A birthday celebration on Lake Tahoe ended in heartbreak over the weekend when a boat carrying 10 people capsized during a sudden, violent thunderstorm—killing eight passengers, including four members of a Northern California family.

Among the victims was 37-year-old Josh Pickles of San Francisco, his parents—Terry Pickles, 73, and Paula Bozinovich, 71, of Redwood City—and his uncle, Peter Bayes, 72, of Lincoln. The family had gathered to celebrate Bozinovich’s birthday on the lake.

“What was supposed to be a joyful day turned into a nightmare,” said Josh’s wife, Jordan Sugar-Carlsgaard, in a statement Tuesday. “No words can express the pain and anguish we feel knowing their lives were lost.”

Two people survived the incident, but their identities and conditions have not yet been released.

A Day Meant for Celebration

The group had set out on a 27-foot gold Chris-Craft boat—purchased by Josh about a year ago—near D.L. Bliss State Park on Lake Tahoe’s southwest shore. According to family spokesperson Sam Singer, the outing marked only the second time the family had used the boat. Jordan, Josh’s wife, had stayed home to care for their 7-month-old daughter.

The couple, married in 2023, lived between San Francisco and Lake Tahoe. Both worked in the tech industry—Josh at DoorDash and Jordan at Airbnb.

Ravi Inukonda, CFO of DoorDash, remembered Josh as “an inspiration” and a valued team member during his nearly seven-year tenure. “We are heartbroken,” Inukonda said. “Our thoughts and love are with his wife, daughter, and all who knew him.”

Storm Caught Everyone Off Guard

The accident occurred Saturday around 3 p.m. as a powerful and fast-moving thunderstorm unexpectedly swept across the southern part of the lake, kicking up waves over 8 feet high and winds reaching 35 mph. Meteorologists had forecast rain, but not the intense squall that struck.

“We weren’t expecting it to be so strong,” said Matthew Chyba, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Reno. Cooler-than-normal temperatures in the area may have contributed to the storm’s ferocity.

The waves flooded the boat and stalled its engine, according to Singer, who relayed details from the family. The vessel capsized shortly afterward.

Other Victims Identified

In addition to the Pickles family members, authorities identified four other victims:

• Timothy O’Leary, 71, of Auburn, California
• Theresa Giullari, 66, and James Guck, 69, both of Honeoye, New York
• Stephen Lindsay, 63, of Springwater, New York

A Rare and Devastating Incident

While Lake Tahoe sees a handful of accidental deaths each summer—an average of six—boating accidents with this many casualties are extremely rare.

“This is one of the worst incidents I’ve seen in 16 years,” said Lt. Scott Crivelli of the South Lake Tahoe Police Department. The last major spike in fatalities came in 2021, with a record 15 deaths, but none in a single event of this scale.

As families and friends grieve, authorities continue investigating the tragedy and reviewing weather protocols. For now, it’s a sobering reminder of how quickly nature can turn even the most joyful moments into heartbreak.

Source: AP News – 4 family members celebrating a birthday are among 8 dead from a boat capsize on Lake Tahoe

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A massive storm system has wreaked havoc across multiple U.S. states, leaving at least 26 people dead and causing widespread destruction. The storm unleashed a mix of tornadoes, wildfires, and severe weather conditions, impacting millions of residents.

Kansas: Dust Storm Leads to Fatal Pileup

Kansas authorities confirmed that eight people lost their lives after a severe dust storm caused a multi-vehicle pileup on a major highway. Strong winds and reduced visibility led to the tragic accident, highlighting the storm’s dangerous conditions.

Missouri: The Hardest-Hit State

Missouri reported the highest number of fatalities, with at least 12 people killed. Among the casualties, five bodies were recovered from debris in Wayne County, where powerful tornadoes ripped through communities, leaving homes destroyed and families displaced.

Arkansas: Tornadoes Prompt Emergency Response

Arkansas faced significant devastation as tornadoes tore through multiple areas, resulting in three fatalities and numerous injuries. The state’s governor declared a state of emergency, mobilizing resources for search and rescue efforts and disaster relief.

Texas: Deadly Dust Storms Cause Fatal Accidents

Texas also suffered from the storm’s impact, with three reported deaths due to dust storms leading to hazardous road conditions and fatal crashes. Authorities urged residents to exercise caution as high winds continued to sweep across the region.

Millions Affected by Extreme Weather

The storm system, affecting over 100 million people, has brought a combination of blizzards, high winds, and severe tornado outbreaks. Many communities have experienced extensive power outages, forcing evacuations and emergency response teams into action. Officials warn that dangerous weather conditions may persist in some areas, urging residents to stay alert and prepared.

Ongoing Response and Recovery

Rescue and recovery efforts are underway across the affected states as authorities assess the full extent of the damage. Emergency crews are working tirelessly to clear debris, restore power, and provide aid to those in need.

Meteorologists continue to monitor the storm’s path, cautioning that severe weather may persist. Officials encourage residents to follow safety advisories and stay informed as recovery efforts continue.

Stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available.

Source: AP News, At least 26 dead in massive US storm after Kansas reports 8 fatalities

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A massive winter storm is set to impact an estimated 62 million people across a 1,300-mile stretch of the United States from Saturday afternoon through Monday. The storm, which is expected to deliver the most significant winter weather of the season, will bring heavy snow, treacherous ice, soaking rain, and severe thunderstorms, affecting at least a dozen states.

Winter Storm Overview

• Duration: Saturday afternoon through Monday.
• Regions Impacted: Plains, Midwest, Mississippi Valley, Southeast, Ohio Valley, and East Coast.
• Hazards: Heavy snowfall, icy conditions, power outages, dangerous travel, and severe thunderstorms.

“This could bring the heaviest snowfall in over a decade for some areas,” warned NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center.

Widespread Snowfall and Record Threats

The storm will bring several inches of snow to affected regions, with some areas expected to receive over a foot.

• Regions Most Affected: Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia.
• Major Cities on Alert:
  • Kansas City: Snowfall could surpass the January record of 7.2 inches set in 2011.
  • Indianapolis: Potential to break the January record of 11.4 inches set in 2014.
  • St. Louis: Could see snowfall exceeding a foot, a rare occurrence only recorded four times in its history.

In Washington, DC, and Philadelphia, the Monday morning commute could be hazardous due to snow accumulation.

Treacherous Ice Conditions

South of the snowiest areas, the storm will unleash significant icing, which could make travel nearly impossible and cause widespread power outages.

• Highest Risk Areas: Southern Missouri, southern Illinois, southern Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, and parts of the central Appalachians.
• Ice Accumulation:
  • 0.10 inches: Roads and sidewalks turn dangerously slippery.
  • 0.25 inches or more: Trees and power lines risk snapping, causing infrastructure damage and long-lasting power outages.

Travel and Emergency Preparations

Governors in Kentucky, Virginia, and Maryland have declared states of emergency or preparedness.

• Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear: Warned of “dangerous conditions” on roads and significant power outages.
• Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin: Advised travelers to consider leaving earlier than Sunday.
• Maryland Governor Wes Moore: Highlighted potential snow accumulation and disruptions to transportation.

Severe Thunderstorms in the South

On the storm’s southern side, warmer air will trigger severe thunderstorms and flooding.

• Severe Thunderstorm Risk: Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi face a Level 3 out of 5 threat on Sunday.
• Threats: Damaging winds, hail, and potential tornadoes.

Rainfall in the Southeast could cause localized flooding, especially in areas recovering from December’s devastating tornado outbreak.

What’s Next: Arctic Cold to Follow

As the storm moves off the East Coast late Monday, a deep freeze will set in.

• Temperature Drop: Up to 30°F below average across the eastern two-thirds of the U.S.
• Duration: Arctic cold will persist into mid-January, solidifying snow and ice accumulations.

Key Safety Tips

• Avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.
• Prepare for power outages with emergency supplies and alternative heat sources.
• Monitor local weather updates for real-time information.

This storm, with its combination of snow, ice, and severe weather, will likely cause widespread disruptions and pose life-threatening hazards. Stay alert and take precautions to ensure safety.

Source

The post 62 Million People in Path of Major Winter Storm Bringing Snow and Ice appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

An Arctic cold front sweeping across the U.S. this weekend is triggering powerful lake-effect snowstorms in states like Pennsylvania and New York while bringing freezing temperatures as far south as the Gulf Coast.

Winter Alerts in Effect

Lake-effect snow warnings and winter weather alerts have been issued for parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York, with some extending through Monday evening. These warnings highlight the severe impact of the cold air interacting with the warmer waters of the Great Lakes, leading to intense snowfall.

Heavy Snowfall Forecast

Communities along the Great Lakes, including Cleveland, Ohio, and Buffalo, New York, are bracing for significant snowfall. The heaviest accumulation is expected near Watertown, New York, with forecasts predicting 3 to 5 feet of snow. Other areas, such as Dunkirk, New York, could see over 3 feet of snow, while localized whiteout conditions will make travel extremely dangerous or impossible.

ABC News Illustration

Southern States Face Freezing Temperatures

The cold air mass is not limited to the northern states. Freeze alerts are in effect for over 13 million people across nine southern states, with temperatures dropping below freezing as far south as the Florida Panhandle.

Emergency Measures in New York

In response to the impending storm, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for nearly a dozen counties in western New York. Hazardous road conditions, travel disruptions, and widespread power outages are anticipated.

Erie County, home to Buffalo, is expected to be one of the hardest-hit areas. County Executive Mark Poloncarz urged residents to stay off the roads. “This is going to be a serious storm, especially in the southern parts of Erie County,” he said. Towns like Eden, Evans, and Hamburg could see up to 4 feet of snow, while Buffalo itself is forecasted to receive only a few inches.

Dangerous Travel Conditions

Driving in the affected regions will be treacherous, with whiteout conditions reducing visibility to near zero. Portions of Interstate 90 near the Pennsylvania border have already been closed due to unsafe conditions.

“We’re talking about conditions where you can’t see anything while driving,” Poloncarz warned. “If you don’t have to travel, stay home. It’s not worth the risk.”

ABC News Illustration

Impact on Sunday’s Buffalo Bills Game

Fans attending the Buffalo Bills’ Sunday night game should prepare for a challenging experience. Snowfall totals at the stadium could reach 20 to 30 inches by game time, with wind chills in the teens. The team is working to clear the snow, but accessing the stadium will still be difficult.

Poloncarz remained optimistic, emphasizing the region’s resilience. “Western New Yorkers know how to handle snow. We’ll get through this if we’re careful.”

Key Takeaways

Residents in the affected areas should stay informed, limit travel, and prepare for hazardous conditions. As the storm continues to develop, caution and preparedness will be essential to navigate the challenges ahead.

Source

Top picture credit: ABC News Illustration

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