FEMA Housing Debacle in Western North Carolina

Situation: FEMA’s handling of the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program for Hurricane Helene victims in Western North Carolina has come under intense scrutiny, despite extensions of the program and assurances from officials.

Timeline of Events:

• Jan. 3rd, 2025: FEMA begins notifying some families that they are no longer eligible for TSA.
• Jan. 10th, 2025: FEMA grants a 48-hour extension of the TSA program due to a winter storm impacting the region.
• Jan. 13th, 2025:FEMA announces an extension of the TSA program until January 25th.
• FEMA states via email that the TSA program will continue through March for eligible families and households.
• Jan. 14th, 2025: Check-out date for many families in hotels under the TSA program.
• Jan. 15th, 2025:Morning: Dozens of families in Western North Carolina are evicted from hotels despite the extension.
• Afternoon: FEMA issues a statement on X (formerly Twitter) that "current eligible occupants can remain in their lodging through the end of March 2025."
• Evening: Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis publicly criticize FEMA for the evictions, calling it a "total breakdown" and "unacceptable."

Key Issues:

• Miscommunication and Confusion: Conflicting information and deadlines from FEMA have caused significant confusion and distress for displaced families. Despite FEMA extending the deadline and stating that the program would continue through March for eligible families, people were still evicted from hotels.
• Lack of Transparency: It is unclear how FEMA is determining eligibility for continued TSA assistance. There are reports that some families are being deemed ineligible without clear explanations.
• Insufficient Support: Nonprofits and hotels have stepped in to provide temporary housing for those who were evicted, highlighting the lack of adequate support from FEMA.

Further Information:

• Individuals in need of assistance should contact FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 or visit budd.senate.gov for support from Senator Budd’s office.
• The public can report their experiences and provide insights to WRAL News via wral.com/reportit.

Hurricane Helene Housing Crisis

Date: January 14, 2025

Summary: meteorology Matters analyzes various news sources to provide a comprehensive overview of the ongoing housing crisis in Western North Carolina (WNC) following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024. The document focuses on the challenges faced by displaced residents, government and FEMA response efforts, and the emerging role of campers as temporary housing solutions.

Main Themes:

1. Scale of Displacement and Housing Need: Hurricane Helene severely impacted WNC, damaging an estimated 121,000-132,000 homes and displacing over 12,000 residents as of January 2025. ("1,000 travel trailers approved for WNC residents displaced by Helene.pdf") The need for temporary housing remains critical, with thousands still residing in hotels, with friends and family, or in inadequate shelters.
2. FEMA's Response and Challenges: FEMA has been criticized for the slow rollout of temporary housing units, with less than 100 families residing in FEMA-provided trailers by January 2025. ("Are FEMA rules to blame for slow WNC housing recovery? Here’s what we learned..pdf") While FEMA maintains that its policies allow for placing units in floodplains as a last resort, the lengthy construction timelines and bureaucratic hurdles contribute to delays.

"The reason these units are taking so long in North Carolina is more complicated than some politicians are making it seem to their constituents" - BPR News, January 13, 2025

1. State and Local Initiatives: North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has taken proactive steps to address the housing crisis. He signed an executive order authorizing the purchase of 1,000 travel trailers for displaced residents, bypassing usual procurement procedures to expedite the process. ("1,000 travel trailers approved for WNC residents displaced by Helene.pdf") Local governments have also eased zoning restrictions to facilitate the placement of temporary housing units.
2. The Rise of Campers as Temporary Housing: With the shortage of FEMA units and the impending winter, many displaced residents are turning to campers and RVs as temporary homes. ("WNC residents displaced by Helene turn to campers as housing.pdf") This presents new challenges, including winterization of campers to withstand freezing temperatures and ensuring a consistent supply of propane for heating.

"The cold weather has not been easy" - Vickie Revis, resident living in a donated camper, January 7, 2025

1. FEMA's Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) Program: FEMA’s TSA program, which provides hotel vouchers for displaced residents, has been extended multiple times. However, thousands of residents faced eviction from the program in January 2025, forcing them to seek alternative housing solutions. ("FEMA grants 48-hour extension for thousands of displaced WNC residents staying i.pdf")

Key Facts and Figures:

• 12,000+: Estimated number of WNC residents displaced by Hurricane Helene.
• 1,000: Number of travel trailers authorized for purchase by the state of North Carolina.
• <100: Number of families residing in FEMA-provided trailers by January 2025.
• 3,500: Number of households facing eviction from FEMA's TSA hotel program in January 2025.

Wildfires and Climate Change

Main Themes:

• Climate Change Fuels Wildfires: Warmer temperatures, drought, and a "thirsty" atmosphere create ideal conditions for larger, more frequent, and more severe wildfires.
• Wildfires Exacerbate Climate Change: Fires release massive amounts of carbon dioxide and destroy carbon sinks like forests, contributing to further warming.
• Expanding Wildfire Season: The traditional wildfire season is extending, with significant fires occurring even in winter months.
• Widespread Impacts: Wildfire smoke impacts air quality and public health far beyond the immediate fire zone.
• Adapting to a New Reality: Communities need to adapt to a future of more frequent and intense wildfires through prevention, mitigation, and building resilience.

Key Facts & Ideas:

Climate Change and Wildfire:

• Climate change has doubled the area burned by wildfires in the western U.S. since the 1980s. (NOAA)
• "Weather whiplash," the rapid shift between wet and dry periods, is intensifying globally due to climate change, exacerbating fire risk. (Washington Post)
• California now has 78 more annual “fire days” than 50 years ago. (CalMatters)
• Drought-stressed trees are more susceptible to insects and diseases, increasing fuel load. (Environmental Defense Fund)
• Shrinking snowpacks and earlier snowmelt further dry out forests. (Environmental Defense Fund)
• Lightning-sparked fires are becoming more common due to climate change. (CalMatters)

Wildfire Impacts:

• Wildfires release massive amounts of pollutants, including black carbon, which is thousands of times more damaging than greenhouse gases. (CalMatters)
• Smoke from wildfires can travel hundreds of miles, affecting air quality and public health even in areas far from the fires. (Covering Climate Now)
• Wildfire smoke is particularly harmful to children. (Covering Climate Now)
• Wildfires destroy forests, which act as carbon sinks, further contributing to climate change. (Covering Climate Now)
• Intense fires can burn deep into the soil, creating risks for future mudslides and flooding. (Covering Climate Now)

Adaptation and Prevention:

• Communities need to adapt to the “Pyrocene,” the age of fire, through fire-resistant building materials, defensible space around homes, and updated building codes. (CalMatters)
• Utilities need to improve infrastructure and vegetation management to prevent power lines from sparking fires. (CalMatters)
• Prescribed burns can help reduce fuel loads and promote healthy forest ecosystems. (Environmental Defense Fund)
• Better forest management and community planning are crucial for reducing wildfire risks. (Environmental Defense Fund)
• Public awareness and education about wildfire risk and prevention are essential. (Covering Climate Now)

1. The Fires Themselves:

• Driven by hurricane-force Santa Ana winds reaching 100 mph and dry conditions due to an aggressive dry season, the fires are the most destructive in the city's history (Rolling Stone).
• At least five people have died, over 130,000 residents have been evacuated, and over 2,000 structures have been burned (Rolling Stone, Los Angeles Times).
• Over 7,500 fire personnel have been deployed, but containment remains a challenge (California Gov. Gavin Newsom).
• The fires are likely exacerbated by climate change, creating conditions ripe for rapid spread and ignition (Inside Climate News).
• Water infrastructure faced unprecedented strain with some fire hydrants running dry due to extreme demand, not budget cuts (Inside Climate News).

2. Politicization and Misinformation:

• Blaming DEI Initiatives: Prominent figures like Elon Musk and Megyn Kelly spread the false claim that the LAFD's diversity initiatives hindered firefighting efforts, exemplified by Musk's tweet, "DEI means people DIE." (Rolling Stone, The Washington Post).
• Attacking Gov. Newsom: President-elect Trump falsely accused Newsom of refusing to sign a non-existent water restoration declaration to protect the Delta smelt, diverting water needed for firefighting. This claim was debunked by experts and Newsom's office (Inside Climate News, Rolling Stone).
• Conspiracy Theories: Alex Jones propagated the theory that the fires were a planned attack to destabilize the US, gaining traction on X (formerly Twitter) (Rolling Stone). Wild claims about Sean "Diddy" Combs' arrest and underground tunnels being destroyed by the fires circulated on TikTok (Rolling Stone).
• Misleading Budget Narratives: Social media and outlets like Fox News falsely accused Mayor Karen Bass of slashing the LAFD budget, ignoring the context of new contracts and increased firefighter salaries. Bass refuted these claims, stating that budget cuts did not impact firefighting capabilities (Inside Climate News, Mother Jones).
• Racialized Looting Concerns: Although officials warned about looting, online rhetoric often took a racist tone, with a viral (and debunked) tweet falsely accusing men of looting based on a news clip showing homeowners evacuating (Rolling Stone).

3. Role of Social Media:

• Elon Musk's Influence: Musk's use of X to amplify far-right narratives and attack individuals based on their identity highlights how his platform has become a megaphone for his own political views (The Washington Post).
• Amplification of Misinformation: X, once a hub for breaking news, has become less reliable due to reduced fact-checking and the prioritization of paid conservative accounts (The Washington Post).
• Lack of Context: The spread of out-of-context information about the LAFD budget and the Delta smelt demonstrates how misinformation can flourish in the absence of accurate, nuanced reporting (Inside Climate News).

This underscores the dangerous intersection of natural disasters and the spread of misinformation. As climate change intensifies extreme weather events, the need for accurate, reliable information will only grow more urgent.

2024: A Year of Record-Breaking Heat and Climate Impacts

The overarching theme is clear: 2024 was the hottest year on record globally, exceeding the 1.5°C warming threshold outlined in the Paris Agreement for the first time and bringing a cascade of extreme weather events

• Record-breaking Temperatures: 2024 was the hottest year on record globally, surpassing 2023's record. Global temperatures were 1.6°C warmer than the pre-industrial level (1850-1900) according to Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), and 2.3°F warmer than NASA's 20th-century baseline (1951-1980) according to NASA's analysis. (Copernicus, NASA, UN, NPR, Al Jazeera)
• 1.5°C Threshold Exceeded: The global average temperature exceeded the 1.5°C warming threshold set by the Paris Agreement for the first time, although exceeding it in a single year does not mean the agreement has been breached. (Copernicus)
• Record Warmth Throughout the Year: Every month from January to June 2024 was warmer than the corresponding month in any previous year. July and August saw the hottest day and summer on record, respectively. (Copernicus, Al Jazeera)
• Warmest Decade on Record: The past 10 years
• Human Activities Driving Warming: Scientists attribute the warming trend to the release of heat-trapping greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane from human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels. (NASA)
• Climate Change Impacts contributed to extreme weather events across the globe, including:
• Heat Waves: Extreme heat events were widespread, with many regions experiencing "strong" or even "extreme" heat stress.
• Floods: Heavy rainfall events caused widespread flooding, such as in Nigeria, Europe, and Australia.
• Wildfires: Prolonged dry conditions fueled devastating wildfires in Canada, South America, and other regions.
• Hurricanes: Warmer ocean temperatures intensified hurricane activity, with Hurricane Beryl in the Atlantic becoming the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record.
• El Niño: A strong El Niño event in 2023 Reduced Aerosol Emissions: Changes in shipping regulations led to a reduction in sulfate aerosols in the atmosphere
• Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai Volcanic Eruption: The 2022 volcanic eruption injected water vapor into the atmosphere

SoCal Wildfire Tips from Evacuation to Air Quality - January 9, 2025

Situation: Multiple wildfires, including the Palisades Fire, are raging across Southern California fueled by strong winds and low humidity. Tens of thousands of residents have been ordered to evacuate, with over 1,000 homes and structures destroyed.

Urgent Actions:

• Evacuate immediately if ordered: Residents in affected areas must evacuate without delay when instructed by officials. Do not wait for the fire to approach. ("California fire evacuations- How to prepare, what to pack and what to do if you'.pdf")
• Sign up for emergency alerts: Stay informed about fire spread, evacuation orders, and other critical information by signing up for alerts from Cal Fire, LA County, and Ventura County. Utilize resources like the Watch Duty app for real-time updates. ("How to Stay Safe as Fires Sweep Southern California - The New York Times.pdf")
• Protect yourself from smoke: Minimize exposure to wildfire smoke by staying indoors, closing windows, and running air purifiers. If going outside is necessary, wear an N95 mask. ("How to protect yourself from the smoke caused by L.A. wildfires - Los Angeles Ti.pdf", "Wildfire smoke poses health hazard in LA - NPR.pdf")

Health Impacts:

• Respiratory Issues: Wildfire smoke can trigger asthma attacks, exacerbate COPD, and cause other respiratory problems.
• Cardiovascular Risks: Smoke exposure can worsen heart conditions and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Long-Term Effects: Studies suggest a link between wildfire smoke exposure and an increased risk of dementia. Evacuation & Shelter Resources:

• Evacuation Centers: Multiple evacuation centers are open, including Westwood Recreation Center, El Camino Real Charter High School, and Pasadena Civic Center. ("Palisades fire- Evacuations, road closures, shelters, forecast - Los Angeles Tim.pdf", "SoCal wildfire evacuation centers - ABC7 Los Angeles.pdf")
• Animal Shelters: Dedicated shelters are available for small and large animals at various locations throughout the affected areas. ("Palisades fire- Evacuations, road closures, shelters, forecast - Los Angeles Tim.pdf", "SoCal wildfire evacuation centers - ABC7 Los Angeles.pdf")
• School Closures: Many schools in Los Angeles and surrounding areas are closed due to evacuations, air quality, and safety concerns. LAUSD is providing meal distribution at select locations for students. ("Palisades fire- Evacuations, road closures, shelters, forecast - Los Angeles Tim.pdf")

Further Information:

• Cal Fire website: https://www.fire.ca.gov/
• LA County Emergency website: https://lacounty.gov/emergency/
• Air Quality Information: https://www.airnow.gov/ and https://www.arb.ca.gov/
• Watch Duty App: Download from app stores
• FEMA Shelter Locator: Text “SHELTER” and your ZIP code to 43362

Major Winter Storm Threatens Southern US

Situation: A major winter storm, named Cora, is forecast to impact a large swath of the southern United States between Wednesday, January 8, 2025 and Saturday, January 11, 2025. The storm will bring a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain, creating hazardous travel conditions and potential disruptions to daily life.

Geographic Scope:

• Primarily Impacted: A 1,400-mile stretch from North Texas to the North Carolina coast, including Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and West Virginia.
• Potentially Affected: Southern Kansas and Missouri, Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast (lighter snow accumulations expected).

Timeline:

• Wednesday Night: Spotty wintry weather begins in western Texas.
• Thursday: The storm strengthens, bringing significant snow and ice to Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and surrounding areas.
• Friday: The storm tracks eastward, bringing snow and icy mix to Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
• Saturday: Lingering snow possible along the Eastern Seaboard and in the Appalachians. The storm moves offshore and potentially strengthens into a bomb cyclone in the Atlantic, posing no threat to the East Coast.

Impacts:

• Snowfall:Highest accumulations expected from northeast Texas and southeast Oklahoma through Tennessee and the southern Appalachians (potentially exceeding 6 inches).
• 3+ inches possible in northern portions of Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.
• Lighter accumulations (dusting to a few inches) possible in surrounding regions.
• Ice:Sleet and freezing rain expected in central and northern Texas, southern Arkansas, and potentially other areas as warmer air mixes in.
• "Any amount of ice is dangerous; just a thin layer — even a tenth of an inch — can turn paved surfaces into skating rinks." (CNN)
• Travel Disruptions:"Treacherous travel conditions and the potential for road closures, flight delays and cancellations, and school and business disruptions." (The Washington Post)
• Major interstates, including I-20, I-30, I-35, and I-40, likely to be impacted.
• Power Outages:"Frigid temperatures will increase power demands in Texas but grid conditions are expected to be normal", according to ERCOT. (CNN) However, the risk of outages remains, especially in areas with significant ice accumulation.
• Flooding: Possible in coastal Texas due to heavy thunderstorms.

Noteworthy Points:

• This storm is expected to be the biggest snow event in several years for many southern states.
• Atlanta, which hasn’t had significant snowfall in nearly seven years, has a moderate chance of receiving measurable snow.
• The storm's track is still subject to change, which could alter snow and ice accumulations.
• A separate storm system may interact with Cora, potentially bringing additional light snow to the Midwest and Northeast.
• Following the storm, a prolonged period of frigid temperatures is expected across much of the US.

Southern California Wildfires Intensify

Overview:

This briefing document synthesizes information from four news articles covering the devastating wildfires raging across Los Angeles County in early January 2025. These fires, fueled by an unprecedented combination of extreme Santa Ana winds and prolonged drought conditions, have caused widespread destruction, claiming lives and displacing thousands of residents.

Key Findings:

1. Destructive Impact: As of January 8th, 2025, over 1,000 structures have been destroyed across multiple wildfires. The Palisades fire alone has consumed over 5,000 acres, reaching the Pacific Coast Highway and incinerating homes. The Eaton fire near Altadena and Pasadena has burned over 2,200 acres and claimed two lives.
2. "More than a thousand homes, businesses and other buildings have burned and at least two people are dead in wildfires scorching communities across L.A. County, making this one of the most destructive firestorms to hit the region in memory." (Los Angeles Times)
3. Unprecedented Weather Conditions: The driving force behind these fires is a rare convergence of climate factors. The region is experiencing its worst high-wind event since 2011, coupled with record-breaking dry conditions for early January. Strong Santa Ana winds, with gusts exceeding 90 mph in some areas, are whipping the flames and challenging firefighting efforts.
4. "The wildfires are the result of an unheard-of combination of factors at this time of year — the worst high wind event in Southern California since 2011, plus some of the driest conditions on record for early January." (Axios)
5. "The National Weather Service warned that this could be the strongest Santa Ana wind event in Southern California in over 13 years, since Dec. 1 2011" (Yale Climate Connections)
6. Climate Change Link: Experts are connecting the severity of these fires to the escalating impacts of climate change. Prolonged drought, fueled by a hotter, drier climate, creates ample fuel for fires. The extended dry period is intersecting with the Santa Ana wind season, leading to a dangerous overlap of extreme conditions.
7. "Climate change is increasing the overlap between extremely dry vegetation conditions later in the season and the occurrence of these wind events." (UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain, quoted in Axios)
8. Difficult Firefighting Conditions: The strong winds are grounding firefighting aircraft, hampering containment efforts. The fires are exhibiting "extreme fire behavior," including long-range spotting, making them challenging to control.
9. "The fire is being fueled by strong Santa Ana winds and surrounding topography, which makes it extremely challenging for us firefighters to really get a handle on it.” (Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson Erik Scott, quoted in the Los Angeles Times)
10. Evacuations and Looting: Tens of thousands of residents are under evacuation orders due to the rapidly spreading fires. Law enforcement officials have reported arrests for looting in evacuated zones.
11. "Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said 32,500 residents were under evacuation orders in the Eaton fire area and another 37,000 residents were ordered to be evacuated in the Palisades fire. Two people have been arrested on suspicion of looting in the evacuated zones, he said." (Los Angeles Times)