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I-95 in Connecticut will close for days after fiery crash damages bridge, governor says

A tanker truck filled with gasoline burst into flames in a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 in Connecticut. The wreck closed the East Coast’s main north-south highway Thursday and caused major traffic jams, but the state’s governor said there were no serious injuries.

In this image provided by the Connecticut Governor’s Office, emergency personnel work at the scene of a fiery early morning crash that left both sides of Interstate 95, the East Coast’s main north-south highway, shut down in southwestern Connecticut., Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Norwalk, Conn. (Norwalk Fire Department/Connecticut Governor’s Office via AP)

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This image provided by the Norwalk Police Department shows the scene of a tanker fire on I-95 in Norwalk, Conn., Thursday, May 2, 2024. Both sides of I-95, the East Coast’s main north-south highway, were shut down following the early morning crash involving a passenger car, a tractor-trailer and a tanker truck carrying 8,500 gallons (about 32,000 liters) of gasoline. (Norwalk Police Department via AP)

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The major traffic artery linking New England with New York will be closed in Connecticut for days after a tanker fire damaged a bridge over Interstate 95, Gov. Ned Lamont said Thursday.

The tanker truck filled with gasoline burst into flames in a three-vehicle crash Thursday on I-95 in southwest Connecticut , closing the East Coast’s main north-south highway and causing major traffic jams. While Lamont said there were no serious injuries in the 5:30 a.m. accident in Norwalk, the crash caused damage to the bridge above it.

“The heat from the burning fuel compromised some of the bridge, so that bridge is going to have to come down and that demolition is going to start first thing tomorrow morning,” Lamont said at a briefing Thursday evening in Hartford.

He said the hope is to reopen the interstate by Monday morning.

Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling said his city’s schools will be closed on Friday. It’s unclear whether they’ll reopen Monday. He urged local employers to consider allowing employees to work from home on Friday, if possible, or use the MetroNorth commuter rail. Additional trains are being added to the rail line, officials said.

While the bridge was less than 10 years old, “the damage was pretty severe due to the amount of gasoline that was in the tanker ignited directly underneath the bridge structure,” Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said. “The steel did begin to overheat and warp.”

The tanker had been carrying a load of about 8,500 gallons (about 32,000 liters) when it crashed beneath the Fairfield Avenue bridge, officials said. The overpass did not appear in danger of collapsing, said Scott Hill, chief engineer for the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

Eucalitto said it’s unsafe to allow any traffic to pass underneath the bridge in either direction, so the entire bridge, which has beams that cross both spans of highway, has to be removed.

Large equipment was being brought to Connecticut Thursday evening to complete the demolition, which is expected to begin around 3 a.m. on Friday. Lamont said the work could take 24 hours or longer to complete. After that, the roadway may need to be repaved before it can reopen.

It will likely take about a year to replace the bridge, a major artery for the city of more than 91,000 people. Lamont said he is hoping to receive federal reimbursement to cover the cost.

“I’m glad everyone is OK,” Lisa Brinton, who lives south of I-95, told Hearst Connecticut Media. “My concern is the after effect. Norwalk is divided in half by 95 and I drive over Fairfield Avenue bridge everyday.”

The cause of the crash remains under police investigation and no charges have been filed.

About 160,000 vehicles travel that portion of I-95 in both directions daily, Eucalitto said.

Traffic was backed up for dozens of miles during the morning rush hour, and lengthy delays remained in the area into Thursday evening and were expected through the weekend. Slow-moving detours were set up, taking traffic off the highway and around the accident scene. The crash left other highways and secondary roads in gridlock. The major alternate route in the area, the Merritt Parkway, cannot be used by trucks because the underpasses on that highway are too low.

Text alerts were sent to residents of Connecticut, New York and New Jersey, and trucking companies who use the section of I-95 were notified to find alternative routes and means of travel, he said. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg also was notified.

“I know what an incredible inconvenience this is for people and all I can ask you to do is stay away from that area as best you can,” Lamont said during an earlier briefing in Hartford. “The traffic jams are horrendous.”

Crews offloaded about 4,000 gallons (about 15,142 liters) of gasoline that was unburnt and remained on the tanker. Utility crews were also working to replace downed wires.

Environmental crews worked to clean up gasoline and firefighting foam. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said the runoff was contained to a retention pond and did not make it into the Norwalk River or the city’s harbor.

The accident was reminiscent of last year’s deadly accident in Philadelphia along I-95 when a tractor-trailer carrying gasoline lost control and caught fire, destroying a section of the highway.

The crash also came just over a year after a similar wreck on I-95 in Connecticut that forced the closure of the highway.

In April 2023, another fuel truck caught fire after colliding with a stopped car on the Gold Star Memorial Bridge between New London and Groton. The fuel truck driver was killed. The crash shut down the southbound side of the bridge for hours, while the northbound side was closed briefly. The driver of the car was recently charged with negligent homicide.

Associated Press writer Dave Collins contributed to this report

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Transport North East

Transport North East is now part of the North East Combined Authority. Find out how to access information about their previous work, governance documents, and ongoing commitments under the Transport portfolio. 

Transport North East is now part of the North East Combined Authority

Transport North East worked hard to deliver game-changing transport schemes and initiatives.

Their goal was to greatly improve the lives of everyone living or working in our region. The team provided strategy, planning and delivery services on behalf of the North East Joint Transport Committee and worked tirelessly to implement their vision of moving to a green, healthy, dynamic and thriving North East.

On 7 May 2024, Transport North East ceased to exist and its role and responsibilities were merged into the new North East Combined Authority.

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High school senior killed in Glenview crash days before prom; 3 others injured, police say

A high school senior was killed in a north suburban crash days before prom.

Two cars were involved in the wreck in the 1200-block of East Lake Avenue just after 11 p.m. on Sunday.

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Marko Niketic, 17, was driving the Mercedes that was hit by a Mustang which was traveling at a high rate of speed, according to police.

Niketic's passenger was critically injured and taken to a hospital, police said.

The driver of the Mustang was in the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police. The passenger of the Mustang is in the hospital critical condition.

The Mercedes was almost cut in half, its entire trunk ripped away and that back end landed in a neighbor's yard.

"This guy was flying," neighbor Dennis Mullen said. "I could hear the whoosh of the car as it went by the street and a second later I heard the big thump."

Residents of the quiet neighborhood said the crash sounded like an explosion.

Friends said Niketic was a senior at Glenbrook South High School. The crash happened just days away from prom and weeks away from graduation.

"I just knew that he was a good kid," Inessa Kaufman said. "There's nothing bad to say about this kid. He was like the popular kid around school."

A witness, Nathan Clark, said the Mustang was going at least 90 mph just seconds before the crash.

Clark, who called 911, said the Mustang went around him as he headed westbound on Lake. He said the driver was turning his lights off and on.

"I was in the left. He went into the left lane, got back in front of me, and then just floored it, turned off his lights. And then about five seconds later, I see the cars in the air," Clark said.

The crash was so loud, one neighbor said, she thought she heard an explosion.

"I was just watching TV, and all of a sudden, I just heard, I thought it was an explosion," Bobbie MacDonald said. "We live behind Lake, so if you hear an accident, there's usually some screeching, and then a bang. And there was no screeching at all."

Dozens of young people came out to the crash site on Monday afternoon to mourn together and support each other through the loss of a classmate.

But the most emotional scene was a visit from Niketic's father to a makeshift memorial. Students said he knelt down and kissed a picture of his son.

"I can't even imagine what his parents are going through. The most sweet parents in the world," said Preston Shute, a Glenbrook South High School student and a friend of the victim. "He's actually the best guy I ever knew. He should've lived a full life."

Shute and several dozen other students showed up to pray and begin to build the memorial to honor the life of their classmate. Shute said Niketic was his best friend, and they planned to room together next year in college.

"We always talked about the future. Unfortunately, he doesn't get a future, and I think that I don't know the whole situation, but the Mustang was driving really, really fast," Shute said. "The fact that I didn't get to say goodbye to him, it absolutely melts my heart. All I can say is, 'Rest in peace, Marko. You're my best friend. I'll see you again one day.'"

Shute said his friend had an entrepreneurial spirit, and day traded stocks in his free time. Others told ABC7 the teen was a real gentleman.

Glenbrook High School will have counselors available for students and staff to process the tragic death through the week.

Students can visit the student services department or visit the Glenbrook Health Center to speak with a social worker.

An anonymous text communication system for youth needing mental health assistance is available 24/7. Those looking for help can text "GBS HELP" to 844-823-5323.

"Our thoughts are with the Niketic family and the entire GBS community during this difficult time, Glenbrook South High School Principal Barbara Georges said.

Police were canvassing the neighborhood in hopes of finding anyone with surveillance video.

The North Regional Major Crimes Task Force's Major Crash Assistance Team is assisting police with their investigation.

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The huge solar storm is keeping power grid and satellite operators on edge

Geoff Brumfiel

Willem Marx

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of solar flares early Saturday afternoon. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there have been measurable effects and impacts from the geomagnetic storm. Solar Dynamics Observatory hide caption

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of solar flares early Saturday afternoon. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there have been measurable effects and impacts from the geomagnetic storm.

Planet Earth is getting rocked by the biggest solar storm in decades – and the potential effects have those people in charge of power grids, communications systems and satellites on edge.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there have been measurable effects and impacts from the geomagnetic storm that has been visible as aurora across vast swathes of the Northern Hemisphere. So far though, NOAA has seen no reports of major damage.

The Picture Show

Photos: see the northern lights from rare, solar storm.

There has been some degradation and loss to communication systems that rely on high-frequency radio waves, NOAA told NPR, as well as some preliminary indications of irregularities in power systems.

"Simply put, the power grid operators have been busy since yesterday working to keep proper, regulated current flowing without disruption," said Shawn Dahl, service coordinator for the Boulder, Co.-based Space Weather Prediction Center at NOAA.

NOAA Issues First Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch Since 2005

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"Satellite operators are also busy monitoring spacecraft health due to the S1-S2 storm taking place along with the severe-extreme geomagnetic storm that continues even now," Dahl added, saying some GPS systems have struggled to lock locations and offered incorrect positions.

NOAA's GOES-16 satellite captured a flare erupting occurred around 2 p.m. EDT on May 9, 2024.

As NOAA had warned late Friday, the Earth has been experiencing a G5, or "Extreme," geomagnetic storm . It's the first G5 storm to hit the planet since 2003, when a similar event temporarily knocked out power in part of Sweden and damaged electrical transformers in South Africa.

The NOAA center predicted that this current storm could induce auroras visible as far south as Northern California and Alabama.

Extreme (G5) geomagnetic conditions have been observed! pic.twitter.com/qLsC8GbWus — NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) May 10, 2024

Around the world on social media, posters put up photos of bright auroras visible in Russia , Scandinavia , the United Kingdom and continental Europe . Some reported seeing the aurora as far south as Mallorca, Spain .

The source of the solar storm is a cluster of sunspots on the sun's surface that is 17 times the diameter of the Earth. The spots are filled with tangled magnetic fields that can act as slingshots, throwing huge quantities of charged particles towards our planet. These events, known as coronal mass ejections, become more common during the peak of the Sun's 11-year solar cycle.

A powerful solar storm is bringing northern lights to unusual places

Usually, they miss the Earth, but this time, NOAA says several have headed directly toward our planet, and the agency predicted that several waves of flares will continue to slam into the Earth over the next few days.

While the storm has proven to be large, predicting the effects from such incidents can be difficult, Dahl said.

Shocking problems

The most disruptive solar storm ever recorded came in 1859. Known as the "Carrington Event," it generated shimmering auroras that were visible as far south as Mexico and Hawaii. It also fried telegraph systems throughout Europe and North America.

Stronger activity on the sun could bring more displays of the northern lights in 2024

While this geomagnetic storm will not be as strong, the world has grown more reliant on electronics and electrical systems. Depending on the orientation of the storm's magnetic field, it could induce unexpected electrical currents in long-distance power lines — those currents could cause safety systems to flip, triggering temporary power outages in some areas.

my cat just experienced the aurora borealis, one of the world's most radiant natural phenomena... and she doesn't care pic.twitter.com/Ee74FpWHFm — PJ (@kickthepj) May 10, 2024

The storm is also likely to disrupt the ionosphere, a section of Earth's atmosphere filled with charged particles. Some long-distance radio transmissions use the ionosphere to "bounce" signals around the globe, and those signals will likely be disrupted. The particles may also refract and otherwise scramble signals from the global positioning system, according to Rob Steenburgh, a space scientist with NOAA. Those effects can linger for a few days after the storm.

Like Dahl, Steenburgh said it's unclear just how bad the disruptions will be. While we are more dependent than ever on GPS, there are also more satellites in orbit. Moreover, the anomalies from the storm are constantly shifting through the ionosphere like ripples in a pool. "Outages, with any luck, should not be prolonged," Steenburgh said.

What Causes The Northern Lights? Scientists Finally Know For Sure

The radiation from the storm could have other undesirable effects. At high altitudes, it could damage satellites, while at low altitudes, it's likely to increase atmospheric drag, causing some satellites to sink toward the Earth.

The changes to orbits wreak havoc, warns Tuija Pulkkinen, chair of the department of climate and space sciences at the University of Michigan. Since the last solar maximum, companies such as SpaceX have launched thousands of satellites into low Earth orbit. Those satellites will now see their orbits unexpectedly changed.

"There's a lot of companies that haven't seen these kind of space weather effects before," she says.

The International Space Station lies within Earth's magnetosphere, so its astronauts should be mostly protected, Steenburgh says.

In a statement, NASA said that astronauts would not take additional measures to protect themselves. "NASA completed a thorough analysis of recent space weather activity and determined it posed no risk to the crew aboard the International Space Station and no additional precautionary measures are needed," the agency said late Friday.

People visit St Mary's lighthouse in Whitley Bay to see the aurora borealis on Friday in Whitley Bay, England. Ian Forsyth/Getty Images hide caption

People visit St Mary's lighthouse in Whitley Bay to see the aurora borealis on Friday in Whitley Bay, England.

While this storm will undoubtedly keep satellite operators and utilities busy over the next few days, individuals don't really need to do much to get ready.

"As far as what the general public should be doing, hopefully they're not having to do anything," Dahl said. "Weather permitting, they may be visible again tonight." He advised that the largest problem could be a brief blackout, so keeping some flashlights and a radio handy might prove helpful.

I took these photos near Ranfurly in Central Otago, New Zealand. Anyone can use them please spread far and wide. :-) https://t.co/NUWpLiqY2S — Dr Andrew Dickson reform/ACC (@AndrewDickson13) May 10, 2024

And don't forget to go outside and look up, adds Steenburgh. This event's aurora is visible much further south than usual.

A faint aurora can be detected by a modern cell phone camera, he adds, so even if you can't see it with your eyes, try taking a photo of the sky.

The aurora "is really the gift from space weather," he says.

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• solar flares
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Traffic and Travel live updates: Latest on North East roads, trains, Metros and buses

Follow live updates here for the latest on the roads and public transport across the region

• Updated 17:56, 20 DEC 2023

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Lane closed on the A19 - broken down vehicle

One lane closed and heavy traffic due to broken down car on A19 Northbound from A183 Chester Road to A1231 Sunderland Highway.

Heavy traffic on A167 Central Motorway in Newcastle

It's very busy on the A167 Central Motorway Southbound, from B1318 Great North Road to A186 City Road (Swanhouse Roundabout).

Accident on Delves Lane in Consett

We are getting reports of an accident on Delves Lane, in Consett, County Durham, near Lidl.

Traffic is coping well at the moment.

Motorcyclist suffers serious injuries in crash

A motorcyclist suffered serious injuries following a crash in County Durham.

The collision, involving a Ford Focus and a BMW Motorbike, took place on the A690 in West Rainton yesterday evening. Police say the motorcyclist had life-changing injuries and was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

Here's the full story.

Congestion on A1 Western Bypass

There is traffic congestion on the A1 Western Bypass, southbound from the Metrocentre to A6127 / A167 (Bowes Incline Angel Of The North).

Travel time is 25 minutes.

Gap in Metro service between Cullercoats and South Shields

Due to a problem with the power supply, there is a gap in service between Cullercoats and South Shields.

Gap in Metro services between Monkseaton and St James

Due to a failed train, there is a gap in services from Monkseaton towards St James, in both directions.

All lanes now open following earlier accident on A1

Earlier this morning, there was an accident on the A1 Southbound near the A194. This was causing traffic delays.

However, this has cleared now. All lanes have re-opened and traffic has returned to normal.

Metro services over Christmas and New Year

There are no Metro services on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.

On Christmas Eve, there's a Sunday service until about 6.00pm, then an hourly service (30 minutes between Pelaw and South Gosforth).

On Boxing Day, there's a revised Saturday service from about 8.00am - 8.00pm.

From Wednesday 27 until Friday 29 December Metro services will run to a weekday timetable, and to Saturday timetable on Saturday 30 December.

On New Year’s Eve, a Sunday service will run until about 9.00pm, then every 30 minutes (15 minutes between Pelaw and South Gosforth).

On Tuesday 2 January, Metro will run a normal weekday service.

Click here for full details of Metro's Christmas and New Year services.

Bus services delayed due to temporary traffic lights in South Tyneside

Due to three-way temporary traffic lights at the Boldon Lane/Harton Lane roundabout, Stagecoach services are expected to see long delays.

Broken down vehicle removed from A1 Western Bypass

The earlier broken down vehicle has been removed from the A1 Western Bypass Northbound from J73 A694 Derwenthaugh Road (Blaydon / Consett Turn Off) to J75 A69 (Denton Burn roundabout).

Broken down vehicle on A1 Western Bypass

One lane is closed due to a broken down vehicle on A1 Western Bypass Northbound from J73 A694 Derwenthaugh Road (Blaydon / Consett Turn Off) to J75 A69 (Denton Burn roundabout).

Traffic is coping well.

Congestion on A188 and A191 Front Street

It's busy on the approaches to and through the junction at Four Lane Ends.

Traffic building up on A1231 Sunderland Highway/Wessington Way

This video shows the east and westbound approaches to the A19 Hylton Grange roundabout.

How A184 Felling Bypass in Gateshead is looking

There are some delays as traffic starts to build up on the approaches to the Heworth junction.

Getting busy on A19 and A191 Holystone junction in North Tyneside

Traffic is building up on the approaches to the junction but moving well on the A19 itself.

Slow traffic on A69 in Newcastle

Traffic is slow on A69 Eastbound from A6085 Ponteland Road (Throckley Turn Off) to A1 Western Bypass (Denton Burn Roundabout).

Heavy traffic due to a collision on the A1(M)

One lane blocked and heavy traffic due to a collision on the A1(M) Southbound near A194(M).

Good service on the Metro

Tyne and Wear Metro trains are running to all destinations with no reported issues at present.

Latest on the roads in the North East

Here's the latest on the roads across the region:

• Slow traffic on A1 Western Bypass Northbound around A167 Angel Of The North coming from Chester-le-Street. Travel time is ten minutes.

Slow traffic on A19 Northbound at the Tyne Tunnel. Travel time is ten minutes.

Slow traffic on A19 Southbound at the Tyne Tunnel.

Queueing traffic on A184 Felling Bypass Westbound around A185 / B1426 Shields Road ( Heworth traffic lights).

Queueing traffic on A19 at A189 / A1171 / B1505 (Moor Farm Roundabout).

Slow traffic on The approaches at Benton Park Road double roundabouts.

Slow traffic on A194(M) and A194 Leam Lane in both directions at A184 Newcastle Road (White Mare Pool Roundabout).

​Traffic busy but moving on the A19 Northbound at Tyne Tunnel

Traffic busy but moving on the A19 Northbound at Tyne Tunnel approaching the Southern Portal in Jarrow.

Collision obstructing on lane on the A1 Southbound

Southbound delays and one lane obstructed on the A1 near Washington services due to a collision which is impacting on the surrounding area.

'Long delays' expected on some bus services

Stagecoach North East is advising customers that there is likely to be long delays to services today due to three-way temporary traffic lights at the Boldon Lane/Harton Lane roundabout.

Good morning and welcome to Wednesday's traffic and travel blog.

Here you will find all the latest on the region's roads, Metros, trains and buses and travel disruption.

• Traffic & Travel
• Newcastle upon Tyne
• Northumberland
• Tyne and Wear Metro
• County Durham
• North Tyneside
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Ukraine war latest: Situation in Kharkiv 'dire' - as parts of Vovchansk 'fall to Russia'

The UN says it is "deeply concerned" about the plight of civilians in northeastern Ukraine, as Ukrainian troops are forced to withdraw from parts of a key town in the region. Submit your question on the war for our experts to answer below.

Tuesday 14 May 2024 13:02, UK

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• Blinken arrives in Kyiv on unannounced trip
• Parts of Vovchansk fall to Russia - reports
• Shapps: World took its 'eye off the ball' with Ukraine
• Dozens of homes damaged in Belgorod attack
• Big picture: Everything you need to know about the war this week
• Analysis:  Putin's 'baffling' reshuffle explained
• Who is Andrei Belousov, Putin's new pick for defence minister?
• Live reporting by Bhvishya Patel

Ask a question or make a comment

Russia has put its submarine-launched Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile into service, the TASS state news agency reports.

Russia's state media quoted the missile's chief designer Yuri Solomonov as saying its adoption was announced in a decree on 7 May, the same day that Vladimir Putin began a new six-year term in the Kremlin.

The Bulava was developed under a programme that started in the 1990s, and is designed to be deployed on Russia's Borei-class submarines.

Last November, the defence ministry said one of those submarines had successfully test-launched the Bulava, firing it from an underwater position in the White Sea off northern Russia.

TASS said Russia's Northern and Pacific fleets now include seven Borei submarines and each carries 16 Bulavas.

For context : Vladimir Putin has warned the West since the start of the war in Ukraine that direct intervention by NATO troops there could trigger a nuclear conflict. 

In March he said he did not believe the US was "rushing" towards this, but that Russia's nuclear forces were technically ready.

The world taking its "eye off the ball" led to the position we see in Kharkiv today, defence secretary Grant Shapps has said. 

Speaking at the Sea Power Conference today, the minister reiterated the UK's complete support for Ukraine, saying Russia winning would be "unimaginable and unacceptable".

He said: "I've heard repeatedly, including said to me by [Ukraine's] President Zelenskyy, which is that without Britain, they wonder whether they would still have been in this war at all."

He listed the UK's commitments to Ukraine, and criticised the world for having taken its "eye off the ball" recently.

"The amount of time it's taken to get the rest of the funding through has directly led to the position we see in Kharkiv today," he said.

He added that he did not think the situation was "fatal", however, and said it was "an important lesson to the world not to lose attention about Ukraine".

Ukraine must develop the "strongest possible democracy", Antony Blinken has told officials during a working lunch in a pizzeria in Kyiv.

The US secretary of state said it was "imperative" that fighting corruption in the country continues along with fighting Russian aggression. 

He also said it was important Ukraine developed "the strongest possible democracy" that reflects its citizens and attracts investment.

Mr Blinken's surprise visit follows the approval of a long-delayed foreign assistance package for Ukraine by Congress.

The package sets aside $61bn (£48.1bn) in aid for Ukraine, much of which will go toward replenishing badly depleted artillery and air defence systems.

Russian troops have captured the town of Buhruvatka in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, the defence ministry reports, according to Reuters.

The claim comes hours after Russia's TASS  news agency reported the western and northern parts of Vovchansk in Ukraine's Kharkhiv region had fallen (see post at 9.21am).

Sky News cannot independently verify these battlefield claims.

Russia's supreme court has rejected an appeal by Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza against his 25-year jail sentence, according to Reuters. 

The prominent Russian opposition figure, who has both Russian and British passports, was arrested near his Moscow home in April 2022 and convicted of treason by a court in April 2023.

He has repeatedly condemned Russia's war in Ukraine, criticised Vladimir Putin, and lobbied for Western sanctions against Moscow.

In his appeal, Mr Kara-Murza had argued that he had committed no crime and was convicted solely for exercising his right to free speech by expressing public opposition to Mr Putin and the war.

"This whole case is based on the denial of the very concepts of law, justice, and legality," he said in a written submission to the court.

"But it is also based on a crude, cynical forgery - an attempt to equate criticism of the authorities with harm to the country; to present opposition activity as 'treason'. But there is nothing new in this, either; it is what every dictatorship does."

Evacuations are under way in the town of Vovchansk, in the northeast Kharkiv region.

Local officials fear that Vovchansk's fate may mirror that of Bakhmut and Avdiivka, Ukrainian cities where fierce fighting forced Ukrainian withdrawals.

The Kremlin's forces are aiming to exploit Ukrainian weaknesses before a big batch of new military aid for Kyiv from the US and European partners arrives on the battlefield, according to analysts.

Six children have been rescued from the Russian-occupied Kherson region, the area's governor Oleksandr Prokudin has said. 

Mr Prokudin said on Telegram the children - one girl and five boys - were "rescued from the camps of the Russian occupiers".

The Save Ukraine organisation worked on the rescue mission, he said.

"It was an extremely difficult rescue mission with delays at roadblocks and intimidation," the governor said.

"Fortunately, all the children are safe now. Doctors and psychologists work with them."

The children were aged between five and 12.

The UN has issued a statement on the ongoing situation in the northeast Kharkiv region.

In a statement, the office of the UN high commissioner for human rights said it was "deeply concerned at the plight of civilians in Ukraine, particularly in the Kharkiv region" as Russian forces step up attacks.

"This assault has seized more Ukrainian territory, triggered further displacement and potentially threatens Kharkiv," the statement reads.

Data from the UN shows that since the latest incursion by Russian forces on 10 May at least 6,000 people are believed to have fled or been evacuated from areas on the border and many have reached the city of Kharkiv.

At least eight civilians have been killed and 35 injured in the Kharkiv region since last Friday.

"In the Kharkiv region, the situation is dire, as fighting intensifies," the UN office said.

"Colleagues in Kharkiv report air raid sirens sounding almost constantly and hearing explosions in the border area and in the city itself. 

"Reports indicate that in the northeastern border city of Vovchansk, where there has been significant destruction, heavy fighting is continuing. 

"Several hundred civilian residents out of a population of some 3,000 prior to 10 May are believed to still be there."

The head of Ukraine's military intelligence agency has said the situation in the Kharkiv region is moving towards stabilisation but that Russia may send in more reserves in the coming days.

Russia's military had also stationed small assault units near Ukraine's northern Sumy region, GUR agency chief Kyrylo Budanov told Ukrainian TV.

Earlier, the TASS news agency reported the western and northern parts of Vovchansk in Ukraine's Kharkhiv region were now under Russian control (see post at 9.21am).

Ukraine's military said the situation in the town was under control but it had to withdraw to new positions near the village of Lukyantsi.

Vladimir Putin's appointment of Nikolai Patrushev as his aide, which forms part of his cabinet reshuffle, appears to be a demotion, our  international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn   says.

Waghorn says Patrushev, who was moved from his role of secretary on the security council to make way for Sergei Shoigu, is a "colourful and rather sinister character".

"He is the ideas man behind the direction Vladimir Putin has taken his country in," he says.

"He seems to believe in any conspiracy theory that is going. He can buy into paranoia about the way the world is treating Russia, with delusions of grandeur about the restoration of the Russian empire.

"He's put a lot of thoughts and ideas into Putin's head over the years."

Waghorn says Western observers "will be relieved" he's been taken away from that position and it "looks as though he's been put into a position where he has been demoted to an adviser role".

"He's still  in a position where he can influence Putin but he won't have control over intelligence gathering," he adds.

"The apparent demotion will be encouraging to observers in the West."

But Waghorn also notes that it looks as though Mr Putin "is getting his act together".

"Bringing about a reshuffle might give him a bit more reality with the way in which he views the world - that may or may not be a good thing," he adds.

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What's your chance of seeing the northern lights tonight? A look at Saturday's forecast

Illuminating the night sky with pink, green and gray colors, the northern lights made its appearance in the United Kingdom and the northern half of the United States on Friday. The magical phenomena could happen again tonight.

The show fascinated many onlookers as they took out their phones to capture the beauty of the night sky. On Friday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued extreme (G5) conditions across the United States. A storm of this intensity has not been seen since October 2003. The storm gained the name "Halloween Storm" and caused many power outages in Sweden and damaged transformers in South Africa, according to Earth.com .

Meteorologists have predicted that the northern lights can be visible on Saturday as well as Sunday. If you are going outside to see the northern lights, forecasters want to remind the public that their solar eclipse glasses can be used for viewing the phenomenon.

Here's what you need to know to prepare for the next viewing of the northern lights.

The northern lights: Danced across the US last night. It could happen again Saturday.

What is the cloud forecast Saturday night? Will clouds block the northern lights?

If you missed the aurora borealis Friday night, you might still catch a glimpse on Saturday or Sunday, depending on where you live. But not if clouds get in the way.

The cloud forecast for Saturday night is generally good for most of America, but some of the people who missed their chance last night due to clouds may have a similar problem Saturday, said AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines. Areas that are likely to be cloudy include New England and Mid-Atlantic regions, as well as parts of the Southern Plains, including Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado.

“Even just a few breaks in the clouds will allow the aurora to be visible,” Kines said. “There’s always hope.”

Peak visibility time Saturday night will be between 9 p.m. and midnight, with some chance until 2 a.m., Kines said. The best views will be in dark areas away from the light pollution of cities, he said, though some reported seeing the auroras Friday night from metro areas like Milwaukee and Detroit.

Sunday night, if there is any aurora to see, those in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic can rejoice, because Kines said the skies should be clearer.

Where can you see the northern lights tonight?

The Space and Weather Prediction Center  offers an experimental forecast map  that shows the aurora may be visible in a wide swath of the U.S. including Oregon, Nebraska, Indiana and Pennsylvania. Other states like California, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida could also see the sky light up again for an encore performance. But visibility will depend on shifting factors that include weather, pollution and cloud cover.

Below are forecast predictions for seeing the northern lights in New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio and Indiana on Saturday.

Rain and clouds are expected to damper expectations to see the aurora borealis around the Rochester, N.Y. area . Elsewhere in NY, the  Lower Hudson Valley could see the lights again, if weather permits. 

NWS maps predicting the intensity and location of the northern lights Saturday and Sunday show the aurora will be visible in mid to northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

Saturday and Sunday are predicted to be mostly cloudy with some rain showers and isolated thunderstorms. The NWS predicted 48% to 58% sky cover in metro Detroit from 8 p.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. Sunday. The western portion of both peninsulas are expected to have a lower cloud cover.

In the Milwaukee area , the evening is expected to bring mostly clear skies and overnight will have scattered clouds, said Tim Halbach, local meteorologist with the National Weather Service. 

Those living around the Cincinnati region could be treated to the northern lights Saturday night with the NWS' Wilmington, Ohio , office forecasting dry, partly cloudy conditions. Clouds shouldn't be an issue as many Ohioans reported seeing the lights Friday despite some cloud cover.

 In a telephone interview, Mike Bettwy, operations chief of the NOAA's  Space Weather Prediction Center  in Boulder, Co, said Indianapolis and surrounding areas might have a better chance of seeing the aurora today and Sunday.

They can expect clear skies tonight, Bettwy said.

"The aurora itself might be actually a little bit less active than it was last night," he told IndyStar. "I think the ability for you to see it will be better because the skies will be clearing out — at least in the Indianapolis area and that immediate vicinity."

Northern lights forecast path

If you want to get a better idea of if you will be able to see the northern lights from your state, check NOAA's aurora forecast tool , which has a 30-minute forecast window. 

The auroras are a natural light display in Earth's sky that are famously best seen in high-latitude regions.

Scientist left amazed by the aurora

The aurora seen on May 10 amazed Antonella Fruscione, an astrophysicist at Harvard University. She sent photos of the lights and the April eclipse to her friends in Italy. The northern lights weren't as prominent in Italy as it was in other places.

"And I sent them the picture that I took at the solar eclipse and I said, 'Can you imagine how fortunate I was this year, one month apart, I see these two incredible spectacles of the universe,'" she recalled telling them.

The phenomena seen Friday and possibly Saturday night isn't usual, she said.

"It's a very rare occurrence, especially because last night it was really visible," Fruscione said.

That's because the Earth's magnetic activity was at a nine, the highest the index goes, coupled with the Sun being at an active peak, causing eruptions. She added the colors cannot be predicted either as it depends on how the solar energetic particles interact with oxygen and nitrogen atoms. Oxygen appears green, while nitrogen appears purple, blue or pink, she said.

"It just depends on which atoms in the atmosphere this particle interact with," Fruscione said.

She declined to predict how strong Saturday's aurora could be as it's not in her expertise, but said people make predictions all the time about space weather not just for the northern lights, but to ensure communications, space stations, astronauts and other matter in space doesn't get majorly disrupted.

Down on Earth, however, the activity is harmless to humans.

"It's completely harmless because the particles do not don't do not reach us," Fruscione said. "The reason why we see the colors is that the particle interacts with the atoms and they make these beautiful colors and that's it."

For Saturday, and any other day where chatter about the aurora borealis is high, Fruscione encouraged people to download an aurora forecasting app to their phones so they can see the colorful skies.

What are the northern lights?

The northern lights materialize when energized particles from the sun reach Earth's upper atmosphere at speeds of up to 45 million mph,  according to Space.com . Earth's magnetic field redirects the particles toward the poles through a process that produces a stunning display of rays, spirals and flickers that has fascinated humans for millennia.

Contributing: Eric Lagatta and Dinah Voyles Pulver , USA TODAY ; Tanya Wildt, Detroit Free Press ; Alex Groth, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ; Contributing: Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer ; Contributing: Steve Howe, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle; Rockland/Westchester Journal News ; Alexandria Burris, Indianapolis Star

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at  [email protected] . Follow her on  Instagram ,  Threads  and  X (Twitter)

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Hwy 23 work at Gogebic Creek culvert in Duluth begins May 13

DULUTH, Minn. –   The Minnesota Department of Transportation will be starting work on Highway 23 in Duluth on Monday, May 13. The Gogebic Creek culvert near Morgan Park will be replaced. Motorists can expect lane closures on Monday, and traffic switched to single-lane, head-to-head travel on the inland side of Highway 23 starting on Tuesday, May 14.

Visit the project website for maps and general project information .