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LAST UPDATE | 18 Feb
HARSH COLD DESCENDED on the middle of the US on yesterday as a polar vortex gripped the Rockies and Northern Plains on the heels of weekend storms that pummelled the nation’s east with floods, killing at least 14 people.
The National Weather Service warned of “life-threatening cold” as wind chills dropped to minus -51C in parts of North Dakota and minus -46C in parts of Montana.
This morning was forecast to be even colder.
Extreme cold warnings were issued for an 11-state swath of the US stretching from the Canadian border to Oklahoma and central Texas, where the Arctic front was expected to bring near-record cold temperatures and wind chills in the single digits by midweek.
Meteorologists had predicted that parts of the US would experience the 10th and coldest polar vortex event this season.
Weather forces in the Arctic are pushing chilly air that usually stays near the North Pole into the US and Europe.
The death toll in flood-battered Kentucky rose to 12, governor Andy Beshear said last night.
Two fatal vehicle crashes were connected to the severe weather, he said, and at least 1,000 people stranded by floods had to be rescued.
Parts of Kentucky and Tennessee received up to six inches of rain as severe storms swept across the South.
Water submerged cars and buildings in Kentucky and mudslides blocked roads in Virginia.
In West Virginia, where there was one confirmed fatality with several people still missing, governor Patrick Morrisey asked President Donald Trump to issue a disaster declaration for a 13-county region ravaged by flooding.
Near Logan, West Virginia, authorities responded last night to the spill of acidic water from an abandoned coal mine. The mine blowout damaged a road, making it impassable, fire officials said.
In Atlanta, a person was killed when a large tree fell on a home early on Sunday.
Flood warnings were extended on across most of Kentucky and portions of Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Virginia and Ohio.
In Nebraska, where much of the state was under a winter weather advisory, a state trooper was killed on yesterday morning while responding to a crash on Interstate 80 near the town of Greenwood. The trooper’s name and further circumstances of the fatality were not immediately released.
Ice and snow made travel treacherous in large swaths of Michigan, which remained under a winter weather advisory until yesterday afternoon.
Authorities in Colorado reported eight people were killed in fatal vehicle crashes since Valentine’s Day and warned drivers to be cautious.
Avalanche warnings were issued for numerous areas of the Rocky Mountains, with the danger rated high in portions of Colorado, Utah, Idaho and Wyoming.
The Mount Washington Avalanche Centre issued an avalanche warning yesterday for areas of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Two ice climbers were rescued in the White Mountains on Sunday after triggering an avalanche that partially buried one of them, officials said.
Parts of a southwest Detroit neighbourhood were submerged after a nearly century-old water main burst, flooding streets, sidewalks and yards under several feet of water.
Firefighters used a ladder to help one person from the roof of a car in waist-deep water and a bulldozer was used to navigate a flooded street and help people leave a home, according to the fire department.
The 54-inch transmission main was built in 1930, according to the Great Lakes Water Authority.
Crews were attempting to isolate the break. It was not clear what caused it, but overnight temperatures had been well below freezing. No injuries have been reported.
This is the coldest month of the year for many locations, and air temperatures may approach record lows in some areas, said National Weather Service meteorologist Jason Anglin.
People should cover exposed skin and limit time outside to avoid frostbite, which can happen in minutes in such low temperatures, Anglin said. Neighbours should check on each other and those who are vulnerable and monitor heater vents to make sure they do not ice up.
Unsure of what exactly is happening with the earth’s climate? Check out our FactCheck Knowledge Bank for essential reads and guides to finding good information online.
Hopefully a Christmas miracle for this little boy.
What I want is a link to a “gofundme” or something similar. Anything beyond what they want to raise could go to charity.
If this was set up I would be right there with a credit card and screaming at the laptop “TAKE MY MONEY”!
TodayFM or someone connected to the family should get that going immediately (I’d do it myself but there’s zero credibility in that for this brilliant young man)
And please, send on the link!
Hey, bottom of article for donations it says contact ray@rte.ie maybe you could suggest gofundme to there? I too will be happy to donate.
Yep – I’ve emailed – but with all these things you build up a head of support and make it easy for people to contribute. Especially when it’s a no-brainer like this…..
Tony , they gave you an email for you to contact so what more is it that you want them to do ?
Suzie – if you read the post you might notice that I have said what *might be useful* it’s a suggestion.
And would you give out your credit card details over email? If you would, you should send them to that Nigerian prince in your spam box.
Also, 15 mins before you posted your “meh – I know it all” comment I did mention that I had emailed.
Not so much sunshine at all really are you suzie?
Happy Christians Sebastian I hope Santa is good to you …. Happy Christmas
Hey All,
I know Conor and Anne well. I’ve set up a gofundme account here for Seb:
http://www.gofundme.com/v3bg8e8c
Thanks for any support you can give.
Journal, can you please, please bump this story up to the top of the news feed so many more can help tomorrow. This is a heart breaker.
Suzie, you did indeed belittle – I won’t bother pointing it out because while it’s childish to flame in any situation it’s beyond childish when it comes to insisting on being right on a story that is so not about you.
padraig, thank you for adding the gofundme link – going straight there!
I absolutely second Alan’s post above and would also ask the inclusion of the gofundme link to the story (some people don’t bother about the comment section)
Thanks Padraig!
Donated and shared. Thanks for setting this up Padraig.
Thanks everyone for your kind comments. Seb is asleep on his mum’s lap. :)
There are no words to properly say what’s in my heart right now. I am so incredibly sad for you all. Sebastian is so young to be facing this and it must be dreadfully raw for you all. Thinking of your brave little soldier and of you too, as parents there is nothing worse.
Conor, there are no words because most of us have never been there. But all of us on here would love to help in any way we can, please let us know what else you need, as bad as we are for commenting,, it’s guys like you that bring us together. So anything you need or Seb needs just let us know
Conor, I’m absolutely heartbroken for your family. I have Christmas puddings and loads of decorations etc. If that’s of any use. Please feel free to contact me on my twitter account. I have a small food shop so please let me know, I can get you turkey, mince pies, etc and I’ll happily bring them to you. Please just let me know, anything at all.
This article is so sad. I just hope ye have a great Christmas.
Yes my friend I’m a 41 year old man a big lad that doesn’t get emotional very often but I’m reading this with tears welling in my eyes and a lump in my throat very sad indeed for a family to have to go through. I hope he gets everything he wants from Santa I really do.
I’m so sorry to hear this, as a father I find this absolutely heart breaking. I hope Sebastian has a wonderful Christmas
I am very sorry to hear this, you are amazing parents… I hope your little warrior have the best Christmas ever!!!
I can’t even begin to imagine what this must be like for you all, but wishing you all an incredibly magical Christmas Day this weekend.
Hi Connor I’m really sad to hear about your little Sebastian. My heart is with you and your family x x I’m just wondering if you could tell me what Sebastian’s favourite cake flavour is please I would like to make a cake for him for his special day x x sending lots of love your way x x
Heard his dad on the Ray Darcy show. Just heartbreaking. Happy Christmas little man.
And we all think we’ve real problems till we hear a story like this. :(
So sad. Poor little guy.
Little trooper, hope all his dreams come true for his Christmas x
What date are they going to pick for Christmas day? Lets try to get every radio station to play a Christmas song for him, money won’t make him better so lets give him the best Christmas that the rest of Ireland can celebrate with him. What does his family need us to do.
Its this Saturday!
This story really really upset me very sad.
Happy Xmas to the little fellow I hope it is the best ever.
Happy Christmas Conor..hope you get all the great things you wished for little man.
Always breaks my heart to hear so young children suffering.
Too unfair, hope the poor wee man can have a miracle recovery and be stronger by Dec Christmas
I hope he receives the miracle he deserves. What a brave little guy Sebastian is. In my prayers
Absolutely heartbreaking.I urge people to donate,even if it’s small.
That is heartbreaking and has brought tears to my eyes reading this, hope he has the best Xmas ever and if there is a link I would happily give money to it.
What s brave little man.
My own son suffers with migraines and a severe episode can be scary. First things I look for is the signs of meningitis and a brain tumour.
My uncke died from a brain tumour and had it for year before diagnosis.
Happy Christmas Sebastian. Xxx
@ Lily, i was driving when his Dad was on Ray Darcy and i couldn’t see the road with the tears.
Also Lily look after that little lad of yours but I’m sure he will be fine i know as i had migraines from the age of 24 eyes head sick, with time it eased off i still have it, one thing i feel bad about is both my sons have it.
That should be 14
It is very scary he was at the gp last week with a severe episode, he had the nausea too. It can come on really quick where he grips his head in his hands, rocking backwards and forwards, screaming and crying “its hurts, it hurts” or he can wake from his sleep in agony, his had them since he was 2. I know a few of his triggers now. His only 8.
I can’t imagine what this family is going through its absolutely heartbreaking. I sincerely wish they get the Christmas they are hoping for…
This is our friends little boy. There will be a fundraiser on the 5th of June in Bleecker street bar on Dorset street. Doors open from 9pm approx. €10 on the door and great live music all night. There will be a raffle with amazing prizes to be win. All proceeds will go directly to the O’Loughlin family. Please come along and spread the word!
Time to route out my Christmas cardigan and load up the car with my christmas decorations for Sebastian.
Probably stupid suggestion ,get people to tweet illumination entertainment to get Minion stuff for the family ,the new movies coming up , let him see the movie early get minions to meet the lad , anyway not sure just tweeted them link to this story if anyone wants to do the same ..
Nice one..I hope they respond in time because that was lovely
Not a stupid suggestion at all..quite a good one in fact..just sent a few details to illumination entertainment on their facebook page..and a link to the journal and ray darcy..I would encourage everyone to do the same..or email them ..or twitter ..lets get viral for young conor…happy xmas.
Heard his Dad on Ray Darcy heartbreaking . Miracles do happen, but have a lovely Christmas on the 30th. I take my hat off to you the Parents.
Worst nightmare
I wonder if they contacted the “make a wish foundation ” to see if the can help make one of his dreams come true ?
And i thought i had problems.
Where do I donate
What a lovely family, Merry Christmas to them, I hope its a great day
Hi All, I’m a close friend of Conor and Anne, Sebastian is a lovely lad.
I’ve set up a go fund me account for Sebastian at:
gofund.me/v3bg8e8c
Give as much support as you can to this lovely family!.
I’m in bits if I can help just let me know how.
Devastating :( Poor little kid. I feel so sad for him. Will do whatever I can to help
That link isn’t clickable. Hopefully this one will be clickable:
http://www.gofundme.com/v3bg8e8c
Thanks to everyone who can support.
That one works Padraig.
Padraig..will you put some pics up of Christmas day?
Hi Jenni,
Yep Definitely – I’ll put up some pics
F@ck you Cancer!!.
I wonder If Conor has any sporting heroes etc that might be able to be contacted by the Darcy show to maybe bring along some presents on the day.
How can I donate something ?
Happy Christmas Sebastian, I hope you have the most magical day ever x
Same age as my daughter. What a cruel world we inhabit. Hope he has a magical time.
Jesus, how awfully sad but just as equally inspiring.
My heart aches at the thought of this devastating news. ..however It lightens at the thought of Sebastian having the best Christmas day ever, enjoy X X my thoughts are with you all.
Happy Christmas Sebastian
The one where u text the cash not everyone has a credit card
Jesus that’s absolutely heart breaking. A few months ago they had a fine healthy 4 year old boy and now they don’t know how long more he will love. Such a cruel world. A Christmas miracle would be great. I hope the people of Tipp/Ireland make this a Christmas to remember for this little man.
That article made me cry. I can’t even imagine what the child’s parents are going through. I hope Sebastian has a great Christmas day the poor little fellow. I had a friend who died from n inoperable brain tumor.this should not happen to someone so young as Sebastian. Let’s hope for a miracle
I want Sebastian to have the BEST Xmas ever.
Ireland is a great country and I know we can go bigger on this. I’m willing to do whatever to make this kids dream come true having Christmas early. Surely we can do more that just a few bouncing castles. If he wants Xmas that means in his home town we get a big Xmas tree up, Christmas lights in the town, all homes out up an Xmas tree in support around him so he feels this isn’t just his house, shops, pubs etc get decorations up… I know we can do better all we have to do is get those decorations down and help put them up. I will help where ever is needed.
When we see things happening to Innocent angels, we should never complain.
May God gives all the power to him and his family, miracle could happen.
Hi Connor. I know someone who had same situation as your family. I just recently red an article about this girl from my country who had brain cancer worst type and she survived.Her dad just published her story and he said he is willing to help anyone and to tell what he used to heal her. Doctors could believe that she survived. …. Please mail me I would really love to try to help you. My mail is svitlica93@outlook.com.
My father died from brain cancer and he had a grade 4 tumour which is the worst kind. I feel this comment is in bad taste. The family I’m sure have tried everything and spoken to every doctor like we did but now they are asking to help make a final dream come true and we should focus on that rather than promote quacks who will only take their money and give false hope. If they want Christmas early for him then that’s what we should do and respect their wishes
So so sad, sorry for what you guys are going through. Will donate and share now
Hi Connor. I knowhat someone who had same situation as your family. This guy from my country just published a sort about his daughter surviving brain cancer. He found medicine for her and even doctors couldn’t belive the cancer disappeared. So he is willing to help anyone and to tell what he used . So I can get in touch with him for you . I would love to help you please mail me . Svitlica93@outlook.com this is my mail and my name is Natasa just send me mail anytime
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