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California Wildfire Produces Fire Clouds and 'Firenadoes'

July 30, 2018
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2 min read
US-WILDFIRES-CALIFORNIA
California Wildfire Produces Fire Clouds and 'Firenadoes'
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A devastating California wildfire has taken over parts of Northern California, already claiming the lives of six people. Now, fire clouds and what some are calling "firenadoes" are hovering over the fires.

Pyrocumulus "fire" clouds have formed above impacted areas, creating "basically its own localized weather system," according to CNN Weather. These clouds form similarly to how clouds we're most familiar with do, except they occur under faster and hotter conditions. The strong heat of the fire pulls moisture from burning vegetation, which then combines with smoke particles and condenses. Inside, conditions resemble the thunderstorms they appear to be from the outside.

The wildfire in California has also lead to what us widely being called "firenadoes." Essentially, they're a tornado in the midst of the mess of fire and ash. The video below that CNN Weather Center tweeted looks frighteningly like the end of the world.


So far, no travel waivers have been issued due to the wildfire, and Flight Aware shows fairly normal conditions at airports in California, but TPG is monitoring the issue in case anything arises.

According to USA Today, the fire itself has spread across more than 150 square miles, and more than 30,000 Californians continue to be evacuated from affected or potentially dangerous areas. According to officials, just 20% of the fire is currently contained.

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However, it seems like fire responders seem to have gained a greater control over the situation in California. "We’re feeling a lot more optimistic today as we are starting to gain some ground rather than be in the defensive mode all the time,” one incident commander, Bret Gouvea, said.

Featured image by AFP/Getty Images

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.