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Extreme Weather and Climate Disasters

Severe winter storms, bomb cyclones, heat waves, flooding, and wildfires intensified by climate change across the US and globally

7.8 quake kills at least 19 in southern Philippines

Illustration accompanying article: 7.8 quake kills at least 19 in southern Philippines
  • A magnitude-7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao at 7:37 a.m. local time on Monday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology confirmed.
  • At least 19 people were killed and more than 130 injured across Mindanao, according to local disaster officials.
  • Videos circulating on social media showed multiple building collapses, including a Jollibee restaurant, the first day of the school year.
  • President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered class and work suspensions in affected areas as aftershocks continued.
 3 MIN READ

Multiple people shot near festival in Toledo, Ohio; suspect at large

Illustration accompanying article: Multiple people shot near festival in Toledo, Ohio; suspect at large
  • The Toledo Police Department responded to a report of a shooting near the Old West End Festival at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and found multiple shooting victims.
  • Police said "many victims" were transported to medical facilities but did not provide details on the number of people injured or the severity of their wounds.
  • Witness Kevin Berry told The Guardian he heard gunshots, saw a gun tossed to the ground less than 50 feet away, and observed at least five people with gunshot wounds.
  • Police said they are actively searching for the suspect or suspects involved and have established investigation scenes in the area of Delaware Avenue and Robinwood Avenue.
 3 MIN READ
Illustration accompanying article: Iowa water pollution threatens health and summer recreation

Record-low Colorado snow worries cities, ranchers and water talks in US West

2026-04-02

Colorado recorded its worst snowpack since statewide recordkeeping began in 1941, and hydrologists say the early, low mountain snow leaves less water for the drought-stricken US West. The findings come as cities announce new restrictions and ranchers weigh earlier feed cuts, while states negotiate new rules for managing Colorado River shortages before current agreements expire in September.

Neglected North Shore waterways worsened Hawaii floods, residents say

2026-03-31

The U.S. Virgin Islands-based? No. On Oʻahu’s North Shore, residents and farmers say neglected plantation-era irrigation ditches, culverts and drainage infrastructure helped worsen flooding during recent storms. Reporting from Honolulu Civil Beat and distributed by The Associated Press describes disputes over who is responsible for maintaining the patchwork of waterways as the region rebuilds and seeks clearer enforcement.

Arctic sea ice shrinks to tie lowest winter level amid record heat

2026-03-31

Arctic sea ice shrank to a tie for the lowest measured winter level as unseasonably warm conditions shattered temperature records across multiple regions, including the United States, Mexico and parts of Europe, according to climate scientists cited by The Associated Press. The winter ice maximum matters because it sets the starting point for the summer melt season that leads to the year’s minimum.

Floods, landslide and thunderstorms in Afghanistan leave 17 dead

2026-03-30

Kabul, Afghanistan, severe flooding, a landslide and thunderstorms left 17 people dead and 26 injured over the last 24 hours, according to the country’s National Disaster Management Authority. The agency also said the storms damaged roads, homes and agricultural areas, with more heavy rainfall forecast for parts of the country.

Honolulu officials delayed evacuation orders as Oahu’s North Shore flooded

2026-03-27

Honolulu officials did not issue evacuation orders as Oahu’s North Shore flooded in the overnight hours of March 19, according to reporting that reviewed the timeline, weather information and communications used that night. The delays left residents describing sudden, fast-rising water and, in some cases, difficulty reaching help. The city’s emergency management director said he accepts responsibility for how the city managed the flood.

How to help those impacted by Hawaii floods as aid groups collect donations

2026-03-26

Communities across Hawaii are digging out after the worst flooding to hit the state in more than 20 years, with nonprofits and mutual aid groups collecting donations to support households, farmers and animals affected across the islands. Gov. Josh Green said two Kona low winter storm systems unleashed deluges over saturated soil and asked President Donald Trump for a major disaster declaration to speed recovery.

How to help those impacted by Hawaii floods

2026-03-25

Residents across Hawaii are digging out from the state’s worst flooding in more than 20 years, following two Kona low winter storm systems that dumped heavy rain on already-saturated ground. Nonprofits, mutual aid groups, and foundations are collecting donations to support affected households, farmers and animals across multiple islands, and Gov. Josh Green has asked President Donald Trump for a major disaster declaration.

Hawaii digging out after surprise downpour floods parts of Honolulu

2026-03-24

HONOLULU — Crews in Hawaii began assessing damage after a surprise downpour sent floodwaters surging through a neighborhood east of downtown Honolulu, the latest bout in a two-week stretch of storms and flooding. Authorities said there were no immediate reports of deaths or serious injuries, but they reported hundreds of damaged homes and extensive damage from reddish-brown mud in the Manoa Valley.

Heat dome still drives record March warmth; Midwest sees next

2026-03-24

The record-smashing heat dome that has baked the U.S. Southwest is continuing into early April and is creeping eastward, meteorologists said. After March records in multiple states, forecasters said temperatures may reach the 90s Fahrenheit in parts of the southern and central Plains by midweek as the broader area of record heat expands.

Worst Hawaii floods in 20 years leave homes damaged and dozens rescued on Oahu

2026-03-24

Hawaii’s worst flooding in two decades has swept away parts of communities on Oahu, damaging hundreds of homes and prompting hundreds of rescues as crews assess damage after torrential rains. Authorities said no deaths had been reported as of Monday, though the state’s emergency response continued in areas hit by flooding earlier this month and in new downpours.

Spring still feeling like summer in parts of Southwest US

2026-03-22

Extreme heat warnings returned Saturday across parts of California and Arizona, with temperatures forecast to reach triple digits as far north as Nebraska. The National Weather Service also forecast temperatures in the 90s across Nebraska, followed by a drop into the 50s and 60s Sunday.

Hawaii faces worst flooding in 20 years as officials warn of dam risk

2026-03-22

Hawaii officials urged evacuations over Saturday due to the state’s worst flooding in more than 20 years, after heavy rain from a winter storm left soils already saturated and more rain loomed. Authorities warned a 120-year-old dam could fail as muddy floodwaters smothered parts of Oahu’s North Shore and evacuation orders affected thousands.

Corpus Christi refineries seek alternate water as drought crisis nears

2026-03-21

Corpus Christi-area refineries are seeking alternate water sources as the city warns it could enter a water emergency in as soon as two months, a move that could affect refining output and fuel supplies. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered state agencies to suspend normal procedures to speed projects as local reservoirs fall below 10% capacity and the city scrambles for options to meet demand.

Extreme heat across the US in 4 graphics

2026-03-21

Temperatures are running far above normal for March across much of the United States, with some places seeing swings of at least 20 degrees Fahrenheit above typical. In four graphics, the Associated Press shows how the unusual early-season warmth is breaking records, largely concentrated in the West but also appearing in pockets across other regions.

Scientists say Southwest March heat shows climate change’s extremes

2026-03-21

Summer heat shattered March records across parts of the U.S. Southwest, with some areas hitting 112 degrees Fahrenheit (44.4 Celsius) as the wave pushed into a month not typically associated with such readings, Associated Press reported March 20. A World Weather Attribution flash analysis said the kind of heat seen this month would have been virtually impossible without human-caused climate change.

Arizona desert community hits 110°F in March, breaking U.S. record

2026-03-20

A desert community in southwestern Arizona reached 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 Celsius) on Thursday, breaking the U.S. record for the highest March temperature, the National Weather Service said. The record-setting heat wave scorched the Southwest as communities across the region saw record highs for the last day of winter.

Nebraska wildfires burn into day 7 as winds ease but danger persists

2026-03-19

Firefighters and volunteers in western and central Nebraska were in their seventh day battling multiple wildfires, including the Morrill County blaze that has burned about 1,005 square miles and is the largest in Nebraska history, the Associated Press reported. Winds are expected to be less than earlier in the week, but authorities warned the fires could still spread quickly if flames cross containment lines.

Corpus Christi water emergency could come in two months, leaders warn

2026-03-19

Corpus Christi leaders told residents they could be as little as two months away from triggering emergency water measures as drought forecasts show little to no rainfall in the coming summer months. At a 10-hour City Council meeting, the city outlined multiple scenarios that would push it into a level one water emergency by May.

Warming winters make hunting ice riskier in Alaska and beyond

2026-03-19

As winters warm, ice that used to hold fast is becoming less predictable and more dangerous, the Associated Press reported. In northern Alaska, Elmer Brown and two friends went caribou hunting on frozen water last November; when the ice gave way, one friend drowned and Brown later died of hypothermia.

San Francisco sizzles in March as a winter heat wave bakes the U.S. West

2026-03-18

San Francisco experienced its hottest March in at least two decades this week as a rare winter heat wave pushed unusually warm temperatures across the U.S. West, the Associated Press reported Tuesday. Forecasters said parts of Arizona and Nevada could see record-breaking or earliest-ever triple-digit readings for the month, while some water providers urged residents to avoid outdoor watering.

More flight cancellations, delays due to US storms

2026-03-18

Travel disruptions continued Tuesday in the U.S. as airlines worked to recover from powerful storms that had already snarled flight schedules a day earlier and compounded longer airport security lines during a partial federal shutdown.

Storms, blizzards and triple-digit heat put over half the U.S. at risk

2026-03-15

Chaotic weather on Monday put more than half the U.S. population in the path of severe conditions, the Associated Press reported, spanning a surprising California heatwave, blizzards in parts of the Midwest and Great Lakes, and storms rolling into the East Coast. Airport delays and cancellations piled up in major hubs, while flooding and landslides affected parts of Hawaii and officials in Washington, D.C., postponed votes as agencies told some federal workers to go home early.

Every kind of weather is about to hit the US, forecasters warn

2026-03-15

Storms, heat and Arctic cold are lined up for the United States in a single stretch of March weather extremes that spans from record warmth to heavy snow, dangerous winds and flash flooding, according to meteorologists and NOAA officials cited by the Associated Press. The outlook includes a heat dome over the Southwest, polar-vortex cold pushing into the Midwest and East, and back-to-back snowstorms for parts of the northern tier and Great Lakes, the AP reported. Hawaii is forecast to see downpours and flooding, and Texas is in line for high winds that could worsen wildfire conditions.

Austria’s glaciers retreat as Alpine region feels climate-change impact

2026-03-15

Vienna’s Alpine Club reported Friday that all but two of Austria’s 96 glaciers retreated over the last two years, highlighting accelerating climate change across the Alps. The club’s latest measurements show the Alpeiner Ferner in Tyrol and the Stubacher Sonnblickkees in Salzburg each lost more than 100 meters, and it said glacier tongues are continuing to disintegrate, including at Austria’s largest glacier, the Pasterze.

Spring’s jet stream chaos brings blizzard, storms, extreme heat, Hawaii rain

2026-03-15

Nearly every kind of wild weather hit parts of the United States on Monday as cold and warm air collided, aided by a jet stream described by forecasters as unusually erratic and by scientists as partly influenced by human-caused climate change. Meteorologists said blizzard conditions struck around the Great Lakes, damaging winds and the threat of tornadoes moved through the Eastern states, and an extreme heat dome was building over the Southwest for later this week. Meanwhile, more than two feet of rain continued to fall in Hawaii, drought persisted across much of the country and a large fire burned in Nebraska.

Storms add to thousands of canceled U.S. flights during shutdown

2026-03-15

Thousands of flights were canceled or delayed Monday across the eastern half of the U.S. as powerful storms hit at the same time a partial government shutdown left airport security screeners under strain. Flight-tracking data cited by the Associated Press showed more than 4,400 flights canceled and about 10,400 delayed. At major airport hubs, FAA ground stops and delays compounded the disruptions.

High winds knock out power in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan

2026-03-15

High winds knocked out power across parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan on Saturday, leaving hundreds of thousands of customers without electricity, according to an outage tracker. Farther west, at least one person died in a wind-driven wildfire in Nebraska, where hundreds of square miles had burned by midday.

March forecast calls for heat dome, polar plunge, heavy flooding

2026-03-15

The United States is bracing for a stretch of March extremes that includes record-setting heat in parts of the Southwest, a forecast polar-vortex chill for the Midwest and East, heavy rain and flooding in Hawaii, and late-season snow in the northern Great Lakes region, according to National Weather Service and NOAA forecasts. Meteorologists said weather could swing from warm to cold and back again in many areas.

Mid-March brings blizzard, severe winds, record heat risks across U.S.

2026-03-15

The United States is seeing multiple kinds of extreme weather in mid-March, with meteorologists citing a disturbed jet stream and springtime air-mass clashes. A blizzard dumped heavy snow around the Great Lakes, damaging high winds moved across parts of the East and raised tornado threats, and a Southwest heat wave is poised to break records as more rain fell in Hawaii.

Over half the U.S. faces extreme weather threats from heat to blizzards

2026-03-15

More than half the U.S. population faced some form of extreme weather threats on Monday, with a mix of heat, blizzards and damaging storms affecting regions from the Midwest to the East Coast. The Associated Press reported that airport delays and cancellations piled up in some major hubs, while parts of the Mid-Atlantic saw schools close early due to forecast high winds.

Storms cancel more US flights during partial shutdown affecting TSA

2026-03-15

Powerful storms swept across the eastern half of the United States on Monday, contributing to thousands of flight cancellations and delays as a partial government shutdown affecting airport security screening entered its second month. Flight-tracking data showed more than 4,400 flights scheduled to fly into, out of or within the U.S. were canceled Monday, while about 10,400 were delayed.

Powerful storm chain brings blizzard conditions to Upper Midwest

2026-03-14

A broad and erratic patchwork of severe weather rumbled across much of the United States on Sunday, bringing heavy snow in the Upper Midwest and damaging winds across the Plains. Forecasters said a line of severe storms would spread eastward by Monday, with mid-Atlantic states and Washington, D.C., at greatest risk for high winds and tornadoes.

Storm chain brings blizzard conditions to Upper Midwest, threat shifts east

2026-03-14

A broad patchwork of severe weather on Sunday brought heavy snow and damaging winds across parts of the Upper Midwest and Plains, while Hawaii continued to deal with flooding. Forecasters said storms with damaging winds and tornado risk were expected to spread eastward by Monday, including into the mid-Atlantic and the Washington area.

Southern California faces unusual March heat wave with 20-degree jump

2026-03-13

Winter heat wave conditions sent temperatures into the 90s across Southern California, with the National Weather Service warning that the mid-March warmth could raise the risk of illness. The weather service said the stretch is expected to run about 20 degrees warmer than normal for much of the week.

Southern California braces for sudden heat wave; LA near 93 degrees

2026-03-12

It’s still technically winter, but Southern California is bracing for unseasonably hot weather, with forecasters predicting temperatures near 93 degrees in downtown Los Angeles. The National Weather Service said the warm spell could be about 20 degrees above normal for mid-March, raising the risk of heat illness and prompting officials to urge residents to limit daytime outdoor activity.

Heat-triggered droughts spreading faster, covering more land, study finds

2026-03-06

Extreme weather events in which a heat wave triggers a sudden, severe drought have been spreading across the globe at an accelerating pace, according to a study published Friday in the journal Science Advances. Researchers from South Korea and Australia found that by 2023, these heat-first drought extremes covered as much as 16.7% of Earth's land in a given year — up from roughly 2.5% in the 1980s. The rate of increase over the final 22 years of the study period was eight times higher than in the two preceding decades, the authors said.

Tornadoes kill 6 in Michigan and Oklahoma as EF3 confirmed at Union Lake

2026-03-06

Authorities searched through rubble and debris in southern Michigan on Saturday after suspected tornadoes killed four people, including a 12-year-old boy, in a storm system that also claimed two lives in eastern Oklahoma on Friday. The National Weather Service confirmed an EF3 tornado with winds of at least 150 mph struck the Union Lake area near Union City, Michigan, and sent survey teams to assess additional tornado tracks across both states.

Study finds North American bird populations keep dropping

2026-02-28

Billions fewer birds are flying through North American skies than decades ago, and their population is shrinking faster, a new study in the journal Science found. Researchers linked the accelerating declines to a combination of intensive agriculture and warming temperatures, with the losses becoming more rapid in regions that warm the most.

Florida wildfire burns near 'Alligator Alcatraz' in the Everglades

2026-02-26

Crews in Florida on Wednesday battled a wildfire in Big Cypress National Preserve that had burned more than 25,000 acres near the Everglades immigration detention facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” The state said the fire posed no threat to the jail at the time, with officials attributing the safer conditions to higher humidity and the fire’s direction.

California utilities’ planned shutoffs are costing schools time, money

2026-02-26

Planned power outages in California, intended to reduce wildfire risk, have forced multiple districts to close schools or lose attendance during winter wind events, according to reporting on Riverside County districts. Officials said delayed or insufficient notice made it hard to prepare, while state funding rules tied to attendance can magnify the financial impact of disruptions.

Northeast blizzard sets records as experts call it a “classic” bomb cyclone

2026-02-26

The nor’easter that struck parts of the Northeast with nearly 3 feet of snow in some places intensified into a “bomb cyclone” and produced thundersnow and lightning, meteorologists said. By about midday Monday, Providence, Rhode Island, set an all-time snowfall record, while Warwick, Rhode Island, reported more than 3 feet. Forecasters also warned people shoveling the wet, heavy snow to avoid overexertion.

Northeast US digs out from brutal snowstorm that shut schools, flights

2026-02-25

Millions across the northeastern United States dug out Tuesday after a major storm blanketed the region with snow, canceled flights and disrupted transit, killing at least one person. While conditions improved in some areas, the National Weather Service warned another storm forming near the Great Lakes could bring more snow as it moves toward the Northeast.

Patrick seeks to block Camp Mystic summer reopening pending flood inquiry

2026-02-24

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick urged the state to block Camp Mystic's summer reopening Monday, saying it would be "naive" to allow the troubled youth camp to resume normal operations before a full investigation into last July's flood deaths. Twenty-eight people died in the disaster — 25 campers, two counselors, and the camp's executive director — according to lawsuits filed the same day. "It would be naive to allow Camp Mystic to return to normal operations before all of the facts are known," Patrick wrote in a letter to Department of State Health Services Commissioner Jennifer Shuford. "Camp Mystic should have decided on their own to suspend operations this coming summer, but it appears they are planning for camp in 2026."

Nor'easter paralyzes Northeast with record snowfall, thousands stranded

2026-02-24

A massive winter storm struck the northeastern United States on Monday, dumping more than 2 feet of snow across the region and forcing millions of people to stay home under blizzard warnings and road travel bans. The National Weather Service called it a "classic bomb cyclone/nor'easter," the strongest storm in a decade, with wind gusts exceeding 80 miles per hour in some areas. Schools closed across major cities, including New York City, which had its first "old-school" snow day in six years, and more than 5,600 flights were canceled as the storm disrupted transportation along the Eastern Seaboard.

Severe floods in southeastern Brazil kill at least 25, leave 43 missing

2026-02-24

Severe floods in southeastern Brazil have killed at least 25 people and left 43 others missing in the state of Minas Gerais, officials said Tuesday. The torrential rains began Monday in the cities of Juiz de Fora and Uba, about 310 kilometers north of Rio de Janeiro, forcing about 440 residents to evacuate their homes.

Maine policymakers address electricity crisis as winter cold drives costs soaring

2026-02-23

Maine policymakers convened this month to address an electricity affordability crisis triggered by a record winter cold snap and historic natural gas prices. On Jan. 27, natural gas prices on the New England grid hit their highest level since tracking began in 2003, driving wholesale electricity prices to $441.8 per megawatt-hour—more than three times the January 2025 average of $135.08 per megawatt-hour. The surge prompted urgent discussions among state leaders about how to modernize Maine's aging electrical grid and reduce reliance on natural gas for peak demand. Philip Bartlett II, chairman of the Maine Public Utilities Commission, described the situation as a crisis of affordability. "The biggest challenge we're facing right now is affordability," Bartlett said at a Feb. 5 legislative forum hosted by the nonprofit E2Tech in Augusta.

Mudslides kill father and son in Peru as floods threaten thousands

2026-02-23

Peruvian authorities recovered the bodies of a father and son killed by a mudslide in Arequipa after intense rains triggered a broader flooding crisis affecting roughly 5,500 homes across the country's southern region on Monday. The deaths mark the first confirmed fatalities from the disaster, which authorities attributed to the El Niño Costero climate phenomenon. The two men were swept away by the mudslide in a neighborhood built directly over an ancient natural watercourse. Experts said the homes were constructed across a path that has carried torrents of water for centuries during periods of heavy rain.

Blizzard warnings threaten East Coast with heavy snow and damaging winds

2026-02-22

New blizzard warnings issued by the National Weather Service from New York City to Boston as a rapidly intensifying winter storm approached for Sunday brought preparations from city officials to local businesses. The weather service said 1 to 2 feet of snow could fall in many areas, with damaging winds and possible flooding.

Blizzard warnings cascade across East Coast as winter storm bears down

2026-02-22

New York City and New Jersey announced travel bans, airlines canceled more than 3,500 flights, and Broadway shows were shuttered Sunday evening as a fierce winter storm moved toward the Northeastern United States, prompting blizzard warnings from Maryland to Massachusetts. The National Weather Service warned of 1 to 2 feet of snow across many areas, combined with heavy winds and visibility as low as a quarter-mile. Snow began falling across New Jersey and New York as officials urged residents to avoid travel.

Blizzard warnings threaten East Coast with heavy snow and damaging winds

2026-02-20

Blizzard warnings issued for New York City, New Jersey and Boston as a rapidly intensifying storm builds ahead of its Sunday arrival, the National Weather Service said. The agency warned that the system could bring 1 to 2 feet of snow in many areas and damage from strong winds, with some flooding possible in parts of New York and New Jersey.

Crews use water to reduce avalanche risk while recovering California victims

2026-02-20

Rescue crews worked Friday near Castle Peak in California’s Sierra Nevada to lower the risk of additional slides so they could recover people killed in Tuesday’s avalanche. Officials said mitigation efforts were designed to intentionally release unstable snowpack, and they investigated whether controlled explosions were needed after earlier indications. In parallel, authorities said they are looking into the avalanche, including whether criminal negligence played a role.

Deadly California avalanche highlights backcountry risks

2026-02-20

Recovery from Tuesday’s deadly avalanche in California’s Sierra Nevada backcountry continued into Thursday after a storm kept lashing the remote area and left more slides a possibility, authorities said. Eight people died and one remained missing as rescuers worked through unstable snow conditions, with six survivors. Experts said the recovery underscored a core backcountry rule for rescuers: do not create more victims while trying to reach others.

Six in ten Americans say they've experienced extreme cold in past five years

2026-02-20

Six in ten U.S. adults have experienced severe cold weather or extreme winter storms in the past five years, according to a new AP-NORC poll conducted February 5-8, 2026. The finding represents a marked increase from February 2025, when about five in ten Americans reported the same experience.

Days of fire-prone weather nearly triple globally as climate warms

2026-02-19

The number of days when weather is hot, dry and windy enough to spark extreme wildfires has nearly tripled over the past 45 years around the world, a new study found. Researchers say more than half of the increase is driven by human-caused climate change and that the “synchronous” nature of the risk is expanding, including across the Americas.

5 dead in Colorado pileup after wind-blown dirt “brown out” on I-25

2026-02-19

5 people died in crashes involving more than 30 vehicles on Colorado’s Interstate 25 near Pueblo after wind-blown dirt reduced visibility, authorities said Tuesday. The Colorado State Patrol said the death toll rose from four after one hospitalized person later died, and it called the airborne dust a “brown out.”

California avalanche kills 8 backcountry skiers, 1 still missing

2026-02-19

Crews in Northern California have found the bodies of eight backcountry skiers near Lake Tahoe and were searching for one more after they were caught in an avalanche during a winter storm, authorities said Wednesday. Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon said investigators would look into the decision to proceed with the trek despite avalanche warnings issued earlier.

Backcountry skiers hit by avalanche led by tour outfit in California

2026-02-19

A backcountry ski trip organized by Blackbird Mountain Guides in California’s Sierra Nevada was struck by an avalanche as a winter storm moved into the state, authorities said. The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued an avalanche watch for the area before the group’s return plan Monday, and it later raised the alert to a warning. Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon said eight people were killed and one person remained missing.

Olympic skiers warn of accelerating glacier melt at Milan-Cortina Games

2026-02-18

Lindsey Vonn, Mikaela Shiffrin, and other elite skiers competing at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics are raising alarm about the accelerating melt of the world's glaciers, saying the warming climate threatens the high-altitude ice where their sport depends. The athletes' warnings come from host city Cortina d'Ampezzo, where glaciers once visible from town have dramatically shrunk, with many reduced to tiny patches of ice at high elevations in the Dolomites.

California braces as winter storm brings high winds, heavy rain and snow

2026-02-17

California was hit Monday by a winter storm bringing high winds, heavy rain and snow, with flash-flood warnings issued across Los Angeles County and evacuation warnings in areas scarred by last year’s wildfires. Forecasters said parts of the western slope of the Sierra Nevada and nearby areas could see up to 8 feet of snow before the system moves through late Wednesday.

Tornado watch issued as storm system hits Mississippi and Louisiana

2026-02-16

A weekend storm system sweeping across the Southeast brought tornado warnings to parts of Mississippi and Louisiana before moving into Georgia and the Florida Panhandle, with tornado watches in place on Sunday, the Associated Press reported. The system also knocked out power in several states and prompted winter-weather and flood preparations farther west and north.

Winter storm watch issued for northern California; major travel impacts expected

2026-02-13

A winter storm watch is in effect for much of Northern California as a cold system approaches, with communities bracing for several feet of snow and potential major travel impacts. The National Weather Service warned travelers to the Sierra Nevada and popular ski resorts to use “extreme caution.” A National Weather Service meteorologist in the Sacramento office said Saturday through Sunday morning is likely the “best travel window” before heavier snow moves in.

Camp Mystic parents urge Alabama changes after 2025 flood deaths

2026-02-12

Patrick Marsh returned to the Bubble Inn cabin at Camp Mystic and recalled how a 50-yard walk to higher ground could have saved his 8-year-old daughter, Sarah Marsh Heaven, during the July 4, 2025, Texas flood. Now, Marsh and his wife, Dr. Jill Marsh, are pressing Alabama lawmakers to tighten camp safety rules beyond Texas, including emergency planning and weather-warning requirements.

Global warming fuels deadly wildfires in Chile and Argentina’s Patagonia

2026-02-11

Human-caused climate change increased the extremely high conditions that drove deadly wildfires in Chile and Argentina’s Patagonia, a new scientific assessment found. Researchers using the World Weather Attribution approach said the hot, dry and windy weather that fed blazes in central and southern Chile was made up to three times more likely by global warming. They also said fire-risk conditions in southern Argentina were made about 150% more likely.

Worst snow drought in decades grips much of Western U.S.

2026-02-11

A record snow drought paired with unusually warm temperatures is thinning mountain snowpacks across much of the American West, raising concerns about spring water shortages and an earlier wildfire season. Scientists said snow cover and snow depth are at their lowest levels in decades, and at least 67 Western weather stations have recorded their warmest December through early February on record. The Associated Press reported the impacts as winter recreation declines and utilities and water managers prepare for less runoff later in the year.

Climate change makes extreme wildfire conditions in Chile and Argentina up to 3x more likely

2026-02-10

Human-caused climate change made the extreme weather that drove deadly wildfires in parts of Chile and Argentina’s Patagonia up to three times more likely than it would be in a world without global warming, researchers said. The assessment also found human emissions increased the odds of high-fire-risk conditions by making hot, dry and gusty weather more probable, and warned that risk will rise further as greenhouse gases continue.

New study links wildfire smoke pollution to about 24,100 U.S. deaths a year

2026-02-05

A new study published in *Science Advances* estimates that long-term exposure to wildfire-smoke particle pollution contributes to an average of 24,100 deaths per year across the lower 48 states between 2006 and 2020. Researchers focused on fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, which can lodge deep in the lungs and worsen chronic illness.

Why this cold snap feels so brutal for many Americans

2026-02-05

Many Americans say this winter cold spell feels unusually brutal, even though experts say it’s not unprecedented. Researchers and climate scientists tied the “shock” to people’s limited recent experience with bone-shattering cold and to a warming climate that has made such extremes rarer in recent decades. The Associated Press spoke with experts about how weather exposure changes perception and behavior, and about the risks posed by prolonged freezing temperatures.

EU announces 300-strong firefighting force to respond to wildfires

2026-02-05

EU climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra announced Friday that the European Union will create a continentwide rapid reaction force of 300 firefighters to help respond to wildfires across the bloc. Hoekstra said the firefighters will be deployed “where needed” and that the unit’s creation was decided in the last year.

Oceanfront Lahaina property owners may get buyouts under revised plan

2026-02-04

Maui County officials are planning a voluntary buyout program for certain oceanfront property owners in Lahaina as part of an updated wildfire disaster spending plan, Mayor Richard Bissen said. The proposal would shift $50 million from other hazard-mitigation projects to help fund buyouts, and county residents have until March 3 to comment on the revised action plan.

Wildfires in Argentina’s Patagonia rage, revive Milei austerity backlash

2026-02-04

Wildfires burning in Argentina’s Patagonia have devastated more than 45,000 hectares of native forests in the past month and a half, forcing evacuations of residents and tourists, the Associated Press reported. The fires have intensified criticism of President Javier Milei’s austerity policies, which critics say have cut funding for the country’s wildfire response institutions.

School closures stretch into second week across Southeast after storms

2026-02-03

Schools across the Southeast have extended weather-related closures into a second week after winter storms knocked out power and made roads too icy for travel, the Associated Press reported. Some districts turned to limited remote learning while others prepared to add school days to make up lost instructional time.

Fires in Patagonia threaten ancient forests and heritage site

2026-02-03

Argentina’s worst wildfires in decades have ripped through drought-stricken Patagonia, burning thousands of hectares in Los Alerces National Park. The blazes, which erupted in the UNESCO World Heritage site’s 259,000-hectare area, have forced evacuations and renewed criticism of President Javier Milei’s austerity cuts to firefighting and park-protection agencies.

Winter storm leads to collapsed island homes, frozen Florida crops

2026-02-03

Severe cold and prolonged power outages continued Monday across parts of the eastern U.S., as states from the Carolinas north dug out from snow and ice and more than a week of outages lingered for some households. In North Carolina, four unoccupied homes on Outer Banks islands collapsed into the Atlantic, while farmers in Florida waited for temperatures to rise enough to assess damage to crops.

Dangerous cold wave heightens hypothermia risk in Mississippi and Tennessee

2026-02-01

Winter storm conditions and power outages left many residents in the U.S. South facing dangerous cold, with experts warning that hypothermia risk rises after days without heat. As another storm loomed, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said he shared “strong concerns” with Nashville Electric Service, and forecasters warned arctic air would push temperatures into the teens in cities such as Nashville.

What to know about eating snow after massive winter storm

2026-01-30

After a massive weekend storm left deep snow and bitter cold across parts of the United States, some people may consider eating snow—such as snow cones, “snow cream” or “sugar on snow.” Doctors and snow scientists say the treats can be safe only with caution, including where the snow came from and what contaminants it may carry. Specialists also warn against eating snow as a survival strategy because it can worsen hypothermia.

Next winter storm may bring bomb cyclone blizzard, but track unclear

2026-01-30

Winter’s brutal grip on the U.S. East continues, with subfreezing temperatures forecast to spread deep into Florida and a powerful coastal winter storm potentially threatening the Atlantic coast this weekend. Meteorologists said the biggest uncertainty is the storm’s track, including whether it will deliver significant snow from the Carolinas northward or veer farther offshore.

Florida braces for frost and possible dusting of snow

2026-01-29

Florida residents are preparing for below-freezing nights and the chance of snowflakes, while a major winter storm system moves east toward the Carolinas this weekend. National Weather Service forecasters in Miami and the Tampa Bay area said a cold front earlier this week has already lowered temperatures, and the region could see record-setting freezes.

Anchorage breaks January snowfall record as storm brings 10.6 inches

2026-01-29

Anchorage broke its January snowfall record Tuesday after another winter storm dumped more than 10 inches of snow on the city, leading to early school dismissals and traffic disruptions. By 3 p.m., the National Weather Service office in West Anchorage had measured 10.6 inches of new snow, bringing the month’s total to 39.7 inches, the most ever recorded for January.

Mississippi dispatches 135 snowplows as icy highways trap residents, officials say

2026-01-29

Jackson, Miss., officials said conditions worsened Wednesday as subfreezing temperatures and widespread power outages stranded vehicles on major highways in parts of the U.S. South. Mississippi sent 135 snowplows and National Guard troops equipped with wreckers to clear stretches of Interstates 55 and 22 gridlocked by abandoned cars, while officials warned people at home were running low on food, medicine and fuel.

Huge landslide in Sicily forces evacuation of more than 1,500

2026-01-29

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni visited Niscemi in Sicily on Wednesday after a cyclone triggered a massive landslide that left homes teetering on a newly formed cliff. Authorities have evacuated more than 1,500 people and set up a 150-meter-wide “no go zone” to keep residents away from the unstable area, the Italian Civil Protection said.

Mississippi sends 135 snowplows as subfreezing cold leaves thousands without power

2026-01-29

Subfreezing temperatures and widespread power outages stranded drivers and left residents in parts of the U.S. South running low on food, medicine and other essentials, officials said Wednesday. In Mississippi, authorities dispatched 135 snowplows and National Guard troops equipped with wreckers to help clear ice-clogged Interstate 55 and Interstate 22.

Winter storm deaths rise as outages drag on across eastern U.S.

2026-01-28

Bitter cold and a wide winter storm pushed winter storm deaths higher across parts of the eastern United States as crews worked to restore electricity to hundreds of thousands of customers. The cold reached as far south as Tennessee, Arkansas and North Carolina, and forecasters said it was expected to get worse in coming days. The Associated Press reported at least 50 deaths in states dealing with the storm and outages.

Ten die in New York City's bitter cold amid preparedness questions

2026-01-27

At least ten people died from exposure to extreme cold in New York City since late Friday, as temperatures plummeted to 9 degrees Fahrenheit and raised questions about the city's preparedness to protect its most vulnerable residents. The victims, several of whom were believed to be homeless, were found in different locations across the five boroughs — on park benches in Queens, steps from a Manhattan hospital, and beneath an elevated train line in the Bronx. At least six of the deaths occurred early Saturday, when the temperature in the city fell to minus 13 degrees Celsius.

Winter storm death toll rises as Arctic cold intensifies, power outages persist

2026-01-27

At least 50 people have died as bitter cold and a massive winter storm gripped the eastern United States, with forecasters warning that conditions could worsen significantly this weekend. The storm dumped deep snow across more than 1,300 miles from Arkansas to New England and left parts of the South coated in treacherous ice, leaving more than 410,000 homes and businesses without power Tuesday evening. Freezing temperatures that reached as far south as Tennessee and North Carolina were expected to plunge again overnight, with parts of northern Florida forecast to sink to 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Winter storm kills more than 100, leaves 470,000 without power

2026-01-26

A severe winter storm brought crippling ice to the South and heavy snow to the Northeast, killing more than 110 people and leaving nearly half a million homes and businesses without power or heat as of Tuesday, January 26. More than 130,000 customers remained without power in Mississippi, while more than 110,000 were without electricity in the Nashville, Tennessee, area and about 90,000 more in Louisiana, according to power outage tracking data.

Winter storm likely to cost US economy billions, experts sharply divided

2026-01-26

A major winter storm that grounded 11,400 flights, left hundreds of thousands without power, and killed at least 25 people across much of the American East is likely to cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars, but economists sharply disagree over how much. AccuWeather announced a preliminary estimate of $105 billion to $115 billion in damage, drawing immediate pushback from other experts who say the number is far too high and lacks sufficient detail.

Winter storm kills at least 30, leaves 560,000 without power

2026-01-26

At least 30 people are dead from a colossal winter storm that blanketed a 1,300-mile stretch from Arkansas to New England with deep snow and left more than 560,000 without power Monday evening. The National Weather Service said areas north of Pittsburgh received up to 20 inches of snow with wind chills as low as minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit, and forecasters warned that a fresh influx of arctic air will sustain freezing temperatures in regions already buried in snow and ice.

Snow shoveling poses heart attack risk in extreme cold

2026-01-26

Shoveling snow can be hazardous to the heart, particularly during severe winter storms, according to health authorities. Pennsylvania health officials reported three deaths related to snow removal this past weekend in people aged 60 to 84. The American Heart Association warns that the combination of heavy exertion and cold temperatures creates heightened risk for heart attack, stroke, and cardiac arrest.

Ice storm recovery stretches to a week as Mississippi shivers without power

2026-01-26

Mississippi residents began confronting the consequences of the worst ice storm in more than 30 years on Monday as they huddled in darkened, freezing homes with no clear timeline for restored electricity. Recovery could take a week or more, officials said, leaving tens of thousands without heat or running water across a band stretching from eastern Texas through north Louisiana and Mississippi into Tennessee.

Enorme tormenta invernal cancela más de 11.400 vuelos en EE. UU.

2026-01-26

Una enorme tormenta invernal provocó cancelaciones y retrasos generalizados el domingo en Estados Unidos, con nieve, aguanieve y lluvia helada afectando a millones de viajeros. El Servicio Meteorológico Nacional dijo que la amenaza alcanzaba a casi 180 millones de personas —más de la mitad de la población— en un área que va desde el sur de las Montañas Rocosas hasta Nueva Inglaterra.

Winter storm cancels 11,400 flights across US

2026-01-26

A massive winter storm canceled more than 11,400 flights on Sunday as the system swept from the southern Rocky Mountains to New England, threatening nearly 180 million people and triggering widespread disruptions at the nation's busiest airports. The worst impacts hit the Northeast, where major hubs including LaGuardia, Philadelphia, and Washington National were forced to ground aircraft. By Sunday afternoon, some airports were closed entirely, with cancellation rates exceeding 90 percent at major terminals.

Winter storm dumps ice, snow across 2,000-mile US span

2026-01-25

A massive winter storm dumped sleet, freezing rain and snow across much of the U.S. on January 25, leaving hundreds of thousands without power and halting air and road traffic. The storm affected areas from New Mexico and Texas to New England—a 2,000-mile stretch—making it unprecedented in geographic scope. About 213 million people were under winter weather warnings as of Sunday morning, the National Weather Service said.

Winter storm cancels 11,400 flights across U.S.

2026-01-25

A massive winter storm swept across the United States on Sunday, January 25, canceling more than 11,400 flights and disrupting travel for millions of passengers. The system threatened approximately 180 million people—more than half the nation's population—spanning from the southern Rocky Mountains to New England, according to the National Weather Service.

Thousands of flights canceled as winter storm brings ice, power outages

2026-01-25

Thousands of flights across the United States were canceled as a winter storm brought heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain, causing power outages and dangerous icy roadways across parts of the country, the National Weather Service said Saturday night. The storm threatened nearly 180 million people in a path stretching from the southern Rocky Mountains to New England.

Winter storm cancels 13,000 flights, threatens half of US

2026-01-25

A major winter storm canceled more than 13,000 flights and brought dangerous ice and heavy snow to nearly half of the United States over the weekend, threatening about 180 million people across a path stretching from the southern Rocky Mountains to New England, according to the National Weather Service.

FEMA extends housing aid for Maui wildfire survivors until 2027

2026-01-24

U.S. officials have extended federal housing assistance for survivors of catastrophic 2023 wildfires on Maui, granting relief to nearly 1,000 displaced households. The Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem approved Hawaii Governor Josh Green's request on Friday to continue Federal Emergency Management Agency temporary housing assistance until February 2027, more than a year longer than previously scheduled.

Toyota recalls 162,000 Tundra trucks over faulty screens

2026-01-24

Toyota announced Friday a recall of approximately 162,000 pickup trucks in the United States after discovering that the vehicles' multimedia displays could malfunction in ways that compromise driver safety. The recall affects the company's 2024-2025 Tundra and Tundra Hybrid models. Affected customers are being notified, according to Toyota.

Winter storm cancels 12,200+ flights; here's what airlines owe you

2026-01-24

A major winter storm swept across the United States starting Saturday, canceling 12,200 flights and stranding travelers nationwide. Weather forecasters warned that damage from the storm could rival that of a hurricane, with ice and snow pounding multiple regions.

Deslave en Java occidental deja al menos 8 muertos y 82 desaparecidos

2026-01-24

Un deslave registrado antes del amanecer del sábado en la isla indonesia de Java, provocado por lluvias intensas, dejó al menos ocho personas muertas y 82 desaparecidas, informaron las autoridades. El fenómeno ocurrió en la localidad de Pasir Langu, en el distrito de Bandung Occidental, en la provincia de Java Occidental. Los rescatistas buscaron sobrevivientes mientras trabajaban con lodo espeso y escombros.

Winter storm threatens millions with power outages and no heat

2026-01-23

An approaching ice storm threatens to cut power to millions of people across the eastern two-thirds of the United States this weekend. In the South, where a majority of homes are heated by electricity, losing power means losing heat — a danger that utility officials say ice storms pose more severely than hurricanes. Electricity heats the majority of homes in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. When ice accumulates on power lines and trees, the added weight brings infrastructure crashing down.

Firefighters in Chile face attacks, drones and arson as blazes rage

2026-01-23

Firefighters and security forces battling deadly wildfires in central Chile have faced attempted attacks, unauthorized drone flights and arson, as the death toll rose to 21. The National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) said the fires have destroyed 45,700 hectares (176 square miles) of woodland and a handful of towns, according to its latest report released Thursday.

More than 100 dead as floods hit Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe

2026-01-23

Torrential rains and severe flooding across parts of southern Africa have killed more than 100 people in Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe, authorities said, destroying thousands of homes and damaging infrastructure and crops. Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe have faced unusually heavy rains since late last year, with rescue operations continuing as officials expect the death toll to rise.

170 million Americans prepare for catastrophic ice storm this weekend

2026-01-22

Millions of Americans from New Mexico to the Carolinas prepared Friday for a potentially catastrophic ice storm expected to batter the country through the weekend, the National Weather Service said. The system threatened heavy snow and crippling ice that could knock out power for days and make travel nearly impossible across major metropolitan areas. More than 170 million people — roughly half the U.S. population — were in the path of the storm, according to the agency.

What’s behind Chile’s dangerous wildfire season

2026-01-21

Chile is facing a severe wildfire emergency in its central and southern regions, with deadly, fast-moving fires that have killed at least 20 people and forced tens of thousands to evacuate. Scientists and fire experts say the blazes are being driven by extreme heat, drought and wind, along with how human-shaped landscapes interact with a warming climate. The government has declared a rare “state of catastrophe” to coordinate the response, including military support.

Stretched polar vortex brings winter blast to much of US

2026-01-21

A stretched polar vortex is set to bring dangerous winter weather to much of the United States starting Friday, with forecasters warning of subzero temperatures, heavy snow, and damaging ice across a region spanning from New Mexico to New England. About 230 million people face temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder, while approximately 150 million are expected to experience snow and ice, according to the National Weather Service. Meteorologists trace the system's origins to a warming Arctic and record-low sea ice levels that have disrupted weather patterns across the Northern Hemisphere.

Numbers show preparations for potentially catastrophic ice storm

2026-01-21

Millions of Americans from New Mexico to the Carolinas are bracing for a potentially catastrophic ice storm and heavy snow that forecasters say could knock out power for days. The storm is expected to begin early Friday and continue through the weekend, with Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City and Boston facing conditions that could make travel very difficult or nearly impossible.

States from New Mexico to the Carolinas prepare for severe ice storm

2026-01-21

A major winter storm is moving toward the eastern two-thirds of the United States, with officials and utilities warning of widespread power outages, dangerous ice, and bitter cold. Forecasters said the storm could begin Friday in New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma, then spread east through the Deep South and toward New England.

Stretched polar vortex to drive winter storm with ice, snow, subzero cold

2026-01-21

A winter storm expected to arrive Friday will bring long-lasting subzero temperatures and damaging ice and snow across much of the United States, meteorologists said. The storm could stretch from New Mexico to New England, with many areas facing temperatures of 20 degrees (minus 7 C) or colder and others hit by snow and ice.

Ice storm set to blanket South from Texas to Carolinas this weekend

2026-01-20

An ice storm is forecast to emerge late this week and continue through Sunday, with forecasters warning of a "potentially catastrophic" weather event that could coat roads, trees and power lines with devastating ice across a wide swath of the South from Texas to the Carolinas. The system will result from arctic air diving south from Canada colliding with moisture streaming up from the Gulf of Mexico, the National Weather Service said Tuesday. "If you get a half of an inch of ice — or heaven forbid an inch of ice — that could be catastrophic," said Keith Avery, CEO of the Newberry Electric Cooperative in South Carolina, citing the potential for ice to weigh down power lines and trigger widespread outages.

Wildfires surge in central Chile as Boric declares catastrophe in Biobío

2026-01-19

Wildfires raging across central and southern Chile on Sunday killed at least 18 people, forced tens of thousands to evacuate and destroyed hundreds of homes, authorities said. Chilean President Gabriel Boric declared a “state of catastrophe” for the country’s central Biobío region and neighboring Ñuble region, about 500 kilometers (300 miles) south of Santiago.

Chile wildfires kill at least 19, force 50,000 evacuations amid heatwave

2026-01-18

Firefighters in Chile are battling wildfires that have killed at least 19 people and forced about 50,000 evacuations after the fires spread across the country’s central and southern regions, the National Service for the Prevention of Disasters said. President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe for the Biobio and Ñuble regions, allowing the government to coordinate more closely with the military.

Mozambique floods displace over 300,000; Chapo cancels Davos trip

2026-01-18

Flooding in Mozambique has displaced more than 300,000 people in Gaza province, the governor said Monday. Mozambique’s president, Daniel Chapo, has canceled his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, because of severe flooding affecting central and southern parts of the country.

South Africa declares national disaster after deadly floods and storms

2026-01-18

South Africa declared a national disaster on Sunday over torrential rains and floods that have killed at least 30 people in the country’s north, the government said. The declaration, announced after a declaration by the head of the National Disaster Management Center, allows the national government to coordinate the response to the disaster.

Nevada snowpack hits 40-year low as warm winter deepens Western water stress

2026-01-15

Nevada closed out 2025 with its lowest snowpack in more than 40 years, as unseasonably warm temperatures pushed precipitation to fall as rain rather than snow across much of the West, federal hydrologists said. The snow drought has left mountain ranges from the Sierra Nevada to the Colorado Rockies far below normal, threatening spring and summer water supplies for farms, cities and the already-strained Colorado River system.

Severe cold cancels flights in Finland’s Lapland, trapping thousands

2026-01-10

Thousands of tourists were stranded at Kittilä airport in Finnish Lapland after flights were canceled due to severe cold, the Associated Press reported. The temperature at the airport fell to minus 37 degrees Celsius (minus 34.6 degrees Fahrenheit) on Sunday morning, Yle reported.

Wildfires in Argentina’s Patagonia burn nearly 12,000 hectares, officials say

2026-01-10

Raging wildfires in Argentina’s Patagonia have burned nearly 12,000 hectares of scrubland and native and planted forests, threatening local communities, according to firefighting authorities. The fires began nearly a week ago in the Andean area of Chubut province and have put a power plant and a school at risk, authorities said.

Ice and snow close schools across New England as more storms approach

2026-01-07

Winter storms swept snow, ice and freezing rain across all six New England states on Wednesday, forcing dozens of school districts to cancel classes or delay start times while highway authorities in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts reported numerous accidents and vehicle spinouts. No serious injuries had been reported as of late Wednesday morning, the Associated Press reported.

Storms in Oklahoma bring high winds and two tornadoes, officials say

2026-01-07

Severe storms moved through Oklahoma around sunrise Thursday, producing two tornadoes and high winds that damaged buildings, downed trees and caused power outages, officials said. A tornado rated at least an EF1 struck near Purcell, about 40 miles (65 kilometers) south of Oklahoma City, while another tornado was confirmed by radar in the Shawnee area.

New England school cancellations rise amid ice and snowstorm

2026-01-06

Winter weather brought snow, ice, freezing rain and dangerous driving to New England on Wednesday, prompting school cancellations and delays across the region. Dozens of districts shut for the day or started later because road conditions made it unsafe to run buses during the morning routes. Several hazardous winter-weather advisories were in effect, and highway officials reported numerous accidents and vehicle spinouts.

Winter storm strands more than 1,000 passengers at Amsterdam airport

2026-01-06

Snow and ice grounded hundreds of flights and snarled roads and rail across parts of Europe on Wednesday, leaving more than 1,000 passengers stranded overnight at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport, authorities said. In Paris, snow blanketed areas around the Eiffel Tower and Louvre and disrupted travel. In Germany, power was being restored to thousands of households after an outage that authorities said began four days earlier.

Snow and ice kill in France as Europe travel snarls under cold snap

2026-01-05

Snow and ice hit parts of Europe on Tuesday, causing deadly accidents and widespread travel disruptions, the Associated Press reported. In France, authorities in the Landes region said at least three people died in accidents, while officials in the Île-de-France area reported additional deaths and ordered trucks off the road as snowfall triggered major traffic jams.

More storms forecast for California as flood cleanup continues after King Tide surge

2026-01-04

Crews cleared mud from key California highways Sunday as forecasters warned that more thunderstorms were on the way, after a week of downpours coinciding with record-breaking King Tides caused flooding, road closures, and rescues of people trapped in cars across the San Francisco Bay Area. Five northern counties remained under a flood watch, with up to three inches of additional rain possible through Monday night, the National Weather Service office in Eureka said. A man died in Santa Barbara County after being swept into a creek during the storms, the county sheriff's office said Saturday.

Scientists say 2025 was among three hottest years on record

2026-01-04

Scientists said Thursday that 2025 was one of the three hottest years on record and that human-caused climate change worsened extreme weather during the year. The analysis, released by the World Weather Attribution group, came as people in many countries faced dangerous heat, drought and flooding.

Heavy rain and king tides flood Northern California; one killed in Santa Barbara

2026-01-03

Heavy rain and what authorities described as the most severe king tides in more than two decades flooded a 15-mile stretch of Northern California roadways on Saturday, prompting car rescues and road closures from the Sausalito area to San Rafael. A man died after being swept into a creek during the same storm in Santa Barbara County to the south.

Flooding concerns rise across Bay Area as more rain and thunderstorms loom

2026-01-03

Rain continued in parts of California as crews cleared mud from highways and officials warned of additional thunderstorms after downpours and high tides caused flooding, road closures and rescues of people trapped in cars, the Associated Press reported. Five northern counties remained under a flood watch, with up to three inches of rain possible through Monday night in already saturated areas.

Snow and strong winds hit Great Lakes and Northeast as Arctic blast follows bomb cyclone

2025-12-30

Arctic air pushing across the Great Lakes and Northeast brought heavy snow, strong winds and frigid temperatures on Tuesday, a day after a bomb cyclone storm system left tens of thousands of customers without power across the Midwest, the National Weather Service said. Forecasters said temperatures could drop below freezing as far south as the Florida panhandle, with blustery winds adding to dangerous wind chills.

Bomb cyclone brings blizzards to the Midwest before turning east

2025-12-30

A strengthening bomb cyclone barreled across the northern U.S. on Monday, bringing blizzard conditions, dangerous travel and power outages to parts of the Midwest before it shifted attention toward the East Coast. Forecasters said the storm intensified rapidly as pressure dropped, sending sharply colder air and strong winds across the Plains and Great Lakes.

Bomb cyclone unleashes blizzards, extreme cold and power outages across the Midwest

2025-12-29

A rapidly strengthening bomb cyclone barreled across the northern United States on Monday, unleashing blizzard conditions, dangerous wind chills and widespread power outages from the Plains to the Great Lakes before turning east toward the Atlantic coast, the National Weather Service said. Temperatures in parts of North Dakota and Minnesota plunged to as low as minus 30 °F, and more than 220,000 customers were left without electricity, with Michigan alone accounting for a third of the outages, officials reported.

Snow and strong winds hit Great Lakes and Northeast after Midwest bomb cyclone

2025-12-29

An Arctic blast brought heavy snow, strong winds and frigid temperatures to parts of the Great Lakes and Northeast on Tuesday, a day after a bomb cyclone swept through the Midwest and left tens of thousands without power. The National Weather Service said blustery winds pushed temperatures below freezing as far south as the Florida panhandle, and warned of dangerous travel conditions as the system moved toward Canada.

Blizzards, ice and storms expected to intensify across U.S.

2025-12-29

A powerful winter storm is sweeping east from the Plains and is expected to intensify as it moves across the United States, with snow, ice, thunderstorms and strong winds affecting holiday travel areas. The National Weather Service warned of possible whiteout and blizzard conditions in parts of the Upper Midwest and of dangerous wind chills as cold air presses south from Canada. In the South, a sharp cold front is expected to end days of record warmth by bringing rain and much colder temperatures.

At least 1,500 flights canceled as snow hits Northeast during holidays

2025-12-29

The holiday travel rush turned hazardous as a winter storm brought snow and disruptions across the U.S. Northeast and Great Lakes between Christmas and New Year’s. New York City received about 4 inches of snow, while at least 1,500 flights were canceled Friday night, according to FlightAware. Meanwhile, California reported four deaths related to earlier flooding and mudslides and warned of gusty Santa Ana winds later in the week.

Southern California braces for more rain, flooding and mudslides

2025-12-29

A new storm hitting already waterlogged Southern California on Christmas Day prompted evacuation warnings in a mountain town and high-surf advisories along parts of the coast, the National Weather Service said. In Wrightwood, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of Los Angeles, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department issued an evacuation warning after rescuers freed people trapped in cars during an earlier mudslide.