Huge Explosion at Serena Hotel in Kabul

At least six killed and six wounded at the Serena Hotel in Kabul after an attack by a suicide bomber and three gunman according to the Interior Ministry.

The Explosion occurred at approximately 6.15 p.m. local time and reports are that it was heard as far as two miles away.

The Hotel is the only five-star hotel in Afghanistan and is popular with diplomats and news agencies and often hosts conferences in the city of Kabul.

Though reports are currently preliminary, the Taliban have claimed responsibility.

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Raw Video of the aftermath below.

BREAKING NOW...TORNADO WARNINGS ACROSS 5 CENTRAL STATES

As I write this a Tornado is touching down in Vancouver, Washington. With warnings near Vancouver WA.

8 other tornadoes, have already touched down in the central States as of this writing.

What to do when a tornado hits.

Vancouver Weather Forecast, WA

Deadly 50 Car Pileup in Polk City, FL

Heavy fog conditions mixed with smoke from a "controlled burn" that spread out of control causing visibility to rapidly decrease. along a stretch of Interstate 4.

The wreak also cause several of the vehicles to catch fire after the accident. Due to the thick smoke and fog mix, it was difficult for emergency crews to get to the scene.

At least four people have been reported dead and 38 injuries have also been reported from the accident at this time . A 15 mile stretch of the highway has been shut down, and will remain closed for sometime.

A map of the closed portion of highway can be seen below

View Larger Map

Since heavy fog is being forecast for the area tomorrow we urge you to drive safely and provide the following safe driving tips.

• Drive with lights on low beam.
  
• Reduce speed.
  
• Listen for traffic you cannot see.
  
• Use wipers and defroster as necessary for maximum vision.
  
• Be patient! Don't pass lines of traffic unless absolutely necessary.
  
• Unless absolutely necessary, don't stop on any freeway or other heavily traveled road.
  
• Consider postponing your trip until the fog clears.

Severe Weather Hits U.S. Hard

Winter storms blanketed the U.S. the last several days causing some emergency and disaster situations around the country.

In the last several days due to heavy snow and rain there have been several major deadly car accidents in Wisconsin, involving over 100 cars. These accidents caused two deaths and sent over 50 people to the hospital. The States major Highway was shut down in both directions due to the accident.

In addition southeastern Wisconsin was also hit in the last 24 hours by an unusual series of January tornadoes. One tornado touched down in Wheatland, another was confirmed south of Wheatland and a third on the north side of Kenosha, said Wisconsin Emergency Management spokeswoman Lori Getter.

Two people have been reported as being killed and many homes have been destroyed. The hardest hit was Wheatland, Wisconsin. The only other time tornadoes, have touched down in the State in January are in 1844 and 1967 making it a very rare event.

Another freak January tornado hit Arkansas today as well. The tornadoes are attributed to unusually warm weather that hit the Country's mid-section causing temperatures to rise into the low 70's with areas as far north as Buffalo, NY reaching the low 60's. More severe weather may hit if conditions continue.

See more on these stories here:

200 Sticks of Dynamite and Ammonium Nitrate Stolen

The Theft occurred this past Thursday and were stolen from Elmo Greer and Sons Construction Company. The contractor was hired to construct the new Highway 321 project.

Along with the explosive materials, blasting caps were also taken from the three storage building near the site on Carpenter Road off Highway 321.

The ATF, FBI and TBI are currently investigating the theft at this time.

I will follow up if I learn more about this.