‘WALL OF FIRE’ SENDS RESIDENTS OF MORE THAN 700 HOMES FLEEING IN ARIZONA

Coconino National Forest / The Associated Press

On April 20th, 19,000 acres would endure damage as a wildfire that started on April 17th tripled in size in Flagstaff, Arizona. Flames would reach up to 100 feet in height with winds up to 50MPH. The fire has damaged over 24 properties and evacuated the residents of at least 700 other properties. The National Weather Service had issued a red flag warning for April 21st and a possibility of rain on April 22nd. The National Weather Service have also stated that Arizona has officially entered the fire season. The wildfire shut down US 89, the main route between Flagstaff and far northern Arizona, and communities on the Navajo Nation.

EF-1 TORNADO DAMAGES FIVE HOMES, DISTRIBUTION CENTER IN MEBANE, NORTH CAROLINA

www.NewsObserver.com

On May 6th, an EF1 tornado caused damage to Orange County, North Carolina. Several homes and commercial buildings were damaged during the storm. The tornado traveled approximately 3.6 miles, had a maximum width of 400 yards, and wind gusts peaked at 105 miles per hour. Altogether, the storm lasted approximately 7 minutes. More than 1,000 power outages were reported in the area Friday, May 6th. However, all power has been restored as of Saturday, May 27th. One resident's property had strong winds crush their garage, and blow their roof across the street.

THOUSANDS OF HOMES REMAIN WITHOUT POWER IN HERKIMER COUNTY

On April 19th, Herkimer County, New York endured a snowstorm that left several homes without power. Herkimer County declared a state of emergency to aid with any potential requests from FEMA. Upwards of 2,800 National Grid workers are cleaning up downed power lines and restoring electricity throughout the area.

COASTAL FIRE BURNS 20 HOMES, FORCES EVACUATIONS IN LAGUNA NIGUEL

Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register / SCNG

On Wednesday, May 11th, a fire broke out in a bush near Laguna Niguel, California. The fire was reported at 2:44 p.m. in Aliso Woods Canyon, near a water treatment facility. The fire grew to approximately 200 acres, damaged approximately 20 properties, and prompted evacuations.

PLANE CRASH LANDS IN HOUSTON SCHOOLYARD, SMASHES THROUGH RESIDENTIAL FENCE

PolishNews.co.uk

On Friday, May 6th, a plane crashed in J. Frank Dobie High School 9th Grade Center and smashed through a residential fence shortly after departing Houston's Hobby Airport. The incident narrowly missed a row of homes. The plane was leaving Houston's Hobby Airport at 2:17 p.m. when it went down about a minute later, according to FlightAware. The plane came to a rest just feet away from two homes. The crash started a small grassfire that burned part of the lawn and a gazebo.

LIGHTNING HITTING TOPEKA HOME DOES ALMOST $1 MILLION IN DAMAGE

KSNT Photo / Autumn Denham

On May 5th, Lightning hit a residential property in Topeka Kansas. Fire fighters responded to the call to find light smoke exiting the top of the property. The fire quickly spearing through the attic of the building. Topeka Fire Department were able to put out the fire and gave an estimate for $519,310 in structural damage and $250,000 in contents lost.

DAMAGE CAUSED BY FLOODING TO THE UMGENI STEAM RAILWAY TRACK

www.iol.co.za

February's rainfall and flooding caused damage to Durban, Africa's, Old Main Line between Kloof and Inchanga resulting in the suspension of Umgeni Steam Railway trips for the foreseeable future. Landslides occurred in many places, sinkholes developed and the foundation under the railway line was washed away, leaving the lines hanging in the air. Parts of the track have been severely undermined and are requiring round-the-clock extensive rehabilitation.

STATE ORDERS ACTION IN AN ATTEMPT TO PROTECT MILFORD'S DRINKING WATER SUPPLY FROM CONTAMINANTS

Philip Allmen / HomeTownLife.com

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) ordered ZF Active Safety US Inc. to install a treatment system to address vinyl chloride contaminants. Last May, a well that was monitoring contamination registered levels of vinyl chloride at 3.5 parts per billion.