http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/106xx/doc10620/11-04-FloodInsurance.pdf

The national flood insurance program has been self-sustaining in the past, but it had to borrow $17 billion from the federal treasury to pay claims after the hurricanes of 2005. This report examines the financial health of the flood insurance program. From the Congressional Budget Office.

http://www.hrpdcva.gov/Documents/Quarterly_Newsletters/2010/REVIEW_Fall_09.pdf#page=13

Brief article on research by staff of the Hampton Roads Plan District Commission on the impacts of climate change on the Hampton Roads area. The study focuses on such issues as sea level rise, changes in precipitation, and vulnerability to storm damage and flooding. From the Hampton Roads Review, Fall 2009.

http://www.fort.usgs.gov/Products/Publications/21972/21972.pdf

Studies temperature and rainfall patterns to determine the extent of the potential U.S. range for Burmese Pythons spreading north and westward from the Florida Everglades. From the U.S. Geological Survey.

http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/R40097_20090908.pdf

Discusses the damage and frequency of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes and the role congress could or should play in mitigating such damage. At issue is the effectiveness of the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004 which is up for reauthorization and the role of long-term climate change in short term weather phenomena. Also includes useful information about how and why thunderstorms and tornadoes form and the role of the National Weather Service in issuing warnings. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by OpenCRS.org.

http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/investigations/pubs/NISTIR7636_Oct2009.pdf

Summarizes the federal investigation of the collapse of the indoor practice facility of the Dallas Cowboys during a thunderstorm with winds gusting to 50-60 MPH. Analyzes the reasons for the collapse and issues recommendations for improving the safety of fabric-covered frame structures. From the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

http://www.bls.gov/osmr/pdf/ec090060.pdf

Examines the decision of Hurricane Katrina evacuees to return to their pre-storm areas and documents how the composition of the affected area changed over time. Finds that returnees were older, more educated, and more affluent than those who did not return. From the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/R40810_20090916.pdf

Reviews standard housing procedures following disasters, how increased cooperation between the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Housing and Urban Development could improve disaster housing, the repair and renovation of private rental housing units, and the use of alternative manufactured housing. Concludes with issues for congressional consideration that are related to a national disaster housing strategy. From the Congressional Research Service, posted by OpenCRS.org.

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090916_globalstats.html

Press release announcing the warmest ocean sea-surface temperatures for any August on record and the warmest for any previous June-August summer (Northern Hemisphere) winter (Southern Hemisphere). The records date back to 1880. From the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090910_summerstats.html

Press release announcing that summer temperatures were below average for the U.S. and were the 34th coolest on record. Covers temperature and precipitation highlights. From the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/mgmtrpts/OIG_09-96_Aug09.pdf

Criticizes the way in which the Federal Emergency Management Agency provides victims with goods and services following disasters. From the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09811.pdf

Subtitled: Experiences from Past Disasters Offer Insights for Effective Collaboration after Catastrophic Events. Reviews 5 disasters (the Loma Prieta earthquake in California, 1989; Hurricane Andrew, Florida, 1992; the Northridge earthquake, California, 1994; the Kobe earthquake, Japan, 1995; and the Grand Forks Red River Flood, North Dakota, 1997) to identify recovery lessons. From the Government Accountability Office.