New York City residents urged to shelter in place as life-threatening flooding submerges subways, streets
All of New York City's five boroughs were under Flash Flood Warnings Friday, as torrential rains flooded streets and subway stations, causing massive system-side disruptions. Impacts were especially felt in Brooklyn, where nearly 6 inches of rain had already fallen by mid-morning.
By Chris OberholtzSource FOX Weather
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Watch: Whirlpool forms on Brooklyn's 4th Avenue amid flash flooding
Video by Phuong Van Huynh shows a whirlpool forming above a storm drain on Brooklyn’s 4th Avenue, as floodwater engulfed cars and brought traffic to a crawl.

NEW YORK – Life-threatening flash flooding is pummeling the New York City area Friday as remnants of Tropical Storm Ophelia lash the already heavily saturated region with several inches of rain in mere hours.

All of New York City's five boroughs were under Flash Flood Warnings Friday, as torrential rains flooded streets and subway stations, causing massive system-side disruptions to rail and bus services. Impacts were especially felt in Brooklyn, where nearly 6 inches of rain had already fallen by mid-morning.

"I want to say to all New Yorkers, this is time for heightened alertness and extreme caution," New York City Mayor Eric Adams warned. "If you are home, stay home. If you are at work or school, shelter in place. For now, some of our subways are flooded, and it’s extremely difficult to move around the city."

Brooklyn subway station floods amid torrential downpours in New York City
Rainwater flooded the B/Q 7th Avenue subway station in Brooklyn as torrential downpours caused flash flooding across New York City on Friday morning.

Widespread 3 to 5 inches of total rain is anticipated throughout Friday across New York City, Long Island and Hudson Valley, with locally higher amounts up to 7 inches of rain.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER ON TV

Image 1 of 16
A person walks away from his vehicle after it got stuck in high water on the Prospect Expressway during heavy rain and flooding on September 29, 2023 in New York City. (Spencer Platt)

The FOX Forecast Center said rainfall rates in some storms are reaching 2 inches per hour or more. Officials in New York City have stated that the subway system can only handle a maximum of 1 inch of rainfall per hour, and flooding may occur if it exceeds 1.5 inches.

"Heavy rain will inundate transportation systems and likely cause flash flooding in some areas today," New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said. "This means that it will be dangerous to travel, especially by car."


Bray said his agency is coordinating deployment of multi-agency flood rescue teams to Hudson Valley and Long Island. City officials have urged New Yorkers to use caution if commuting and avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.

Water rescues underway in New Jersey as extreme rain turns Fairfield streets into raging rivers
Fairfield Police Department Corporal Steven D’Argenio is seen performing a water rescue of someone who was trapped in his car in a parking lot on Passaic Avenue in Essex County, New Jersey.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State of Emergency across New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley due to the extreme rainfall.

"I encourage all New Yorkers to pay close attention to the storm conditions and forecast if you’re heading out today," she warned.


7 FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FLASH FLOODS

Parking lots and ramps were flooded at LaGuardia Airport, shutting down access to Terminal A. The airport said their airport fuel farm was also unreachable due to floods.

Currently, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said flights are still arriving and departing at area airports, although intermittent ground stops are likely as heavy rain continues lashing the region.

The FAA is reporting that the Fuel Farm is flooded and unusable at New York's LaGuardia Airport, which is the only jet fuel storage facility at the airport.
The FAA reports that the fuel farm is flooded and unusable at New York's LaGuardia Airport. It's the only jet fuel storage facility at the airport.

(FOX Weather)

The FAA makes the decision to implement temporary ground stops as needed. During a temporary ground stop, flights may be spaced out to create more distance between them given visibility challenges, causing delays even as flights continue to depart and arrive.

"Airport staff is continuously monitoring the runways, roadways and terminals and will immediately activate water pumps if necessary," the agency said. "Flooding may impact the roadways surrounding the airports and police will redirect traffic. Travelers should leave ample time when heading to the airports."

Intense rain rates flood NYC subways, roads
Life-threatening flash flooding is pummeling the New York City area Friday as remnants of Tropical Storm Ophelia lash the already heavily saturated region with several inches of rain in mere hours.

In Brooklyn, multiple cars were stranded with water up to their windows on Prospect Expressway. NYC Public Schools were also forced to evacuate PS 312 in the city due to a smoking boiler.

The tri-state area, which includes New Jersey and Connecticut, is currently facing a flood threat that has resulted in flood alerts for 25.1 million people. As of Friday morning, some areas have already experienced 4-6 inches of rain, with more storms expected to come in the following hours.

FLOOD WATCH, WARNING AND EMERGENCY: HERE ARE THE DIFFERENCES THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE


Here's a look at the top rain reports over the past 24 hours.
(FOX Weather)


An entire fleet of emergency trucks, deployable pumps and other equipment are on standby for a city that depends on the rails. Bus routes, bridges and tunnels are also being monitored closely. New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which runs the subway system, has activated its 24-hour situation room.


A three-hour radar loop showing where showers and thunderstorms are ongoing.
(FOX Weather)


There is currently a travel advisory in effect by the New York City Emergency Management that will last until 6 a.m. on Saturday. The persistent rainstorm in the country's biggest city has been ongoing for over 70 hours, which has contributed to the problem.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER ON TV

Coastal flooding alerts stretch hundreds of miles
Concerns about coastal flooding conditions are present all along the Atlantic seaboard, reaching as far as the Carolinas and Florida. These issues include persistent winds, residual energy from the recent tropical storm, and a particularly problematic factor: the full moon, which results in king tides.

Be sure to download the free FOX Weather app and enable notifications to be sent an alert if warnings are issued in your area.

Coastal flooding was seen in Charleston, South Carolina, on Friday morning.

Cats are fascinating creatures, known for their grace, agility, and mysterious ways. One of the most intriguing parts of a cat's body is its paws. These small, soft appendages contain a world of hidden wonders and secrets waiting to be discovered. In this article, we will delve into the remarkable anatomy of cat paws and unveil 10 fascinating facts that will leave you in awe of these incredible creatures.

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The Fascinating Anatomy of Cat Paws
Exploring the Unique Features of Cat Paws
Cat paws may appear simple at first glance, but upon closer inspection, you'll discover a wealth of unique features. One of the most remarkable aspects is their soft, padded surface. This padding not only provides a cushioned landing for cats when they jump from heights but also acts as a shock absorber while they walk and run.

Beneath the surface, cat paws hide a network of bones, tendons, muscles, and ligaments that work together harmoniously to create fluid movements. The structure allows cats to navigate various terrains effortlessly, whether it be climbing trees or tip-toeing across narrow ledges.

But did you know that the soft pads on a cat's paws serve more than just a functional purpose? These pads also contain scent glands that leave behind a unique scent as cats walk around. This is their way of marking their territory and communicating with other cats in the area. So, while your cat is innocently padding around your home, they are also leaving their mark and asserting their presence.
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Cat and Dog Play With Objects
Another fascinating feature of cat paws is their retractable claws. Unlike dogs, whose claws are always exposed, cats have the ability to retract their claws when they're not needed. This allows them to keep their claws sharp and ready for hunting or self-defense. When a cat wants to extend its claws, it contracts the muscles in its paws, causing the claws to extend outward. It's a remarkable adaptation that gives cats an advantage in their natural environment.

Understanding the Difference Between Cat Feet and Paws
Although we often use the terms interchangeably, cat paws and feet are not one and the same. The feet refer to the entire limb, including the bones and muscles that make up the leg. On the other hand, paws specifically refer to the soft, padded part at the end of the cat's leg that comes into direct contact with the ground.

It's interesting to note that the number of toes on a cat's paws can vary. Most cats have five toes on their front paws and four on their back paws, but some cats may have extra toes due to a genetic mutation. This condition, known as polydactylism, can give cats a unique and adorable appearance. Some polydactyl cats even have thumbs, which allow them to grasp objects with surprising dexterity.

Next time you look at your cat, take a moment to appreciate the intricate design of their paws. It's one of the many factors that make them such captivating creatures. From their soft, padded surface and retractable claws to the fascinating way they mark their territory, cat paws are truly a marvel of nature.

The Surprising Functions of Cat Paws
Cats are fascinating creatures with many unique features, and one of the most intriguing parts of their anatomy is their paws. These small and adorable appendages serve a variety of purposes that contribute to a cat's overall well-being and survival.

The Multifunctional Role of Cat Paws in Grooming
Cats are notoriously meticulous groomers, spending hours each day cleaning themselves. Their paws play a vital role in this process, acting as versatile tools that aid in maintaining their cleanliness and hygiene.

By dampening their paw pads with saliva, cats can use them as miniature washcloths to bathe themselves and remove dirt and debris from their fur. The rough texture on the surface of their tongues, combined with the flexibility of their paws, makes them highly effective cleaning tools. It's a fascinating sight to witness a cat's swift and precise paw movements as they meticulously groom themselves.

Not only do cats use their paws to clean their bodies, but they also employ them to groom their faces. With a gentle swipe of their paw, they can clean their delicate whiskers, ensuring that they remain free from any dirt or food particles.

How Cat Paws Help with Balance and Agility
Ever wonder how cats maintain their remarkable balance and agility? Look no further than their paws. These seemingly small and unassuming body parts play a significant role in a cat's ability to navigate the world with grace and precision.

The soft pads on the underside of their paws act as natural shock absorbers, which help dampen the impact when they land from a jump or navigate uneven surfaces. These pads provide cushioning, reducing the strain on their joints and preventing injuries. It's almost as if cats have built-in shock absorbers in their paws!

In addition to providing stability, the delicate muscles in their feet allow cats to adjust their paw movements rapidly. This flexibility enables them to maneuver gracefully and effortlessly, even in the most precarious situations. Whether it's leaping from one piece of furniture to another or scaling a tall tree, a cat's paws are essential in maintaining their balance and ensuring their safety.

Furthermore, a cat's paws are equipped with retractable claws, adding an extra layer of agility. These sharp and curved claws can be extended or retracted as needed, allowing cats to have a firm grip on various surfaces. Whether they are climbing up a tree trunk or engaging in a playful game of "catch the feather," their retractable claws provide them with the necessary traction and control.

In conclusion, cat paws are not just adorable and cuddly; they are also incredibly functional. From grooming to balance and agility, these remarkable appendages play a crucial role in a cat's daily life. So, the next time you observe your feline friend grooming themselves or effortlessly leaping from one place to another, take a moment to appreciate the amazing capabilities of their paws.

Unveiling the Secrets of Polydactyl Cats
The Extraordinary Phenomenon of Polydactylism in Cats
Have you ever come across a cat with extra toes? These fascinating felines are called polydactyl cats. Polydactylism is a genetic mutation that results in cats having more toes than the usual number of five on their front paws or four on their back paws.

This unique mutation can be traced back to a genetic anomaly, and it's more common in certain regions. However, while polydactyl cats may appear different, they lead perfectly normal lives and often display enhanced climbing and hunting abilities due to their additional digits.

But what exactly causes this genetic mutation? Polydactylism in cats is believed to be inherited through a dominant gene. This means that if one parent carries the polydactyl gene, there is a higher chance of their offspring inheriting the mutation. Interestingly, not all polydactyl cats have the same number of extra toes. Some may have just one extra toe, while others can have up to seven additional digits on each paw!

Throughout history, polydactyl cats have captured the attention of many famous individuals. One of the most notable examples is Ernest Hemingway, the renowned American author. Hemingway had a deep affection for polydactyl cats and even had a special bond with one named Snow White. In fact, Hemingway's former home in Key West, Florida, is now a museum and home to over fifty descendants of Snow White. Visitors from around the world flock to see these charming creatures and learn more about their unique genetic trait.

Famous Polydactyl Cats Throughout History
Polydactyl cats have had a significant impact throughout history. One of the most famous examples is Ernest Hemingway's love for these extraordinary felines. Hemingway's former home in Key West, Florida, is now a museum and home to over fifty descendants of his beloved polydactyl cat, Snow White. These charming creatures continue to capture the hearts of visitors from around the world.

But Hemingway is not the only famous figure who adored polydactyl cats. Another notable individual was President Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt had a polydactyl cat named Slippers, who often accompanied him during his time in the White House. It is said that Slippers was a constant source of joy and comfort to the President, and their bond was well-known among Roosevelt's staff and visitors.

Even in popular culture, polydactyl cats have made their mark. One of the most famous fictional polydactyl cats is Puss in Boots from the Shrek franchise. Puss in Boots, with his charming personality and distinctive extra toes, has become an iconic character loved by children and adults alike.

It is fascinating to see how polydactyl cats have not only captivated the hearts of individuals but also left their paw prints throughout history. These unique felines continue to intrigue and delight people with their extraordinary genetic trait.

Decoding the Language of Cat Paws
The Significance of Scent Glands in Cat Paws
Cat paws are not just for walking and grooming; they also play a role in communication. Scent glands located on the surface of their paw pads release unique pheromones that act as a form of feline language. When cats scratch a surface, whether it's a tree trunk or your favorite couch, they are leaving behind their scent as a way to mark their territory and communicate with other cats.

So, the next time you catch your cat scratching, remember that it's not just them practicing their claw sharpening technique. It's their way of speaking to the world.

What Your Cat's Paw Movements and Positions Mean
Have you ever observed your cat kneading their paws on a soft blanket, or seen them curl their toes tightly while they sleep? These subtle movements and positions carry meaning.

Kneading is a behavior cats develop as kittens when nursing, and it often indicates contentment and relaxation. Curling their toes while sleeping can signify that they feel safe and secure in their environment. Understanding these cues can help you strengthen the bond you share with your feline friend.

The Silent Steps of Cats
Why Cats Walk Quietly on Their Toes
If you've ever been startled by a cat suddenly appearing out of nowhere, you may wonder how they manage to move so stealthily. The secret lies in the way cats distribute their weight and the structure of their paws.

Unlike humans and other animals that walk with their entire foot touching the ground, cats walk on their toes. This walking style, known as digitigrade locomotion, allows their muscles and tendons to act as shock absorbers, significantly reducing the sound produced while walking. It's no wonder why cats are the masters of sneaking up on their prey!

The Stealthy Nature of Cat Paw Movements
Cat paw movements are not only silent but also delicate and calculated. Watch a cat as it tests the ground with each step, gently placing their paws before shifting their weight. This cautious approach ensures they can detect any potential hazards and move swiftly and silently when necessary; a necessary skill for both hunting and avoiding danger.

The Delicate Sensitivity of Cat Paws
How Cat Paws Detect Texture and Temperature
Cat paws are exquisitely sensitive, thanks to thousands of nerve endings embedded in their paw pads. This heightened sensitivity allows them to detect even the slightest changes in texture and temperature. It's one of the reasons why cats are often seen pawing at surfaces or using their paws to explore their surroundings.

Next time you witness your cat investigating an object with their paws, remember that they are using their remarkable sensory powers to gather information about their environment.

In conclusion, the anatomy of cat paws is an extraordinary marvel of nature. From their unique features and multifunctional role in grooming to the secrets of polydactylism and the language they speak through scent glands, cat paws continue to fascinate and astound us. Their silent steps, delicate sensitivity, and ability to detect texture and temperature are testaments to their remarkable design. So, the next time you see a cat curling its toes, scratching, or gracefully leaping through the air, take a moment to appreciate the wonders hidden within their paws.

This article originally appeared on CatBandit and was syndicated by MediaFeed.

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I won't go into insane detail but I intermittently deal with Chronic stress and Chronic Fatigue about 3-4 times a year. It is usually brought on by sickness and then its like after the sickness wears off (5-10 days), I'm left completely wiped. I'm on day 18 now and it started out with the sniffles. My anxiety is up so I cant sleep, I cant think, I have a hard time finding energy to perform my physically demanding job. 

I prefer to live life without crutches or anything that will get ahold of me as far as medz go. But it is these seasons of extreme fatigue and stress that causes me to look for something to knock me out so I can finally relax and sleep, or I look for something that will pull me through it. 

My question is, what, if any helpful solutions has anyone found to break the cycle or stress and fatigue(coupled with anxiety), so that you can actually truly recover. I'm currently on zero medz but am at the point of needing something to help me physically, emotionally and mentally relax. Need your input.

Thanks

Iraq fire: Around 100 killed in blaze at wedding party in Qaraqosh
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3 hours ago

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Media caption,
The fire is thought to have begun after fireworks were set off

By Kathryn Armstrong & David Gritten
BBC News
At least 94 people have died and 100 others are injured after a fire broke out during a wedding in Iraq's biggest Christian town on Tuesday night.

Hundreds were celebrating at a banqueting hall in Qaraqosh, in Nineveh province, when the tragedy happened.

Witnesses and civil defence officials said the fire was sparked by fireworks set off as the bride and groom danced.

Highly flammable metal and plastic composite panels that covered the hall fuelled the blaze, they added.

Security forces arrested 10 of the venue's staff, its owner and three people involved with the fireworks on Wednesday.

In the afternoon, hundreds of mourners attended a funeral for more than 40 of the victims at a cemetery in Qaraqosh, which is also known as al-Hamdaniya and Bakhdida. Some carried portraits of their deceased loved ones.

'It was like Hell's doors opened'
What we know about wedding blaze in Iraq's Qaraqosh
In an address, Chaldean Catholic Patriarch Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako described the fire as a "complete and total catastrophe", according to Iraqi Kurdish news agency Rudaw.

Alsumaria TV, meanwhile, showed footage of a man at the funeral who it identified as the groom. BBC Verify ran an image of his face through facial recognition software, comparing it to a picture of the groom before the wedding, and is confident that the report is correct.

Civil defence officials told BBC News Arabic that both the groom and his bride survived, though initial reports said they had perished.

Iraqi women mourn a victim of a fire at a wedding party in Qaraqosh, northern Iraq (27 September 2023)
IMAGE SOURCE,REUTERS
Image caption,
Several witnesses said entire families died in the fire
Footage posted online showed the couple on the dancefloor as flaming debris begins to fall from the ceiling.

Another video, filmed moments before, appeared to show four large fountain fireworks alight in the hall and then a large ceiling decoration nearby being engulfed by fire.

Rania Waad, a wedding guest who sustained a burn to her hand, said that as the bride and groom were slow dancing, "fireworks started to climb to the ceiling, the whole hall went up in flames".

"We couldn't see anything," the 17-year-old told AFP news agency. "We were suffocating, we didn't know how to get out."

Imad Yohana, a 34-year-old who escaped the inferno, told Reuters: "We saw the fire pulsating, coming out of the hall. Those who managed got out and those who didn't got stuck. Even those who made their way out were broken."

Another survivor said several members of his family were among the victims.

"When [the fire] happened, my mother was in the bathroom," he said. "I couldn't find her after. I searched for my daughter, my son, my wife, my father and I couldn't find them. They are gone."

still from footage showing ceiling collapse
IMAGE SOURCE,SOCIAL MEDIA
Image caption,
Footage showed flaming chunks falling from the ceiling
The number of victims is unclear. On Wednesday evening, Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari cited Nineveh's health directorate as saying that 94 people had died, according to the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA).

But the deputy governor of Nineveh, Hassan al-Allaq, told Reuters earlier that 113 people had been confirmed dead.

The injured have been transferred to hospitals across Nineveh, including the nearby city of Mosul, and in the neighbouring Kurdistan Region.

A journalist in the Kurdish city of Irbil, Blesa Shaways, told the BBC there had not been sufficient "logistical tools to rescue the people" from the fire and that Mosul did not have enough ambulances, healthcare staff and medical equipment to treat the injured.

Mr Shammari said a preliminary investigation had found the blaze was "caused by fireworks, which led to the roof burning heavily and collapsing on the citizens", INA reported.

The interior minister also said the hall also lacked the required "safety and security specifications" and that those responsible would "get their fair punishment".

An emergency worker picks through rubble at the remains of the site where the wedding celebration took place
IMAGE SOURCE,REUTERS
Image caption,
An emergency worker picks through rubble early on Wednesday
Earlier, the Civil Defence Directorate said the hall had been covered with highly flammable metal composite panels, which are illegal in the country and "collapse within minutes when a fire breaks out". The panels also release toxic gases when burned, exacerbating fires.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said building inspections would be carried out and safety procedures would be scrutinised, with "the relevant authorities held accountable for any negligence".

Such incidents are not rare in Iraq, where corruption and mismanagement are rife and accountability is lacking.

In 2021, officials said a lack of safety measures had contributed to the deaths of nearly 100 people in a fire at a hospital in the city of Nasiriya.

Qaraqosh was home to about 50,000 people, the vast majority of them Assyrian Christians, before it was overrun by the Sunni Muslim jihadist group Islamic State (IS) in 2014.

Although most people fled, IS militants committed many atrocities against the Christians who remained. They also desecrated churches and burned hundreds of homes to the ground before Iraqi and US-led coalition forces recaptured the city in 2016.

About half of Qaraqosh's residents are said to have returned since then, but many of the destroyed homes have yet to be rebuilt.

Additional reporting by Lina Sinjab in Beirut and Mattea Bubalo in London

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there were like four more from yesterday ish, in unusual countries than I normally read about. Sounds biblical and horrific.

An American Airlines flight attendant was found dead with a sock stuffed in her mouth at a hotel adjacent to the Philadelphia International Airport, police said.

Cleaning staff at the Philadelphia Airport Marriott discovered the body of a 66-year-old woman Monday night and immediately alerted authorities, WPVI reported. She was pronounced dead on the scene, around 10:45 p.m.

Her name has not been released, but investigators have since confirmed she worked as a flight attendant for American Airlines.

She was scheduled to check out of her hotel two days before her body was found. It’s not clear why it took days for staff to find the woman.



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Her cause of death has not yet been released.

Police said the case is suspicious and that the Homicide Detectives Division is investigating.

However, Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small told NBC 10 it appears the flight attendant suffered a

No arrests have yet been made and no weapons were recovered from the scene.


“sudden death,” adding that there were no signs of forced entry into the hotel room. She was also “on several medications,” Scott said, and sealed prescription bottles were found inside the room.

Are u kidding me? frig the meds in the room. That sock did not just walk its way into her mouth. That is what killed the poor woman.

I have read about deaths and causitive factors for yrs. I am not morbid,per se, but I was practicing law. Got the hell outta criminal law when in Law School I had to defend before the Appellate Court, the convicted murderer and rapist of a five yr old girl. It sounds terrible but thankfully me father had pancreatic cancer stage iv and I was the family caregiver. I had enuff credits in NY to become an attorney.

But I have not once studied a case where a woman, a flight attendant seen by many, in a busy airport/airline and hotel, would stuff a sock in her mouth to be her cause of death. And, she had a ton of unopened pill bottles.

She surely would have taken meds in lieu of stuffing a sock in her throat. that would be terrifying, uncomfortable, a person would fight that and remove the buggary bollocks sock involuntarily. Someone else was there. Why they did not take her meds is beyond me.

But to die of suffocation combined with a god forsaken fear of the choking is not a reasonable cause of death.

And the police have a helluva lot to explain about what happened. And no staff came in for 2 days to find her?

Did they leave the meds there to look like she ignored the meds and instead chose to die by suffocation by sock.

66 years old. The more news i read, the more elderly women i see being killed by absolute straNGers, and family members.

I don't buy the official version to date at all.

And if this is philly, defendants may not have wanted any pills to steal if it did not contain fent and the other insane ones.

this was in the NY Daily News.