Environment

Three dead after destructive storm in Central Jersey

Three dead after destructive storm in Central Jersey

EDISON, N.J., July 4 (ZFJ) — A destructive storm tore through Central Jersey on Thursday, July 3, leaving trees felled, wires downed, and three dead. The thunderstorm suddenly rolled in at around 6:00 p.m. and lasted until 6:30 p.m. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a severe thunderstorm warning and advised that winds could reach up to a “DESTRUCTIVE” 80 miles per hour. Severe Thunderstorm Warning continues for South Plainfield NJ, Carteret NJ and North Plainfield NJ until 6:30 PM EDT.
NJ Transit rail service sees rampant cancellations during heat wave

NJ Transit rail service sees rampant cancellations during heat wave

TRENTON, N.J., June 29 (ZFJ) — NJ Transit rail service saw many cancellations and delays during the heat wave from Monday, June 23, to Wednesday, June 25. The East Coast endured an early heat wave that reached 100 degrees at its worst. The National Weather Service reported a new record of 98 F (37 C) in Trenton and a tied record of 103 F (39 C) in Newark on the hottest day of the heat wave—Tuesday, June 24.
NJ penalizes M&U International for Raritan River chemical spill

NJ penalizes M&U International for Raritan River chemical spill

EDISON, N.J., Dec. 28 (ZFJ) — New Jersey authorities issued a notice of violation to M&U International on Monday, Dec. 23, for an unpermitted discharge in connection with a chemical spill that entered the Raritan River. According to M&U International’s website, the company is a supplier of “synthetic and natural aromatic chemicals, food additives and essential oils.” Their facility in Branchburg, N.J., repackages these chemicals and is located within the watershed and upstream of New Jersey American Water (NJAW)’s surface water intake.
State links Raritan River water taste, odor issues to chemical leak, says no public health threat

State links Raritan River water taste, odor issues to chemical leak, says no public health threat

EDISON, N.J., Dec. 26 (ZFJ) — The state has linked a change in the taste and odor of water supplied from the Raritan River to a leak from a facility that packages fragrances and flavoring. Authorities say that there is no public health threat. On Monday, Dec. 23, New Jersey American Water (NJAW) announced that initial investigation results from the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) found that the water issues were caused by a Dec.
Cold front to bring rain and snow to Northeast

Cold front to bring rain and snow to Northeast

COLLEGE PARK, Md., Dec. 4 (ZFJ) — Bundle up, folks. A cold front is en route to the Northeast and is expected to bring rain and snow, strong winds, and freezing temperatures on Wednesday and Thursday. “Beginning tomorrow, the passage of the Arctic cold front will lead to an outbreak of snow squalls containing intense bursts of snow and gusty winds upwards of 50 mph in the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes, which spread southeastward into the Central Appalachians and Northeast by Thursday,” according to the short range forecast issued by the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center on Tuesday, Dec.
Last British coal power plant shuts down

Last British coal power plant shuts down

Nov. 24 (ZFJ) — The United Kingdom’s last coal power plant shut down on Sept. 30, ending over 140 years of coal energy in the nation and making it the first major economy to completely phase out coal power. The Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station, owned by Uniper, is located near Nottingham. It began generating power in 1967 and officially ended generation at midnight on Sept. 30. Coal was responsible for 40% of the U.
New Jersey American Water issues water conservation notice

New Jersey American Water issues water conservation notice

EDISON, N.J., Nov. 23 (ZFJ) — New Jersey American Water issued a statewide conservation notice and asked residents to limit all nonessential water usage on Nov. 13. This action came immediately after the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) elevated the statewide drought status to a drought warning on Nov. 13, allowing the state government to closely manage water supplies. A combination of high temperatures and low precipitation have contributed to the present dry conditions affecting the whole Northeast and over half of the United States.
NJ declares statewide drought warning as wildfires rage, water supplies dwindle

NJ declares statewide drought warning as wildfires rage, water supplies dwindle

EDISON, N.J., Nov. 15 (ZFJ) — The New Jersey government elevated the drought watch status to a drought warning on Wednesday, Nov. 13, as wildfires rage and water supplies dwindle. Over half of the United States is currently facing drought conditions. A record-breaking dry spell is impacting the whole Northeast, with all of N.J. and Delaware, eastern Pennsylvania, New York City, and southern New York under at least moderate drought conditions, according to the U.
Late August heat wave hits

Late August heat wave hits

COLLEGE PARK, Md., Aug. 28 (ZFJ) — A heat wave has been descending on America on Wednesday, Aug. 28, placing over 77 million people under excessive heat warnings and heat advisories. High temperatures are forecast to be 10-15 degrees above average for much of the Central to Southern Plains, east into the Mississippi Valley, Ohio Valley, Southeast, and Mid-Atlantic, wrote the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center in a short range public discussion.
June 2024 marks 12th month of global temperature reaching 1.5 C above pre-industrial

June 2024 marks 12th month of global temperature reaching 1.5 C above pre-industrial

July 27 (ZFJ) — At 1.50 C (2.7 F) above the estimated June average for 1850-1900, June 2024 has become the 12th consecutive month to reach or break the 1.5 C threshold set by the Paris Agreement, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). With a surface air temperature of 16.66 C (61.99 F), June 2024 was warmer globally than any previous June in C3S’ ERA5 data record.