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Three dead in U.S. West Coast storms

MARTIN GRIFFITH

Associated Press

Latest comment posted at 11:38 AM EDT 05/01/08

Heavy snow, howling winds leave hundreds without power, dozens rescued after levee ruptures ...Read the full article

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  1. R. M. from Regina, Canada writes: 10 feet of snow! Incredible. Storms like this show just how vulnerable our North American economy and lifestyles are to weather related events. If terrorist really want to inflict harm it will be directed at infrastructure.
  2. Bongo Bongo from San Francisco, United States writes: It was really, really windy and really, really rainy today. That's for sure.
  3. Lawrence of Saskatchewan from Reno NV, United States writes: Here in Reno, kind of like being in...Saskatchewan! Lovin' in, just shoveled my block's sidewalks on both sides of the street, will do it again tomorrow morning, while wearing my...toque! We're a bit buffered here on the east side of the Sierras, winds only up to maybe 95kph instead of 200 on the other (Calif.) side. Sometimes better NOT being in the Golden State, but the adjacent, more tarnishy, gambily, Silver one.
  4. George S from Toronto, Canada writes: Incredible weather this year all over NA. Just got back from Newfoundland and it was storm after storm there, now I hear that the left coast is getting it even worse! Unbelievable.
  5. The Bubble from Canada writes: Anyone have a violin?
  6. Beyazet Ilderim from Scarborough?, Canada writes: Hate to tell you this, but we are just facing another absolute proof that the global warming is marching, is un-stoppable and it is the case NOW to start asking for action on the carbon tax issue. God, give long life to Gore the prophet!!!!!!!!!!
  7. Donald Scott from Arroyo Grande, Calif, United States writes: If you want to read the best description of such a weather event, find George R. Stewart's STORM. It's the first ecological novel, published in 1941, and the book from which we get the practice of naming storms. It is set in the very same area as yesterday's storm.

    I'm on the Central Coast, near San Luis Obispo, and believe you me, this was a humdinger. In spite of the comment about 'wimps,' I'll put 75 mph winds on an exposed coast up against anyone's storm. As a former Park Ranger, I sometimes had to go in those 'Maria' storms -- to say the least, it was exhilarating.

    As to global warming -- such storms have been going on my entire 65 year lifetime, in California and elsewhere, so let's not panic on the issue. Read Stewart's novel, and you'll see this is nothing unusual for the Golden State....

    DMS
  8. L.B. MURRAY from Canada writes: Here's something that should be copied in Canada, if not....and I mean, some inmates helping clear up debris...

    ...The National Guard said it had personnel on standby, and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection dispatched inmate crews in Northern California's Butte, Glenn and Placer counties to clear debris from roadways, spokesman Daniel Berlant said. (quoted from the article)

    I clearly remember seeing inmate crews working along California highways and byways but never once in Canada, and I mean Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta... does anyone know for certain if in Canada, it is allowed to use non-threatening inmates to work during emergencies or every day?? If so, where???

    With the bulk of the U.S. National Guard now deployed in Iraq, it's understandable that inmates would be called to do some work... but what about Canada??

    Thank you.
    -
  9. Rain SCM from Canada writes: sam pitroda, you are an a$$.

    You are obviously exceedingly ignorant about the extreme weather conditions all over California. The worst part this time is that many of the areas that were hit by wildfires are now open to severe mudslides since the trees root systems that kept the hillside in place is no longer there. That is just around LA and SD. Central and Northern California have a whole host of other issues.

    I would also be concerned with the rampant drinking and driving by celebrities during this storm too. Mel will probably blame all the bad weather on us Jews and Lindsay might get into an accident or three.
  10. Steven Koning from Bloomfield, ON, Canada writes: All this precipitation is good for restoring the water supply in the water table and in the reservoirs.
  11. Total Serenity from Canada writes: Rain SCM: At least Britney is safe!
  12. Angus S Miskers from rainy Victoria, Canada writes: Was just in LA for Wednesday and Thursday, and it was lovely weather - nary a breaker on the beach. Guess I just missed the storm ... or did it miss LA?
  13. Globe Insider subscriber content
    Shawn W from Toronto, Canada writes: California is one of only a handful of places in the US I truly enjoy visiting. But with that said, it's a disaster waiting to happen. They have the population of Canada and very little in terms of vital resources such as fresh water. A storm like this shows just how vulnerable the state is - and what happens when people build houses in places where nature didn't intend.
  14. Dieter Birk from Oakville, Canada writes: To L.B. Murray: We Canadians don't use slave labour.

    To Environmentalists: There arn't more storms in our time, just more people and media to report storms. Wind happens.

    To Californians: Storms arn't your real menace. Building along the San Andres Fault, is an earthquake disaster waiting to happen. Not if, but when. Wasn't it Lisbon, Spain that fell into the ocean, some centuries back? Dido Alexandia, Egypt.
  15. Tyler Phillips from Seattle, writes: If this storm was in Ontario or Toronto, posters here would be crying that 'it's not national news'... I guess it's ok if it's from the States
  16. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: I believe there was a debate yesterday on personal responsibility for those skiing in avalanche prone areas. Now we have this nasty storm in California and what type of image do we get on the G&M - some dude surfing under a bridge in gale force winds.

    Great way to encourage personal responsibility.

    I like Lawrence of Saskatchewan actions. Also the handle.
  17. John Connor from Canada writes: Beyazet Ilderim from Scarborough?, Canada writes: Hate to tell you this, but we are just facing another absolute proof that the global warming is marching, is un-stoppable and it is the case NOW to start asking for action on the carbon tax issue. God, give long life to Gore the prophet!!!!!!!!!!

    You obviously are a master at sarcasm, and not baiting I'm sure.
  18. Roop Misir from Toronto, Canada writes: Few if onyone can appreciate the damage posed by burrowing anilmal.

    In different circumstances, prisoners and others are known to burrow their way underground to escape routes or their destination.

    What did these critters have in mind?

    Did the engineers make allowances for this sorts of 'wear and tear'?
  19. martha stewart from Canada writes: Donald Scott from Arroyo Grande, Calif writes: 'If you want to read the best description of such a weather event, find George R. Stewart's STORM. It's the first ecological novel, published in 1941... It is set in the very same area as yesterday's storm.'

    Thanks for some relevant perspective. I was just about to send some 'protection money' to one of the dozens of 'environmental groups' now promising to save us from the impending 'climate crisis' apocalyse. But are you sure that Stewart (no relation) was not just an early 'paid hack' for Big Oil setting the stage for their devious propaganda campaign? Are you sure you're not? After all, you're from the same country as Bush so... no?

    A song told me that 'It never rains in California.' Obviously this rain proves that we're probably doomed. Since the end is near, I'm wondering if the wine crop survived? Would like to keep sipping that while the world ends.
  20. Eric Meagher from Reno, United States writes: Usually I just use a push broom, but broke out the snow shovel today for first time in a few years. Besides the snow and wind (lots of wind ! ) last night, it had rained profusely here most of yesterday. Getting more snow now too.
  21. Festina Lente from Tampa Bay, United States writes: Yes, it never rains in Southern California! Those poor denizens living in Reno and Tahoe, Truckee areas really need help. I am sure Canada will be sending in one of their Dart Teams from Van...the one that deployed to the culinary capital of Louisana (Lafayette) to contribute to the New Orleans disaster. Every little effort helps and our friends to the North can always be counted on. Another example is the dispatch of RCMP agents to Ft Liqordale, Florida to help the Broward police keep track of those benevolent Montreal Maffia types that invade every winter. On a more serious note, the environmentalists should have not interfered with the US Forest Service efforts to employ the unemployed to clean the undergrowth of this rugged, hilly Nevada and California terrain... so fires would not run rampant and trees could atleast survive...thus saving thousands of homes, not only from fires but from subsequent mudslides, etc. But alas, the US is full of these do-gooders whose entertainment and leisurely time allow them to pursue questionable and objectionable causes. Ruefully, the history of many is replete with disasters of natural and human cause. Malcolm McCallum in Florida.
  22. Edmond Dusablon from United States writes: They're blaming gophers for he levee break. All their tunnels weakened the levee and water will go where it wants to go. Pesky varmints. Ate all my wife's roses a few years back too.
  23. newage blues from maryland, United States writes: When they say high wind toppled a semi, does that really mean high wind combined with excessive speed for the conditions?
  24. Edmond Dusablon from United States writes: Dieter Birk - Using nonviolent offenders for roadside work is not slavery, and Lisbon is in Portugal.
  25. Globe Insider subscriber content
    charlie brown from Canada writes: To: Beyazet Ilderim who wrote: 'Hate to tell you this, but we are just facing another absolute proof that the global warming is marching, is un-stoppable and it is the case NOW to start asking for action on the carbon tax issue. God, give long life to Gore the prophet!!!!!!!!' BI. Utter Nonsense!!
  26. Jim IIII from Canada writes: Lets just hope everyone survives in one piece with no human life loss. In times such as this friends must bond. Only the strong survive.........................
  27. Let me tell You How It Is from Bellevue, Washington, United States writes: US and Canada will always be depend on each other. We will help each other no matter what!
  28. J Law from Canada writes: L.B. MURRAY from Canada writes: Here's something that should be copied in Canada, if not....and I mean, some inmates helping clear up debris...

    I've seen prison work crews dresses in bright orange coveralls cleaning up debris from along the highways in Alberta.

    I seem to remember a good number of years ago this subject was put forward as a way to save taxpayers money in clean up on streets, parks, etc., but it was the unions who screamed so loud it never went forward.
  29. charlie bistro from taranna, Canada writes: 2008

    Climate Change: 3

    Terrorists: 0
  30. Kim Morton from Canada writes: LB Murray:
    In B.C. the corrections branch actually has a contract to do brushing on the highways. You may not notice because the inmates wear safety gear just like every one else.
  31. P Jones from NB, Canada writes: charlie bistro from taranna, Canada writes: 2008

    Climate Change: 3

    Terrorists: 0
    ________________________

    More like: 2008

    Climate Change: 0

    Terrorists: 0

    It's business as usual for mother nature.
  32. P Jones from NB, Canada writes: I guess we're not allowed to call out The Bubble? Interesting how some can post what they want and others cannot.
  33. jimmy mccray from United States writes: There's nothing "unusual" about this weather..............bad storms occur and the Sierra Nevadas always get heavy snow...............New England where I am today has snow and cold in the north but southern NE, especially along the coast, i.e. Eastern MA (greater Boston), R.I., CT along Long Island it's in the 40's fahrenheit and Boston will be in the upper 50's fahrenheit this week with rain washing away any remaining snow. This is not unusual and it could very well be snowing in 2 weeks again not unusual.
  34. dan vanman from vancouver, Canada writes: Hey Martha Stweart...your an idiot. Your blithe dismissal of global warming shows you to be just another selfish "i got mine" hack that doesn't know anything about the biggest crisis in the planets life.

    I agree with the Park Ranger though, a big storm like this may not be in direct relation to global warming. We just weathered the same storm in Vancouver. All though, this is the second year in a row we have had such big ones. That is a little unusual...

    But it is ALL connected guys and gals. That paint you dump down the drain in Lewiston Maine has an affect, just like the particulates put in the atmosphere by a million gas guzzlers.

    Pinheads like "Martha Stewart" are the biggest problem associated with global warming. Its all a joke to these pinheads.

    Without ALL of us making a difference, the world we leave our children will most definitely not be as nice as the one our parents left us.

    Maybe insulting all you deniers is opening me up for attacks. I don't care. Its a small price to pay.
  35. dan vanman from vancouver, Canada writes: BTW Charlie Brown..."utter nonsense" hmm? You have proof of that? Because the science behind the global warming problem is unassialable, and backed by 97 % of the world's scientists that work in this field. If Big Oil didn't pay for the other 3%, it would be unanimoous.

    What is Utter nonsesne is people like you denying a proven fact. I hope you can look your kids in the eye in ten years.

    I, at least, will be able to tell them I did MY best. What about you?

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