Hurricane Matthew is massive and dangerous.  Overnight it briefly upgraded to a Cat5 status (160 MPH winds), and now remains as a very strong Cat4 (150 MPH winds).  With the potential path having a great deal of uncertainty, Florida Governor Rick Scott is warning everyone to pay attention – things could change quickly and impact Wednesday.
The East Cost of the U.S. also needs to pay attention because this could be on/near the East coast by next Friday.

More below (more…)

UPDATE:  1:20am Landfall just south of St. Marks.  Also, Tallahassee getting pounded.

As anticipated Hurricane Hermine has strengthened a bit (now 80mph) as it closes in on the Florida bend.  Anticipated to skirt Apalachicola and move inland through the bend toward Tallahassee.  The storm surge is the immediate cause for concern in the coastal areas, however the inland effects can be secondarily problematic.

This potential impact zone was spared from the horrific 2004 season (Charley, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne), and 2005 (Wilma); which means the trees (mostly oaks) are decades without severe storm impact.  For Tallahassee, and surrounding areas, the wind damage could be considerable and power outages are almost guaranteed. (more…)

Hurricane Hermine appears headed to the big bend area of northern Florida. We have a lot of Treepers in the impact path of this storm from Hillsborough county, FL North.  A rather large storm surge is anticipated as Hermine heads in from the Northern Gulf.

Please stay safe.  Unfortunately landfall is anticipated overnight, and it’s always the late night/early morning storms that are the most disconcerting for those riding out the storm. At this stage the storm appears a weak category 1.  However, prior storms of this significance have tightened and increased in intensity shortly before landfall.

If any CTH member finds themselves in need of any assistance please reach out through the comments section or via email.  Prayers for all.

Miami (AFP) – Tropical Storm Hermine strengthened into a hurricane Thursday as it continued churning on a path toward Florida, US forecasters said. (more…)

3:36am local time central Italy was impacted by a 6.2 magnitude earthquake which has claimed several lives.  Many older and historic buildings have been heavily damaged. Dawn brings national Italian rescue efforts.

(Reuters News Agency) A strong earthquake brought down buildings in mountainous central Italy early on Wednesday, trapping residents and sending others fleeing into the streets, with at least six people believed killed. (more…)

Days before candidate Donald Trump announced his intention to visit the flood ravaged area of Louisiana, he had already put in place a donation (a full 18 wheeler) of supplies for the victims of the flood.

CNN accidentally stumbled upon the donation, and Brooke Baldwin reported on it during a 90 second segment.  Don’t worry, they won’t air it again:

While Donald Trump and Mike Pence were visiting with Franklin Graham and the fine folks of Samaritans Purse, the donation was quietly being off-loaded in another location. (more…)

Candidate Donald Trump arrived in Louisiana Friday and was met by crowds yelling “thank you Mr. Trump“, and “we knew you would not forget us Mr. Trump“.

It brings a great deal of joy to the hearts of many to see presidential candidate Donald Trump and VP candidate Mike Pence team up with Franklin Graham and the awesome people of Samaritans Purse.  (videos below)

Reverend Graham and his army of Orange Shirt volunteers are working hard to aid the flood ravaged community within Louisiana.  They have a field command offices set up in Lafayette and Baton Rouge.

Orange-clad team members of Samaritans Purse are helping homeowners salvage precious home belongings and then assisting them in taking out waterlogged items to the curb.  They also remove damaged walls, sheetrock, insulation, and flooring—and in some cases ceilings. (more…)

The ‘America-First’ Compassion Ticket Heads To Louisiana

Campaigning in North Carolina today, candidate Donald Trump began his campaign remarks by speaking about the horrific devastation in Louisiana:

[…] We are one nation. When one state hurts, we all hurt – and we must all work together to lift each other up. Working, building, restoring together.

Our prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones, and we send them our deepest condolences. Though words cannot express the sadness one feels at times like this, I hope everyone in Louisiana knows that our country is praying for them and standing with them to help them in these difficult hours. (link)

Candidate Trump’s comments followed a campaign announcement that Donald Trump and Governor Mike Pence will travel to Baton Rouge Louisiana tomorrow morning to see first-hand the worst national disaster since Hurricane Sandy in 2012. (more…)

Louisiana residents are a strong and resilient people.  They help each other, friends, neighbors, strangers, it matters not.  All Americans.

The “Cajun Navy“, a team of ordinary Louisiana boat owners have rescued over 20,000 residents from the historic flooding.  40,000 homes are completely destroyed – without insurance.

Danielle Blount kisses her 3-month-old baby Ember as she feeds her while they wait to be evacuated by members of the Louisiana Army National Guard near Walker, La., after heavy rains inundating the region Aug. 14, 2016. (Photo: Max Becherer, AP)

Unfortunately, 13 people have been killed.

As anticipated, National Media (MSM) has essentially ignored this catastrophe because the local constituency and affected community doesn’t fit the pert box, the profile, the correct personage of victim for the media to support.

President Obama hasn’t stopped golfing a day – and he won’t.

However, there are groups making a difference: (more…)

Louisiana has been experiencing historic flooding after several days of rain resulting from a stationary low pressure area.  The following footage from yesterday shows a dramatic citizen rescue:

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those in the affected area. If any Treepers or family members are in need of assistance please use the comments section to alert us of your need.

God Bless.

Heartbreaking flooding in West Virginia. Sincere thoughts and prayers for anyone in the affected region. If there are any Treepers in need of any assistance at all please send us an email or comment below and we’ll do whatever we can to assist.

(CNN) West Virginia rescue crews worked steadily overnight and into the morning to answer emergency calls from residents stranded by fast-moving floodwaters that state officials say have killed at least 23 people.
Heavy rain battered much of the state earlier this week, and floodwaters pouring out of creeks and rivers prompted scores of rescue calls. Utilities were working to restore power for residents and businesses.
(more…)