DTN News - WORLD OF TODAY: Major Winter Storm Blasts Toronto - February 8, 2013

DTN News - WORLD OF TODAY: Major Winter Storm Blasts Toronto - February 8, 2013

Source: DTN News 
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 8, 2013: DTN News reports a blast of winter weather slowed morning commuting throughout the Greater Toronto Area Friday morning and conditions are going to be worse for the journey home.

OPP are urging motorists to stay off the roads as a mammoth winter storm continues to batter the region. About 19 centimetres of snow has fallen at Pearson International Airport since Thursday night with another 2 to 5 centimetres still in the forecast. 

Heavy snow continues as a major winter storm currently centred over New York State affects the regions today. General total snowfall amounts of 20 to 30 centimetres are expected with snowfall rates of 2 to 4 cm per hour possible under the heaviest bands. Strong and gusty northeasterly winds are blowing the freshly fallen snow and resulting in very low visibility at times.

The snow has already begun to taper off over Southwestern Ontario and is expected to ease off over South Central Ontario this evening and Eastern Ontario near midnight.

Hazardous winter travelling conditions from near zero visibility, areas of heavy snow and local blowing snow are expected. Rapidly accumulating snow will also contribute to dangerous driving conditions. Travel plans should be changed accordingly.

The storm centre will move away tonight and merge with another winter storm forecast to affect parts of New England and the Maritimes.

Please refer to your local public forecast for further details. 

*Image shows K. V. Seth standing and car buried in snow. (side thumb images)

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith - DTN News
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*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News - SPECIAL REPORT HURRICANE SANDY: Hurricane Sandy Hammers The Northeast USA

DTN News - SPECIAL REPORT HURRICANE SANDY: Hurricane Sandy Hammers The Northeast USA
* A region-by-region look at the destruction so far and what to expect

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources National Post
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - October 29, 2012: Hurricane Sandy is churning off the East Coast and is expected to join up with two other weather systems to create a huge and problematic storm affecting 50 million people. Here’s a snapshot of what is happening or expected, region by region.

ONTARIO

Ontario residents are urged to make preparations ahead of the heavy rainfall and high winds from Hurricane Sandy. Southern and eastern Ontario are expected to be hit by the super storm, with heavy rainfall and potentially damaging winds up to 100 kilometres per hour. “The Canadian Red Cross encourages all Canadians to take some steps to ensure their safety. Be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least 72 hours in an emergency,” Denis Dion, national director of disaster management for the Canadian Red Cross, said in a statement. “By taking some time now to store emergency food, water and other supplies, you can provide for your entire family during a power outage or evacuation.”

Read more…

QUEBEC

Along with Ontario, Quebec will likely see the strongest winds, with gusts up to 100 kilometres per hour and between 20 to 40 millimetres of rain, although higher amounts are possible in some areas. That will make for a soggy day, but that level isn’t enough to trigger a rainfall warning.

MARITIMES

Starting Tuesday morning, the Maritime provinces will see a lot more rain — up to 100 millimetres — and weaker winds than Ontario, though still strong at an expected 70 kilometres per hour.

CAROLINAS

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued 14 members of a crew forced to abandon a Canadian-built tall ship about 144 off the North Carolina coast and continued to search for two other crew members. The storm lashed barrier islands and rendered several homes and businesses nearly inaccessible.

CONNECTICUT

The University of Connecticut is closing Tuesday, joining a hundreds of other schools and school systems across the state. The closure includes UConn’s law school and the UConn Health Center, though the John Dempsey Hospital will remain open during the storm. Power outages: 55,000.

DELAWARE

Dover Air Force Base has relocated some aircraft in anticipation of the storm, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency has requested that the base be used as a staging area for support and supplies. Some residents of low-lying areas of the base have been ordered to evacuate.

KENTUCKY

Sandy is expected to bring snow to far southeastern Kentucky. A winter storm warning is in effect in Harlan, Letcher and Pike counties through Wednesday morning. Forecasters say snow could accumulate from 4 to 10 inches in high elevations and 1 to 3 inches in lower elevations.

MAINE

Virtually all Maine public schools opened Monday but some were closing early before the heaviest rain and wind from Hurricane Sandy. State officials say the biggest concern is wind, which is expected to cause widespread power outages. The state’s utilities say they have crews poised to deal with expected power outages, including some from Canada. Power outages: 5,700.

MARYLAND

Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley has closed the Bay Bridge because of the storm. The bridge spans the Chesapeake Bay, connecting the state’s eastern and western shores. Hurricane Sandy already has caused heavy damage to a large, iconic ocean pier in the Maryland beach resort of Ocean City.

MASSACHUSETTS

Voluntary evacuation recommendations have been issued in Scituate, Lynn, New Bedford and Plum Island. The recommendations are for just certain sections of the communities that could be affected by flooding as a result of Hurricane Sandy. A Red Cross spokeswoman said just a few people stayed at its shelters Sunday night, but she expects more people Monday night and into Tuesday. Power outages: 56,000.

REUTERS/Gary HershornA workman cuts a tree in pieces after it fell on top of a car in Hoboken, New Jersey, October 29, 2012. Hurricane Sandy, one of the biggest storms ever to hit the United States, battered the densely populated East Coast, shutting down transportation, forcing evacuations in flood-prone areas and interrupting the presidential election campaign.

MICHIGAN

Michigan utilities say high winds could cause power outages in the state and they’re keeping an eye on the weather to respond to power problems. DTE Energy Co. said gusts of 50 mph Monday evening and Tuesday could affect some it its 2.1 million customers.

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Gov. John Lynch has urged all drivers to be off the roads by 3 p.m. as Hurricane Sandy approaches. Lynch declared a state of emergency and directed that non-essential state workers be released from work Monday afternoon. He urged employers to consider releasing workers early. The governor has put 100 New Hampshire Guard soldiers on active duty. Power outages: 47,400.

Kevin Lamargue / ReutersA wall of water batters what remains of the fishing pier in Ocean City, Maryland as Hurricane Sandy intensifies October 29, 2012. About 50 million people from the Mid-Atlantic to Canada were in the path of the nearly 1,600-km-wide storm, which forecasters said could be the largest to hit the mainland in U.S. history.

NEW JERSEY

All roads into and out of Ocean City are closed due to flooding that has cut off the popular Jersey shore resort community. Hurricane Sandy already had flooded most of Atlantic City, sweeping away an old section of the city’s famed boardwalk. Power outages: 95,000.

NEW YORK

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the city’s public schools will remain closed on Tuesday after being shut down Monday. Earlier, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel and Holland Tunnel would close at 2 p.m. Monday. Airports in the metropolitan New York City area are open, but air carriers are not operating. Power outages: 263,000.

OHIO

Residents of low-lying areas and along Lake Erie were told to watch for flooding; utilities are anticipating high winds that could blow down trees and poles. Snow is forecast in some areas.

PENNSYLVANIA

Officials from the state transit agency and the Pennsylvania Turnpike have instituted speed restrictions over concerns about high winds and ordered certain vehicles, including empty trucks and motorcycles, off some highways. The National Weather Service says southeastern Pennsylvania could get winds reaching 75 mph and rainfall up to 10 inches. Power outages: 25,000.

RHODE ISLAND

Officials are concerned about wind driving water north up Narragansett Bay, which could create flooding in low-lying areas of the upper bay, including Providence, Warwick and Cranston. About 2,600 National Grid customers were without power, mostly in Barrington and other parts of Bristol County. Power outages: 12,000.

TENNESSEE

Snow is expected in higher elevations, where a freeze warning has been issued. High winds are expected in many areas.

VERMONT

Gov. Peter Shumlin declared a state of emergency to provide access to National Guard troops in a state still recovering from the devastating effects of the remnants of Hurricane Irene. Culverts and storm drainage basins in some spots have been cleared of debris. Power outages: 4,000.

VIRGINIA

A curfew is in place on Virginia’s swamped Chincoteague Island. Officials say the entire 37-square-mile island is underwater, and there is no way off the island because a causeway to the mainland has been closed. The 3,500 islanders who decided to tough out Hurricane Sandy have been told to keep off the streets. Power outages: 9,500.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Taxis that originate in Washington are authorized to add an emergency flat rate of $15 per trip because of Hurricane Sandy, starting Monday. The price is supposed to expire at noon Tuesday, but can be extended if considered necessary. The capital area’s transit system shut down rail service for the first time since 2003. Power outages: 2,300.

WEST VIRGINIA

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin declared a state of emergency Monday for West Virginia, where Sandy is expected to bring high winds and heavy rains and leave behind flooded towns and as much as 3 feet of snow on the state’s highest ridge tops. Eastern parts of the state can expect to get up to 6 inches of rain. Fourteen counties are under blizzard warnings.

WISCONSIN

With waves expected to reach as high as 33 feet Tuesday on Lake Michigan, the Port of Milwaukee is taking steps to protect its docks and boats. The superstorm bearing down on the East Coast Is expected to create dangerous conditions on the Great Lakes. The National Weather Service issued gale and storm warnings for the lakes through Wednesday.

Related

• Hurricane Sandy nears land, lashing U.S. East Coast; nearly a million without power
• Hurricane Sandy’s wind gusts are biggest threat to Toronto overnight: officials
• Two missing, 14 rescued after Canadian-built tall ship HMS Bounty sunk by Hurricane Sandy
• Crane partially collapses atop New York’s tallest residential building as Hurricane Sandy approaches

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources National Post
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing X-51A WaveRider Hypersonic Jet Crashes

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS:  Boeing X-51A WaveRider Hypersonic Jet Crashes

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 15, 2012: The Air Force confirms that a hypersonic jet called the X-51A WaveRider  crashed in the Pacific Ocean today after one of its control fins failed.  The unmanned aircraft was launched from an Air Force B-52 bomber over Point Mugu Naval Air Warfare Center at around 11:36 this morning, Pacific time.

At first, the launch looked good. The WaveRider separated from the B-52 as planned, and its booster rockets fired properly. Then, after about 16 seconds of flight, the control fin was  found to be faulty and the jet tumbled out of control.

“All our data showed we had created the right conditions for engine ignition and we were very hopeful to meet our test objectives,” said Charles Brink, the project manager, in a statement.  The failure, he said, was “unfortunate.”

Researchers are analyzing data from the failed test, after which the Air Force says it will release the results of the investigation. The X-51A has had two previous successful tests, including one two years ago during which it flew for more than three minutes at five times the speed of sound.

With this latest test, the Air Force had hoped the speed would increase to 4,600 mph, roughly six times the speed of sound.

The Air Force hasn’t disclosed the cost of the WaveRider program, but Globalsecurity.org, a website that tracks military spending, says the project has cost $250-300 million since it began in 2004.  After today’s test only one aircraft remains, and Air Force officials have not decided when or if it will fly.


*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing 
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*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News - CANADA May 21 2012: Happy Victoria Day

DTN News - CANADA May 21 2012: Happy Victoria Day
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 21, 2012: Victoria Day is a public holiday observed across Canada on the Monday before May 25th.

Victoria Day celebrates Queen Victoria's birthday (May 24th). Canada is still a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, of which the Queen is head. 

Victoria Day is always on a Monday, and thus the holiday is part of a long weekend, which is commonly referred to as the Victoria Day Weekend, the May Long Weekend, the May Long, or the May Two-Four (a case of beer there is called a "two-four" and many of these are consumed over the holiday). The weekend is also called the May 24th weekend, although it does not necessarily fall on May 24th.

The Victoria Day Weekend always falls on the weekend before Memorial Day in the U.S.
The Victoria Day Weekend is the first popular weekend for spring / summer travel. Lots of people open up their cottages, plant gardens, or just get away. Expect crowds at resorts and hotels and busy highways. Fireworks displays are common, especially on Monday night.


*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith - DTN News
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News - IRAN NUCLEAR FACTORS: Iran Misjudged West's Resolve In Nuclear Standoff - Analyst

DTN News - IRAN NUCLEAR FACTORS: Iran Misjudged West's Resolve In Nuclear Standoff - Analyst

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Reuters

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / TEHRAN, Iran - November 22, 2011: Grudgingly admired in the past by the West for its negotiating skills and by the Iranian nation for its uncompromising stance, Iran's leadership may have misjudged recent confrontational tactics in its nuclear standoff with big powers, analysts say.

Miscalculating both its own bargaining strength and world resolve on the nuclear dispute has weakened Iran's familiar blend of brinkmanship and conciliation, analysts say.

Iran dismissed on Tuesday fresh sanctions imposed by the United States, Britain and Canada, saying such steps would only intensify Iranian popular support for the nuclear program, which Washington and its allies say is a cover to build bombs.

The new sanctions target Iran's energy and financial sectors and France has proposed "unprecedented" new punitive action, including freezing the assets of the Iranian central bank and suspending purchases of Iran's oil.

The news pushed benchmark Brent crude above $107, reflecting concerns about escalating tensions with the world's fifth biggest crude exporter.

It is unclear how Iran's hardline conservative leadership will act, with hard calculation, national pride and Islamic outlook all part of the equation. But senior officials have repeatedly hinted that diplomacy would be the first recourse.

With international tension over Iran's disputed nuclear ambitions mounting, the clerical establishment is now ultimately cautious and tends to prefer a controlled crisis as opposed to full-blown confrontation, analysts and diplomats said.

"The regime is very worried about a military strike. They have mishandled the issue and it is now very difficult for them to reach any kind of compromise," said a senior European diplomat in Tehran, who asked not to be named.

"Also they are worried about a spread of the Arab Spring (popular protests) into Iran and cannot risk more economic pressure that can cause street protests."

Analysts say ordinary Iranians are becoming less admiring and more wary of the Islamic elite's uncompromising nuclear stance that has provoked international sanctions, given a perceived lack of transparency in the program that has raised fears abroad of a covert push to develop atomic bombs.

The sanctions are meant to coerce Iran into suspending sensitive nuclear work and negotiate seriously on a peaceful solution. The United States and Israel have not ruled out military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites if diplomacy and sanctions are ultimately judged to be futile.

MORE HARM THAN GOOD

Explicit threats issued by Iran in the past few weeks to inflict "harm and pain" on Israel, the United States and its allies and possibly to curb oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, "could do more harm than good," analysts said.

"By saying these things they boost the hardline stance of radicals in the West and in Israel," said analyst Saeed Leylaz.

However, a lack of stability in the Middle East, combined with Iran's ability to stir up trouble in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, do weigh on Western policymakers' minds when contemplating tougher action against Tehran, officials say.

"Their (Americans) hands are sufficiently tied down in the region ... The American nation cannot tolerate another overseas military flashpoint," said an Iranian official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Iran can also draw comfort from the anti-sanctions posture of veto-wielding Security Council members Russia and China, but by pursuing its confrontational stance it may overplay its hand.

"We do not by any means trust either China or Russia ... They backed the four U.N. resolutions against Iran," said the Iranian official. "But we have to play this card as we have no choice to prevent a military action."

Tough talk from Tehran about hitting back over the latest U.N. nuclear watchdog report - which prompted the latest sanctions due to intelligence suggesting Iran had worked on an atomic bomb design - may remain just that with no tangible effect, analysts say.

"Reviewing cooperation with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency), or evaluating ties with Britain, will remain just rhetoric ... Iran is already isolated ... such moves would mean suicide for Iran," said the senior diplomat.

Iranian lawmakers are considering a review of the country's cooperation level with the IAEA over its hard-hitting report, but the parliamentary debate could last for weeks.

"FEARING SANCTIONS"

Public opinion long backed the hardline leadership's tough nuclear line, spurred on by a compliant local media that focuses on the West's perceived unfair treatment of Iran's nuclear case. However, dissenting voices have emerged since sanctions have started to bite and speculation of military strikes has risen.

"I fear sanctions because it means more economic pressure on ordinary people ... How are we ever going to cope with higher inflation?" said teacher Safanaz Soheili, 35, a single mother of two.

The crisis over Iran's atomic agenda is deepening, but Iran insists its nuclear program is not endangering world peace, citing a right to develop civilian nuclear energy as a party to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad appears determined to pursue a radical agenda -- but analysts say decisions on major security and diplomatic issues, including nuclear, are only made by the country's most powerful figure, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who also has shown no sign of changing policy.

"The political infighting is deepening among the hardline rulers ... but it does not mean the regime will change its nuclear path," said Iranian political analyst Hasan Feghhi.

"Sanctions work in favor of Ahmadinejad, who will put the blame on the sanctions for his failure in the economic arena."

In the past few months capital flight from Iran has mushroomed and business is in deep recession. Feuding among senior figures in the conservative elite has multiplied.

"It's chaotic. The budget deficit has ballooned and international pressure is building," said merchant Mohsen Sarafizadeh.

(Editing by Mark Heinrich)

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Reuters

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*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

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DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: President Barack Obama And Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper Having A Happy Hour At APEC

DTN News - APEC SUMMIT IN HONOLULU: President Barack Obama And Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper Having A Happy Hour At APEC

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources APEC

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - November 15, 2011: During the course of this week's APEC meetings, President Obama had the opportunity to continue his regular dialogue with Prime Minister Harper of Canada regarding the enduring partnership and friendship between our two countries at home and around the world.

The President underscored the importance of working together to enhance economic competitiveness, create sustainable economic growth and jobs. He noted the important progress being made on the Beyond the Border and Regulatory Cooperation initiatives.

The President also welcomed Prime Minister Harper's expression of Canada's interest in seeking to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership talks and initiating consultations toward that goal. The Leaders discussed the importance of meeting the TPP's high standard for trade liberalization and addressing outstanding trade and investment issues in that process.

Together with Japan's and Mexico's similar announcements, Canada's desire to consult with TPP partners demonstrates the broadening momentum and dynamism of this ambitious effort toward economic integration across the Pacific.

President Obama thanked the Prime Minister for Canada's participation in the successful operations in Libya, including the leadership of Canadian General Charles Bouchard. The President also expressed his appreciation for the role the Canadian Forces have played, and continue to play in Afghanistan. The Leaders discussed the recent announcement regarding the Presidential Permit process for the Keystone XL pipeline application. The President underscored his support for the State Department's announcement regarding the need to seek additional information about the Keystone XL Pipeline proposal to ensure that all questions are properly addressed and all the potential impacts are properly understood.

Both leaders expressed their condolences to President Calderon, the family, and the Mexican people on the death of Mexican Interior Minister Francisco Blake Mora and seven colleagues. They look forward to a rescheduled North American Leaders' Summit with President Calderon.

The President also invited the Prime Minister to Washington in early December.

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*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources APEC

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