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Photo Credit: CBS2

 

North – The North is already showing signs of Autumn beauty with leaves changing colors and colder temperatures. From New York to Connecticut, the average temperature for this week will be ranging from 60 – 70 degrees, which is quite a difference from the heat waves they experienced a few weeks before. States from Maine to North Carolina can expect crisp autumn air, and chilly nights.
 
South – Temperatures in the Southern states like Texas will average this week with a high in the mid-80’s, and a low in the mid-60’s. A Tropical wave in the Caribbean is being watched, and is likely to turn into a Tropical storm this Thursday in the Caribbean. It is possible that it will continue on to affect the Atlantic Ocean and hit Southern parts of the U.S. including Florida. It has the potential to become Tropical storm called ‘Matthew’.
 
Midwest– In Iowa, many people are forced to evacuate due to high floodwaters. The previous week, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa were already flooded with up to 10 inches of rain. Areas from Minnesota to Wisconsin have major roads blocked off. The current flood conditions, and the rising waters of Cedar river forced thousands to leave their homes and businesses to prepare for the worst. The town of Palo had 100 homes that were forced to evacuate; many being damaged or under water. Residents of this town were told not to use the water due to a sewer line breaking. There were 13 counties in total affected by the Iowa flooding, and transportation routes through parts of Iowa, especially near the Cedar River, may be blocked off as of this moment.
 
West – A wildfire in California has spread across 1,500 acres, forcing over 90 people to evacuate from their homes. Currently, the fire is 10 percent contained, affecting transportation to the North of San Francisco.  Including this fire, there are at least 5 fires in the state of California at this moment. Wildfire season is just beginning for the state, and California is using its biggest defense weapon against wildfires – the DC-10 aircraft “big gun”. This plane carries 3 tanks with 11,000 gallons of fire retardant – nine times more than other plane before. These are extremely helpful for firefighters who can’t reach from the ground, and the tanks can be refilled after 15 minutes. A picture of the fire-fighting aircraft is displayed below:

 

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California’s DC-10 Aircraft “big gun”. Photo Credit: CBS