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Linus Torvalds postpones Linux 6.8 merge window after being taken offline by storms
(www.theregister.com)
this post was submitted on 15 Jan 2024
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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This is the best summary I could come up with:
Linus Torvalds has indefinitely postponed the merge window for version 6.8 of the Linux kernel after a winter storm knocked out power and internet near his work-from-home location in Oregon.
On Saturday Torvalds shared news that temperatures in his area near Portland fell to 14°F (-10°C) and that the power outage was widespread.
The United States National Weather Service warned on Saturday that a winter storm had brought precipitation, strong wind and very cold temperatures.
Local media reported four to five inches of snow (10-13 cm), blocked roads, over 150,000 people left without power, disrupted public transportation, and several cold weather-related deaths.
It’s a scenario that would make one reconsider ever leaving the house, assuming adequate warmth inside the home.
Linux-watchers may recall that January would often see Torvalds head down under to attend antipodean FOSS-fest Linux.conf.au, then sneak in a little diving in local waters.
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These aren't even close to extreme conditions in my area and I don't even live that up North from Portland. Is American power grid that much of a joke?
I imagine each grid is built to expected temperatures. So if it unusual for the area, it is problematic. I know my parent has similar weather in Ireland about 15 years ago and all the water pipes were frozen so they lost running water. That was about 15 degrees c colder than usual, about 10 degrees colder than I ever remember growing up. Texas has had recurrent problems too with their grid. Australia has had problems due to flooding. It’s just another effect of global warming.
I'd guess wind is the biggest factor here, but it's just not mentioned in this quote.
You got it. I'm in Portland. We had a week if steady rain so the ground is saturated with water. Then the high winds came in. The tree roots have nothing to hold to, so they fall down.
Now we're forecast to get over half an inch of ice overnight, which will bring down more power lines.
This isn't usual weather for us, just a confluence of shitty events.
It's probably due to ice and wind. Ice freezes on power lines and the wind causes the lines to "gallop." Look up some videos of galloping lines. With more infrastructure going underground where it can, this is becoming less of an issue obviously. But it's not just inches of snow and temperatures that cause the problems.
Yes, the US grid is that bad (especially the profoundly corrupt Texas utility).
But in Linus's case, it was just a big fucking tree that came down on his street. That tree looks like a scary mess to clear.
I've lived my entire life in Portland. This is the coldest Portland's gotten in my memory. We spent most of the weekend without power in a house hovering around 40F (4C). Four people are known to have died so far, including one from a tree falling on his bedroom. Is it not as cold as your neck of the woods? Sure. But it's very, very unusual for it to be this cold, so it hits harder when it does happen.