Germany and north-western Europe are preparing for severe weather as Storm Goretti brings heavy snowfall, strong winds, and cold temperatures, causing power outages, transportation disruptions, and safety warnings across the region.
A significant lake-effect winter storm is impacting Michigan, bringing up to a foot of snow in the Upper Peninsula and several inches in other areas, along with colder temperatures and hazardous travel conditions, prompting winter storm warnings and advisories across the state.
Recent severe flooding in Mexico, caused by unpredictable weather intensified by climate change, has highlighted the country's inadequate warning systems and technological gaps, emphasizing the need for better preparedness, education, and adaptation strategies to cope with increasingly frequent extreme weather events.
Hurricane Erin is expected to cause dangerous surf and potential flooding across a dozen states from Wednesday to Friday, prompting weather alerts in affected areas.
Texas officials defended their response to the July 4 floods that caused at least 136 deaths, emphasizing the role of local emergency managers and highlighting issues with weather forecast specificity and communication. The hearing revealed concerns about training, credentialing, and alert systems, with some officials suggesting improvements while avoiding direct blame for the disaster.
At least 90 people have died in central Texas floods, with rescue efforts ongoing for missing campers and others, as more rain threatens to worsen the situation. The floods, caused by heavy rainfall, have led to widespread devastation, with authorities and first responders working tirelessly to recover victims and manage the disaster, amid concerns about future flooding and weather prediction challenges.
Texas officials face criticism for not issuing evacuation orders before deadly flooding in Kerr County, which resulted in at least 59 deaths. Despite multiple flash flood warnings from the National Weather Service, local authorities claimed they did not anticipate such an intense storm, and the absence of a flood warning system along the river was highlighted as a factor. The tragedy has prompted calls for improved weather warning technology and better emergency preparedness.
Texas officials are under scrutiny for their response to severe flooding, with concerns about warning systems and safety plans. Despite efforts to improve early warning technology, costs and logistical challenges have hindered implementation. Federal and state agencies are working to upgrade weather warning systems to better prepare for future events.
Severe flooding in Texas's Hill Country caused at least 43 deaths and prompted a large-scale rescue effort, raising questions about the adequacy of warning systems and preparedness, as officials defend their response and highlight the challenges in predicting such extreme weather events.
Heavy snowfall in Seoul, the third-heaviest since 1907, has led to the cancellation of over 140 flights and suspension of ferry operations, with at least four fatalities reported. The snow accumulation reached over 40cm, causing significant disruptions, including a 53-vehicle pile-up in Wonju. The unusually heavy snow is attributed to warmer seawater temperatures meeting cold air currents. Authorities have lifted heavy snow warnings, but delays and cancellations continue to affect transportation.
Southern and eastern Europe are enduring a severe heatwave with temperatures significantly above seasonal norms, exacerbated by the urban heat island effect in cities like Athens. Night-time temperatures remain high, increasing health risks and energy demands. Several countries have issued heat warnings, and the heat is expected to subside by the weekend with thunderstorms. The prolonged dry conditions have heightened wildfire risks, with significant fires reported in Greece and Albania. Additionally, water reservoirs are at low levels, potentially leading to water restrictions during the peak tourism season.
High winds have caused power outages affecting over 27,000 customers in the Las Vegas valley, with no immediate time of restoration available. Wind gusts could reach 65 miles per hour or more, prompting a high wind warning lasting through Sunday morning. Additionally, a winter storm warning has been issued for mountainous areas with the potential for four to eight inches of snow. Delays at Harry Reid International Airport are currently averaging 15 minutes.
Gusty winds have led to scattered power outages in the Rochester region, prompting several school districts to cancel classes on Thursday morning. High wind warnings are in effect for most counties, with Wayne County also under a lake effect snow warning through Thursday night.
Officials across Southern California are warning residents to prepare for a potentially life-threatening storm system fueled by a massive atmospheric river, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall, dangerous waves, and the risk of flooding, mudslides, and power outages. The storm, expected to impact the state from Sunday to Tuesday, could dump more than double the rainfall seen in the previous storm, with 94% of the population at risk for floods. With high winds and heavy snow also predicted, officials are urging residents to take precautions, including positioning sandbags, altering travel plans, and being prepared to evacuate, especially in low-lying areas.
Northern Ireland faces travel disruptions and power outages as Storm Jocelyn hits just a day after Storm Isha, with high winds and fallen trees impacting roads and flights. About 4,500 homes and businesses remain without power, and NIE Networks expects the number of affected customers to rise. The region is still recovering from Storm Isha, with ongoing repair efforts hampered by the new storm. The main road to Belfast International Airport and Londonderry's Foyle Bridge are among the affected areas, and the iconic Dark Hedges in north Antrim have also suffered damage. In the Republic of Ireland, thousands of customers have lost power, with County Donegal particularly affected.