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 woman 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.

Oklahoma, Arkansas cities brace for ‘the worst flood in our history’

USA TODAY•May 27, 2019

Oklahoma and Arkansas were bracing for their worst-ever flooding as a new wave of storms forecast to roll through the region threatened to further bloat the Arkansas River that already has reached record crests in some areas.

Forecasters reported tornadoes, high winds, hail and heavy rain across the region on Monday, triggering evacuations and high-water rescues. The storms are the latest to rip through the Midwest over the past two weeks, leaving at least nine dead and a trail of damage from high winds and flooding.

In Tulsa, the Oklahoma National Guard patrolled the city’s stressed levee system. 

“The levee system is still operating as designed,” Mayor G.T. Bynum said Monday. But he said that could change: “We are asking for everyone to prepare for the worst-case scenario … the worst flood in our history.”

Bynum urged residents near the levees to “proactively relocate,” and the city has opened multiple shelters. He said authorities were reviewing how such flooding would impact the city’s infrastructure. 

The river is forecast to reach a record crest Tuesday evening, according to the National Weather Service. Tulsa increased its releases of water from the Keystone Dam, adding to the woes downstream in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where the river already surpassed its historic crest Sunday.

Some residents were forced to evacuate. Fort Smith Mayor George McGill said the city is experiencing record flooding, and high-water rescues were underway.

McGill warned residents to be careful traveling around the city. But he said residents are known for their grit and expressed confidence the city would overcome and thrive.

“It’s a sight that we’ve never seen before, but just like we recovered from other record-breaking floods we will recover from this,” McGill said. “There is nothing you can do about Mother Nature.”

Meteorologists on Monday recorded 45 tornadoes, primarily in Colorado, Iowa and Indiana. Twisters also touched down in Minnesota, Illinois and Idaho, according to preliminary reports by the weather service’s Storm Prediction Center. Several houses were damaged, but no injuries were immediately reported. 

Flash flood watches and warnings persisted late Monday in parts of northeastern Indiana, western Nebraska and southeast Wyoming, according to the National Weather Service said. 

Additional heavy rain and severe thunderstorms were forecast through Wednesday before the region sees a possible respite. But it might not last long.

“There are early indications this weather pattern could return next weekend and into the following week with more rounds of severe weather across the central U.S,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Brett Rathbun said.

Meanwhile, the Southeast may see record highs through Wednesday, the National Weather Service said, with temperatures soaring well into the 90s and lower 100s for some areas.