Natural Phenomena

Hurricane Paulette Rolls Toward Bermuda; Sally Threatens Gulf Coast

Officials in the New Orleans area issued a mandatory evacuation order for areas outside of levee protection.
By AP

Smoke Chokes West Coast As Wildfire Deaths Keep Climbing

The death toll from the fires in California, Oregon and Washington stood at 31 and was expected to rise sharply.
By Andrew Selsky and Lindsay Whitehurst, AP

New Orleans Under Hurricane Watch From Tropical Storm Sally

Forecasts suggest the storm would reach hurricane strength early in the week before striking the northern Gulf Coast.
By Tamara Lush, AP

10 Now Dead In Massive Northern California Wildfire

There is the unnerving prospect the death toll would climb as searchers look for 16 missing people.
By Adam Beam and Brian Melley, AP

Explosive Wildfires Across California Stoked By Fierce Winds

Strong winds have stoked unprecedented numbers of fires that have forced rescues and evacuations.
By Marcio Jose Sanchez and Brian Melley, AP

California's Largest Utility Company Cuts Off Lights As Wildfire Rages

Pacific Gas & Electric turned off power to 172,000 customers to try to prevent its power lines and other equipment from sparking more fires.
By MARCIO JOSE SANCHEZ and CHRISTOPHER WEBER, AP

Wildfires, Excessive Heat And Potential Blackouts Threaten California

Dozens of fires are burning amid record-breaking temperatures, straining the state's electrical grid.
By Marcio Sanchez and Christopher Weber, AP

California Wildfire Traps Campers In National Forest

The state is currently in the grip of a brutal heat wave.
By AP

California Wildfire Traps Campers In The Sierra National Forest

UPDATE: More than 200 people were airlifted to safety.
By AP

'Deadly' Heat Wave To Hit California Over Labor Day Weekend

“There is a high risk for heat illness along with heightened fire weather concerns,” the NWS Los Angeles office reported.
By Andrew Hay, Reuters