigorous monsoon clouds poured heavy rainfall over Thailand, it started flooding. At the beginning, the flooding was normal and not very serious. But later on, it started to get bad and then became a deadly disaster. For almost a month the area remained flooded and then the waters claimed their very first victims.[178] The southern parts of nation were in bigger trouble as a tropical depression that was about to become Cyclone Jal hit the country increasing the impact of floods by packing strong winds of about 50 kilometres (31 mi) with it.[179] Water on the ground was a depth of over 50 centimetres (20 in) from ground level.[180] The local government announces that they will be giving 5,000 baht to each household affected by flooding and up to 100,000 baht will be spent for repairs.[181]

Thousands of Thailand citizens were stranded as the floods devastated their homes and washed the towns out.[182]

In Hat Yai, Malaysia, many residents were caught off-guard by the flash flood despite evacuation warnings, suggesting either that the cautions were unheard or simply ignored. Urban planning, national irrigation strategies and flood control systems also need a drastic rethink, particularly when one considers the future threat that climate change and rising sea levels will have on both Bangkok and other populated coastal areas in the years to come.[183]

November

November 1st - 11th

Prior to the development of Tomas, the NHC noted the potential for heavy rainfall and strong wind gusts to spread across the Windward Islands, Venezuela, and northern Guyana, due to the tropical wave of which later developed into Hurricane Tomas.[184] Upon development of Tropical Storm Tomas, almost the entire Windward Islands nations were put under a tropical storm warning, issued by their respective Governments; a tropical storm watch was also issued for Dominica.[185] Six hours later as Tomas was nearly a hurricane, the tropical storm warning was replaced by a hurricane warning in Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, and Martinique; the tropical storm watch in Dominica was also upgraded to a tropical storm warning.[186]

In Barbados, people evacuated to schools and shelters for safety during the storm.[187] On St. Lucia, the government closed the island's two airports and ordered the closure of all businesses. Additionally, a large Creole festival was canceled due to the storm.[188] Officials in Trinidad and Tobago closed beaches across the country.[189]In St. Vincent, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) issued advisories that a tropical system was approaching the country. The rapid intensification of Tomas caught many citizens in St. Vincent off guard. Early on October 30, the Prime Minister addressed the nation and informed the country of the situation it was facing.

Following the west-southwesterly motion of the storm, swells generated by Tomas produced breaking waves on coastal sections of the ABC islands during the morning of November 1. Consequently, a small craft advisory was issued at 1415 UTC for all three islands.[190] In addition, a state of severe weather was declared for Bonaire and Curaçao during the passage of Tomas.[191] In Haiti, which was devastated earlier in the year from a deadly January 12 earthquake that struck the nation's capital, Port-au-Prince, government officials began preparing for possible impact from Tomas by October 30. One United Nations spokesperson remarked that a hurricane strike would be "the last thing Haiti needs".[187] The Haitian government issued a orange storm alert, one level short of the highest state of alert, and warned for the possibility of winds, thunderstorms, and flooding.[188]

Tropical Storm Tomas reorganizing over the Caribbean Sea on November 4

As Tomas passed 20 miles to the south of Barbados, it produced a wind gust of 63 mph (100 km/h), which damaged homes and power lines on the island.[192] There were also reports of blown off roofs, impassable roads and uprooted trees.[193] Estimates place the cost of damage in Barbados at BDS$17 million (~US$8.5 million).[194] Later, a station on Saint Lucia recorded sustained winds of 48 mph (77 km/h), with gusts to 69 mph (110 km/h).[195] There was widespread damage to homes and power lines.[196] The winds destroyed the roof of a hospital and a school, with several trees and power lines blown down.[188] Additionally, a station on Martinique reported a gust of 51 mph (82 km/h).[195]

On Saint Vincent, there were no deaths but two persons sustained serious injuries while trying to effect repairs to house roofs and two persons were reported missing. The missing persons were found on November 1, off the island of Balliceaux. The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) declared all areas from Park Hill to Owia on the eastern side and all areas from Belle Isle to Fitz Hughes on the western side disaster zones. It was also reported that the agriculture sector sustained over US$25 million(EC$67 million) worth of damage. Over 1200 people were forced to seek refuge in hurricane shelters across St. Vincent. About 600 houses lost their roofs. A lot of downed power lines, trees and landslides made some roads impassable but NEMO, the Bridges Roads and General Services Authority (BRAGSA) and the St. Vincent Electricity Services Company (VINLEC) were able to clear the main road by the 1st November.

Throughout the northern part of St. Vincent, the entire banana crop was lost. Press reports from the Prime Minister revealed that nearly every banana tree had been downed during the storm. The country's banana crop is a major source of income and jobs, accounting for roughly 60% of the workforce and 50% of the merchandise exported.[197]

Damage from the storm on Trinidad and Tobago amounted to TT$4 million (US$629,000).[198] Losses in Barbados reached Bds$17 million (US$8.4 million).[199]

Throughout St. Lucia, severe flooding and mudslides resulted in at least 14 fatalities. According to a government minister, several other people were missing and buried in landslides.[200] By the morning of November 2, two more fatalities were confirmed on the island.[201] The Government of St. Lucia also stated that damage from the storm could exceed US$100 million.[202] By November 5, the Prime Minister stated that damage from Tomas was roughly EC$1.3 billion ($500 million USD), five times higher than initially stated.[203]

Gradually passing the Windward Islands into the Caribbean Sea, the hurricane produced strong winds and heavy rainfall on Isla Aves, located off the northern coast of Venezuela.[187]Although Tomas did not directly hit the ABC islands, the storm dumped intermittent rains on the islands, triggering localized flooding during the night of November 1 to November 2. In total, at least 10.4 in (265 mm) of precipitation was recorded on the territory during the time.[204] Consequently, most of the local roads were made impassable, several cars were stranded and hundreds of houses were flooded. There were also some power, TV and radio station outages due to severe thundershowers. In Curaçao, a rescue worker helping with the evacuation of a local hospital was crushed to death by a collapsed wall. Furthermore, an elderly man suffered a fatal heart attack while unable to exit his car, drowned as a result of flooding.[205][206][207] Authorities were forced to delay some flights from Curaçao International Airport due to persisting storm conditions.[208] All schools across the islands were closed on November 2 and 3 as a result of the storm.[209]

Severe lightning produced by the storm sparked three large fires in an oil refinery. As a result, several tanks suffered copious damages amounting to US$10 million.[210] Of all three islands, Curaçao reported the worst flood damage; monetary losses across the island are estimated at over NAƒ50 million (US$28 million).[211]

Hurricane Tomas as it tracks across the Greater Antilles

After days of anticipation, Tomas arrived just offshore in Haiti on the morning of November 5. The storm steadily intensified while brushing the disaster-weary nation, re-attaining hurricane strength near the westernmost tip of Haiti. Torrential rains and tropical storm force winds buffeted the entire region. Within hours of the storm's arrival, flooding began to occur. In Port-au-Prince, one of the largest refugee camps set up near the ruins of the capitol building was flooded following heavy rains.[212] By the evening of November 8, 20 people had been confirmed dead, 7 others were listed as missing and more than 30 000 people were in shelters.[213] Health workers also feared damage related to Tomas on the island could exacerbate the 2010 Haitian cholera outbreak.[214]

[215][216] Tomas passed just to the east of Cuba hours later, but no significant damage was reported on the island.[217]

As the outer bands of Hurricane Tomas began to impact Cuba, Aero Caribbean Flight 883, an ATR-72-212 aircraft, crashed near the town of Guasimal in Sancti Spíritus province. All 68 people on-board the plane were killed on impact. Although the plane was the last to leave the airport in Santiago de Cuba before it closed due to Tomas, it is unknown what role, if any, the storm played in the crash.[218][219]

In Panama, heavy flooding as a result of a trough and Tomas' outflow destroyed close to 1,000 hectares of banana crop and prompted 638 people to evacuate.[220] The flooding in Panama killed two people and left one missing.[221]

In Costa Rica, due to interaction of a persistent low pressure system with tropical storm Tomas, heavy rains affected over half the country from 3 to 6 November, including the Pacific Coast and mountainous areas in the center of the country. In some locations 3 times the average November rainfall fell in 3 days. Rainfall lead to flooding and landslides. In the dawn hours of 4 November, the collapse of Cerro Pico Blanco over San Antonio de Escazú, near San Jose, Costa Rica, killed at least 24 people. Another person was reported dead in Parrita on the Pacific Coast, which received extensive flooding. Roads and infrastructure throughout the country were damaged and over 3300 people were evacuated.United Nations Situation Report 6 November 2010

Hurricane Tomas narrowly missed the Turks and Caicos, sparing the islands a direct hit and causing only minor flooding.[222]

The 2010 European windstorms were heavy windstorms that hit the UK, Ireland, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Denmark between November 6 and 18. A complex of heavy rain and thunderstorms hit the British Isles with patchy rain falling in western most Ireland, Argyle and Oxfordshire since the morning of the 7th. Heavy rain began falling in westernmost Ireland, Cornwall and Oxfordshire over the evening of the 7th.[223] and winds began to pick up in Banburyshire, Birmingham and Oxfordshire.

A cyclone warning was issued to the east Indian coasts which were already hit by a strong monsoonal trough that caused severe flooding and killed hundreds of people displacing many more. Until November 3, that region recorded more than 30 centimetres (12 in) of rainfall.[224] Rumors have been spreading that the system had already intensified into a super cyclone and would kill everyone in its path. Later that day, Shri Ajit Tyagi, the Director General of the India Meteorological Department clarified that there is no indication of the system to turn into a super cyclone.[225] The worst fear was the disruption of Diwali, which was scheduled to be celebrated on November 5, that year. Diwali is one of the best festivals of India. In this festival, Indians burn Firecrackers and have fun. If it rains badly, then the festival would be disrupted.[226] Fishermen have been advised not to venture into seas during the cyclone.[227] Later, the system slowed down leading to a happy and safe Diwali.[228] The National Disaster Response Force at Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu shifted their personnel to Nellore in order to supervise the rescue and relief operations.[229]

The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board informed people to stay away from electricity poles and transformers. They announced three helpline numbers so that the citizens in need can call and seek help.[230] Torrential rains and strong wind further took the Indian death toll to 30.[231] A total of 9 fishermen who ventured into the sea, ignoring the IMD's advise were listed as missing by Sunday night.[232] It was reported that around 300 thousand hectares of cropland was devastated by the cyclone.[233] As a result of this devastation, Lok Satta announced aid for the farmers in need.[234]

The worst fear was the formation of another storm over the Arabian Sea from the remnants of the unusually large cyclone Jal.[235] Another fifty year old was found dead as he was trapped under an uprooted tree. The death toll further rose to 32.[236]

All schools in Puducherry have been closed for Monday to face the onslaught of the cyclone.[237] Over 10,000 families living in low lying areas in the Chennai were accommodated in community halls and schools.[238] Storm warning signals remained hoisted in parts of Orissa as heavy rains were still expected because of the size of the system.[239]

A huge amount of debris was deposited along the coasts as a result of this massive devastation.[240] The Indian government said that they would be giving twenty kilograms of rice and five litres of kerosene to each family in flood-affected areas. They would also give 2 lakhs to the families of the victims.[241]

The remnants of former tropical cyclone Jal (05B) over Gujarat, India

Widespread rainfall continued to batter Andhra Pradesh as of November 9th as the remnants of cyclone Jal re-emerged into the Arabian Sea and started strengthening again. The IMD suggested that there could be two more tropical cyclones to hit India by November 15.[242] According to the news, the cyclone had a bad impact on 59 blocks in seven districts and overall, 199 villages were completely inundated by the surge and flooding.[243] Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Konijeti Rosaiah claimed that he and his government took many measures to prevent a high death toll and luckily the system weakened and passed over India into the Arabian sea.[244] Despite all the troubles Jal has been giving to India, it has also poured enough rain in Chennai that the citizens can use the water for five days.[245] Afterall, the IMD said that these rains can’t be seen anymore, once the cyclone has moved into the Arabian sea, the eastern parts of India would dry up.[246]

The total damage estimated by the Indian government was US$53.55 million with Visakhapatnam district suffering a damage of US$18.53 million, Nellore district suffering a damage of US$22.59 million and Prakasam district suffering a damage of US$12.43 million.[247][248] On November 9, The Andhra Pradesh chief minister Konijeti Rosaiah upgraded the Indian death toll to 54.[249] As the remnants of jal continued to move northwest, they brought light to moderate spells of rain in India's warmest state of Rajasthan. According to the report, the daytime temperature in Rajasthan dropped by two or three degrees.[250] Later on, light to moderate spells of rain also battered the state of Gujarat.[251]

Severe flooding from the leftover remnants of cyclone Jal passed over India and claimed fourteen lives in Karnataka as it was reported on November 11.[252]

A woman died in Pinderfield's Hospital, after being impaled by tree branch as winds up to 90 mph hit Pontefract at 20.30 on the 11th, West Yorkshire Police said the woman was in her car at the time. A man who was driving the car was also hurt in the incident at about 8.30pm last night.[253][254]

Another woman died when a branch fell down and crushed her car in Wakefield during the morning of the 12th.[255]

November 12th to 19th

It had concentrated mostly around west central Scotland, County Antrim, south west England, south east England, Greater London and south west Wales by 13.00, it had reached France's Pas-de-Calais department by 19.00 [223] and had virtually dispersed by 23.00 outside west central Scotland, the English Channel, Normandy, the Pas-de-Calais and Belgium on the 12th. Heavy rain fall hit the Dutch/Belgian border, Manchester, Glasgow and Normandy at this time.[223] The original low that started it was blowing itself out of existence as a bad rain storm over Denmark and Northern Germany, flooding parts of the town of Nochern.

Two people died in southern Belgium, according to DPA and RTBF. A man was washed away in a street and a 72 year old woman was killed in her car. Both fatalities occurred during the night of the 13th, in the community of Solre-Saint-Gery, near the French border.[256] By the afternoon another on r body was found in nearby Lessines, where another person was reported to the Belgian authorities as missing.[257] Firelighters worked desperately to patch up defences and road travel was disrupted.[256] Rail traffic was seriously disrupted during the morning of the 14th due to heavy flooding, but things soon improved as the local authorities called in both the army and civil protection units to reinforce fire-fighters who had been working through the night. The Brabant region was at the most risk, but Prime Minister Yves Leterme said there was no need to declare a state of emergency.[258]

A thick fog covered Mississauga, Ontario on Nov' 19. Snow came in North Bay, Ontario. Gails blown over Toronto, Ontario, with Heavy rain in Toronto, Ontario. Many lakes saw skating in North Vancouver, British Colombia. Winter has arrived at Grouse Mountain B.Cb, and snowstorm in the United States. A treacherous blast of winter weather resulted in more than 25 cm of snow falling in parts of Minnesota both on the 19th and the previose weekend [259]

Several large tornados and storms hit in North Dakota on Saterday the and moved east into Minnesota by Sunday the 14, said Tom Grafenauer a meteorologist of the with the National Weather Service office in Grand Forks. Tornado touchdowns were reported Saturday evening near Tyler, North Dakota; Tenney, Minnesota, and Fergus Falls, Minnesota that weekend (the 13th anmd 14th) [260].

By mid-day floods hit Geraardsbergen in Belgium on November 14 for the second day running. Belgium’s weather experts and state authorities described the flooding as the worst in 50 years. The national weather service said Belgium had as much rainfall in 2 days as it normally gets in a month.[258]

by the 15th a staggering 80 litres per square metre was recorded in a few locations, making it the worst Belgian flooding in 50 years.[261]

By mid day on the 17th, David Cameron had pledged to send aid to Cornwall as heavy rains and gale force winds brought misery to St Austell, Lostwithiel, St Blazey, Bodmin, Par, Mevagissey and Luxulyan. Both police [262] and Ben Johnston, flood risk manager for the Environment Agency declared the flooding a "major incident"[263] with many of residents evacuated.[262] Schools were closed, the transport network was hugely disrupted and all train services stopped by a landslide at Lostwithiel.[262][262] The Avant-garde Eden Project Eco-attraction, near St Austell, also closed until Saturday due to heavy damage, the owners said.[262] The bad weather had dispersed outside of Northumberland abs costal Scotland by 22.00 on the 18th.[223]

1 Nicaraguan person was killed on 19 November as rescue workers evacuated some 2,000 people in El Salvador and Nicaragua as a storm system loitered off the Pacific coasts of Guatemala and Southern Mexico, heaping heavy rain in Central America since that Friday and would burn out that Sunday according to The U.S. National Hurricane Centre.[264] The flooding and mudslides in EL Salvador and Nicaragua was severe. Nicaragua’s Colonel Gilberto Navarez, the country's deputy director of civil defence expressed his concern over the death.[264] Hurricane Ida killed over 150 people last November in massive flooding and landslides and floods.[264]

As Colombia faces its worst rainy season in three decades, severe flooding and landslides have left at least 136 people dead and disrupted the lives of more than 1.2 million. Government officials report that more than 200,000 homes in all but five of Colombia's 32 provinces have been destroyed. The communities most severely affected are those along the Sinú River, where AJWS's grantee ASPROCIG works. In response to the devastation, AJWS is providing ASPROCIG with a $20,000 emergency grant to offer food and health support in order to ensure that health and crop systems do not deteriorate with continued flooding. ASPROCIG is also draining contaminated water, providing seeds and small livestock to flood victims and conserving the increasingly fragile agro-system by pruning trees and building necessary fences to halt the floods.[265][266]

Rain impacted badly on cane crops in Uttar Pradesh and consequently production target for the state this year has been reduced to 6.66 million tonnes from the earlier estimate of 7.09 million tonnes. Sugar production in India may not touch the target of 25.5 million tonnes this marketing year due to excess rain in Uttar Pradesh that has affected the cane yield in the state.[267] Maharashtra government ordered a survey to ascertain the damage caused due to the recent unseasonal rains in various parts of the state. Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, who took charge last week, directed his ministers to supervise the survey in their respective districts and submit a report before the cabinet in its meeting next week.[268]

Many thousands of people woke up on the 19th and 20th to another day of flooded roads, driving rain and blustery wind yesterday as storms continued to batter Northern Ireland, bringing hell to rush hour traffic was disrupted as drains and fields failed to cope with the amount of rainfall and flooded uncontrollably in several places! [269][270]

Belfast’s motorists reported of flooding on some of the main including the Knock Road, Braniel estate, Sydenham bypass and Lisburn Road. Heavy floods also occurred at Dondonald, where the Rivers Agency staff were called out to deal with the overflowing waters on the town’s Dunleady Road. The Roads Service had a similarly busy day, dealing with localised flooding across Antrim and Down throughout the morning as several fallen trees and floods blocked other roads . At the Moira the Clarehill Road and Bridge Road were closed in the afternoon after the River Lagan burst its banks.[269][269][270][270]

Met office forecasters predicted that temperatures would to drop to around 2 °C degrees overnight, with patches of mist and fog. They said temperatures would sadly decline at the end of the week for the foreseeable future, with the good chance of a white Christmas.[269][270]

November 20th to 26th

Heavy rains in Madurai, in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, triggered a flash flooding that killed at-least 97 people and injured 8 more. According to the report, over 20 houses were also damaged by the flooding on the 20th.[271] Most of the state schools and colleges have been closed. Many reservoirs in the area have been filled by the floodwaters.[272]

November 24 saw a white out/blizzard conditions and closing mountain highways, whilst adding to bountiful snowfall totals at Sierra ski resorts preparing for a busy holiday in Reno. Dawn Fischler, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service branch in Reno, warned people about the cold weather and getting stuck in th snow. He said it was caused by a blast of Arctic air and the latest in a string of regional storms. Interstate 80 west of the Nevada-California line because of poor visibility and more than 3,300 northwest Reno residents without power.[273] Blizzard conditions also forced the near three-hour closure of the Mount Rose Highway after numerous cars lost control and plowed into snowbanks. One accident involved a collision between a snowplow and a pickup, but luckily there were no injuries resulting.[273]

Trooper Chuck Allen of the Nevada Highway Patrol said "the winds were so fierce the snowflakes literally stung as they hit your face”.[273]

Several inches of snow in some valley locations, also closed down U.S. 395 through Washoe Valley at times and Reno’s Mayor Bob Cashell cancelled the holiday tree lighting ceremony. About a foot of fresh powder at Lake Tahoe and the ski resort at Alpine Meadows got 8 ft in its third snowiest November during 30 years.[273] The Aspen Ski Slope opened with a total of 40 inches on the 25th [274]

A strong ice storm on the 25th and 26th associated with bands of freezing rain moved over Alaska. Later in the United States, parts of Oklahoma and Kansas were brushed by the outer bands of the storm.[275] A cold front moved over York causing widespread heavy rainfall with winds gusting to over 30 miles (48 km). The temperatures have quickly dropped below 44 °F (7 °C) as the fond intensified over land.[276] The Buncombe County and surrounding mountains in the U.S. state of North Carolina were hit by persistent, strong thundershowers. Following the downpour, the night temperature dropped to below 23 °F (−5 °C).[277]

It shows number of fatalities in the British Isles caused by the events in question (Windstorm Carmen (storm) windstorm Becky and the November/December blizzards of 2010) from November 8th to December 31th. See file page for map key.

It all began with an unusually cold November caused by a cold weather cycle that started in southern Scandinavia and subsequently moved south and west over the both Belgium and Netherlands on November 25 and in to the west of Scotland and North East England on November 26. This was due to a low pressure zone in the Baltics a high pressure over Greenland on November 24.[278]

From the 22nd November 2010, cold conditions arrived in the United Kingdom as a cold northerly wind developed and snow began to fall in Northern and Eastern parts causing disruption. The winter arrived particularly early for the european climate, with temperatures dropping significantly lower than previous lows for the month of November. On 28 November, Wales recorded their lowest ever November temperature of -17.3C in Llysdinam and Nothern Ireland recorded their lowest ever November Temperature of -9.5C in Lough Fea. The UK Met Office issued severe weather warnings for heavy snow for eastern Scotland and the north-east of England.[279] Forecasters warned of cold and snowy conditions arriving later in the week and persisting into much of the next. Temperatures during the 22nd had dropped in many parts of UK with a low of -2.2C recorded in Altnaharra. Each day, the temperature dropped and wintry showers began to arrive in some parts of the Highlands.

The weather phenomina was caused by a cold weather cycle that had started in southern Scandinavia and subsequently moved south and west over both Belgium and the Netherlands on November 25 and in to the west of Scotland and North East England on November 26. This was due to a low pressure zone in the Baltics a high pressure over Greenland on November 24.[278]

A picture of a snowy Oxford on November the 24th, 2010.

A cold front moved out of Siberia on the 24th and cold spell and snow storms also hit the Alps on the 26th befor hitting the UK on the 29th.[278] Other earlyer, but unrelated storms had dusted Northumberland and Scottish Borders Region on the 23rd and 24th before being absorbed in to the advanceing Scandinavian weather system.[280] Ireland was first hit on the 26th.

Morning temperatures plummeted across the whole of the UK, as dawn broke on the 26th. The east of the UK and parts of Ireland had 6 inches of snowfall yesterday while the south west faced freezing temperatures in the most snowy regional November snow for 17 years hit Britain. A plane with 196 passengers overshot its landing position at Newcastle upon Tyne airport due to an icy runway.[281]

As heavy Snow caused many problems across the UK and the first distruption of Snowfall occured on the 24th of November in the Grampians, Eastern Scotland and Cairngorms, where snow showers blown from a northerly wind caused havoc as accumilations up to 20 cm in Aviemore made conditions difficult and major roads in Aberdeen had gridlock problems in the rush hour. Further snow distrupted all of Scotland, Southern Wales, Nothern Ireland, South West and England and much of the North and East of England as snow accumilated to over 60 cm in rural settlements in Scotland. The snowfall was the earliest widespread snowfall since 1993. Some forecasters have warned of temperatures dropping to -20c. Temperatures in Carterhouse, Scottish borders fell to -7.8C, and several inches of snow were recorded in Devon and Cornwall.

The AA dealt with an estimated 15,500 calls regarding breakdowns on the 26th.[282]

Police forces had urged people in several places to stay indoors amid warnings that the heavy snow and plunging temperatures will last for several more days as snow as snow heaped down in costal Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Grampian Mountains the Pennines, Wales, the English West Midlands, Norfolk, Northumbria, Lancashire, Buckinghamshire, Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Aberdeenshire. and Cornwall, Great Ayton in North Yorkshire and Oxfordshire all through the early morning and well in to midday. The temperatures hovered at about 0 °C all across the UK and Ireland that day and were predicted to fall to –4 °C overnight in Northern England. Police warnings were also issued for icy roads in Northern England and Scotland. Northumbria Police urged motorists to stay off the roads and only venture out if necessary as Sky News predicted a Northumbrian night time temperature of –15 °C. Two had earlier been hurt in a multiple vehicle pile-up on the M1 near Sheffield just before 8.00 am leading to three lanes of the southbound carriageway between junctions 34 and 33.[283]

The Met Office had issued severe weather warnings for Scotland, Northern Ireland, the North East, Yorkshire and Humber, the East Midlands and the South West, with London and the South East also under threat. Its experts said the worst trouble was in is Northumberland where blizzards have dumped up to 40 cm of snow. Ice warnings were later extended to cover the whole of the British Isles, with snow also predicted for Kent and Sussex. The weather expert Jim Bacon, told Sky News the blizzards were being caused by an unseasonably early cold weather system that had emerged over Scandinavia the day before and was moving towards North East England and Scotland. He also predicted this sort of event could become earlier and more common in the future.[283]

The East of England Ambulance Service had recorded several accidents with cars and vans skidding into ditches, lampposts, fences and fields. They warned motorists to “Remember your safety is paramount, drive safely and please take care over the weekend!” The AA also said it had attended a total of 10,400 breakdowns by mid-afternoon, which is up 80% up on the norm for a Saturday in November. Both flat batteries and lots of people failing to get out of the driveway due to snow and/or ice were becoming commonplace in Northumbria, Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Aberdeenshire.[283]

A man died in at Lancaster Hospital after jumping into a River Lune to save his dog earlier in the day.[283]

At some airports, flights have been delayed including those at Jersey airport after lightning hit the radar system overnight and heavy snow closed runways at Luton, Newcastle upon Tyne and Inverness airports.[284] That night roads were salted and gritted in most of Staffordshire, Cumbria, Leicestershire, Aberdeenshire, Powys, Cardiff, Balham, Dublin ,Belfast, Oxfordshire, Banburyshire and Warwickshire.

Many schools were closed and many roads were impassable in Scotland and the north east of England with up to 30 cm recorded in the Scottish Highlands, North Yorkshire, Wales and the South West. Some 10 in (25 cm) are expected to fall over higher ground on Saturday and parts of the Midlands and London will not remain unscathed.[278]

Aisling Creevey, of MeteoGroup, predicted the cold snap was set to tighten its grip, in to the middle of next week. It would last at least 10 days as biting winds swooped in from the North Sea and night-time temperatures plummeted. The police and AA warned of warnings of black ice and snow drifts.[278]

Police said all roads in the Grampian region were covered in snow and ice this morning while the A93 at Glenshee, the A939 to Ballater and the A957 Crathes to Stonehaven, at the Slug Road, were also blocked by snow andf ice in places. The AA later said said it was called out to 12,000 breakdowns by 4:30 pm.[278]

Due to the snow related chaos in Aberdeenshire, Aberdeenshire council said 121 schools in the area were closed or partially closed because of snow while some children in Durham were also turned away from classes.[278]

Several forthcoming sporting fixtures could be at risk with racing at Newcastle on Saturday becoming one of the first of the weekend's casualties and Bad weather could also hit tomorrow's FA Cup second round matches.[278]

The night of the 26th/27th saw a thunder storm last night damage electrical systems and flood roads, causing disruption transport services on the 27th with trains in Dublin worst hit.[285]

Heavy snow fall was reported across higher parts of the country on November 26 and in lowland Switzerland on the 27th. The temperatures hovered between +5 °C and –5 °C for the next 8 days with November 30/December 1 having a night time temperature of –11 °C. Similar weather was predicted for the Austrian Tyrol.[286]

On the 26th night time temperatures plummeted well below 0 °C, with the Welsh towns of Sennybridge and Trawscoed being among the coldest places at –10.2 °C. The village of Dalwhinnie in the Scottish Highlands saw the temperatures fall to –8.2*nbsp;°C and Chesham in Buckinghamshire fell to -7C, and Preston in Lancashire recorded -5.8C. The cold snap heralded the earliest winter snow fall for 17 years.[283]

November 27th

Photograph of snow in Ireland taken by the NASA Aqua satellite on December 2nd 2010

The morning of Saturday, November 27, saw Ireland freezing in what could be a rather costly cold snap as it emerged that the extreme weather earlier this year cost a colossal €297m in insurance payouts due to the snow causing damage was also caused to homes and other buildings all over the country. The Irish Insurance Federation revealed there were 22,450 claims from the public, the vast majority of which involved snow or ice damage to peoples’ homes.[285]

Severe blizzards hit Southern Sweden and Denmark, affecting flights at Copenhagen Airport. Over 30 cm of snow fell. Helsinki and Stockholm recorded their coldest November nights on record, at -20C and -17C respectively. Trondheim, Norway's third biggest city located in Central Norway, experienced the coldest November since the beginning of recording temperatures in 1788. Especially the last week of November saw temperatures 12–14 degrees Celsius below normal.[287] The average temperature in Oslo was -1.7C in November 2010, the coldest since 1968 which had -2.1C.[288] The record low for Norway in November 2010 was measured in Karasjok in Finnmark, the northernmost county, on the 27th, showing -35C.[287]

The Met Office Severe weather warnings remain in place across much of the UK, with Scotland and north-east England predicted to have the heaviest snowfalls, with new warnings are also in place for icy roads in Northern Ireland and Wales as forecasters recon it could remain cold and snowy for up to 2 weeks.[289] There were snowfalls of up to 30 cm recorded in the Scottish Highlands and North Yorkshire.[285]

A road crash on an icy road in Erdington, Birmingham killed a cyclist that morning of November 27.[282][290]

The severe winter weather resulted in school closures as Northern Scotland, North East England and parts of North and East Yorkshire were blanketed in up to 6 inches of snow. Sub-zero overnight temperatures were recorded across the country, with the t 2 of the coldest place being at Carterhouse in the Scottish Borders at -7.8C while Benson in Oxfordshire fell to -7.6C. New Met office alerts were put out for heavy snow warnings in the English East Midlands, the East of England, South West England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Ireland also faced a day of cold weather to.[291]

Some FA Cup second round matches, could be affected with Saturday racing at Newcastle upon Tyne the first to be called off.[291]

Tony Armstrong, chief executive of the Living Streets charity, called for local authorities to create a winter contract with their community to work together because of the weather and to guarantee gritting, coordinate volunteer ice wardens , to keep communities moving, and redeploying council staff who are unable to do their usual jobs in icy weather to grit pavements and avoid a repetition of last year’s 7,000 snow and ice-related hospital admissions.[291]

A recent survey by the OnePoll organisation suggests that someone living in Britain will experience seven ‘white’ Christmases‘ during their lifetime. The best chance of seeing snow on December 25 is given as Glasgow followed by Edinburghand Aberdeen.[291]

By the middle of the 27th Up to 1.5 inches of snow fell in parts of Staffordshire overnight while residents in the Black Country and shropshire also woke up to a covering today with warnings of way with blizzards expected in the region with a predicted snow fall of 8 inches over the next few days.[282][290]

Snow was causing problems on the M6 through Staffordshire so gritters were out in force as temperatures dipped to -3 °C (27 °F).[282][290]

The Met Office warned that most of the snowfall during last night was in Staffordshire, but with showers in the West Midlands and Shropshire at around dawn.[282][290]

By the afternoon AA had faced a up 40% rise on a normal Saturday in November,” a spokesman said. The worst affected areas were around Newcastle upon Tyne, Mid Wales, North Wales, Norwich, Leeds and Bradford.[292]

Cars drove awkwardly on both sides of the road as they struggle to climb the hill on Penrhiwfer Road, Tonyrefail, Wales. As Britain began to feel the big chill fewer robins will be keeping gardeners company this winter 27. Motorists in Wales and Northern Ireland struggled with icy roads while Scotland was facing more heavy snow and drifts thanks to a biting wind.[292]

The Met Office warned of icy roads in Grater London and the South East, the South West, East Midlands, Yorkshire and Humber and the north east of England and of heavy snow North East, Yorkshire and Humber, East Midlands and the South West were also braced for heavy snow. About 10 inches of snow was expected over the higher parts of the country, with a light dusting in Greater London and lower lying parts of the English Midlands. They reckoned that the cold snap would continue, with snow blanketing swathes of the country by the middle of this week.[292]

Ocado online supermarket had seen a surge in demand for de-icer with sales while the cold weather had also brought a 42% increase in sales of cough medicine. Tescos had also seen a rise in the sails of de-icer and table salt.[292]

During the eavning of the 27th of November 2010 Travel plans were disrupted for many people and children had fun playing as 40cms (16 inches) fell in parts of North East England and Scotland on Saturday, with more being predicted to come on come on Sunday. Forecasters said It was the most widespread snow at this time of year since 1993.[280]

Saturday, November 27, saw Ireland freezing in what could be a rather costly cold snap as it emerged that the extreme weather earlier this year cost a colossal €297m in insurance payouts due to the snow causing damage was also caused to homes and other buildings all over the country. The Irish Insurance Federation revealed there were 22,450 claims from the public, the vast majority of which involved snow or ice damage to peoples’ homes.[285]

Road conditions in the Dublin area were made dangerous after freezing temperatures and snow led to icy surfaces and paths were made Icy by frost.[285]

A prolonged freeze disrupted businesses and schools as travel was made hazardous. Hard-pressed retailers feared that today's bitterly cold temperatures combined with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) march would deter many families from beginning their Christmas shopping in the city centre. As retailers and restaurants head into the vital Christmas period, shoppers were expected to stay away from Dublin city centre in their drove[285] s.

The DART and the northern commuter and Maynooth commuter lines were not running and Belfast andRosslare train services out of Dublin were also affected. The main runway at Dublin airport due to snow and ice for most of the day.[285]

The extreme weather was reminiscent of the winter storms of 2009/2010, which were the worst in resent Irish history.[285]

The bitter cold and snow did not thousands deter pro-democracy protesters who took to the streets of Dublin in an ICTU organised march to protest against the country's austerity budget and the horrific 4 year National Recovery Plan.[285]

Met Eireann said the areas worst affected by the overnight snow were eastern parts of Leinster, Donegal and Connacht and said the bad weather was expected to last for up to a week, with depths of up to 10 cm in places. Met Eireann, put a weather warning in place and more snow for the counties in the east, north and north west. The also put a gale and small craft warning in effect.[285]

Heavy snow fall was reported across higher parts of the country on November 26 and in lowland Switzerland on the 27th. The temperatures hovered between +5 °C and –5 °C for the next 8 days with November 30/December 1 having a night time temperature of –11 °C. Similar weather was predicted for the Austrian Tyrol.[293]

By the middle of the 27th Up to 1.5 inches of snow fell in parts of Staffordshire overnight while residents in the Black Country also woke up to a covering today with warnings of way with blizzards expected in the region with a predicted snow fall of 8 inches over the next few days.[282][290]

November 28th - 30th

A snowy Banbury on November 28th.

Both Oxford and Banbury was hit by a heavy frost and winds between 5:00–6:00 am UTC. Heavy snow fall occurred through out the night of November 27/28 on the high ground of the UK and Ireland, but was easing off in Staffordshire by 7:00 am GMT.

By midday the snow was causing havoc in Cumbria, the Scottish Central Belt and Ullerpool.

By the afternoon the blizzards had reached Fife and West Lothian, and a white-out hit Staffordshire, but snow fall had begun to decrease in Warwickshire. Morayshire, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire councils all raised concerns that their road salt supplies were running low after four days of heavy, round the clock usage.[294]

All flights were suspended indefinitely at Edinburgh Airport and temporally at Glasgow airport. Stirling bus station was shut due to heavy snow on the 28th.[295]

Northern Ireland and Wales hit a new low of –9.5 °C (15 °F) at Lough Fea, Co Tyrone, in Wales, a record minimum of –18 °C (0 °F) was reached at Llysdinam, in Powys and Scotland set a November record at Loch Glascarnoch, with –15 °C as snow is fell in Scotland, Northern Ireland and North East England.[296] Topcliffe in North Yorkshire, saw a temperature of –13.5 °C (8 °F).[296] Both Northern Ireland, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, Staffordshire and Stirlingshire were in white-out blizzard conditions by the afternoon of the 28th.[296]

A snowy Banbury on November 29th.
A snowy Banbury on November 30th.

The Welsh village of Hawarden recorded its coldest November temperature on the 29th, since the last record was set in 1944.[297]

A record -15.3C was measured during November 29 in Orleans, France, where the record for November was last set in 1946.[298] Ice and snow led to power outages in Orleans.[299]

Trondheim, Norway's third biggest city located in Central Norway, experienced the coldest November since the beginning of recording temperatures in 1788. Especially the last week of November saw temperatures 12–14 degrees Celsius below normal.[287] The average temperature in Oslo was -1.7C in November 2010, the coldest since 1968 which had -2.1C.[288] The record low for Norway in November 2010 was measured in Karasjok in Finnmark, the northernmost county, on the 27th, showing -35C.[287]Trondheim, Norway's third biggest city located in Central Norway, experienced the coldest November since the beginning of recording temperatures in 1788. Especially the last week of November saw temperatures 12–14 degrees Celsius below normal.[287]

November 30 saw the European storms spread in to north Africa that evening with at least 30 people killed in Morocco after heavy rain and floods. Morocco’s l MAP news agency said 24 people died when a bus was swept away by a flooding river in the coastal town of Bouznika. 4 died when heavy rain brought down their homes near the central city of Khenifra and in Sale. A girl also drowned in Tiflet after a bridge collapsed in to a raging river.[300]

Authorities in Casablanca, schools were ordered to shut 18 cm /7 inches fell overnight.[300]

The head of Morocco's weather service 2M Al-Maghribia television the heavy rain would continue until December 2.[300]

Royal Air Maroc flights were delayed at the country's main airport in Casablanca as they waited for passengers who could not passengers reaching the airport in the floods.[300]

Both ATM machines and inter-bank communication systems run by the Attijariwafa Bank, in Rabat, broke down due to a build-up of static electricity in that evening’s thunderstorm.[300]

December

December 1 - 3

158 XXX at North Wingfield on 1 December 2010.

In Western Upstate New York sudden, heavy lake-effect snow on December 1-2 stranded hundreds of motorists on New York State Thruway just east and south of Buffalo. State officials were ordering a review of emergency measures in the wake of the storm, many motorists and truckers spent the overnight period stuck in their vehicles. In nearby Cattaraugus County just to the south, flooding of the Allegany River forced evacutaions. [301]

On the morning of December 1, rain occurred in former Yugoslavia, Albania, Romania, costal Spain, Italy, Morocco and central parts of Portugal. Snow was forecast for the UK north of Birmingham and Ireland on the mornig of the 1st.

Snow and freezing temperatures severely disrupted airports in Germany and Britain and caused flights to run late or be cancelled in Ireland, France, the UK, Germany and the Czech republic. British Airways and Emirates 24/7 flights were delayed at Heathrow Airport, as was Etihad Airways at Dublin; Lufthansa was not running at Frankfort.[302]

A spokesman for Heathrow airport's operator, BAA, said it had invested a total of £500,000 this year to help keep the airport moving and is planning to invest another £3,000,000 over the next four years in order to combat delays from bad weather. The airport deals with an average of almost 1,300 flights per day.[303] Gatwick Airport closed tater that day, but reopened on the 3rd.[304]

18 people had died from exposure in Poland during nights between November 30 and December 2, where temperatures have dropped as low as -26°C.[305][306] An 69 year old Austrian man fell of a bridge and died on the night of the 1st/2nd.[307]

The stormy weather that swept across Europe on December 2 killed at least eight homeless people in Poland. Police said the men, all from different parts of the country, had been drinking alcohol in an average temperature of -20°C. The eastern Polish city of Bialystok hit a low of -26°C. The Geneva, Chambery and Grenoble airports were all closed. The Eurocontrol central air control agency also reported severe flight delays at Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna and Prague. 60 flights were cancelled at Frankfurt airport, Germany's largest that day due to the bad weather, but the trouble would be over by the following morning.[307] At the airport in Frankfurt, many flights were cancelled for the second day on December 2 due to the severe weather conditions. The presence of so many private jets in Zurich meant the airport had to turn down requests for diverted landings. Both former American President Bill Clinton and Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero had their landings delayed in the chaos.[307] Munich Airport and rail transport were also affected.[305][307] The winter weather caused some 2,000 accidents on German roads on the 2nd, road traffic officials said.[307]

The Swiss weather agency, Meteosuisse, issued a forecast for yet more snow as a weather front centred over Western Europe moved slowly eastward, colliding with the eastern one that was going westward as they met in the Swiss Alps.[307]

Contrasting temperatures also occurred in the beginning of December in the Balkans, where heavy rain caused flooding in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia.[308] The River Neretva reached its highest level in 50 years[308], as well as Rivers Lim and Drina in Serbia, flooding and causing some evacuation of civilians. The River Drina reached a high point of around eleven times its normal level, and the Lim flooded around 250 acres of land, as well as around 50 buildings.[309] A state of emergency was declared in Albania because of flooding near the cities of Shkodra and Durres and the river Bojana in Montenegro[310]. Temperatures in Macedonia and Bulgaria at the end of November and beginning of December reached 20 °C (68 °F).[311] Heavy rain caused rivers to overflow on the 3rd and 4th, flooding areas of Albania, Bosnia, Serbia and Montenegro. On the 3rd, Albania's Shkoder region saw 1,000 evacuees flee as the water rose by two metres in one day. Serbian authorities declared a state of emergency in the western town of Ljubovija as the Drina River burst its banks and overflowed into nearby towns and villages. Many small villages and settlements in Bosnia and Serbia were either flooded or lost power on the 3rd.[312]

Yet more rain hit Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro. The worst flooding in more than 100 years hit the Drina River. The Charles de Gaulle Airport, Schiphol Airport, and Tegel Airport were closed all day, and the airports in Edinburgh and Vienna closed for most of the day. About 3,000 train passengers were stranded overnight on the night of the 3rd/4th in Germany, including 200 passengers who spent the night sleeping in trains in Frankfurt after hotels filled up.[313]

In response to the flooding, upwards of 12,000 people were evacuated in Albania from the areas most affected.[310] An estimated 2,600 houses were flooded, while some 7,500 more were damaged.[314] Around 1,400 Albanian military and police personnel were deployed to assist in the evacuations.[314] In addition to domestic resources, NATO dispatched five helicopters from Greece and Turkey, while Italy delivered 25 tonnes of supplies to the country.[310] According to Albanian interior minister Lulzim Basha, the flooding was the worst "in living memory."[315] In Montenegro, upwards of a thousand soldiers were deployed in response to the flooding.[314]

December 4 - 6

Temperatures in Poland hovered around -33°C (-27°F); 12 more Poles froze to death, most of whom were either drunk or homeless, according to police, bringing Poland’s death toll in this cold snap to 30 on the 4th. 11 Russians had died over the past 24 hours by the morning of the 4th; 3 died in France that day and 3 German and 4 Czech deaths were also recorded.[313][316]

Sixteen Eurostar trains were cancelled due to them having weather-related breakdowns.[313] Eurostar said it was to operate at a significantly reduced service until the 5th and that they would not sell any more tickets until the 6th. The last wave of cold air moved down from Siberia in to Northern Europe.[316]

The 5th witnessed much less snowfall than the week before, but some heavier patches still hit Glasgow, the Scottish Highlands, Northumbria and County Durham, whose councils includinf Derry, Belfast, the boroughs of the former Tyne and Wear region and The Scottish Borders county council all had been gritting their roads starting on November 24.[317][318] Liverpool John Lennon Airport was severely affected by fog, while Edinburgh, Inverness and Wick airports remained closed.[318]

Midday on 5 December saw the end of a nine-day event known locally as The ultimate lock-in, when 7 people were trapped inside a The Lion Inn pub in Blakey Ridge, Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, after the building and nearby roads had been engulfed by a series of 16 ft snow drifts.[319][320]

On the 6th, the Met Office issued a warning for severe weather that would hit the former Strathclyde region, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Midlothian, Stirling and West Lothian on the 6th, but Scotland's transport minister Stewart Stevenson ignored an official warning of severe blizzards and icy roads 12 hours before the chaos of the 6th occurred. The resulting lack of preparedness left hundreds stranded on the roads, rail services to inverness suspended for 12 hours, several airports were closed and Aberdeenshire Council declaring that their road salt and grit supplies were running low.[321]

The M80 and M876 motorways were badly affected as were the Dundee, Inverness, Kirkwall, Campbeltown, Edinburgh and Glasgow Airports. They were all closed, but Glasgow later re-opened.[317][318][322]

A police spokesman said an old man died trying to clear snow outside his home in Darlington, County Durham on the 6th.[317][318][318][322]

A 70-year-old man was also found dead in the snow at a caravan park in Cleethorpes on the 6th. [323]

The Met Office also issued severe weather warnings in northern Scotland and Northern Ireland.[324]

Polish temperatures fell to -26°C and resulted in 8 more deaths from exposure to the extreme cold, while it snowed heavily in Germany and the Czech Republic leading to the closure of Prague Airport. Heavy sleet fell across Italy and buildings in Venice were flooded by heavy rain.[325]

Home owners at the Turkish Orange Valley holiday complex, near Soğucak Village had written a letter of complaint to the Kuşadası Municipality on the 6th, in an attempt to alert them to treacherous road conditions since the completion of their complex six years ago, the letter went unheeded.[326] The area was known to be prone to minor road flooding every time it rained since the floods of 2009. The floods in Former Yugoslavia moved into Venice and parts of northern Greece.[326]

December 5 - 8

In Canada an intense, localized but almost continuous snow streamer originating from Lake Huron dumped 177cm (70") on the town of Lucan, Ontario some 30km north of London, Ontario over a period of 98 hours. Drifts as high as 3m (over 9') occured. London itself was also impacted by the record snow, receiving 74cm (29") over 3 days. [327].

December 12 - 14

The inflatable roof on the Minneapolis Metrodome burst open due to the accumulated snow on top and collapsed under the shear weight, finally imploding onto the indoor playing surfaces, as a weekend storm dumped over 17 inches of snow on Minneapolis. The Vikings' game with the N.Y. Giants was moved to the night of the 13th at Detroit's Ford Field. The storms affected the Great Lakes region, Ontario, Manitoba, Pennsylvania and parts of Québec [328].

Still battered from localized but record-breaking snows the previous week, severe winter weather continued to impact Southwestern Ontario. Lambton County was hit by a major lake-effect squall from Lake Huron that saw more than 300 motorists stranded along Highway 402, causing a state of emergency and the closure of the entire span of the highway from Sarnia to London.[329][330] The Canadian military had to be called in to help rescue motorists from the highway, many of whom remained in the cars overnight.

In addition to the 402, other east/west roads in the region also became impassable, causing OPP Constable John Reurink to refer to Lambton County road as "a parking lot".[331]

Other roads closed include Highway 21 from Grand Bend to Owen Sound as well as portions of Highways 26, 6, and 9. A stranded motorist froze to death when he left his vehicle on Hwy. 401 near Ridgetown. [332] All non-highway roads east of Sarnia were also closed with exception of Lakeshore Road to Bright's Grove.

Several warming stations were opened up over the course of the storm including the Tim Horton's location at Reece's Corners about 1 km from Wyoming.[332]

December 14 - 24

Atlantic Canada was hit by flooding rains that submerged streets and homes as riverbanks burst, especially in communities along the Saint John River (including Fredericton and Saint John) in New Brunswick and the Gaspé Peninsula, with some areas receiving over 200 mm of rain on the 15th and 16th. A state of emergency was declared in some regions, and Cape Breton in Nova Scotia was also hit.[333][334][335][336][337] Snow followed the flooding in some areas.[338]

Two young adults from Lennoxtown and Cumbernauld died in Glasgow Royal Infirmary after the after being hit by a 4 by 4 vehicle that mounted a busy pavement in the Glasgow city centre, behind the Buchanan Galleries shopping centre and next to the city's main bus station on the morning of the 17th. The driver passed out due to ill health brought on by the both the weather and natural causes. The women were both students at Glasgow College of Commerce, Strathclyde Police said later that day[339].

Overnight, temperatures plunged to as low as -8°C in parts of South East England and Greater London[340].

Network Rail were de-icing trains through the night, along with empty, driver-only, 'ghost trains' running along the route after the de-icing trains had left in an attempt to stop new ice from forming on the tracks. Southern, Southeastern and Cross-Country trains were all severely disrupted on the 18th[341].

At Gatwick, a fleet of 47 snow ploughs, tractors and other vehicles were deployed in an effort to clear the snow from the runway as snow continued to fall. Some 150 staff was drafted in to carry out the operation in an attempt to clear the ground since the safety regulations required the airport to suspend flights if snow cover was thicker than 3 cm on the ground. Gatwick finally closed its runway closed until 1500 GMT, with up to 8 in (20cm) of snow forecast in places.

Almost 600 flights were re-scheduled to operate from Gatwick on Saturday, with at least 138 cancelled by mid-morning[342].

Following overnight snow showers, a band of snow organised itself over the West Midlands during the day, resulting in 10–15 cm (4-6 inches) lying in a wide area from Shropshire to around Coventry on the 18th, and south into Warwickshire and parts of Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. 20 cm (8 inches) was reported from higher ground south of Birmingham. The M5 was gridlocked, and shops in the Birmingham area closed early on the last Saturday before Christmas. A number of passengers travelling by coach had to spend the night at Birmingham Coach Station due too not only coaches for onwards destinations being unable to depart and arrive Birmingham, but also widespread disruption to train services making onwards alternatives impossible.

Snow also fell to the southeast, including London and Oxfordshire, with London Heathrow Airport closing its runways for a time leading to long delays. On one of the busiest Christmas shopping days of the season, Brent Cross Shopping Centre was closed.

A minimum temperature of -19.6c was recorded in Shawbury on the 19th, Shropshire.[343] Heathrow airport continued to be affected with only 20 flights from a scheduled 1,300 taking off.[344][345].

A minimum temperature of -17.6c was recorded at Castlederg on the 20th, a new record for Northern Ireland and -19.6c was recorded at Chesham, Buckinghamshire.[344].

Dublin Airport and City of Derry Airport were forced to fully close, 15 cm of snow was recorded at Dublin Airport.[1] on the 21st.


A Antarctic storm moved north on the 21st and hit southern Australia. Australia normally experiences temperatures of 86F./30C., but the chances of a rare white Christmas have increased after the temperatures fell to 55F./13C., and snow swept across the east and south east of the country. Carnarvon town, 560 miles north of Perth as worst hit between the 22nd and 24th, with and an average of 11 inches of snow fell at the ski fields in New South Wales over this time.[346].

Heavy rainstorms hit California between the 22nd and 24th. Both Los Angeles and the Silverado Canyon on the 22nd, Storm runoff, heavy flooding, the muddy terrain and mud slides led to the evacuation of about 30 people in the area[347][348].

The inland region of Southern California east of Los Angeles was emerging as among the hardest-hit areas, especially San Bernardino County and the Silverado Canyon. Variouse Work crews were busy on the 24th, trying to reopen more than a dozen canyon and mountain roads closed by slides and floods on the 22nd and 23rd[349][350].

Ibeth Garcia and her family foud their home under 4 feet deep mud when they returned home from a local shelter. The total cost of the storm is estimated to stand at $10,000,000[351][352].

The 24th saw heavy snow hit Paris as the passengers at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris were evacuated from one of its terminals today amid fears that the roof might have caved in due to the shear dead wight of accumulation of snow on the roof[353].

On the 24th, it was decided to cancel the 27th IRFU’s Magners League meeting with Leinster IRFU club as Ulster's Ravenhill pitch froze under heavy snow. Both northern and southern Ireland were under heavy snow[354].


December 26-27

The Fourth North American blizzard of 2010 or 2010 Boxing Day Blizzard hit, bringing snow from Georgia up to New England.

See also

Compleated!--Wipsenade (talk) 15:57, 16 December 2010 (UTC)