Weathering Weather

Floods, fires, and deadly waves have struck across the country.

Tropical Storm Arthur, the season's first-named storm, made landfall along the Texas coast Wednesday. Though Arthur has weakened, its remnants could dump up to 20 inches of rain and bring life-threatening flash flooding from Texas to Georgia through Friday.

Near Spokane, Washington, the wind-driven Upriver Fire burned 250 acres Tuesday, destroying at least 15 homes and forcing ~12,000 to evacuate. The fire was 10% contained as of yesterday evening.

Off the California coast, seasonal king tides have created dangerous surf conditions. Two college students died after being swept from a Santa Cruz beach while napping last Wednesday (the stretch’s fifth water emergency in a month), and a 5-year-old died after being taken by waves in Orange County the day prior.

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PRAY WITH US
Thundering God of Glory, you are Lord over the earth, sky, and sea. But the groaning elements are conspiring against us. 

Floodwaters are rising, fires are burning, and waves are stealing lives. Fortify these communities to meet the moment. Let resources multiply and communication flow freely. Open paths of evacuation and stop the paths of destruction. May officials work efficiently and effectively, and may the church be a hiding place for the vulnerable. Be their shelter, O God of refuge. Amen.