As Hurricane Helene bears down on the Gulf Coast, Upstate South Carolina braces for its potential impact. In the past, the Upstate has seen its fair share of hurricane-related damage, including from storms like Fred, Beryl, and Frances. These hurricanes caused various issues, such as tornadoes, flash flooding, and extensive rainfall, resulting in millions of dollars worth of damages. With Hurricane Helene's expected landfall, it's important to remember the potential effects of hurricanes on our local communities and the need for preparedness.
Tropical Cyclones and Their Impacts on Upstate South Carolina
Tropical cyclones, including hurricanes, are powerful weather systems that can bring devastating impacts to coastal and inland regions alike. Upstate South Carolina, despite its distance from the Atlantic coast, has historically been affected by these storms.
Past Hurricane Impacts on Upstate South Carolina
Historical records indicate that Upstate South Carolina has experienced significant hurricane-related damage in the past. Some notable examples include:
Potential Impacts of Hurricane Helene
With Hurricane Helene approaching the Gulf Coast, Upstate South Carolina should be prepared for the following potential impacts:
Preparing for Tropical Cyclones
To mitigate the impacts of tropical cyclones, it is crucial to be well-prepared. Here are some precautions to take:
Top 5 FAQs Related to Tropical Cyclones in Upstate South Carolina
A recent consumer study has found multiple brands of soft contact lenses in the U.S. to contain "forever chemicals" that can be harmful to both the body and the environment. The study, conducted by the nonprofit organization Environmental Health Sciences, tested 18 varieties of popular contact lenses and found all of them to contain markers for PFAS. Brands such as Acuvue, Alcon, and CooperVision were among the list of affected products. This news serves as a cautionary lesson on the potential risks of overusing contact lenses.
On the birth anniversary of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the ‘Missile Man’ of India, tributes pour in on social media celebrating his life, vision and impact. A visionary scientist, inspiring leader and true patriot, Dr. Kalam's humility, compassion and constant interaction with students continue to inspire generations. His tireless efforts in defense, science and youth empowerment have strengthened India's path towards self-reliance and his legacy continues to motivate young minds to dream big and work hard for the nation.
Recent studies have found that extreme heat, particularly when combined with high humidity, can have a significant impact on mental health. A study in India showed that when wet bulb temperature exceeded 27°C, the probability of reporting severe depression increased by 0.5%, even when the temperature was slightly lower. This finding is consistent with global reviews that have linked high temperatures to mood disorders, increased hospital admissions for psychiatric conditions, and even elevated suicide risk. The Lancet has also published evidence that rising temperatures worldwide are a growing threat to emotional and cognitive health.
In a meeting with university officials in Udaipur, Rajasthan Governor Hari Bhau Bagde stressed the importance of incorporating India's ancient knowledge traditions into academic research. He highlighted the deep repository of knowledge in India since ancient times and urged scholars and scientists to draw upon this tradition in their work. Bagde also suggested making ancient texts available in university libraries for study and research purposes, in order to shape the intellectual abilities and love for the nation among the younger generation.
John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis have been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for their pioneering research into quantum mechanical tunnelling. Their discovery has opened new possibilities for quantum technologies, and will be formally presented on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death. This announcement follows the tradition of recognizing transformative contributions to science, and the award carries a prestigious prize of 11 million Swedish kronor.
The US-Japanese trio of Mary E Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi have won the 2025 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine “for their discoveries concerning peripheral immune tolerance". Through their research, they have shown how the immune system is kept in check and why serious autoimmune diseases do not affect everyone. Sakaguchi found a new class of T cells, while Brunkow and Ramsdell discovered the explanation behind a specific mouse strain's vulnerability to autoimmune diseases. Together, they have significantly advanced our understanding of immunology and autoimmune diseases.
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who recently completed a 20-day space mission, shared his insights and experiences at the convocation ceremony of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University. He highlighted the importance of patience, focus, and the inevitability of change in achieving success, and urged the graduating class to actively contribute to shaping a fearless and ambitious India.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has issued a weather alert for parts of Tamil Nadu, with thunderstorms and light to moderate rainfall expected on Saturday. The alert was issued due to the strengthening of a cyclonic circulation in the Bay of Bengal, which is likely to intensify and form a low-pressure area. The system is expected to affect Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, with some areas experiencing heavy rainfall and gusty winds. The public is advised to stay updated and take precautions, especially in hilly and western districts.
As a step towards advancing India's deep-sea research capabilities, the Union Science Minister announced a landmark contract with the International Seabed Authority to conduct mineral exploration in the Indian Ocean for the next 15 years. This move will not only help India in expanding its scientific knowledge about the deep sea but also has the potential to strengthen its position as a leading player in the international seabed mining industry.
President Trump has signed a proclamation that makes significant changes to the H-1B visa program. These changes include a new $100,000 fee for employers to sponsor H-1B workers entering the US, as well as higher wage levels and priority for senior, high-paying positions. While workers currently inside the US on valid H-1B status are not directly affected, anyone traveling abroad and seeking re-entry must comply with the new requirements. The lasting impact on the flow of talent, technology, and jobs between India and the US remains uncertain.