VIRGINIA BRIEFING

CLIMATE CHANGE

Severe Effect on Weather, Wildlife, Water Levels Foreseen by Panel

Climate change will probably bring far-reaching changes to Virginia, threatening the Hampton Roads area with sea-level rise, altering ecosystems in forests and the Chesapeake Bay and increasing the risk of deadly diseases and heat waves, according to a set of preliminary findings yesterday from the Governor's Commission on Climate Change.

The 40-member panel found that water levels in the Chesapeake might rise 2.3 to 5.2 feet by 2100, putting Hampton Roads at serious risk of flooding and making it harder for anyone in coastal Virginia to purchase property insurance. It also found that warmer temperatures might have a negative impact on familiar bay species such as blue crabs, striped bass and oysters.

The panel also found that climate change could cause more "extreme weather events" such as heat waves, floods, droughts and hurricanes, putting human life at risk. The commission's next task will be to recommend solutions to the problem; its report is due to Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) in December.

-- David A. Fahrenthold

VIRGINIA BEACH

Woman Is Found Strangled, Perhaps by Her Pet Python

Police believe a 25-year-old Virginia Beach woman was strangled by her pet python.

Amanda Ruth Black's husband came home about 11:30 p.m. Tuesday and found her lying in a bedroom, police said. The snake's cage was open.

Black was pronounced dead at the scene. A preliminary medical examiner's report indicates she died of asphyxiation. Police say Black was trying to give medicine to the 13-foot tiger python when the incident happened.

Animal control officers found the snake in the bedroom and are holding it at their office.