Sep. 28—TRAVERSE CITY — Construction crews will start paving the remaining half of a major thoroughfare in Traverse City soon, but there's more work to do.Elmer's Crane and Dozer pavers should be ready to lay asphalt on Grandview Parkway's north lanes between Front and Division streets starting next week, Michigan Department of Transportation spokesman James Lake said."We're always hesitant to say we're ahead of schedule, just because weather can change and unexpected things can be encountered during construction, but at this point, I'd say we're very confident that we'll be able to reopen everything by mid-November as planned."While paving is the main outstanding item, contractors must also paint lane markers, restore disturbed ground and complete some work in the median, Lake said.That includes repaving the portions being used as traffic crossovers, said Tonya Wildfong, Elmer's communications and marketing director."So we'll need to shift traffic to both sides of the parkway to be able to pave that center section," she said.Paving kicks off the final stretch of a project that kicked off in mid-March, starting with rebuilding East Front Street from Garfield Avenue to Grandview Parkway. That was the first of three phases, with construction on Grandview's south lanes kicking off in July, shortly after the National Cherry Festival wrapped.Wildfong said the project is the result of considerable planning between MDOT and the construction company, and she's hopeful the weather cooperates so work can wrap on time."We just appreciate the patience," she said. "We understand it's been a long project throughout the summer."Lake said the project is within its $24.7-million budget as well, and work on the final phase has progressed smoothly despite contractors hitting water mains in a few places and causing breaks that needed repairs.Work on the southern lanes came to a halt after contractors unearthed human remains in late July. Forensic anthropologists from Western Michigan University conducted a thorough search of the site.Police later said the remains seemed to come from more than one person, predated modern forensic techniques and, judging from other artifacts found nearby, looked to have been intentionally buried there.The project isn't the last for the busy road. MDOT will rebuild Grandview Parkway from Division Street to the M-72 intersection, then continue on M-22 to just north of the Cherry Bend Road intersection.That project will include reconfiguring the M-22, M-72 and Bay Street intersection into a roundabout, Lake said. Work should begin in April 2025, contingent on any weather or frost delays.

Sep. 28—TRAVERSE CITY — Construction crews will start paving the remaining half of a major thoroughfare in Traverse City soon, but there's more work to do. Elmer's Crane and Dozer pavers should be ready to lay asphalt on Grandview Parkway's north lanes between Front and Division streets starting next week, Michigan Department of Transportation spokesman James Lake said. "We're always hesitant ...

Grandview repaving starts soon

Cleanup on a site that housed radioactive diffusion plants during the Manhattan Project and the Cold War has reclaimed land where once stood the largest building in the world, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel .In Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the U.S. Department of Energy and United Cleanup Oak Ridge (UCOR) removed 50,000 dump trucks of contaminated soil from the land that housed the K-25 Gaseous Diffusion Plant during the Manhattan Project.Now, the land is transferring back from federal control to Oak Ridge and private companies that are developing new technologies for nuclear technology. Kairos Power, one company that purchased land, began construction this summer on its Hermes test reactor, which uses fluoride salt rather than water to cool the reactor, reserving the limited resource for community use.According to the News Sentinel, the 25 private companies planning to build on the newly cleaned land will bring in $1.35 billion in investments and around 1,400 jobs.On Aug. 21, elected officials and private sector representatives joined UCOR and the DOE's Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management (OREM) at a ceremony to mark the occasion."Today is a significant and meaningful step toward completing our ultimate mission at the East Tennessee Technology Park," OREM Manager Jay Mullis said in a news release. "Our progress has transformed the site from an unusable liability into an economic asset for the Oak Ridge community."<h4> Watch now: Uber-wealthy couple makes unprecedented move with $300 million land </h4>"This is a remarkable achievement and the first uranium enrichment complex in the world to be deactivated, demolished, and have soils remediated for reuse of the property," said Caroline Freeman, director of the EPA's Superfund and Emergency Management Division in Region 4.The K-25 (the codename used by those working during WWII) Gaseous Diffusion Plant was instrumental during the Manhattan Project, enriching uranium. At the time, the main building was the largest building at the time. With over five million square feet and a mile long, workers had to bike from one end of the building to the other.<h4>Would you be comfortable having a nuclear power plant in your town or city?</h4><h4></h4><h4></h4><h6>Click your choice to see results and speak your mind</h6>It was decommissioned in 1980 and demolished in 2020. The cleanup involved tearing down more than 500 buildings and then removing foundation slabs and radioactive soil.Nuclear reactors have a finite lifespan, around 30 years for some of the earliest buildings. Across the world, over 700 reactor sites are decommissioned . On these sites, nuclear waste not in use contains highly toxic chemicals that can threaten agriculture, water sources, ecosystems, and humans.The cleanup of Oak Ridge is a great example of clearing a site of its potentially deadly chemicals and bringing new clean projects that bring jobs and investment into Oak Ridge."We are not only helping to restore the environment while reducing site risks, but we are also facilitating continued regional economic and recreational development," UCOR president and CEO Ken Rueter said.The state will continue to fund restoration in the area. In July, the DOE and Tennessee pledged $42 million to create public trails and native habitats in Oak Ridge.Across the country, the Department of Energy is continuing to turn old nuclear sites into affordable energy projects. The Cleanup to Clean Energy initiative aims to transform nuclear weapon sites into clean energy. The DOE has recently started cleaning a site in Hanford, Washington . So far, the DOE has completed its cleanup mission at 92 of the 107 major nuclear weapons and nuclear research sites.

"Our progress has transformed the site from an unusable liability into an economic asset."

Massive cleanup initiative removes hundreds of acres of radioactive soil in wake of new nuclear technology site: 'A significant and meaningful step'

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – A catastrophic flood threat is escalating along the Nolichucky River in East Tennessee as the remnants of Hurricane Helene unleash torrential rainfall , pushing the river to the brink of a critical emergency.The surging waters pose an imminent danger to communities downstream, with the potential for widespread flooding and damage, the National Weather Service (NWS) warned while issuing a dire Flash Flood Emergency on Saturday as the Nolichucky Dam in Greeneville teeters on the verge of collapse.Death Toll Rises As Helene Unleashes Catastrophic Flooding Across Southeast, Knocks Out Power To MillionsThe NWS said the "particularly dangerous situation" poses a threat to nearby communities in north central Cocke County, southwestern Greene County and southeastern Hamblen County through the evening."Move to higher ground now!" the agency warned. "This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order."Waves of raging river water were seen crashing over the major dam on Friday as authorities feared its "imminent breach." In response, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) activated a Condition Red Warning due to Helene's extreme rainfall causing record river levels around the region.'Dangerous Rescue Operation' Saves Dozens Trapped On Roof Of Flooded Tennessee HospitalThe largest U.S. public power company that maintains the Nolichucky Dam noted that "potentially life-threatening flooding" could occur as far downstream as Douglas Reservoir."Local county emergency management officials are coordinating evacuations as appropriate," the TVA stressed. "Please stay alert for notices from your local EMA and heed all warnings."The NWS warned that if the dam fails, the initial flood wave —a wall of water— would reach West Allens Bridge Road in just 20 minutes.The Highway 321 bridge, the Bewleys Chapel Road bridge, the Briar Thicket Road bridge, the Highway 160 bridge and even Douglas Lake are all in the path of the potential disaster.The town of Erwin is also along the path of danger from the Nolichucky River. The town is already experiencing flooding from the record rains and was the site of a daring rescue of dozens of hospital staff and patients who spent hours on the roof of the Unicoi County Hospital after floodwaters surged into town.

A catastrophic flood threat is escalating along the Nolichucky River in East Tennessee as the remnants of Hurricane Helene unleash torrential rainfall, pushing the river to the brink of a critical emergency.

Watch: Tennessee dam near 'imminent' failure after heavy rain from Helene

BARKER — The Town of Somerset and Somerset Solar LLC have reached a settlement on some contested conditions related to the draft permit for the company's proposed 125-megawatt solar array.Earlier this month, the town board approved an agreement conceding some waivers of the draft permit to AES Clean Energy Development LLC's subsidiary over the issues of setbacks.While AES has agreed to comply with the town's existing minimum setback of 400 feet from non-participating dwellings, an original condition on their draft permit, they will instead adhere to regulations set by the New York State Office for Renewable Energy Siting for all other setbacks requirements.According to ORES, those setbacks include setbacks of 100 feet from non-participating residential property lines, 50 feet from non-residential non-participating property lines; and 50 feet from the centerline of public roads."That's where we stand right now. We're able to at least have some of our setbacks. If we didn't agree to this, the judges would probably waive everything anyway. That's the unfortunate part of it," town Supervisor Jeff Dewart said during the board's Sept. 11 meeting.ORES reversed course on granting the company a waiver on minimum property setbacks that they initially had upheld from the town's original solar siting law after receiving an affidavit from AES Development Manager Mario Rice.In the affidavit, Rice argued that if the company adhered to setbacks in the town's law, the project size would be reduced by 20% and "may not create a sufficient return on investment to proceed with construction" and is instead looking to adhere to ORES guidelines on setbacks."The setback issue was unique as ORES did not originally grant the waiver. Therefore, there should've, at a minimum, been a hearing to discuss or to argue whether or not the waiver of the town's setbacks and solar law were appropriate," Carmen Vacco, the town's special attorney on the case, said.As a part of the settlement, AES plans to invest an additional $500,000 in increased screening, vegetation and other visual buffers, particularly for the portions of the array that would border Lake Road.Vacco said the two sides ultimately decided to settle prior to a hearing on the issue to give the town "a fighting chance to limit the impact of the facility.""It's completely tilted in favor of the developer and the state's goals, Vacco said. "Based on that agreement, the town was able to take control of limiting the project to how we see fit, because if you decided not to go through with that ... you have to appear in front of two administrative law judges that live in Albany and are going to probably rule against the town."

BARKER — The Town of Somerset and Somerset Solar LLC have reached a settlement on some contested conditions related to the draft permit for the company’s proposed 125-megawatt solar array. Earlier this month, the town board approved an agreement conceding some waivers of the draft permit to AES Clean Energy Development LLC’s subsidiary over the issues of setbacks. While AES has agreed to ...

Settlement on setbacks reached between town, developer for Somerset solar project

A water treatment company boss has accused the Welsh government of failing to do enough to tackle river pollution.Wayne Preece, chief executive of Carmarthenshire-based Hydro Industries, said it was "incredibly frustrating" it had not engaged with the firm or others tackling river and sea pollution.The Welsh government did not respond to Mr Preece's comments but has said previously it was working with the UK government to clean rivers, lakes and seas.A multimillion dollar water treatment plant established by Hydro Industries in Ecuador, South America, was officially opened on Friday.<li> Anger as bacteria found at river swimming site </li><li> Sewage spills rise blamed on wet weather </li><li> Wales' water pollution spikes, despite £483m spend </li>It has been designed to clean more than 190,000 tonnes of landfill leachate - polluted water - which is at risk of leaking into a river in the city of Quito.Mr Preece said technology used by his company there, and at other sites across the globe, could be used to protect Welsh rivers and watercourses."Some of the pollution in Wales related to things like legacy mines - lead, zinc and cadmium, all of which we're taking out here - whether it's around things like sewage discharges into rivers and streams, that's pretty straightforward stuff," he told Newyddion S4C."It is incredibly frustrating that we're not engaged, that we're not doing more in Wales and, as I said, I'll repeat to the politicians in Wales to please engage with us because we can help."The company has claimed to have offered the Welsh government to remove phosphates from a river in Monmouthshire free of charge, but it wasn't taken up.Friends of the Earth Cymru's Jenny Lloyd also criticised the Welsh government, saying more needed to be done to address river pollution"This not only has a big impact on our environment, it also affects our health and wellbeing," she said."The authorities should be given the finances and resources they need to clean up our rivers and watercourses and protect the environment.".Neither the Welsh-government nor Natural Resources Wales responded to the comments made by Hydro Industries and Friends of the Earth.However, Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said earlier this month that the Welsh government was funding a multimillion, multi-year project to address issues such as contamination from former metal mines and was working with the UK government to improve water quality.<h2>Related Stories</h2>

The Welsh government is accused of not engaging with water treatment firms over river and sea pollution.

Do more to treat polluted water, boss tells government

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Cool morning and warmer than normal afternoon will continue to be the theme for this weekend. After a week of warm and dry weather, no major changes are in sight for the Omaha area, and most of Nebraska and Iowa. Temperatures this morning will start off in the lower 50s, with a few spotty upper 40s. Plenty of sunshine throughout the day along with low humidity will mean a very quick warm-up. Temperatures should be back into the upper 70s by Noon, with afternoon highs in the mid to upper 80s. We should see a high around 87 in Omaha, with slightly warmer conditions to the west toward Fremont, Lincoln, and Columbus where it is possible highs could push toward 90 degrees. Clear skies, light winds, and the low humidity will lead to a quick cool down once again this evening, with temperatures back into the 60s by 10pm and overnight lows in the lower 50s, with a few upper 40s in Iowa. Sunday will bring a nearly identical day to the area, with lots of sunshine and highs in the upper 80s to around 90 degrees. Monday will likely be the warmest of the next few days with highs close to 90 degrees around the metro and sunny skies. A cold front will move through Monday night and briefly drop temperatures for Tuesday back closer to average, with highs in the lower 70s. However, the late summer warmth quickly returns with highs back into the mid and even upper 80s on Wednesday, lasting into the upcoming weekend. Rain chances remain very sparse, with a generally dry forecast for the next 7 to 10 days.

After a cool morning, sunny skies will bring another warm day with highs in the mid to upper 80s around the Omaha metro.

David's Morning Forecast - More summer warmth this weekend

This story originally appeared in our free daily newsletter, Daily Digest . More than 17,000 wake up to Daily Digest in their inbox. Sign up now to join them !Good Morning. It's Saturday, September 28 —the 272nd day of the year; 94 days remain in 2024. Today's Weather: Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 70°. Light east wind increasing to 5 to 9 mph in the morning. The sunrise was at 6:39 am, and the sunset will be at 6:31 pm. Happening Today: Pints For Paws, Sail For Hope, Jamestown Half Marathon, Newport Polo, Manhattan Short Film Festival, & more. [ WUN ] Cruise Ship: No cruise ship scheduled for today; Le Lyrial and the Enchanted Princess are scheduled to visit on Sunday. First time reading this newsletter? Welcome! Join more than 17,000 who wake up to us daily. Sign up here . Leading Off</h2> Newport City Council Vice Chair Lynn Underwood Ceglie joins me at 10 am this morning to recap Wednesday night's City Council meeting and to provide background on why she voted the way she did on what was on the agenda. [ WUN ] What To Know</h2></h3> The Newport City Council has taken a significant step toward preserving the historic Easton's Beach Carousel, passing a resolution that directs the city manager to explore relocation options and funding mechanisms for the beloved attraction. [ WUN ] The Newport City Council rejected a proposal Wednesday night to ban new short-term rentals in business zones. The decision followed a contentious debate over the city's housing crisis and Airbnb's impact on the local community. [ WUN ] Newport's Department of Public Services has awarded a $133,200 contract to GZA Geoenvironmental Inc. for the design and construction administration of the King Park Sea Wall reconstruction project. [ WUN ] Arts & Culture </h3> Patrick J.F. McKay, executive producer and co-showrunner of Amazon Studios' award-winning original series, "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power," is coming to Salve on October 7 for a special event. [SALVEtoday] The JPT celebrates International Silent Movie Day on Sunday with a double-feature starring silent movie icon Buster Keaton. Both films will be accompanied by a live musical score performed by silent film musician Jeff Rapsis. [ WUN ] Business + Nonprofit </h3> More than 30 technology companies showcased their products during the , which was held at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport and Sail Newport on Aug. 29. [ NUWC ] City & Government </h3> RIDOT has provided the following travel advisories for Newport County for Sept. 28 – Oct. 4;Temporary Road Closures<li>: Rte. 77 (Main Rd.), from #2970 to Indian Point, road closed for culvert replacement, Fri. night (Sept. 27) at 8 p.m. through Mon. morning (Sept. 30) at 6 a.m. Follow signed detour.</li><li>Tiverton: Highland Rd. and Bridgeport Rd., from both ends of Rte. 77 (Main Rd.), roads closed with street parking restricted and a gravel riding surface for milling, Mon.-Thurs. nights, 8 p.m.-6 a.m. Follow signed detour.</li><li>Tiverton: Rte. 77 (Main Rd.), from Bridgeport Rd. to Highland Rd., alternating lane closures, street parking restrictions and possible detours for paving, Sun.-Tues. nights, 8 p.m.-6 a.m.</li><li>Tiverton: Riverside Dr., from Main Rd. to Evans Ave., alternating lane closures for paving, Wed. night, 8 p.m.-6 a.m.</li> The U.S. Naval War College's Stockton Center for International Law, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru, and World Maritime University Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute co-hosted the 47th iteration of the Conference on Oceans Law and Policy, a presentation series on ocean-related legal and public policy issues, at the Peruvian Naval Academy in Lima, Peru, Sept. 17-20. [ USNWC ] Election 2024 </h3> We'll have five Newport City Council and Newport School Committee candidates join us next week for a one-on-one conversation. Ask questions and tune in. ( WUN ) Environment & Health </h3> A new House commission to study the impacts of climate change and solutions to mitigate them has been appointed and is scheduled for its first meeting on Tuesday. The House commission was created by a resolution sponsored by Rep. Terri Cortvriend (D-Dist. 72, Portsmouth, Middletown). [ General Assembly ] Food & Drink </h3> It's all about the cider at Newport Vineyards on Sunday as they host their inaugural Cider Festival. [ WUN ] Whether you're a dog lover or enjoy great beer and food, Pints for Paws at Newport Craft on Saturday, September 28, promises to deliver an unforgettable afternoon—all while supporting a great cause – the Potter League for Animals. [ WUN ] Studio10's Mario Hilario sat down with Matt Gray of Ragged Island Brewing in Portsmouth to learn all about this weekend's Newport Oktoberfest in the Fort Adams State Park. [ WJAR ]</h3> Rebecca Farwick </h3> In his latest column, Gerry Goldstein writes, "Voting is no laughing matter – or is it?" [ WUN ]</h3> Catch up on all of our one-on-one conversations from this week here;<li> Evan Smith, President and CEO of Discover Newport, discusses industry trends, taxes, challenges, and future plans </li><li> Councilor Holder addresses proposed sewer rate change and short-term rental moratorium </li><li> Newport School Superintendent discusses enrollment decline, staffing, school construction </li><li> Councilor Aramli discusses proposed moratorium on short-term rentals, other agenda items </li><li> Mayor Xay previews City Council agenda; addresses sewer fee, short-term rentals </li> Real Estate </h3> Thirty-four homes across Newport County are hosting open houses this weekend. Tyler Bernadyn has the schedule [ WUN ] Sailing & Sports </h3> Josh Lowe hit an RBI double and scored a run in the seventh inning as the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Boston Red Sox Things To Do </h3> On tap this week/weekend: Newport Oktoberfest, Pints for Paws, Jamestown Half Marathon, and more. ( WUN ) Local sailors plan to race around Conanicut Island in the Sail for Hope today. The race around Jamestown is an annual fundraiser. [ WUN ]

This story originally appeared in our free daily newsletter, Daily Digest. More than 17,000 wake up to Daily Digest in their inbox. Sign up now to join them! Good Morning. It’s Saturday, September 28 —the 272nd day of the year; 94 days remain in 2024. 🌥️ Today’s Weather: Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 70°. […]

The Newport City Council advanced a resolution to find relocation options and funding for the Easton's Beach Carousel. Patrick J.F. McKay, an executive producer of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power," will visit Salve Regina on October 7. 34 homes in Newport County are hosting open houses this weekend.

Daily Digest: Saturday, September 28

— If weather cooperates, humans will be headed to space from a new launch pad today as SpaceX aims to send up the Crew-9 mission from its Cape Canaveral Space Force Station site for the first time.NASA astronaut and Space Force Col. Nick Hague will command the two-person crew aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon Freedom joined by Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.The duo aim to launch from Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 40 at 1:17 p.m. Saturday marking the first time SpaceX will have sent humans to space from a pad other than Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39-A.A planned Thursday launch was called off as Hurricane Helene was brewing, and the Space Coast was both under a tropical storm warning all day as well as nearby tornado warnings. KSC reported a high of a 62 mph gust at its nearby Launch Pad 39-B.Winds from the storm ripped the American flag off the pole adjacent the countdown clock along with the line, so there has not been time to fix it.The first-stage booster for this mission is flying for its second time and will aim for a recovery at Canaveral's Landing Zone 1, meaning one or more sonic booms may be heard along the Space Coast and into Central Florida.Crew Dragon Freedom is making its fourth trip to space having flown first on the Crew-1 mission in 2020 followed by the Axiom Space Ax-2 and Ax-3 commercial missions, all having docked to the ISS.Space Launch Delta 45's weather squadron forecasts only a 55% chance for good launch conditions Saturday, which only improve to 60% if delayed to Sunday and 65% if delayed to Monday. The Sunday launch target is 12:54 p.m. with Monday's at 12:32 p.m.SpaceX constructed the new crew access arm at SLC-40 in 2023 to be able to have two Space Coast launch options, something NASA expressed a need for, especially after it voiced worries about potential damage that could be done the KSC pad if SpaceX brought on launches of its massive Starship and Super Heavy rockets."I'm extremely proud of this joint Commercial Crew Program and SpaceX team for all the hard work it took to get the pad certified in time," said Dana Hutcherson, deputy program manager of NASA's Commercial Crew Program after Crew-9's arrival last Saturday to KSC. "This is a huge increase in capability for us with two pads now rated for human spaceflight, we now have operational flexibility with SpaceX to deconflict launches at both 39-A and SLC-40."The human spaceflight missions from the Mercury program launched from what was then Cape Kennedy's Launch Complex 5 and 14. The Gemini program human missions launched from Launch Complex 19. The first crewed mission of the Apollo program, Apollo 7, launched from Cape Kennedy's Launch Complex 34 while the rest of the 10 crewed missions as well as the three Skylab and all Space Shuttle Program missions flew from KSC's LC-39A or 39B. Boeing Starliner's Crew Flight Test launch in June from Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 made it the seventh launch site on the Space Coast.SpaceX's SLC-40 will be the eighth.Hague, who will become the first active Space Force service member to launch into space, said breaking in a new launch pad wasn't part of the original plan as the mission was supposed to have launched in August from KSC.Delays in the return of Boeing's Starliner from the ISS and the need to prep KSC's LC 39-A for a Falcon Heavy launch in October for NASA's Europa Clipper mission to Jupiter's icy moon Europa, forced SpaceX and NASA to pivot to Canaveral."So launching from SLC-40 is something new. It's new and exciting, and so in the final preparations leading up to launch, one of the things we're going to have to do is go out and do some familiarization with the emergency egress equipment on SLC-40. Previously, in July, we were out, and we were able to do that for Pad 39-A. The mission changed. We changed pads, and now we're working off SLC-40."Part of this week's preparations included a dry run and making sure everything was ready for the launch attempt."I think this new capability, this new launch pad, gives us more maneuverability, less scheduling conflict, and we'll be able to launch easier," added Gorbunov through a translator. "It's probably going to have a positive effect on the operations on board the ISS. So the crew are going to be changing out regularly with no interruptions."SpaceX remains the only certified provider for ferry service to the International Space Station from the U.S. as Boeing's Starliner, which launched from nearby SLC-41 atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, has faced years of hurdles to complete its first crewed flight test.The Crew-9 mission is flying with only two astronauts on the way up so that it can return with the Starliner CFT mission's two passengers who were left behind when NASA opted to send it home earlier this month from the ISS minus the crew because of safety concerns over Starliner's propulsion system.While Starliner made a safe landing, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams remained on board and have become part of the ISS expedition crew. They won't fly home until next February taking the two vacant seats aboard Crew Dragon Freedom on its return flight.Hague send one of the mission's priorities once they arrive on station will be to train up Wilmore and Williams with all they'll need to know to fly on Crew Dragon."We have been in touch with with Butch and Suni, Hague said. "They are excited for us to get there."

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER — If weather cooperates, humans will be headed to space from a new launch pad today as SpaceX aims to send up the Crew-9 mission from its Cape Canaveral Space Force Station site for the first time. NASA astronaut and Space Force Col. Nick Hague will command the two-person crew aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Freedom joined by Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. The duo aim ...

The Crew-9 mission is led by NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. It is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 40 at 1:17 p.m. Saturday. The first-stage booster will be used for its second mission and will aim for Landing Zone 1 at Canaveral.

With Hurricane Helene past, SpaceX to try 1st human spaceflight from Canaveral launch site today

Sep. 27—A Decatur-based disaster relief response organization is preparing to respond to damage caused by Hurricane Helene.Project Unify, a Decatur-based Churches of Christ Evangelistic Disaster Relief organization, is collecting items at Decatur Church of Christ, 2833 Danville Road S.W.Needed items include generators, Stihl chainsaws, flashlights, lanterns and batteries."Power is going to be out for folks for a long time. If we can keep their refrigerators running to keep their stuff safe, that will be huge. We are going to be needing to put powers and lights in a lot of areas, all the way up through Georgia and possibly South Carolina," Cody Michael with Project Unify said on Facebook.The organization also asked for financial support and prayer."The most important need we have is prayer. Just keep these folks in these prayers. Keep us in your prayers. Keep the efforts being made in your prayers," Michael said. "God's blessed us so we can bless others."

Sep. 27—A Decatur-based disaster relief response organization is preparing to respond to damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Project Unify, a Decatur-based Churches of Christ Evangelistic Disaster Relief organization, is collecting items at Decatur Church of Christ, 2833 Danville Road S.W. Needed items include generators, Stihl chainsaws, flashlights, lanterns and batteries. "Power is going to ...

Project Unify, a Decatur-based disaster relief organization, is collecting items such as generators, chainsaws, flashlights, and batteries to aid in Hurricane Helene's aftermath. The organization will deploy to areas affected by the hurricane, including Georgia and potentially South Carolina, to restore power and provide light.

Disaster relief group collecting items for victims of hurricane

Dallas-Fort Worth is in a stretch of nice mornings with warm and dry afternoons!Lows will be in the 60s for cities this weekend with highs in the mid to upper 80s with north breezes.Some clouds will come in from the north courtesy of what's left of Helene.The air is too dry here for any rain. Dewpoints will stay in the 50s.Enjoy your weekend, it will be a nice one!<h2></h2>Temperatures will creep up around 90 degrees on Monday and Tuesday.A weak cold front will move through the Plains and into North Texas on Tuesday. Again, our dry air will keep things sunny and there will be low humidity.Late week we will watch another cold front get into the Plain with southerly winds. They may get stronger before Friday.By that time we could see another tropical system in the Gulf. For now, it doesn't look like Texas will be in the path and there will probably be little to no rain.

It will be a lovely weekend to get out and enjoy fall activities. Here's what we expect.

Dallas-Fort Worth will experience warm and dry weather this weekend. Some clouds from the remnants of Helene will pass through, but the dry air will prevent rain. Temperatures will rise to around 90 degrees on Monday and Tuesday. A potential tropical system in the Gulf is not expected to directly impact Texas.

Dallas weather: A warm, dry weekend in North Texas

Clinton Street resident Cindy Bucolo was recently informed that her property was one of 50 recently added to the Eighteen Mile Creek Superfund project.A letter from the Environmental Protection Agency dated July 11 explains that her property was among those that showed high levels of lead and a soil cleanup was necessary."(My husband) was born and raised in this house," she said of her now-deceased husband. "I'm not sure that any of the five cancers he's had have come from this lead because it is one of the things that they say you get from it."In the letter, Bucolo was told to take "preventative measures" which included washing hands after coming into contact with soil, taking shoes off at the door to reduce dirt in the house, cleaning the house of dust and tracked-in soil, bathing pets to reduce dirt in the house from their paws and avoiding activities that could disturb soil, including gardening.Bucolo said she asked an EPA representative when work would be completed and was given a timeline of three to five years.Currently, work is being done at Upson Park, as well as properties along Porter Street. These properties were formerly selected by the EPA in January of 2017. The soils in the area were heavily contaminated by lead and PCBs, according to the EPA and rested on the sites of the former Flintkote plant's property and White Transportation's property."When the EPA proposed the plan four years ago, we had identified only 22 properties that were contaminated. When we wrote the Record of Decision, we wrote it so it only includes those parcels," Mike Basile, EPA's community involvement coordinator, said.From there construction contracts were bid on and work was started, but since that time the scope of the EPA's focus has widened to 70 properties which will "eventually be remediated," Basile said.As for when work will commence on Clinton Street, Basile said that the timeline was difficult to ascertain and that the remediation could be done in two to three years, as likely as it could be in three to five years."It all depends on when the contractors start jobs and if we have a good construction year. If we have a winter that's non-existent, we can still do a lot of work. So, it's like throwing a dart against a wall," he said. "So maybe three to five years, it could be two to three years. You never know."Basile also noted that air quality monitors are a part of the project, as well as "misting" the streets when soil is trucked out of the area, as is planned."We've done hundreds of properties in Western New York like the properties we'll be doing in Lockport," he said.At Wednesday's Common Council meeting, Bucolo brought her complaints to Mayor John Lombardi III and council members."I get in my car every morning, get my coffee in hand, drive up Clinton Street turn onto Mill Street. Go down to the construction zone. See everything happening that I was told was not going to happen," she said. "'There's going to be misting going on, there's not going to be any dust, there's not going to be (expletive) flying,' and it's all flying."Lombardi said he and the council would look into this. First Ward Alderman John Craig also spoke, saying that Basile and the EPA will be at the council meeting on Oct. 9 for questions from the public."I would strongly encourage the community to come out and ask questions. The EPA is going to be here and they better have some answers," Craig said.Bucolo said she has also been at the city assessor's office about her property's assessment and its value in the face of being contaminated with high lead but was told to come back in March for informal grievances. She's since told neighbors who also received a letter to go to the assessor's office to grieve their assessments as well."I don't know," she said when asked if she thought the city would lower her taxes. "But I'm not going to be quiet."

Clinton Street resident Cindy Bucolo was recently informed that her property was one of 50 recently added to the Eighteen Mile Creek Superfund project. A letter from the Environmental Protection Agency dated July 11 explains that her property was among those that showed high levels of lead and a soil cleanup was necessary. “(My husband) was born and raised in this house,” she said of her ...

Residents along Clinton Street in Lockport recently learned their properties are part of the Eighteen Mile Creek Superfund project. The EPA plans to remediate 70 properties, including those in Upson Park and Porter Street, which were initially identified in 2017. EPA officials will answer public questions at a Common Council meeting on October 9th.

Eighteen Mile Creek Superfund remediation expanded

BOONE, N.C. – Recovery efforts are ongoing in the Southeast as communities grapple with Hurricane Helene's devastation that left dozens dead, entire neighborhoods under water and millions without power. The deadly storm's stubborn leftovers continue to cause widespread disruption Saturday.The Category 4 storm, which made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region with 140 mph winds, has claimed at least 45 lives across five states. Hundreds have been rescued from the widespread flooding and property damage caused by the storm's relentless rains and winds.As of Saturday morning, power outages persisted across 10 states , affecting over 3 million customers – a slight improvement from the peak of the storm, when 4.7 million were without power.<h2>Devastating storm surge, near 100 mph wind gusts slam Florida</h2>Helene's storm surge caused catastrophic damage along Florida's Gulf Coast, where nearly a half million still remain without power Saturday morning. The Big Bend region experienced surges exceeding 15 feet, while Clearwater Beach and Tampa saw their highest levels in decades. The small barrier island of Treasure Island was particularly devastated, with widespread flooding and property damage.Wind gusts measured as high as 99 mph in Perry, Florida as Helene made landfall.Following landfall, the storm quickly moved through Georgia, the Carolinas and Tennessee, uprooting trees, splintering homes and overwhelming rivers and dams.A catastrophic flood threat is escalating Saturday along the Nolichucky River in East Tennessee as the remnants of Helene unleashed torrential rainfall , pushing the river to the brink of a critical emergency. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a dire Flash Flood Emergency late Friday as the Nolichucky Dam in Greeneville teeters on the verge of collapse, threatening imminent danger to communities downstream. This comes after a record-breaking 28 Flash Flood Emergencies were issued across the Southeast, including Georgia, western North Carolina, parts of South Carolina and Virginia. Friday saw the most Flash Flood Emergencies issued in a single day nationwide.Even as the storm weakened to a post-tropical cyclone, its devastating effects continued to be felt. <h2>Dozens of water rescues as record floods slam western North Carolina</h2>In North Carolina, the storm's torrential rains caused catastrophic flooding, particularly in the Asheville area. At least 50 water rescues were reported, and tragically, 19 lives were lost. The flooding was so severe that parts of the state remained underwater days after the storm passed.One group of friends in Boone canoed the flooded South Fork New River for 32 minutes, landing at a washed out road on Friday."We saw trailers floating by, and cars toppled over", one of the friends said.Atlanta experienced its first-ever Flash Flood Emergency, breaking a 138-year-old rainfall record with 11.18 inches in two days. This caused severe flooding that submerged entire neighborhoods. Rescue crews worked tirelessly to save stranded individuals, including a woman who was rescued by FOX Weather Meteorologist Bob Van Dillen. Hearing her cries for help while reporting nearby, Van Dillen immediately jumped into action to save her from the rising floodwaters.Helene, which is now post-tropical, will continue to bring flooding rains over the weekend as a breakdown in the weather pattern will allow the system to meander across the East, the FOX Forecast Center said. Around 2-4 inches of additional rain is likely from Western Tennessee into Ohio. Additional rain is expected in the Northern Appalachian Mountains. Helene's lingering effects should finally exit the Northeast late Tuesday into Wednesday.

Recovery efforts are ongoing in the Southeast as communities grapple with Hurricane Helene's devastation. The deadly storm's stubborn leftovers continue to cause widespread disruption.

Hurricane Helene caused widespread devastation across the Southeast, resulting in at least 45 fatalities and millions without power. The storm generated 28 Flash Flood Emergencies, including a dire situation along the Nolichucky River in East Tennessee. Atlanta experienced its first-ever Flash flood Emergency due to record-breaking rainfall, with 11.18 inches in two days.

Millions in dark, flood emergencies persist as Southeast struggles in wake of Helene’s deadly wrath

In Blackshear, Georgia, a dedicated firefighter died while trying to protect others from Hurricane Helene. In Catawba County, North Carolina, a 4-year-old who lit up every room she walked into was killed in a head-on car crash on a rainy road. And in Charlotte, North Carolina, a tree fell on a home, killing a resident.Hurricane Helene's victims were still being counted Friday afternoon. But after it slammed into the Southeast overnight as a Category 4 storm, officials said it had killed more than three dozen people in Florida, Georgia, Virginia and the Carolinas. In Georgia, Vernon Leon Davis and other firefighters had been setting up barricades in an area where a live power line had fallen, Blackshear Police Chief Christopher Wright said in an interview, citing a preliminary investigation. After Davis got into his pickup truck, the storm started to worsen and a tree landed on top of his truck, killing him early Friday morning, Wright said.Wright said Davis, an assistant fire chief, had been a firefighter for more than 30 years, most of that time on a voluntary basis.Wright remembered Davis, who went by his middle name, Leon, as "one of the greatest folks that Blackshear had.""We're all better for having known him," Wright said. "He would do anything for anybody."On Thursday morning, Davis' brother, James Carlas Davis, who lives in Mississippi, texted Davis, their two sisters and other family members in a group text chat and asked whether they were ready for Helene. He included a praying hands emoji and told them that he loved them.James Davis said his brother responded: "As ready as we can get" and explained that he had prepared his generator to power his home, where his wife, Shirley, would be while he was out cutting up fallen trees and sandbagging people's homes from the water."That was my last communication with him," Davis said Friday afternoon, his voice breaking as he spoke.Rellina Davis Lester said she takes some comfort in knowing that her older brother died while protecting others."It's hard, but he was doing what he loved and that was his calling in life," she said.In North Carolina, officials said a resident of Charlotte was pronounced dead early Friday after wind and rain caused a tree to topple onto their home.And a day earlier, in Catawba County, North Carolina, about an hour northwest of Charlotte, a young girl named Luna Jade Gaddis died when two families' lives intersected under tragic circumstances.The families' vehicles got into a collision just after 8 a.m. ET Thursday when one car crossed the centerline of a road and collided head-on with the other, according to a statement from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. The statement said the crash happened during "heavy rain conditions" and that in addition to killing 4-year-old Luna, it injured three other children who were passengers in the cars: a 12-year-old who was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, a 2-year-old hospitalized with life-threatening injuries and a 4-year-old hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.The drivers of both cars, Lyndsey Nicole Gaddis, 32, of Catawba, and Tiffany Miner Sipe, 34, of Claremont, were also taken to the hospital, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. The statement said that the initial investigation indicated that impairment was not a contributing factor in the collision but that charges were possible after the investigation is complete.Luna's grandmother, Elizabeth Gaddis, described her granddaughter as a "gift from God" who gave the best hugs and "could make the room light up when she walked in.""Her smile was infectious, her laugh was contagious and more times than not she would make you question who was right and who was wrong," Gaddis wrote in a statement she shared exclusively with NBC News.Gaddis, who lives in Iredell County, North Carolina, added that her faith has helped her through the tragedy of losing Luna."I don't understand why He wanted her back home so soon but she belonged to Him first," she said in her statement, and said that her family "will be forever grateful for the four and a half years He blessed us with" with Luna.There were scant details Friday afternoon about other storm-related fatalities. Helene is blamed for at least 15 deaths in Georgia alone, according to the governor's office. Wright, the Blackshear police chief, and Vernon Leon Davis' siblings said Davis loved being a firefighter and helping others, including the inmates he oversaw in the decades he worked at Ware State Prison. While there, Davis had led a program that trained inmates in firefighting and they would respond to certain fires."He was helping teach the prisoners a skill for whenever they got out," said Lester, who is 57 and lives in Culloden, Georgia.According to his Facebook page, where his appreciation for life was apparent, Davis, 69, started at the prison in 1989. Among his surviving relatives are his wife, two adult sons, a brother and two sisters."He loved his family. He helped anybody, anytime that he could, and he was just a man of integrity," Lester said.James Davis, 71, said growing up, he and his siblings moved around a lot because their father was in the military. He said they lived in Germany twice; in Fort Knox, Kentucky; and in Fort Hood, Texas, now known as Fort Cavazos. But no matter where life took them, he and his brother were always close."We were best buddies," he said. "We did pretty much everything together."In one of his last Facebook posts, his brother shared an image that read: "Waking up to see another day is a blessing. Don't take it for granted. Make it count and be happy that you're alive."This story first appeared on NBCNews.com. More from NBC News:

“We’re all better for having known him,” the police chief of Blackshear, Georgia, said of firefighter Vernon Leon Davis. “He would do anything for...

Helene has been blamed for at least 37 deaths across the Southeast. At least 15 deaths have been confirmed in Georgia alone. A 4-year-old girl was killed in a head-on car crash during heavy rain. In North Carolina, a Charlotte resident died when a tree fell on their home.

A veteran firefighter and a 4-year-old girl are among the dead from Helene

Do more to treat polluted water, boss tells government</h1> A water treatment company boss has accused the Welsh government of failing to do enough to tackle river pollution. Wayne Preece, chief executive of Carmarthenshire-based Hydro Industries, said it was "incredibly frustrating" it had not engaged with the firm or others tackling river and sea pollution. The Welsh government did not respond to Mr Preece's comments but has said previously it was working with the UK government to clean rivers, lakes and seas. A multimillion dollar water treatment plant established by Hydro Industries in Ecuador, South America, was officially opened on Friday. It has been designed to clean more than 190,000 tonnes of landfill leachate - polluted water - which is at risk of leaking into a river in the city of Quito. Mr Preece said technology used by his company there, and at other sites across the globe, could be used to protect Welsh rivers and watercourses. "Some of the pollution in Wales related to things like legacy mines - lead, zinc and cadmium, all of which we're taking out here - whether it's around things like sewage discharges into rivers and streams, that's pretty straightforward stuff," he told Newyddion S4C. "It is incredibly frustrating that we're not engaged, that we're not doing more in Wales and, as I said, I'll repeat to the politicians in Wales to please engage with us because we can help." The company has claimed to have offered the Welsh government to remove phosphates from a river in Monmouthshire free of charge, but it wasn't taken up. Friends of the Earth Cymru's Jenny Lloyd also criticised the Welsh government, saying more needed to be done to address river pollution "This not only has a big impact on our environment, it also affects our health and wellbeing," she said. "The authorities should be given the finances and resources they need to clean up our rivers and watercourses and protect the environment.". Neither the Welsh-government nor Natural Resources Wales responded to the comments made by Hydro Industries and Friends of the Earth. However, Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said earlier this month that the Welsh government was funding a multimillion, multi-year project to address issues such as contamination from former metal mines and was working with the UK government to improve water quality.

The chief executive of Hydro Industries, Wayne Preece, criticized the Welsh government for insufficient action against river pollution. Friends of the Earth Cymru echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for more resources. Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies stated they are funding a multimillion-pound project to address mine contamination and collaborating with the UK government to improve water quality.

Treatment boss tells Welsh government to do more on water pollution

Colorful foliage is as much of a fall staple as Halloween, apple cider and Thanksgiving. But as the climate warms , will it have an effect on fall leaves?According to climate science nonprofit Climate Central , the climate can impact everything from the color of autumn leaves to when they begin to fall from the trees.<h3>How climate change can affect fall foliage</h3>According to Climate Central, trees "use cues from the environment" to start preparing for winter. These include shorter days, cooler temperatures and an increase in rainfall. As a result, early arrival of summer heat and drought are linked to leaves beginning to fall earlier in the year. Warm fall nights and high temperatures in October, meanwhile, have been linked to the leaves of fall starting later in the year.Weather extremes, also believed to be impacted by climate change, can contribute as well. Wildfires, drought and extreme heat can cause leaves to dry up and fall earlier, while heavy storms can knock the leaves off of a tree.The color of fall foliage is also impacted by the climate. During the fall, sunny days and cool nights lead to more vibrant, colorful leaves, while summer heat, drought and early frost can all dull the color of foliage. Climate Central analyzed data from 243 U.S. locations and found that 87% had seen their fall nights warm since 1970, with an average increase of 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit.<h3>Fall climate in western WA</h3>So how does this impact Washington? With some effects of climate change causing earlier leaf fall and some delaying it, experts are torn on whether or not autumn foliage is arriving earlier.Washington has seen a rise in temperatures since the late 20th century, according to National Weather Service data , but the extent of the change varies depending on the month and the location.In western Washington, summer weather has arrived slightly earlier in recent years. According to the NWS, the average June high temperature in Olympia across the 1980s was 71.2 degrees Fahrenheit, while that number rose to 73.2 degrees over the past ten years. While the earliest NWS available for is from 1982 for Tacoma and 1985 from Bellingham, both have seen June's average high temperature rise since the '80s, but by less than half a degree.The difference isn't as pronounced in the fall. In Olympia the average October and November high temperature jumped by 0.1 degrees and 0.8 degrees, respectively between the '80s and the past ten years. Bellingham saw its average October highs rise by 0.2 while its November highs rose by two degrees, while actually Tacoma saw October averages drop by 0.6 degrees and November average rise by the same amount.So the state has seen earlier summers and hasn't particularly seen warmer falls. But what about fall nights, which experts say have an outsized impact on foliage?Bellingham saw average low temperatures in October and November that were within 0.3 degrees of its averages in the '80s. In Tacoma, October lows have risen by 2.8 degrees between the '80s and the past ten years, while November lows have risen by just under a degree. And farther south, Olympia's average October lows have risen by nearly two degrees, but November lows actually fell by a third of a degree.<h3>So when will fall foliage peak in WA?</h3>SmokyMountains.com, a site dedicated to travel in and around its namesake national park, maintains an interactive map of estimates for when fall foliage will peak in each region of the country.

Earlier summers and warmer falls can affect when the leaves change color every fall. Here’s what that means for foliage in Washington state.

Trees use environmental cues like shorter days and cooler temperatures to prepare for winter. Climate Central's analysis of 243 U.S. locations found that 87% experienced warmer fall nights since 1970. In Washington state, summers have warmed slightly, but fall temperatures have been less consistent with Tacoma experiencing cooler Octobers and Bellingham seeing relatively stable temperatures.

Is climate change affecting fall foliage in western WA? Here’s what the latest data says

After Chamblee officials said a sinkhole had opened in the parking lot at the Chinatown Mall on Thursday, the area has since been blocked off while officials wait for repairs to get underway.City of Chamblee officials said Thursday that a storm line under the parking lot had collapsed due to heavy rain moving through the metro Atlanta area ahead of Tropical Storm Helene.On Friday, they told Channel 2 Action News that contractors working for the city had secured the sinkhole with barrels, caution tape and an orange safety fence while the wait to start repairs continued.As far as the actual structure, a city spokeswoman said "the storm pipe that collapsed is 17 feet to 22 feet deep."In the meantime, the city will have sidewalk closure signs up. Repairs on the site are expected to begin Monday or Tuesday, but "work could take up to a month to complete," and the community is asked to avoid the area.Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]TRENDING STORIES:<li></li><li>House swept away by Tropical Storm Helene flood waters</li><li>Tropical Storm Helene: Governor, First Lady to survey damage from storm in Lowndes County</li>WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

After Chamblee officials said a sinkhole had opened in the parking lot at the Chinatown Mall on Thursday, the area has since been blocked off while officials wait for repairs to get underway.

A storm line collapsed due to heavy rain associated with Tropical Storm Helene. The sinkhole, which is 17 to 22 feet deep, has been secured with barrels, caution tape, and a safety fence. City expects repairs to begin Monday or Tuesday and take up to a month to complete.

Chamblee officials block off area around sinkhole at Chinatown Mall

Upgrades at Lackey Dam in Milton's Lakhapani Preserve have been rescheduled as a result of Tropical Storm Helene's impacts to the metro Atlanta area.According to the City of Milton, the area in the reserve around the dam to fix issues with its two-acre pond would have had a portion of the greenspace's loop trail closed for walkers while construction was underway.JOC Construction was approved to remove trees and stabilize the downstream slope while preparing the LAckey Dam's primary outfall, but Helene's path through the metro area put that plan on pause.Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]TRENDING STORIES:<li>Hartsfield-Jackson signs 'Sister Airport' agreement with Airports Company South Africa</li><li>Tropical Storm Helene: Governor, First Lady to survey damage from storm in Lowndes County</li><li></li>Instead of the work happening over the weekend, it's been pushed back to Oct. 5 and Oct. 6, potentially with other days to follow.As planned, City of Milton officials said the western portion of the lake would be closed off, along with the access road near the trailhead, as the work was underway.Milton officials said the vast majority of the trail can still be walked, but those enjoying the preserve would "just have to veer left at the trailhead and, once they reach the closed portion, turn around to return from the direction they came."WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Upgrades at Lackey Dam in Milton’s Lakhapani Preserve have been rescheduled as a result of Tropical Storm Helene’s impacts to the metro Atlanta area.

Upgrades at Lackey Dam in Milton's Lakhapani Preserve have been rescheduled from the original weekend due to Tropical Storm Helene. The project, by JOC Construction, involves removing trees, stabilizing the downstream slope, and preparing the dam's primary outfall. Work is now slated for October 5th and 6th, potentially extending to additional days.

Closures at Lakhapani Preserve in Milton rescheduled after impacts of Tropical Storm Helene

HOUSTON — We're keeping a close eye on and area of disorganized storms in the western Caribbean that now has a 40% chance of development over the next seven days.This is the same area that we were watching for development last week. That one became Hurricane Helene Water temperature right now in the area are in the upper 80s, so even though Helene went through there, there's plenty of warm water for another system to feed off of and that could come into play early next week.For the past few days, models have been in disagreement about the area, so there is uncertainty in regards to intensity and where the system might be headed. It's the same setup we had right before Helene - a tropical gyre, which is a broad area of low pressure that forms in the spring and the fall in the Caribbean. Little pieces of energy will spin off from that main low and become tropical systems. This same set up spawned a tropical disturbance that later became Helene. It's how models also show formation again.If it does form, it would be in the western Caribbean or southern Gulf of Mexico, but at this point, it's not clear where anything that could form would go. It's just too early to tell. If it does get a name, the next on eon the list is Nadine.Your best bet is to watch KHOU 11 News a few times a day and download the KHOU 11 app. We'll keep you posted through the weekend and next week.

The area of low pressure has a 40% chance for development.. Where it goes or if it forms is still not determined.

Meteorologists are monitoring an area of disorganized storms in the western Caribbean. Water temperatures are warm, reminiscent of the conditions that fueled Hurricane Helene last week. Despite uncertainty surrounding its intensity and path, models suggest the system could form into a tropical disturbance. If it gains a name, it would be Nadine.

Area in western Caribbean has 40% chance of development

PINE ISLAND, Fla. — As you drive through Pine Island two years after Hurricane Ian, you see signs of progress and hope. Restaurants area back open, bridges under construction and people working on island. What you might not see or realize from the view of the main road is that so many individuals are still struggling to get back on their feet.Erin Lollar Lambert, sees the struggles first hand. She is the Executive Director of the Greater Pine Island Alliance, a long term recovery group on island that's helping people still living in crisis."We still have so many individuals, 100% displaced," Lambert explained. "We got a call just the other day that we have to muck and gut a home. We have survivors living in active mold. We have young families living in campers and trailers because their homes are not solvent yet," she said.Erin's team at GPIA says it's not unusual to meet islanders that have no idea there's still help out there and available to them."We hear that all the time, but people have no idea that there were still resources," she said."We have the underinsured, we have uninsured, we have elderly individuals who are still in that brain fog of the storm and cannot process that there are things that have to be demoed," says Lambert.It's not just homeowners facing these challenges. The local businesses are trying to get back to "normal" two years later. The Waterfront Restaurant in Saint James City just reopened six months ago. They want people to make the drive to Saint James City to come and see them and the owner of Blue Dog on Matlacha echoes that.John Lynch lost so much at his restaurant during Ian. The building had several feet of water inside."Salt water in here for about six hours, just like a washing machine. Anything that was four feet and below was saltwater just ruined," John recalled.Despite the overwhelming loss, he felt lucky to have some things they could salvage at Blue Dog."We had walls, we had a roof, and we were lucky, like, luckier than a lot. So we felt immediately like, alright, we have to rebuild," he said.Just three and a half months later, the Blue Dog was back up and running. When we talked about the feelings he was going through during that time, one thing really stood out. John reflected on the people."The community was amazing. And we had neighbors that lost everything that were coming and helping us, helping us, and they lost everything." He showed me his goosebumps while he shared how great the community was.As Pine Island continues to rebuild, and it's still got a long way to go, John urges everyone to remember those still suffering from the storm's impact."There's people that are still suffering daily. So while most places have come back around Southwest Florida, Pine Island, Matlacha, Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach, those people are still in the middle of it, and so anything you can do to support them and help them," he said.Lollar Lambert says she's in it for the long haul."We will keep doing so until we return every survivor to a safe, sanitary, and secure environment. The road to recovery is long, but together, we are stronger than the surge."

Two years after Hurricane Ian, Pine Island has made a lot of progress in the road to recovery but they have a long way to go and still need your help

Two years after Hurricane Ian, progress is visible on Pine Island, but many residents continue to struggle. Local businesses like The Waterfront Restaurant and Blue Dog are reopening and emphasize the importance of community support. Owners acknowledge the ongoing hardships faced by survivors, urging continued assistance in their recovery journey.

"Come, see how far we've come": Businesses on Pine Island want you to pull up a chair

It will be mostly gray and cloudy with occasional peeks of sun for today. Any fall fairs or activities are a "go" for the outdoors but there is a chance, especially along the shoreline to see a couple of isolated showers.Helene is now a post tropical cyclone and centered to the west of us, still bringing rainfall & flooding risks over areas of the southern Appalachians. Yesterday, Helene strengthened into a major Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 140 MPH as it made landfall near Perry, FL. Catastrophic flooding has been reported across the Big Bend along with some of the barrier islands along Florida's west coast and many other areas of the southeast.Today: Lots of clouds, pleasant with a spotty shower(most towns are dry). Highs in the low 70s.Tonight: Mostly cloudy. Isolated shower chance. Lows mid to upper 50s.Tomorrow: Partial sunshine with highs in the mid-60s to low 70s. Isolated showers are possibleMonday: Sun and clouds, delightful with highs in the low to mid-70s.Tuesday: Increasing cloudiness. Highs in the upper 60s. Showers at night.Wednesday: Rain and showers possible. Highs near 70°.Thursday: Mix of sun and clouds with highs in the upper 60s.Friday: More sunshine with highs in the low 70s.

It will be mostly gray and cloudy with occasional peeks of sun for today. Any fall fairs or activities are a “go” for the outdoors but there is a chance, especially along the shoreline to see a couple of isolated showers. Helene is now a post tropical cyclone and centered to the west of us, […]

Expect a mostly cloudy day with occasional sunny breaks. Temperatures will reach the low 70s with a slight chance of isolated showers, mainly near the coast. Helene, now a post-tropical cyclone after making landfall as a Category 4 hurricane near Perry, FL, continues to cause rainfall and flooding risks in the southern Appalachians.

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