USGS Ike damage assessments.

USGS Ike damage assessments.

The USGS has posted before and after photos, here of the Bolivar Peninsula just east of Galveston. Maybe I should explain my posts on this–I believe that climate change and society’s reaction to it are among our most important environmental issues. And of...

Hurricane Ike aftermath in Texas.

Hurricane Ike aftermath in Texas.

The national media seems to have moved on quickly, but the Houston Chronicle has extensive coverage. The photos are hard to believe. Many in Illinois are still without power, and nearly every house in Carbondale has a big pile of limbs on the curb. It’s...

Ike cost might be $27 billion.

Ike cost might be $27 billion.

Jeff Masters is reporting that the cost for Ike could be $27 billion. As its remnants passed through the Midwest today, parts of Missouri got seven inches of rain, and many gages are above flood stage. The USGS has a neat Google Maps based summary of flooding along...

Ike crosses Houston

Ike crosses Houston

It looks as though the tide/storm surge combination fell short of the 20+ feet worst-case NOAA predicted. I hope so. The power of these storms amazes me. I cannot imagine the energy required to move water, as rain and ocean surge, in such quantities. I’m hoping...

Em4, fieldwork in Detroit, tornadoes.

Em4, fieldwork in Detroit, tornadoes.

I’m worn and stressed out, but managed to take a whole day off yesterday. Not so lucky today. It’s horribly hot in Carbondale, and the entire Midwest seems to be getting hit by tornadoes, including the Chicago burbs just today. Jesse and I narrowly missed...