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Mineta Transportation Institute Releases New Research and Tools to Enhance U.S. Rail Safety and Resilience

The Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI), in collaboration with several university partners, has released new research, tools, and training programs aimed at strengthening rail safety and resilience across the United States. Funded by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Rail Resilience to Severe Weather (RR2SW) program brought together researchers from MTI at San José State University, Clemson University, Colorado State University-Pueblo, Michigan State University, Northeastern University, Oregon State University, and the University of Hawaiʻi. This initiative provides practical approaches for railroad operators, public agencies, emergency managers, and other transportation professionals to identify risks and improve the rail system's ability to withstand severe weather, natural hazards, and other disruptive events. The resources include tools for understanding wildfire risk, such as the Community Resilience Extreme Events Portal (CREEP) which combines wildfire danger, critical asset, and vulne...

Nor’easter Causes Severe Flooding Across U.S. Northeast

A powerful nor’easter has caused significant flooding and damage across the U.S. Northeast, affecting areas from New Jersey to New England. The storm brought heavy rain, strong winds, and tidal surges, with some regions in New Jersey receiving over 10 cm of rain since Friday. Coastal areas, including Sea Bright, New Jersey, experienced repeated flooding with each high tide. The storm also caused power outages for over 100,000 customers and disrupted flights, with Boston Logan International Airport cancelling over 250 flights. The National Weather Service predicts the storm will weaken by Sunday night, but additional flooding is possible during high tide cycles on Monday.

Flash Flood Risk Across Southwest and Plains

A significant multiday flood event is unfolding across the Southwest, Southern Plains, and Midwest due to tropical moisture from Hurricane Polo and remnants of Odalys. NOAA's Weather Prediction Center has issued a Level 3 out of 4 flash flood risk for five consecutive days starting Monday, September 28, 2026. Flood Watches are in effect for nine states, including all of New Mexico, with rainfall totals expected to reach 6 to 8 inches or more in some areas. Heavy rain is already impacting southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado, with localized amounts exceeding 2 inches. Vulnerable areas include burn scars, desert washes, and the Grand Canyon. The flood threat will expand eastward throughout the week, affecting up to 20 states.

Nor'easter Brings Flooding and Mammoth Waves to East Coast

A rare fall nor'easter is currently impacting parts of the East Coast, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and significant flooding to the region. Streets in New Jersey have already experienced flooding, with reports of swimming ducks spotted navigating the inundated areas. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a warning about 'mammoth waves' along the coastline as the storm intensifies. The nor'easter is expected to continue lashing the region, causing disruptions and potential damage. This weather event is unusual for this time of year, adding to the challenges faced by residents and emergency services. The storm is part of a broader pattern of extreme weather events affecting the United States, including Hurricane Nolo, which is currently threatening Hawaii.

Nor’easter Brings Heavy Rain, Winds, and Coastal Flooding to US Northeast

A powerful nor’easter is impacting the northeastern United States, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and dangerous coastal flooding. The National Weather Service (NWS) has reported that the storm is affecting areas including New York City, Long Island, New Jersey, and southern Connecticut. Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected in New York City and Long Island, with 1.5 to 3 inches elsewhere. The storm has already caused significant disruptions, including over 150,000 power outages, flight cancellations, and event postponements. Coastal flooding is particularly severe during high tide cycles, with the worst impacts along the south shore of Long Island and parts of New York Harbor. The storm is expected to weaken gradually by Monday night, though its effects will linger into Tuesday.

Nor'easter drenches East Coast with deadly winds and flooding

A powerful nor'easter continues to impact the East Coast of the United States, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding to areas including New York, New Jersey, and New England. The storm has caused at least one fatality in Brooklyn, New York, and left tens of thousands without power. Rainfall totals are expected to reach up to 7 inches in parts of New England, while water levels along the shores of New Jersey and Delaware may swell as much as 12 feet. Wind gusts of up to 50 mph are forecast to affect areas from New Jersey to Long Island, with flash flooding risks persisting in urban areas, roads, and small streams.

Powerful nor'easter floods Northeast, leaves over 130,000 without power

A slow-moving nor'easter has caused significant disruption across the northeastern United States, flooding coastal communities and leaving over 130,000 homes and businesses without power. The storm, which has already claimed one life in New York City, is bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous surf to areas from New Jersey to New England. The worst rainfall is expected in northern New Jersey, New York City, Long Island, and southern New England. The storm is gradually weakening but continues to pose a threat of tidal flooding during high-tide cycles. Travel has been severely disrupted, with hundreds of flights canceled at Boston Logan International Airport and road access cut off to North Carolina's Hatteras Island.

Powerful Storm Causes Flooding and Power Outages in Northeastern US

A powerful storm, identified as a nor’easter, has caused significant flooding and widespread power outages across parts of the northeastern United States. Low-lying areas in New Jersey and New York City were particularly affected, with streets submerged and residents forced to navigate through floodwaters. The storm has disrupted daily life, leaving many without electricity and causing damage to infrastructure. Emergency services are actively responding to the situation, assisting residents and working to restore power. The storm's impact has been described as severe, with authorities urging caution and preparedness as recovery efforts continue.

Utah Mink Farm Experiences First Documented HPAI Outbreak in U.S. Captive Mink, Raising Public Health Concerns

New documents obtained by the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) from the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) confirm the first documented outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or H5N1, in captive mink in the United States. The outbreak occurred on a Utah mink farm in August, with animals 'dying slowly' and the farm expecting to lose 80% of its mink. The records suggest that neither UDAF nor the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had a response plan for such an event. Important biosecurity measures, such as placing the farm under quarantine, were not implemented. UDAF officials expressed uncertainty about protocol and decided against quarantine, reasoning that 'nothing live leaves the [farm],' a rationale that overlooks risks from farm workers, equipment, wild animals, and potential escapes. As of September 4, the USDA had not urgently responded to UDAF's request for emergency vaccination authorization.