I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

  • Enhanced Risk of severe thunderstorms from Louisiana through Mississippi into Alabama on May 6

    ByRishav Kothari

    An Enhanced Risk (Level 3/5) of severe thunderstorms has been issued for parts of the Lower Mississippi Valley on May 6, 2026, as forecasters warned that storms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes are expected to develop from the Southern Plains into the Southeast. Heavy rainfall rates of 25 to 50 mm (1 to 2 inches) per hour may also accompany stronger storms across the region.

  • New York and New Orleans among most flood-prone U.S. cities, new study shows

    ByRishav Kothari

    Flood risk along the U.S. Gulf and Atlantic coasts affects a disproportionate share of the population, with 16.7% living in very high-risk zones that cover just 1.1% of land, according to a new study. New York City and New Orleans rank among the most exposed urban areas, with up to 4.75 million residents at risk in New York and nearly 99% of New Orleans’ population located in flood-prone zones. High-risk areas account for another 3.5% of land but include 16.21% of residents.

  • Floods and landslides leave 18 dead, over 60 missing across Kenya

    ByRishav Kothari

    Flooding and landslides triggered by persistent rainfall in Kenya have affected at least 39 counties as of May 3, 2026, leaving 18 people dead and more than 60 missing. Nearly 55 000 households and 34 schools have been affected by the flooding that has destroyed approximately 8 100 ha (20 000 acres) of crops. Rivers overflowed across multiple regions, while landslides in Tharaka Nithi, Elgeyo-Marakwet, and Kiambu counties displaced households and damaged infrastructure.

  • Flash floods leave 1 dead in San Antonio, Texas

    ByRishav Kothari

    One person died in San Antonio, Texas, on May 1, 2026, after flash floods spread across urban areas during periods of heavy rainfall. Police and fire crews recovered the victim from a drainage channel as floodwaters impacted roads and infrastructure.

  • Monster 18 cm (7.1 inch) hailstone sets new state record in Texas

    ByRishav Kothari

    What initially looked like a discarded gallon jug in a roadside ditch turned out to be a record-breaking hailstone, now confirmed as the largest ever documented in Texas at roughly 18 cm (7.1 inches). It was discovered near Vigo Park in Swisher County by storm chaser Val Castor and his associates on June 2, 2024. They clicked several pictures of the hailstone alongside objects to provide a visual reference of size and submitted them to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). The size of the hailstone was determined using photogrammetry and AI analysis along with the estimates from the storm chasers.

  • NWS rates Mineral Wells tornado EF3 after severe storms in Texas

    ByRishav Kothari

    The National Weather Service preliminarily rated the Mineral Wells tornado in Texas as EF3, with estimated peak winds of 233 km/h (145 mph), after surveying damage from the April 28, 2026, severe weather event. NWS listed 5 injuries and 0 fatalities, while Mineral Wells officials kept a curfew in place for the affected area as cleanup and damage assessment continued.