Disasters

"Hurricane Lorenzo is expected to hit Portugal’s Azores islands early on Wednesday, potentially causing life-threatening flash floods, even as it weakened along its path on Monday."

"New safety rules for gas transmission pipelines will go into effect next July, nearly 10 years after the fiery tragedy that prompted them."

"Banks are shielding themselves from climate change at taxpayers’ expense by shifting riskier mortgages — such as those in coastal areas — off their books and over to the federal government, new research suggests."

"President Donald Trump on Thursday tapped Pete Gaynor, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s acting administrator, to permanently lead the agency."

"BEAUMONT, Tex. — The flooding rose as high as Archie Pugh’s wheelchair. After surging water from Tropical Depression Imelda rushed into his house and up against his wheels, Mr. Pugh, who has a partial leg amputation, could not wait for 911. He perched himself on the arm of a sofa, hoping for help."

"The White House plans to withdraw President Trump's nomination of Jeffrey Byard to run the Federal Emergency Management Agency amid reports he was involved in a barroom brawl, according to news accounts."

"The slow-churning remnants of Tropical Storm Imelda that flooded parts of Texas left at least two people dead and rescue crews with boats scrambling to reach stranded drivers and families trapped in their homes during a relentless downpour that drew comparisons to Hurricane Harvey two years ago."

"Hurricane Humberto gained strength and speed as it moved closer to Bermuda early Wednesday but the islands are likely to be spared a direct hit, forecasters said."