Blog note. Jesus indicated that ‘fearful sights’ (various natural disasters) would occur leading up to the time known as the Tribulation and Great Tribulation (a combined seven year period of great destruction on earth). Although these types of things have occurred in the past for centuries and thousands of years, they could be identified as the ‘season of the times’ due to the ferociousness of these events. They would be occurring in greater intensity, severity, frequency, size, duration, scope … just like the pains that a women experiences in labor the farther along she is in the labor process. We are in the ‘season of the times’ that comes just before the seven (7) year Tribulation/Great Tribulation period

… And great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. (Luke 21:11).

… And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (Luke 21:25)

… Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken; (Luke 21:26)

… This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy 3:1)

Jesus is giving a series of prophecies about what to look for as the age of grace comes to a close. These verses are several of many such prophecies from throughout the Bible. 2017 was the worst year in recorded history for the intensity, frequency, severity, duration and occurrence of a large number of severe natural disasters worldwide. Earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, torrential flooding, unprecedented wildfires in unusual places, devastating droughts, excessive/scorching heat setting records everywhere, record snowfalls in Europe and Russia. Snow in the Arabia. This list can go on. Most studied Eschatologists believe these ‘fearful sights’ and massive natural disasters are all part of the ‘CONVERGENCE’ of signs that this Biblical and prophetic age is closing. Most people who study prophecy are familiar with the routine reference(s) made that these things will be like a woman having labor pains that occur in greater severity, frequency, size and duration prior to giving birth. End of note.

Tropical Cyclone “Owen” sets new Australian December daily rainfall record

Posted by TW on December 18, 2018

Tropical Cyclone “Owen” brought extremely heavy rains to parts of Queensland, setting a new Australian December daily rainfall.

Owen made its first landfall well north of Cardwell, Queensland early December 10, exited into the Gulf of Carpentaria and started reorganizing.

The storm then completed an anti-cyclonic loop and turned back to the east, toward Queensland. It gradually began to intensify, peaking as a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone with maximum 10-minute sustained winds of 150 km/h (90 mph).

It made its second landfall approximately 70 km (43 miles) south of Kowanyama around 03:00 LT, December 15 as a low-end Category 3 severe tropical cyclone and gradually weakened to a tropical low due to land interaction.

According to data provided by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, communities between Cairns and Townsville have experienced more than 500 mm (9.6 inches) of rain in just 24 hours.

Halifax (near Ingham) received 681 mm (26.8 inches) of rain in the 24 hours to 09:00 LD, December 16. Of the total amount, 122 mm (4.84 inches) fell in only one hour. 394 mm (15.5 inches) was recorded in the six hours to 13:00 LT, December 16.

Halifax was one of four locations in the area to record 24-hour rainfall totals exceeding, or near, 500 mm (9.6 inches) in 24 hours. Cardwell Range recorded 552 mm (21.7 inches), Lucinda recorded 500 mm (9.6 inches) and Ingham 485 mm (19.09 inches). Townsville saw 138 mm (5.43 inches), while around the Cairns area totals ranged from about 50 mm (1.96 inches) to above 100 mm (3.93 inches).

The totals represent new daily rainfall records for both Halifax and Cardwell Range, while Lucinda recorded its highest rainfall total for a December day, BOM meteorologists said.

“The heaviest falls are expected to continue easing over the next two days, however coastal communities between Mackay and the northern Wide Bay are still likely to experience heavy rain,” meteorologist Richard Wardle said December 16.

Flooding has closed many roads north of Ingham and motorists have been told to avoid traveling on the Bruce Highway between Cairns and Townsville.

While not related to ex-Tropical Cyclone “Owen,” southeast Queensland also experienced significant rainfall. Totals for the 24 hours to 09:00 LT include 157 mm (6.18 miles) at Pomona, 58 mm (2.28 miles) at Ipswich and 91 mm (3.58 miles) at Mt Nebo.

Featured image: Tropical Cyclone “Owen” over Queensland, Australia on December 15, 2018. Credit: NASA Terra/MODIS