WInter Wonderland in October

50 MPH WINDS, RAIN, AND SNOW TO HIT VERMONT -

       Two low pressure systems are combining out east right now creating a massive 'nor'easter' expected to bring winds up to 50 mph, rainfall, and even up to 16 inches of snow in the Vermont and New Hampshire Mountains before the weekend is done.  Five inches of snow have already blanketed parts of Vermont this morning.  The two systems are said to be pulling moisture from the Atlantic Ocean creating strong winds and up to 4 inches of rain.  This combination of strong winds and freezing rain/snow/sleet could have a disastrous effect on trees; knocking limbs and foliage to the ground.  Because of this, power outages are expected.  Flights are already being delayed at the Newark and La Guardia airports.  This 'nor'easter' is expected to cover most of the northeastern half of the nation, ranging from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.  So for all the Easterners out there, it looks like they will be doing their trick'r'treatin' in snowshoes this year.     

Villages In Hungary Overtaken By Toxic Mud

   A reservoir burst in Kolontar, Hungary yesterday October 4th spilling toxic mud into the village.  So far at least a  million cubic meters of the red toxic mud has flowed into the villages of Kolontar, Devecser, and Somlovasarhely, among others, causing many injuries, four deaths, and 7 people unaccounted for.  This disastrous mud contains a waste product from aluminum production and may soon run into the Danube and the Raba Rivers.  Having already ran into the Marcel River, crews are desperately trying to prevent further spreading.  The four casualties include two babies, a man trapped in his car, and a woman in her house.  Most of the injured (116 people) were airlifted by helicopter to the capital of Budapest.  The sludge was said to burn peoples skin and eyes, and may even cause blindness.  Hopefully crews can contain this mudslide and prevent further damages and casualties.  I feel that tests should have been regularly completed on the reservoir to check for cracks, leaks, and other deformities/damages.  This simple measure could have protected the population of these villages in Hungary.