US weather latest: Parts of country colder than Antarctica or Mars

US officials are urging residents to help the vulnerable as a deep freeze sets in across half the country, bringing colder temperatures than those Antarctica or parts of Mars. 

Rochelle Carlotti, 28, shovels steps near her home after a record snowfall in Erie, Pa.

Forecasters warned people to be wary of hypothermia and frostbite from the arctic blast sweeping across from the Midwest to the Northeast, where the temperature, without wind chill factored in, plummeted to -35C degrees in parts of New York state. 

In Antarctica, temperatures are currently around -16C. 

The prolonged, dangerous cold weather has sent advocates for the homeless scrambling to get people off the streets and to bring in extra beds for them. Warming centres were also set up in some locations.

Segundo Rivera and Sean Stuart told The Boston Herald they were not comfortable spending the night in a shelter.

Read the story on the Independent by Lucy Pasha-Robinson - "US weather latest: Parts of country colder than Antarctica or Mars”.

Sarah Barker in Shepparton on Monday night, on Radio National today

Minter Ellison special counsel Sarah Barker was in Shepparton on Monday night and today she was part of a discussion on Radio National.

Minter Ellison special counsel was in Shepparton
on Monday night at a Slap Tomorrow event
and today she was on Radio National discussing
similar financial risk and climate change. 

Financial regulators are urging companies to disclose what assets are at risk from climate change, warning insurers, superannuation funds and banks that they place their futures in jeopardy if they fail to understand the real risks of environmental and economic change.

Meanwhile, a Sydney based company that specialises in measuring risks from extreme weather and climate change on critical infrastructure and essential services is trialling a website to test the vulnerability of any property to coastal inundation.

Listen to the discussion on Radio National - “Climate risk.”

Don’t go in the water, Environment Protection Authority warns

Don't go swimming at Melbourne's beaches today – it could make you sick.

It's best to keep out of the water at Melbourne's beaches. 

That's the message from the authorities, who are urging people to steer well clear of every Port Phillip beach as the bacteria-filled runoff from the weekend's storms pours into the bay.

Indeed it may not be safe to swim tomorrow or right through the weekend.

The Environment Protection Authority is doing water-quality testing on Tuesday, which will determine how bad things are in the bay and how long people should avoid the water.

Read Liam Mannix’s story in today’s Melbourne Age - “Don’t go in the water, Environment Protection Authority warns.”

Start planning for fire season now

Shepparton firefighters are urging people to be prepared with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting an above-average fire season.

‘‘We haven’t really had a spring — it’s jumped straight into summer,’’ Shepparton CFA station officer Luke Waterson said.

Community warning: Shepparton firefighters
Mark Strack, Stephen Lewis, Bryce Willoughby,
 Rod Railton and station officer Luke Waterson.

‘‘It’s all about preparedness . . . have a fire action plan regardless of where you live, whether that be in town or out of town.’’

Launched on Friday, Fire Action Week is a time for households to increase their understanding of local fire risks, prepare their properties and plan how to stay safe.

‘We’ll get grass fires earlier in the year . . . a month earlier than normal,’’ Mr Waterson said.

‘‘All the fuel is dried out so the likelihood of fires starting and burning quickly is greater.’’

Bush fires are already impacting the Gippsland region and Mr Waterson said many resources from Shepparton had been called to help.

‘‘Now is the time to slash vacant blocks that could pose a danger to neighbouring houses,’’ he said.

‘‘Cut long grass, clear gutters and move unused winter wood piles . . . also try to provide a 4 m access for our firetrucks to enter your driveway.’’

Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the immediate focus needs to be on staying safe this bushfire season.

‘‘Talk to your family and friends about your plans, and make sure you know when to leave and where to go to stay safe,’’ she said. 

• People are asked to register burn-offs ahead of the high fire danger period, by calling 1800 668 511. Victorians can stay up-to-date with emergency warnings throughout the fire season by tuning into local radio and Sky News broadcasts, phoning the VicEmergency hotline 1800 226 226 and downloading the VicEmergency App.

Story by Hayden Thompson from today’s Shepparton News - “Start planning for fire season now.”