MINES, U.S. BUREAU OF. In 1910, Congress passed the Organic Act (Public Law 179), officially creating the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM). Dr. Joseph A. Holmes, a geologist and professor, was the bureau’s first director. The bureau’s first priority under Holmes’s direction was the reduction of the alarmingly high number of deaths in mining accidents. In 1913, however, the bureau’s scope of authority expanded to include the collection, analysis, and dissemination of economic data with in the mining industry. In 1925, the USBM was moved from the Department of the Interior to the Department of Commerce, where it became the principal collector of mineral statistics and acquired the responsibility of producing, conserving, and exploiting helium gas, important at the time to national defense.

The influence of the labor movement in the late 1930s paved the way for the Coal Mine Inspection Act of 1941. This act gave the USBM authority to inspect mines for safety conditions and recommend corrective measures, although enforcement power remained limited until Congress passed the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, establishing mandatory standards and making it possible for the USBM to research alternative mining procedures. The Federal Coal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act of 1977 addressed for the first time regulatory procedures concerning coal, metal, and nonmetal mining operations, as well as research germane to all three types of mining.

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Summary

.A thunderstorm threat this afternoon and evening will bring the potential for brief heavy downpours through the mountains and into some of the interior. Heavier downpours on top of wet snow melt can lead to flash flooding, particularly in the mountains. Burn scar flash flooding will be highly dependent on elevation and snowpack.

What

Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.

Where

A portion of west central Washington, including the following areas, Bellevue and Vicinity, East Puget Sound Lowlands, Seattle and Vicinity, Southwest Interior, Tacoma Area, West Slopes North Central Cascades and Passes and West Slopes South Central Cascades and Passes.

When

From 3 PM this afternoon to 10 PM PDT this evening.

Impacts

Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS… – http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

Tips

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

Issued By

NWS Seattle

Alert details

What

Hot conditions with high temperatures in the mid 80s to low 90s. This will pose a moderate risk of heat-related illness.

Where

Portions of northwest and west central Washington.

When

Until 8 PM PDT Monday.

Impacts

Hot conditions will increase the risk of heat- related illnesses for those who are sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling or adequate hydration.

Tips

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. For sheltering information and other human services in your area, dial 2 1 1 during business hours or visit wa211.org anytime.

Issued By

NWS Seattle

On May 14, 1787, delegates to the Constitutional Convention begin to assemble in Philadelphia to confront a daunting task: the peaceful overthrow of the new American government as defined by the Article of Confederation. Although the convention was originally supposed to begin on May 14, James Madison reported that a small number only had assembled. Meetings had to be pushed back until May 25, when a sufficient quorum of the participating states—Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia—had arrived.

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