Massive power outages hit Victoria during violent thunderstorms, Australia

Massive power outages hit Victoria during violent thunderstorms, Australia

Violent thunderstorms struck Australia’s east coast on February 13, 2024, leading to significant damage and disruptions. The storms caused the shutdown of AGL’s Loy Yang A power station in Victoria, leaving approximately 590 000 homes and businesses without electricity. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) was forced to cap electricity prices at A$16,600 per megawatt hour, a significant increase from the usual A$200. Efforts to restore power are ongoing, with some customers already reconnected.

Intense hailstorms hit UAE after cloud seeding operations

Intense hailstorms hit UAE after cloud seeding operations

Heavy rain accompanied by lightning and intense hailstorms hit the city of Al Ain and other parts of UAE on the morning of February 12, 2024, causing impressive hail accumulations. This is reportedly the strongest hailstorm Al Ain has seen in 40 years. It comes after NMC conducted a series of cloud seeding flights.

Strong winter storm over the Southern Plains to evolve into a Nor’easter on February 12

Strong winter storm over the Southern Plains to evolve into a Nor’easter on February 12

Forecasters at the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a warning on February 11, 2024, about a significant winter storm impacting the Southern Rockies and High Plains, moving northeast towards the Northern Mid-Atlantic, New York, and New England. Expected heavy snowfall, powerful winds, and potential coastal flooding are set to disrupt travel and cause power outages across affected regions.

68 killed, 51 missing after massive landslide hits Davao de Oro, Philippines

68 killed, 51 missing after massive landslide hits Davao de Oro, Philippines

At least six people were killed and 46 others are missing after a massive landslide struck a gold-mining village in Maco Municipality, Davao de Oro Province, Mindanao Island, southern Philippines, on Tuesday night (LT), February 6, 2024. Rescue efforts are in progress for victims trapped by the landslide that hit during clear weather conditions.

Powerful atmospheric river triggers state of emergency in Southern California, rare Level 4 of 4 risk of excessive rainfall

Powerful atmospheric river triggers state of emergency in Southern California, rare Level 4 of 4 risk of excessive rainfall

An intense atmospheric river event hit California on Sunday, February 4, 2024, prompting Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency in eight counties due to the potential for “life-threatening” flooding, mudslides, and widespread power outages. The National Weather Service warns of significant rainfall, powerful winds, and heavy snowfall continuing over the next few days.

Raging wildfires claim more than 120 lives, leave hundreds missing in central Chile

Raging wildfires claim more than 120 lives, leave hundreds missing in central Chile

Intense wildfires in central Chile have resulted in at least 112 fatalities, hundreds missing and the destruction of thousands of homes as of early Monday, February 5, 2024. A state of emergency has been declared in response to the crisis, with fires continuing to spread through densely populated areas. Chilean President Gabriel Boric and Interior Minister Carolina Toha highlighted the severity of the situation, noting the challenges posed by 92 active fires amid unusually high temperatures and the impact of the El Nino weather pattern.

San Francisco exceeds seasonal rain totals, another atmospheric river and extremely dangerous winds approaching California, U.S.

San Francisco exceeds seasonal rain totals, another atmospheric river and extremely dangerous winds approaching California, U.S.

Severe storms swept through California on Thursday, February 1, 2024, causing widespread flooding, power outages, and fallen trees. The first of two storms, part of strong atmospheric river systems, hit the San Francisco Bay Area before moving south towards Los Angeles, delivering over 100 mm (4 inches) of rain in some areas. Officials warn of a “significant threat” from an even larger storm expected over the weekend, with the potential for excessive rain, heavy snow, and strong winds across the state through Tuesday, February 7.