MEC&F Expert Engineers : 04/06/17

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Working in high temperatures increases the risk of suffering a heart attack due to blood clotting







Firefighters have higher heart attack risk 'because of heat' . 

increase in clotting was caused by a combination of fluid loss due to sweating and an inflammatory response to the fire heat, which resulted in the blood becoming more concentrated and so more likely to clot.

Working in high temperatures increases the risk of suffering a heart attack, researchers have said.

The study may explain why heart disease is the leading cause of death among on-duty firefighters, the researchers from the University of Edinburgh said.

Firefighter Simon McNally, who was physically fit, had a heart attack while at work, at the age of 36.

"The doctor said if I'd gone home instead of coming to hospital I probably wouldn't have woken up."

He had been working as an instructor in Essex for three years where he set fires inside a shipping container three or four times a day, and was exposed to temperatures of 600-1,000C.

He was writing a report at his desk when he began to feel unwell.

"I felt a bit uncomfortable, I felt a bit sick. My left arm went numb and I looked at my nails and they'd gone blue and looked really strange and I thought - well, this isn't right. And then I started to be conscious of chest pains."

As their site was remote, he decided to drive to Chelmsford hospital where he was told he was having a heart attack.

"It did come as a bit of a shock. You're in denial as you're a relatively young, fit person so you think this shouldn't be happening to me. You want to get to the hospital for them to tell you that it's not a heart attack, that you've got acid reflux or something like that." Image caption Firefighter Simon McNally was 36 when he had a heart attack at work

A marathon runner and triathlete, he was transferred to a London hospital after a week where a consultant told him he had a clot in one of his arteries.

He did have one slightly narrow coronary artery but that shouldn't have caused any trouble.

"The consultant said there was a possibility that [the clot] was because my blood had thickened up because of the temperatures I'd been working in."

Sticky blood


The research, funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), is published in the journal Circulation.

Nineteen non-smoking, healthy firefighters were randomly selected from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to take part in the study.

They took part in exercises, including an attempted mock rescue from a two-storey structure, which exposed them to extremely high temperatures, while wearing heart monitors.

They found their core body temperatures remained high for three to four hours following exposure to the fire.

They also found their blood became stickier and was about 66% more likely to form potentially harmful clots. Their blood vessels also failed to relax in response to medication.

The research team believe that the increase in clotting was caused by a combination of fluid loss due to sweating and an inflammatory response to the fire heat, which resulted in the blood becoming more concentrated and so more likely to clot.

The researchers also found that the exposure to fire caused minor injury to the heart muscles. Image copyright Getty Images Image caption It is essential that firefighters take time to cool down and rehydrate after tackling a blaze, the British Heart Foundation said.

Prof Nick Mills, BHF senior clinical research fellow at the University of Edinburgh, who led the research, said: "Studies from the USA have shown that nearly half of all firefighters who die on duty are killed by heart disease.

"Our study has shown a direct link between the heat and physical activity levels encountered by firefighters during the course of their duties and their risk of suffering a heart attack.

"However, we've also found that there are simple measures, such as staying well hydrated, that firefighters can take to reduce this risk."

Warning signs


The Fire Brigades Union has called the findings "very disturbing".

Dave Green, a national officer with the Fire Brigades Union, said: "Although we have known about the increased risks of firefighters having heart attacks on duty or while training for some time, clearly fire service employers now need to urgently start to deal with this issue by ensuring firefighters don't suffer from dehydration or increased core body temperature from working in extreme temperatures for extended periods of time.

"Unfortunately however, cuts to the fire and rescue service mean that finding fresh crews to relieve firefighters who have already worked too long in heat isn't always possible."

Dr Mike Knapton, BHF associate medical director, said: "It's essential that firefighters are aware of this risk and take simple steps such as taking time to cool down and rehydrate after tackling a blaze.

"It's also important for them to be aware of the early warning signs of a heart attack so that, if the worst should happen, they can receive medical attention as soon as possible.

"Most of us will never experience the scorching heat of a blazing inferno, but it's still good general health advice to drink plenty of fluid and take breaks if you're working up a sweat in high temperatures."

Fitness test


Simon McNally was off work for four months and when he went back he was not allowed to go back to hot fire training.

He is still a firefighter and says there is much more awareness now that those working in high temperatures should be drinking plenty of fluids.

But he fears there may be other firefighters who are unaware that they may be vulnerable.

"We have a fitness test every year and a check-up every three years but no-one knows the actual size and make up of their own heart."

Ann Millington, from the National Fire Chiefs Council (formerly Chief Fire Officers Association), said the organisation was "grateful to the Heart Foundation for this research".

"The health and safety of our firefighters is one of our paramount concerns and we will seriously consider the findings and work on ways to mitigate potential harm," she said.

Firefighters continue to battle 5-alarm fire at the Standard Auto Wreckers yard in Scarborough in Toronto, Canada




By Jessica Patton Web Writer Global News

 


WATCH ABOVE: Toronto fire crews are working to contain a massive five-alarm blaze in the city's east end.

Firefighters are battling a five-alarm fire that broke out at an auto-wrecking yard in Scarborough late Thursday morning.

Toronto fire said they responded to a call about a fire at 1216 Sewells Road, just south of Steeles Avenue after 11 a.m.

The blaze began after a holding tank full of oil caught fire in the back of the yard. Toronto fire said it has since spread to an adjacent building.

Employees of Standard Auto Wreckers have been evacuated.

The fire was upgraded from a four-alarm fire to a five-alarm after 1 p.m.

Efforts to contain the fire are being hindered due to the weather. Firefighters are attempting to use foam to douse the flames but the strong winds are blowing it away.

Toronto fire said there are also no fire hydrants within 90 metres of the location, so multiple firetrucks have been hooked up to each other and are relay-pumping water onto the blaze.

Pickering, Markham and Richmond Hill fire have been called to assist.

CN Rail has been told to stop any trains in the area.

No injuries have been reported.

Tractor-trailer hauling hay overturns, catches fire on I-95 in Brevard County, Florida






by: Jason Kelly 


Updated: Apr 6, 2017 - 11:32 AM


BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. - Southbound lanes of Interstate 95 were closed Thursday morning after a tractor-trailer was involved in a fiery crash near Grant-Valkaria, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

The crash was reported shortly after 5:30 a.m. at mile marker 165 north of Micco Road, troopers said.

Investigators said the tractor-trailer, which was carrying hay, ended up on its side and caught fire.

One person was taken to a hospital to be treated for injuries, firefighters said.

Troopers said two southbound lanes of the interstate have been reopened.

No other details were given.

Speeding 69-year-old Barry Edward Anderson, of Jacksonville, was killed in a fiery crash on the Howard Frankland Bridge after he lost control of his 2008 Kia Spectra




TAMPA, FLORIDA — The Florida Highway Patrol has identified the speeding driver who was killed in a fiery crash Wednesday night on the Howard Frankland Bridge.


According to the FHP, 69-year-old Barry Edward Anderson, of Jacksonville, was killed in the crash on southbound lanes near the Kennedy Boulevard exit around 4 p.m., leaving both directions blocked and backed-up for hours.

Anderson was speeding as he was driving a 2008 Kia Spectra in the inside lane when he suddenly lost control, drove into the inside shoulder and struck the center concrete barrier.

The Kia then overturned several times, troopers said, before finally landing on top of the barrier wall and then catching fire.

Anderson, who was wearing a seatbelt, died at the scene, the FHP said.

The crash left two lanes blocked in each directions for hours with emergency crews worked the scene. The fiery scene started affecting traffic elsewhere as authorities advised motorists to use alternate routes such as Gandy Bridge. But that soon became choked with traffic, affecting still more roadways like the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway.

I-275 wasn't reopened until 8:30 p.m.

Sunoco Pipeline, L.P. to pay a $900K penalty for violation of the Clean Water Act stemming from a 2012 gasoline discharge near Wellington, Ohio


Sunoco Pipeline, L.P. Clean Water Act Settlement - 2017

EPA, and the U.S. Department of Justice announced that Sunoco Pipeline, L.P. (Sunoco) has agreed to pay a civil penalty for alleged violation of the Clean Water Act stemming from a 2012 gasoline discharge near Wellington, Ohio.


Overview of Company

Sunoco Pipeline L.P. was founded in 2002 and operates as a subsidiary of Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P., to transport crude oil, natural gas liquids (NGLs) and refined products through more than 8,000 miles of liquid pipelines. Sunoco Logistics’ crude oil business unit provides transportation, terminalling, and storage of crude oil throughout the southwest and midwest United States through approximately 5,900 miles of crude oil trunk and gathering pipelines and they also have equity ownership interests in three crude oil pipelines. The company also conducts crude oil acquisition and marketing activities, primarily in the mid-continental United States.


Violations

Sunoco discharged approximately 1,950 barrels of gasoline from a pipeline near Wellington, Ohio in January 2012, in violation of Section 311(b) of the Clean Water Act (CWA).


Pollutant Impacts

Due to the fact that the changes Sunoco implemented as a result of this discharge are preventative in nature, it is not possible to estimate a specific total pollutant reduction associated with this Consent Decree.


Health and Environment Effects

Oil spills are known to cause both immediate and long-term harm to human health and ecosystems. Oil limits oxygen in water and can suffocate wildlife.

Oil emulsions may stick to the gills of fish or coat and destroy algae or other plankton. Floating oil may reduce water exposure to the circulation of oxygen and, in conjunction with emulsified oil, interfere with photosynthesis. Oil slicks can kill birds, contaminate food sources, reduce animal and plant reproduction and contaminate nesting habitats. Oil spills can cause long-term effects years later even if the oil remains in the environment for a relatively short period of time. Petroleum oils can also undergo oxidation and polymerization reactions and can form tars that persist in the environment for years.


Civil Penalty

Sunoco will pay a $990,000 federal civil penalty which will be paid to the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.

Comment Period

The proposed settlement, lodged in the Northern District of Ohio is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval. Information on submitting comments is available at the Department of Justice website.

Coast guard oversees the removal of oil from the boilers of the sunken ferry Peter Stuyvasent that contained about 120 gallons of Number 6 fuel oil




The commercial oil spill response company tends the containment boom deployed around the wreck of the ferry Peter Stuyvesant in Boston Harbor. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Ann Marie Borkowski)

BOSTON — U.S. Coast Guard Sector Boston is keeping a watchful eye on an old oil discharge site that started leaking on Feb. 14, 2017.

The boilers of the sunken ferry Peter Stuyvasent contained about 120 gallons of Number 6 fuel oil. Contractors cleaning up the discharge have recovered about 2,000 gallons of the oily waste.

The ferry is being excavated as a part of a major redevelopment project at Pier 4. The construction crews were under the impression the vessel was free of pollutants, but immediately called the Coast Guard when one of the boilers started leaking.

The ferry boat sank during the Blizzard of 1978 at Pier 4 in South Boston. It used to serve as a 3,500 passenger cruise vessel on the Hudson River, but was relocated next to Anthony’s Restaurant as a permanent dining room and cocktail lounge in 1968.

The last boiler in the ferry was removed on March 28, and no new discharges have occurred.

One dead, five rescued after vessel sinks near Port Everglades



April 6th, 2017


USCG File Photo

MIAMI, FL – One man was pronounced deceased after a vessel sank Wednesday with six people aboard near Port Everglades.

At approximately 10 p.m. Wednesday, Coast Guard Sector Miami command center watch standers received a 911 relay of a vessel taking on water near Port Everglades. The watch standers issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast and launched Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale. Station Fort Lauderdale arrived on scene with Broward County Sheriff’s Office, two good Samaritan vessels, and TowBoatU.S. Fort Lauderdale who recovered four people. Station Fort Lauderdale located and pulled two people from the water.

One boater recovered by TowBoatU.S. Fort Lauderdale was unresponsive, and TowBoatU.S. Fort Lauderdale crew members commenced CPR. Station Fort Lauderdale transferred two crew members to TowBoatU.S. Fort Lauderdale’s vessel to assist with CPR.

All six boaters were transferred to emergency medical services at the 15th Street boat ramp in Fort Lauderdale. The boater who recieved CPR was pronounced deceased at Broward Health Medical Center.

James Vasiloff, 55, of Fort Lee, John Jansen, 52, and Arhtur Sinuk were charged with conspiracy, insurance fraud and theft by deception for defrauding Allianz





Insurance Agent Charged with Fraud for Allegedly Providing Free, High-Value Life Insurance Policies in Order to Collect Commissions



TRENTON – Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino and the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor (“OIFP”) announced that an insurance agent was charged today with insurance fraud, money laundering and theft by deception for allegedly providing co-conspirators with free life insurance to cause an insurance company to disburse more than $200,000 in commissions.

Arthur Sinuk, 73, a New York City resident licensed to sell insurance in New Jersey, was indicted by a state grand jury today as the alleged ringleader in a scheme to provide free, high-value, life insurance policies with Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (“Allianz”) to two co-conspirators and obtain commissions from Allianz.

This process of providing applicants/insureds with an inducement to apply for life insurance policies by paying their premiums, known as “rebating,” is prohibited by the insurance industry as well as state law.

Alleged co-conspirators James Vasiloff, 55, of Somers, NY and Fort Lee, and John Jansen, 52, of Wantagh, NY, were also charged in the indictment handed up by a state grand jury in Trenton. Both Jansen and Sinuk are licensed insurance agents in New York.

“Instead of working hard to make honest sales, Arthur Sinuk allegedly used fraud and deceit to collect commissions from Allianz on two multi-million-dollar life insurance policies he secured for two applicants who had no intention of paying for them,” said Attorney General Porrino. “His alleged co-conspirators joined in the scheme to get free life insurance until their policies lapsed for lack of payment.”

“Rebating fraud violates the legitimate purpose of insurance by providing benefits to individuals through fraudulent and ill-gotten commissions, rebates, and free-short-term insurance,” said Acting Insurance Prosecutor Iu. “Carriers don’t have a chance to recoup underwriting expenses on these straw policies because they lapse in short order. These financial losses are passed on to honest policy holders in the form of higher costs.”

According to the indictment, Sinuk “approached and recruited” Vasiloff and Jansen to apply for life insurance policies with the offer that Sinuk would arrange for the premiums to be paid for each policy. Vasiloff’s policy was for $5 million. Jansen’s was for $2 million. In submitting or causing to submit the two life insurance applications and other necessary documents to Allianz, Sinuk, Vasiloff, and Jansen all misrepresented to Allianz that the applicants would be paying for their own policies and that no “free insurance” or rebates had been offered.

In fact, Sinuk took out loans from a third-party lender to pay for the premiums on both policies - $108,730 for Vasiloff’s and $42,414 for Jansen’s - according to the indictment. Allianz, which pays its agents 100 percent of the premium amount as commission, paid Sinuk a total amount of $151,144 in commissions for the two sales. When Sinuk received his commission payments, he then allegedly repaid the third-party lender.

Allianz also paid commissions on the policies to Sinuk’s hierarchy - $38,045.50 for Vasiloff’s policy and $14,844.90 for Jansen’s. About half of the commissions that were disbursed to Sinuk’s hierarchy were allegedly passed along to Sinuk soon thereafter. Subsequently, the policies for Vasiloff and Jansen both lapsed after about 18 months for lack of payment.

The charges against the men are:
  • Sinuk – Two counts each of conspiracy (2nd degree), insurance fraud (2nd degree), and theft by deception (2nd degree); money laundering (2nd degree); insurance fraud (3rd degree); theft by deception (3rd degree).
  • Vasiloff – Conspiracy (2nd degree); insurance fraud (3rd degree); theft by deception (2nd degree);
  • Jansen – Conspiracy (2nd degree); insurance fraud (2nd degree); theft by deception (3rd degree).

The indictment is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a criminal fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree crimes carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a criminal fine of up to $15,000.

Deputy Attorney General Kelly Levy and Assistant Attorney General Robert Grady presented the case to the grand jury. Detectives Natalie Brotherston, Taryn Seidner, and Matthew Armstrong coordinated the investigation. Acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Iu noted that some important cases have started with anonymous tips. People who are concerned about insurance cheating and have information about a fraud can report it anonymously by calling the toll-free hotline at 1-877-55-FRAUD, or visiting the Web site at www.NJInsurancefraud.org. State regulations permit a reward to be paid to an eligible person who provides information that leads to an arrest, prosecution and conviction for insurance fraud.
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FORT LEE, NJ — A borough man allegedly conspired with two other insurance agents as part of a scheme where they illegally earned more than $200,000 in commissions.

James Vasiloff, 55, of Fort Lee and Somers, New York, was charged with conspiracy, insurance fraud and theft by deception, said Attorney General Christopher Porrino.

Vasiloff and John Jansen, 52, were recruited by Arthur Sinuk, 73, to apply for life insurance policies from Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America with the idea that Sinuk would arrange for the premiums to be paid for each policy, Porrino said.

Vasiloff's policy was for $5 million, Jansen's was for $2 million; all three misrepresented to Allianz that Vasiloff and Jansen would be paying for their own policies and that no "free insurance" or rebates were offered, Porrino said.

Sinuk allegedly took out loans to pay the policy premiums — $108,000 for Vasiloff's and $42,000 for Jansen's; Allianz then paid Sinuk $151,000 in insurance agent commissions, which he allegedly used to repay the loans.


The policies lapsed after premiums were not paid on them for 18 months, Porrino said.

Jansen was also charged with conspiracy, insurance fraud and theft by deception. Sinuk was charged with two counts of conspiracy, insurance fraud, theft by deception, money laundering, insurance fraud and theft by deception.

YOU LIE, YOU LOSE: 28 charged with insurance fraud in Pennsylvania, mostly by providing false information to insurance companies





HARRISBURG, PA — Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced the filing of criminal charges against 28 individuals following investigations by the Office of Attorney General’s Insurance Fraud Section.


The charges are part of a March sweep conducted by the Insurance Fraud Section, the largest law enforcement entity in Pennsylvania with authority to investigate and prosecute cases of insurance fraud. The total potential fraud involved in these unrelated cases is more than $1.1 million.


“Insurance fraud impacts policyholders and consumers across Pennsylvania,” Attorney General Shapiro said. “Insurance fraud is a serious crime that drives up costs and premiums for everyday Pennsylvanians.”


“Our office’s Insurance Fraud Section has a strong track record of investigating and prosecuting these cases,” Shapiro added. “We will aggressively prosecute anyone who breaks the law by providing false information to an insurance company.”


When individuals commit insurance fraud, that causes insurance premiums to rise for law-abiding policyholders and consumers.


The charges announced today involve some of the most common types of insurance fraud. Below is a list of the defendants, the charges filed against them and a description of their alleged criminal acts. The cases are not related to one another, and they’re all pending.


Eastern Region:


Kimberly Ann Horne, 47, of the first block of Linmar Lane, Cochranville, Chester County, is charged with one count each of insurance fraud, criminal attempt to commit theft by deception, perjury and false swearing. According to investigators, Horne suffered a hand injury in 2014 when a sign fell on her in a store that was insured by Donegal Insurance. As she filed a civil lawsuit seeking damages for her claimed injuries, Horne allegedly provided false statements about the nature and extent of her injuries. Investigators said they confirmed that Horne, who claimed she had not worked since the accident and was unable to use her right hand, was in fact working as a caretaker and nursing assistant.


Debra Gail Rabin, 63, of the 1000 block of Debbie Lane, Phoenixville, Chester County, is charged with one count each of insurance fraud, criminal attempt to commit theft by deception, criminal use of a communication facility and providing false information to law enforcement authorities. According to a criminal complaint filed in support of the charges, Rabin provided false information to her insurance company and law enforcement authorities claiming that items were stolen from her vehicle when it was repossessed. She also submitted a fraudulent invoice to her insurance company to support her false claim, investigators reported in the criminal complaint.


Jevon Holder, 34, of the 500 block of N. 52nd St., Philadelphia, is charged with one felony count of insurance fraud, a separate misdemeanor count of insurance fraud and one count each of theft by deception, criminal use of a communication facility and forgery. Investigators reported that Holder was involved in an automobile accident in May 2016. After the accident occurred, Holder allegedly obtained an insurance policy for his vehicle through Safe Auto Insurance. He is accused of later making a false claim to the insurance company in which he said the accident occurred after the inception of the policy. He is also accused of providing a fraudulent proof-of-insurance card at the scene of the accident.


Frank Tuccillo, 58, of the 1100 block of Cherry St., Bristol, Bucks County, is charged with one count each of insurance fraud, theft by deception, criminal use of a communication facility, unlawful use of a computer and providing false information to law enforcement authorities. Tuccillo in 2014 reported to police and his homeowner’s insurance company that his house had been burglarized and a number of items, including a custom diamond ring valued at more than $20,000, had been stolen. Investigators learned that Tuccillo did not own or possess the ring at the time of the alleged burglary. Rather, the ring was in fact seized by local police prior to the burglary. As a result of the false claim that Tuccillo made to his insurance company, he received insurance benefits that he was not entitled to, investigators reported.


Cynthia R. McDonough, 54, of the 1500 block of Lindenhurst Road, Yardley, Bucks County, is charged with one felony count of insurance fraud, a separate misdemeanor count of insurance fraud and one count each of criminal attempt to commit theft by deception and criminal use of a communication facility. According to investigators, a fire occurred in December 2015 at a building in Philadelphia. The insurance policy for the property, which was owned by the company where McDonough worked as an office manager, did not cover fire damage. As a result, once the fire started, McDonough allegedly contacted an insurance agency and obtained the proper policy to cover the fire damage. Later, she allegedly submitted a false claim to her insurance company in which she made numerous false statements in an attempt to receive $150,000 in coverage.


Tanya Nobblen, 46, of the 8200 block of Forrest Ave., Philadelphia, is charged with one count each of insurance fraud, criminal attempt to commit theft by deception, criminal use of a communication facility and criminal conspiracy. According to investigators, Nobblen falsely reported to her insurance company that her vehicle was parked and that she was in the vehicle with another person when it was struck in a hit and run. She later made a claim for benefits under her policy, and falsely reported she was injured as a result of the accident, investigators alleged in a criminal complaint.



Angel Paz Manriquez, 34, of the 2200 block of David Drive, Bristol, Bucks County, is charged with one felony count of insurance fraud, a separate misdemeanor count of insurance fraud and one count each of criminal attempt to commit theft by deception and criminal use of a communication facility. Investigators alleged in a criminal complaint that Manriquez, as he made an insurance claim, reported that he was involved in an automobile collision in June 2016 when he was insured by Progressive Insurance Company. In reality, the collision occurred prior to Manriquez obtaining a new insurance policy.


Shakera D. Nelson, 23, of the 200 block of E. Walnut Park Drive, Philadelphia, is charged with one count each of insurance fraud, criminal attempt to commit theft by deception and criminal use of a communication facility. Investigators reported that Nelson was involved in a two-car automobile accident when she did not have insurance coverage on her vehicle. It is alleged that she obtained an insurance policy through Progressive Insurance after the accident, and later falsely stated that the accident occurred before her purchase of the policy.


Andre Corey Goodson, 47, of the 7000 block of Souder St., Philadelphia, is charged with one count each of insurance fraud, criminal use of a communication facility and criminal attempt to commit theft by deception. It is alleged that Goodson in February 2016 filed an insurance claim with Geico Insurance Company, stating that he was driving his vehicle with a passenger in the passenger seat when he was involved in an accident. Goodson allegedly claimed that both he and the passenger were injured as a result of the accident. However, an investigation confirmed that Goodson and the passenger were not in the vehicle when the accident occurred. Rather, one of Goodson’s friends was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident.


Linda Rausch, 47, of the 2900 block of Bunker Hill Road, Bensalem, Bucks County, is charged with one count each of insurance fraud, criminal attempt to commit theft by deception, criminal use of a communication facility and unlawful use of a computer. Investigators reported that Rausch added coverage for an additional car to her existing Progressive Insurance policy. She then submitted a claim for an accident involving that vehicle and falsely claimed the accident occurred after the added coverage was obtained, according to investigators. The accident in fact occurred prior to Rausch adding the car to her policy. She is accused of providing false reports in an effort to obtain insurance benefits to which she was not entitled.


Samuel D. Carbo Jr., 58, of the 100 block of Highland Drive, Coatesville, Chester County, is charged with 1,190 counts of failure of employer to carry workman’s compensation insurance. An investigation confirmed that Carbo, who operated a trucking company based in Coatesville, Chester County, failed to maintain workers’ compensation insurance for his employees. Investigators reported that Carbo had multiple contracts with the U.S. Postal Service to transport mail.


Mandeep Pankajkum Patel, 31, of the 2500 block of Knights Road, Bensalem, Bucks County, is charged with one count each of insurance fraud, criminal attempt to commit theft by deception and criminal use of a communication facility. Investigators determined that Patel provided false and misleading information in a claim to his automobile insurance company. Patel reportedly claimed damage to his vehicle occurred after he added comprehensive coverage to his existing policy. The investigation confirmed the damage to Patel’s vehicle occurred before he added the comprehensive coverage.


Darryl Brown, 34, of the 1300 block of Valley Drive, West Chester, Chester County, is charged with one count each of insurance fraud, criminal attempt to commit theft by deception and criminal use of a communication facility. According to investigators, Brown was involved in an automobile accident at a time when his automobile insurance policy had lapsed. Brown called to obtain a new policy. Later on the same day, he allegedly made false statements about the accident to his insurance company, stating it occurred after he had obtained the new policy.


Western Region:


Deidre L. Keith, 30, of the 1100 block of Main St., Northern Cambria, Cambria County, is charged with one count each of insurance fraud and criminal attempt to commit theft by deception. Keith was involved in an automobile accident in October 2016. On the same day the accident occurred, she called to reinstate her lapsed policy with Progressive Insurance. Keith then allegedly provided false information to Progressive Insurance, claiming the accident occurred prior to her reinstating insurance coverage on her vehicle.


Annie M. Matkoskey, 48, of the 100 block of Matkoskey Drive, Acosta, Somerset County, is charged with one count each of insurance fraud and criminal attempt to commit theft by deception. A relative of Matkoskey was involved in an automobile accident in November 2016. According to investigators, on the day of the accident Matkoskey called Progressive Insurance to obtain an insurance policy for the vehicle involved in the accident. Two days later, she submitted a claim for the accident in which falsely stated that it occurred after she had obtained the policy, investigators reported.


Marquaa Nicole Jackson, 26, of the 5300 block of Youngridge Drive, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, is charged with one count each of insurance fraud and theft by deception. Investigators reported that Jackson obtained a renters insurance policy in August 2015. On the day that the policy went into effect, she filed a claim in which she stated her bathroom ceiling collapsed, causing damage to several personal items. An investigation confirmed that the leak occurred well before the inception of the policy and the personal property was not damaged as Jackson claimed.


Robert Shawn Kelley, 55, of the 1100 block of Buchanan Road, White, Fayette County, is charged with one count each of workers compensation fraud and criminal attempt to commit theft by deception. According to investigators, Kelley was injured while working for a restoration company, which led to him receiving workers’ compensation benefits. It is alleged that Kelley worked and received wages as a handyman, which included breaking concrete slabs, during the time period when he claimed he was not employed and his physical condition had not changed.


Emmajean Joy Mowery, 56, of the 200 block of Iron Bridge Road, Kittanning, Armstrong County, is charged with one first-degree felony count of arson, a separate second-degree felony count of arson and one count each of insurance fraud, criminal attempt to commit theft by deception and endangering the welfare of children. According to a criminal complaint filed in support of the charges, Mowery intentionally started a fire at a residence in Kittanning with the intent of destroying property within the home. She is further accused of submitting an insurance claim in which she claimed the fire was accidental. 


Mowery’s grandson was also in her care at the time she allegedly set the fire.
Jamarah Smokes, 26, of the 200 block of Cooper Ave., Johnstown, Cambria County, is charged with one count each of insurance fraud and criminal attempt to commit theft by deception. During October 2016, Smokes was involved in an automobile accident. Investigators allege that she obtained an insurance policy with Esurance Insurance hours after the accident occurred. She is accused of later providing false information to the insurance company in which she falsely claimed the accident occurred after the new policy had gone into effect.


Angela Wilson, 35, of the 900 block of Central Ave., Johnstown, Cambria County, is charged with one count each of insurance fraud and criminal attempt to commit theft by deception. Investigators allege Wilson provided false information in an insurance claim. Wilson had been involved in an automobile accident in October 2016 at a time when her insurance policy had lapsed due to non-payment. Wilson contacted Safe Auto hours after the accident to obtain coverage. Two days later, she allegedly made a claim in which she falsely claimed the accident had occurred after the new coverage had gone into effect.


Gwendolyn Marie Griggs, 25, of the 1600 block of Shanksville Road, Berlin, Somerset County, is charged with one count each of insurance fraud and criminal attempt to commit theft by deception. Investigators reported that Griggs in October 2016 added comprehensive coverage to her existing automobile insurance policy. Less than a week later, she made a claim to Geico Insurance, indicating that her vehicle was hit by a deer after the comprehensive coverage was added. In reality, the damage occurred prior to Griggs adding the comprehensive coverage to her policy, investigators reported.


John Kostas Bourbakis, 34, of Weirton, W.Va., is charged with one count each of insurance fraud and criminal attempt to commit theft by deception. It is alleged that Bourbakis made a fraudulent insurance claim in which he stated he was residing at a residence in Langeloth, Washington County when a fire damaged the residence. Investigators said they determined the property was in fact being rented by another family at the time the fire occurred.


Tamecia Marie Banks, 24, of the 400 block of Jacksonia St., Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, is charged with one count each of insurance fraud and criminal attempt to commit theft by deception. Banks in August 2016 made a claim to Progressive Auto Insurance, her automobile insurer, in which she allegedly claimed damage to her vehicle. An investigation determined that the damage occurred before Banks had obtained the policy with the insurance company, meaning the statements she made were false.


Areti Dafnos, 41, of the first block of Bellview Circle, McKees Rocks, Allegheny County, is charged with five counts of insurance fraud, three counts of criminal attempt to commit theft by deception, two counts of theft by deception and one count of tampering with records or identification. Dafnos made five false claims to various insurance companies. In one case, she allegedly submitted falsified invoices and documents from various automotive repair facilities to Nationwide Insurance Company to support a false claim concerning damage to her vehicle. She is also accused of submitting separate claims to Farmers Insurance Company, State Farm Insurance Company and Allstate Insurance Company in which she falsely claimed that damage to her vehicle occurred after the inception of the respective policies. Furthermore, Dafnos is accused of submitting a false claim regarding damage to her property that she alleged was caused by a broken water line. Investigators said the water line was never broken.


Jeffrey Hixon, 31, of the first block of Cove Road, Washington, Washington County, is charged with one count each of insurance fraud and criminal attempt to commit theft by deception. Hixon experienced mechanical issues with his diesel-powered Dodge Ram truck after he filled it with regular gasoline. He reportedly filed a claim with Geico Insurance company, his automobile insurer, to pay for damages to the vehicle’s fuel system, but the claim was denied because he did not have comprehensive coverage on the policy. Hixon later obtained a new policy through Nationwide Insurance and committed insurance fraud by attempting to file a claim to repair the same damages to the fuel system, investigators alleged.


Vonda Lynn Little, 50, of the 800 block of Memory Lane, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, is charged with one count each of insurance fraud and theft by deception. Little in May 2016 filed an insurance claim with Allstate related to an alleged burglary. She claimed that personal items, including an Apple laptop computer, and a Prada purse, were stolen in the burglary. However, investigators said they determined Little was in possession of those items after the burglary was reported.


Kerrie Gene Gill Jr., 57, of the 100 block of Conti Road, Brownsville, Washington County, is charged with one count each of insurance fraud and criminal attempt to commit theft by deception. In July 2016, Gill added collision and comprehensive coverage to his automobile insurance policy with Progressive Insurance. Eleven days after adding the coverage, he allegedly filed an online claim indicting his vehicle was damaged in a hit-and-run accident. An investigation confirmed that the damage to the vehicle occurred before Gill called to add the collision and comprehensive coverage to his policy.


Diona Vaughn, 40, of the 900 block of Addison St., Washington, Washington County, is charged with one felony count of insurance fraud, a separate misdemeanor count of insurance fraud and one count of criminal attempt to commit theft by deception. According to investigators, Vaughn was involved in an automobile accident in June 2016. After the accident, she allegedly called to obtain an insurance policy through Safe Auto Insurance. She then provided false information as part of an insurance claim in which she said the accident had occurred before the inception of the policy, according to investigators.


=====================


28 charged with insurance fraud, including 5 locally


by Ron Musselman


Criminal charges have been filed against 28 people after investigations by the Attorney General Josh Shapiro's Insurance Fraud Section. (MGN)


HARRISBURG, PA — Criminal charges have been filed against 28 people after investigations by the Attorney General Josh Shapiro's Insurance Fraud Section.

The charges are part of a March sweep conducted by the Insurance Fraud Section, the largest law enforcement entity in Pennsylvania with authority to investigate and prosecute cases of insurance fraud. The total potential fraud involved in the unrelated cases is more than $1.1 million, Shapiro said Thursday.

Five of the people charged have local ties, including three from Cambria County and two from Somerset County.


“Insurance fraud impacts policyholders and consumers across Pennsylvania,” Shapiro said. “Insurance fraud is a serious crime that drives up costs and premiums for everyday Pennsylvanians.”

“Our office’s Insurance Fraud Section has a strong track record of investigating and prosecuting these cases. We will aggressively prosecute anyone who breaks the law by providing false information to an insurance company.”

Those charged with local ties:

-- Deidre L. Keith, 30, of the 1100 block of Main Street, Northern Cambria, Cambria County, is charged with one count each of insurance fraud and criminal attempt to commit theft by deception.


Keith was involved in an automobile accident in October 2016. She called on the day of the accident to reinstate her lapsed policy with Progressive Insurance. Keith then provided false information to Progressive Insurance, claiming that the accident occurred before she reinstated insurance coverage on her vehicle, Shapiro said.

-- Annie M. Matkoskey, 48, of the 100 block of Matkoskey Drive, Acosta, Somerset County, is charged with one count each of insurance fraud and criminal attempt to commit theft by deception.

A relative of Matkoskey's was involved in an automobile accident in November 2016. According to investigators, Matkoskey called Progressive Insurance on the day of the accident to obtain an insurance policy for the vehicle involved in the accident. She submitted a claim for the accident two days later in which she falsely said that it occurred after she had obtained the policy, investigators said.

-- Jamarah Smokes, 26, of the 200 block of Cooper Avenue, Johnstown, Cambria County, is charged with one count each of insurance fraud and criminal attempt to commit theft by deception.

Smokes was involved in an automobile accident in October 2016. Investigators said she obtained an insurance policy from Esurance hours after the accident. She is accused of later providing false information to the insurance company in which she falsely claimed that the accident occurred after the new policy had gone into effect.

-- Angela Wilson, 35, of the 900 block of Central Avenue, Johnstown, Cambria County, is charged with one count each of insurance fraud and criminal attempt to commit theft by deception.

Investigators said Wilson provided false information in an insurance claim. Wilson was involved in an automobile accident in October 2016 at a time when her insurance policy had lapsed because of non-payment. Wilson contacted Safe Auto hours after the accident to obtain coverage, authorities said. She is accused of making a claim two days later in which she falsely claimed that the accident occurred after the new coverage had gone into effect.

-- Gwendolyn Marie Griggs, 25, of the 1600 block of Shanksville Road, Berlin, Somerset County, is charged with one count each of insurance fraud and criminal attempt to commit theft by deception.

Investigators said Griggs added comprehensive coverage to her existing automobile insurance policy in October 2016. Less than a week later, she filed a claim with Geico Insurance, indicating that her vehicle was hit by a deer after the comprehensive coverage was added. Her vehicle was damaged before Griggs added the comprehensive coverage to her policy, investigators said.

SHITTY WATER: A boil water alert was issued for Ridgewood, Wyckoff and Glen Rock, after their water tested positive for E. coli.




SHITTY WATER:
BERGEN COUNTY, New Jersey (WABC) -- Residents of three Bergen County towns are receiving reverse 911 calls after their water tested positive for E. coli.

A boil water alert was issued for Ridgewood, Wyckoff and Glen Rock.

Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation until further notice. The alert also includes the Valley Hospital, which is located in Ridgewood.

Here's what to do when your town has a boil water alert:

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

*Fecal indicators are microbes whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term health effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems.*

The symptoms above are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice from their health care providers about drinking this water.

CROOKS, THIEVES EVERYWHERE: Monsignor William Dumbrow is charged with stealing more than a half million dollars from the Catholic Church




AMERICAN GREED: CROOKS, THIEVES EVERYWHERE

By Dann Cuellar and Jeannette Reyes
Thursday, April 06, 2017 06:43AM
CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- A Philadelphia monsignor is charged with stealing more than half a million dollars from the Catholic Church.

He was in charge of the money that was donated to benefit a home for retired priests, but instead, federal authorities allege, he made off with more than a half million dollars to live the high life and go to casinos to gamble.

Eric Massey of Southwest Philadelphia said, "It's a slap in the face. You're talking about preaching all these good deeds and helping other people out. And being kind and generous, helping your fellow man."

The Villa St.Joseph in Darby is a retirement home for priests who have given their life to the ministry. But it also houses some priests who have been accused of committing sexual abuse.





Msgr. charged with stealing more than $500,000 from Archdiocese. Dann Cuellar reports during 11 p.m. Action News on April 5.

Parishioners have donated millions over the years to maintain the home. But now there is word from federal prosecutors that the man in charge of allocating the funds, Msgr. William Dumbrow diverted more than a half million dollars for his own personal use.

Among other things, they say the 77-year-old used the money to attend Philadelphia Pops concerts, to go gambling at Harrah's Casino in Chester, and to pay for lavish dinners.

In all they say he allegedly pocketed $535,258.11 over the course of nine years before the bank caught on to him and alerted the Archdiocese.

In a statement, the Archdiocese says it immediately froze the account, suspended Msgr. Dumbrow's faculties and his administrative responsibilities were restricted. They also contacted the feds.

"When you're going in basically and exploiting your former parishioners and stuff like that, just to gamble at a casino. It's disingenuous," said Massey.

One of the checks that Dumbrow is accused of pocketing is for $14,410.29.

It came from the estate of the late Francis P. Rogers. He was one of the priests listed in the grand jury's archdiocese sex scandal report. He was accused of sexually abusing a number of children.

Msgr. Dumbrow's attorney Coley Reynolds says his client spent his life serving the church and unfortunately got caught up in this.

He also stated that Dumbrow takes full responsibility for his actions and intends to enter a guilty plea.

Outside of a plea deal, Dumbrow could face up to 80 years in prison.

Hail damages 1,000 cars at Pat Lobb Toyota of McKinney in Texas







Hail Damages Every Vehicle At McKinney Dealership 


March 31, 2017 6:46 PM By Gabriel Roxas

McKINNEY (CBS11) – If you think it’s a pain talking to insurance agents about hail damage, try making the call to report about 1,000 cars. That’s the case for one North Texas car dealer whose entire inventory came under fire from the recent storm.

A large white tent is the final stop for every vehicle on the lot at Pat Lobb Toyota of McKinney after going through a detailed inspection.

There were only a few with so much damage they didn’t make it, but the owner here is determined to restore most of them to their original condition.

If your own hail-damaged vehicle has got you down, this makeshift doctor’s office for dents and the technicians at work want to give you hope.

“I’ve had people give me a hug before. They were so happy,” repair technician William Moothart said.

After hail rained down on virtually every one of the thousand vehicles on his lot, owner Pat Lobb may have been the one who needed a hug.

“God has a sense of humor, and I haven’t figured it out just yet, but we’ll get through this,” Lobb said.

All week, Lobb and his employees have created an assembly line at the lot’s carwash for each damaged vehicle to get a complete diagnosis. After that, it’s on to the other side of the lot where technicians gently pound out each dent.

“You know what’s amazing is I looked at a car the other day here that had… One car had like 60 or 70 dents in it, and the car right beside it had like four. How did that happen? ” Lobb said.

Customers who were waiting to pick up cars they had already bought had the option to order a new one, are now waiting for restoration and get a discount of up to a couple thousand dollars, or take the car as is with an even bigger discount.

Lobb said once the unsold vehicles are restored to factory condition, they will still sell at a substantial discount. Now with more storms on the way, the owner says he’s ready for anything.

“We’ve already had them all damaged, what else could happen, locusts? I’m not sure,” Lobb said.

Once the dealership’s vehicles are all repaired, Lobb plans to invite customers who may have suffered damage at home to bring them here for the same treatment.

Employees have been able to inspect about a hundred cars each day with some having more than $5,000 worth of damage. The owner expects repairs to continue over the next couple of weeks.

Tornados, winds, rain, flooding and hail impacted the Southeast














By Kate Brumback and Jay Reeves / Associated Press

ATLANTA, GA — Severe storms raking the Southeast unleashed one large tornado and more than a half-dozen apparent twisters Wednesday, toppling trees, roughing up South Carolina’s “peach capital” and raining out golfers warming up for the Masters.

A powerful tornado toppled trees and downed power lines in rural Georgia and similar scenes played out in spots around Alabama and South Carolina amid drenching rain, high winds and scattered hail — some as big as baseballs.


The severe weather outbreak was the second to hit the South in less than a week, but no deaths or significant injuries were reported by Wednesday evening. Storms on Sunday and Monday killed five people, including a Mississippi woman who desperately called 911 from a car that plunged into a rain-swollen creek.

Portions of Kentucky and Georgia were still under threat of tornadoes late Wednesday, and flash flooding was possible in the Atlanta area, according to the National Weather Service.

Authorities in Johnston, South Carolina, a town of 2,300 that calls itself The Peach Capital of The World, reported a possible tornado there damaged about a dozen buildings. Crews couldn’t immediately check nearby peach orchards but authorities said those were already severely damaged by a late March hard freeze.

Johnston Mayor Terrence Cullbreath said he opened a local armory as a shelter and that lights were out and many streets were blocked by fallen trees. Thousands had lost power across the three states Wednesday, with utilities struggling to keep up.

“We need power back,” Cullbreath said by phone. “But there likely are more storms coming and they can’t get the power back in bad weather.”

In southwest Georgia, a powerful tornado that touched down at midday traveled some distance on the ground in rural Stewart County, National Weather Service Meteorologist Keith Stellman said. It left downed power lines and trees on roads, said Sandra James, a sheriff’s office dispatcher.

Elsewhere, a suspected tornado touched down in southeastern Alabama, before crossing into Georgia, forecasters said. All told at least nine possible tornados had been reported across Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina as the day wore on with more reports likely as the storms continued into the evening.


In Alabama, the storm hit an area dotted with vacation and full-time homes around Lake Eufaula, damaging some homes and knocking down power lines and trees, said official John Taylor, with the Henry County Emergency Management Agency. He also reported no deaths or injuries there.

Tornadoes weren’t the only threat Wednesday. The nation’s Storm Prediction Center said winds were blowing at near 70 mph (110 kph) in some areas, downing trees in several states.

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley declared a state of emergency and deployed 50 National Guard soldiers. There also were multiple school closings in Alabama and many early dismissals in South Carolina.

The Federal Aviation Administration temporarily halted flights to Atlanta’s airport but those later resumed with arrival and departure delays.

As storms bore down on Augusta National, the venerable east Georgia club shut down for the second time this week as golfers tried to get in some practice before the start of the Masters tournament later this week. Officials cut short the final afternoon practice and ordered rain-bedraggled fans to leave the course. Augusta National also closed Monday because of heavy rains.

In the east Alabama city of Oxford, convenience store manager Don Copeland was working up courage to go outside and look at his truck after a storm dumped so much grape-sized hail the ground turned white.

“It’s a 2015. I just made a $550 payment this morning,” Copeland said.


The weather service said it had gotten reports of baseball-sized hail in the west Alabama town of Camden, but only small ice pellets fell at the McGraw-Webb Chevrolet Inc.

“Thank goodness we did not get that. We just had pea-sized hail, and two or three cars were damaged,” said Evan Bohannon, who handles online sales for the dealership.

In central Kentucky, Mike Callahan of the National Weather Service in Louisville said some areas received large amounts of hail Wednesday evening — some of it several inches deep. The hydrologist also reported winds up to 72 mph (115 kph) in places.

Kentucky State Police Trooper Joshua Lawson also said in an email that a mobile home in Kentucky’s Henry County overturned with a family inside, but no one was injured amid the high winds.




=============




ATLANTA (AP) — The Latest on severe weather moving across the Southeast (all times local):


6:35 p.m.


Authorities say parts of Kentucky have been pounded by hail and strong winds amid a severe weather outbreak around the South.


Hydrologist Mike Callahan of the National Weather Service in Louisville says central Kentucky received large amounts of hail Wednesday evening, and it was several inches deep in some places.


Callahan said some damage also was reported in four counties, and he said there was a report of 72-mph (115-kph) winds in another.




No injuries were reported.


Kentucky State Police Trooper Joshua Lawson said in an email that a mobile home in Henry County turned over with a family inside, but no one was injured.


Another unoccupied mobile home in the county was blown over, as was a barn on the same property.


___


5:45 p.m.


The National Weather Service says it has confirmed that a tornado struck an area of southwest Mississippi on Monday during an earlier outbreak of severe weather.


It says a survey showed that a twister with top winds of 110 mph (175 kph) touched down inside Franklin County at 12:57 a.m. that day. It adds that the tornado then moved some 17 miles (28 kilometers) east through a neighboring county, crossing Mississippi's Interstate 55 before lifting up northeast of Brookhaven at 1:22 a.m. Monday.


The tornado, rated EF-1 on the enhanced Fujita scale, had an unusually wide path, peaking at 1,000 yards (900 meters) wide, the agency said. The storm also damaged rooftops of several homes, uprooted trees and snapped utility poles.


No one was injured.


The storm was part of a larger storm system that killed five people across the South, produced at least 13 tornadoes in Louisiana and caused flash flooding in Mississippi.



____


5:25 p.m.


The storms raking South Carolina caused some of their worst damage in the town of Johnston, which calls itself The Peach Capital of the World.


Mayor Terrence Cullbreath said a possible tornado struck there at around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday and damaged about a dozen buildings. Some were in the town's picturesque downtown.


Crews didn't immediately assess damage to surrounding peach orchards, but agricultural officials estimate a hard freeze in late March has already destroyed about 85 percent of the crop.


Meanwhile, Cullbreath says fallen trees are blocking many roads in the town of 2,300 and power was out almost everywhere. He opened the local armory as a shelter.


"We need power back," Cullbreath said by phone. "But there likely are more storms coming and they can't get the power back in bad weather."


The same storm system also was being blamed for some flooding of low-lying areas in downtown Columbia, the state capital.


No serious injuries were reported.


___


4:10 p.m.


A meteorologist with the nation's Storm Prediction Center says preliminary reports indicate that strong storms moving through the Southeast on Wednesday spawned at least five suspected tornados.


Warning coordination meteorologist Patrick Marsh said suspected tornados were reported in Newton, Randolph, Webster and Dodge counties in Georgia and in Saluda County, South Carolina.


Marsh said there will almost definitely be more reports of suspected tornados as the day goes on.


Authorities won't be able to confirm whether those were actually tornados or just high winds that blew through until they are able to get out in the field in the coming days to study the damage.


___



2:46 p.m.


Authorities say an apparent tornado has caused some damage in southeastern Alabama.


National Weather Service meteorologist Mark Wool says a suspected tornado touched down Wednesday in Henry County, Alabama, before crossing into Georgia.


An official with the Henry County Emergency Management Agency, John Taylor, says the storm hit in an area dotted with vacation and full-time homes around Lake Eufaula.


He says power lines and trees are down, and some homes were apparently damaged. There were no reports of injuries or deaths, but emergency crews were on the scene sorting things out.


Tornadoes weren't the only threat Wednesday. The nation's Storm Prediction Center said winds blowing to near 70 mph (110 kph) in places toppled trees in several locations across Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina.


____


2:15 p.m.


The National Weather Service says a tornado in southwest Missouri on Tuesday evening had wind speeds up to 120 mph (190 kph) and caused damage to a fire station, elementary school and several other buildings.


Meteorologist Mike Griffin said the twister hit in the community of Goodman and was rated an EF-2. One person was taken to a hospital with a possible broken ankle, but no deaths or serious injuries were reported.


Goodman is a small town is about 30 miles (50 kilomters) south of Joplin, Missouri, where an EF-5 tornado killed 161 people in May 2011.


Authorities said the roof of a fire station was stripped away by the high winds and a wall of a school was toppled. Hall also estimated that one or two dozen homes sustained damage.


___


2:10 p.m.


Flights have resumed at Atlanta's airport, but stormy weather continues to cause delays for both departing and arriving flights.


Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport tweeted from its official account that the Federal Aviation Administration has lifted a ground stop, which means that flights heading to Atlanta from other airports were temporarily held.



Waves of heavy rain — accompanied by fog, thunder and lightning — hit Atlanta throughout the day Wednesday.


Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines had canceled about 300 flights in the southeast because of the weather.


___


2 p.m.


With severe storms bearing down on Augusta National, the club has been shut down for the second time this week.


Masters officials suspended play at 1:25 p.m. Wednesday, cutting short the final afternoon of practice before the start of the tournament as well as the popular Par 3 Contest.


Fans were ordered to leave the course as line of dangerous storms swept across the Deep South, sparking tornado warnings in Georgia and neighboring South Carolina.


Augusta National also was forced to close Monday because of heavy rains.


The forecast is more promising through the rest of the week, though high winds Thursday and Friday could make playing conditions challenging. Sunny weather, with highs in the 70s, is expected for the final two rounds Saturday and Sunday.


___


1 p.m.


A forecaster says a large tornado has touched down in southwest Georgia.


National Weather Service meteorologist Keith Stellman says the tornado struck in Georgia's Stewart County around noon Wednesday. He says the strong tornado traveled a while along the ground, headed eastward toward the central portion of the state.


Stewart County Sheriff Office dispatcher Sandra James says preliminary reports indicate the storm toppled power lines and several trees along roads and the interstate.



Initially, James says, she was unaware of any injuries or significant damages to buildings or homes.


___


12:35 p.m.


Schools have dismissed early across South Carolina's central region under the threat of severe weather.


The National Weather Service is calling for potent thunderstorms, high winds, hail and possible tornadoes on Wednesday.


All school districts in and around the state capital, Columbia, dismissed elementary, middle and high school students by midday Wednesday. The University of South Carolina canceled afternoon classes at its main campus in Columbia.


The National Weather Service has confirmed four tornadoes touched down in the state's northwest during severe weather earlier this week.


___


Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com


___


12:15 p.m.


Masters officials have reopened Augusta National for practice rounds and will hold the popular par-3 event Wednesday.


The course announced it would start the competition — and allow patrons back on the grounds — as of 12:30 p.m.


Storms and possible tornadoes passing through eastern Georgia caused officials shut down the course about 10 a.m. Patrons were evacuated because of the stormy weather.


Wednesday is the final day competitors can work on their games before the tournament starts Thursday.


___


11:30 a.m.


Practice rounds for the Masters have been suspended due to an approaching weather system forecast to bring strong storms and possible tornadoes to Georgia.


Officials shut down the golf course in Augusta, in eastern Georgia, about 10 a.m. Wednesday. Patrons were evacuated because of the storm.


Wednesday is the final day competitors can work on their games before the tournament starts Thursday.


The weather also cast doubt about one of the more popular events of the week, the Masters par-3 event. Competitors typically bring family members to caddy or watch and the crowds on hand enjoy taking part.



___


10 a.m.


Flights to Atlanta's airport have been temporarily halted because of severe storms.


Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport tweeted from its official account that the Federal Aviation Administration has ordered a ground stop, which means that flights heading to Atlanta from other airports will be held until it is lifted.


Heavy rain — accompanied by fog, thunder and lightning — was falling in Atlanta Wednesday morning.


____


8:50 a.m.


Hail the size of tennis balls is pelting parts of Alabama ahead of what forecasters say will be waves of severe weather across the Deep South.


Forecasters say some of the largest hail hit early Wednesday in the east Alabama city of Oxford, where convenience store manager Don Copeland says ice was so thick on the ground it looked like it had snowed.


Copeland says he's still working up courage to go outside and look at his pickup truck, which he fears was damaged by ice balls right after he made a $550 payment on it.


People are using social media to post photos of hail that hit the area. And the National Weather Service says there's likely more bad weather to come, including powerful tornadoes.


___


8:50 a.m.


Heavy rain began falling before daybreak in parts of Alabama as severe storms continue their march across the Southeast.


National Weather Service meteorologist John De Block says some locations within the state Wednesday have already received around an inch of rain. He says rain started in central Alabama around 4 a.m. and worked its way north reaching Birmingham about an hour later.



In Georgia, the National Weather Service's website says a tornado warning is currently in effect until 9 a.m. for Carroll, Coweta, Fayette, Fulton and Heard counties.


___


6:30 a.m.


The threat of severe weather moving across the Southeast has led local school officials in Columbia, South Carolina, to announce early dismissals.


The National Weather Service is calling for thunderstorms, high winds, hail and possible tornadoes Wednesday.


Local news outlets report that all school districts in the Columbia area are dismissing middle and high school students early, some as early as 11 a.m. Elementary school classes will be dismissed at 11 a.m. Wednesday, and after-school activities are canceled.


Some schools in the Upstate are also dismissing early Wednesday due to weather concerns. The National Weather Service has confirmed four tornadoes touched down in the state's northwestern area during severe weather earlier this week.