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.

  • Potentially historic winter storm forecast to impact more than 30 states across the U.S.

    ByRishav Kothari

    A potentially historic winter storm associated with the Polar Vortex is forecast to bring heavy snow, freezing rain, and dangerous cold across much of the United States from January 23 to 26, 2026. The system is expected to cause widespread travel disruptions, power outages, and hazardous conditions from Texas to the Northeast, with more than 200 million people under various National Weather Service warnings and watches.

  • Moscow sends heavy equipment to deal with historic snow emergency in Kamchatka

    ByRishav Kothari

    Moscow sent two military cargo planes to deliver heavy snow-clearing equipment to Kamchatka on January 22, 2026, after historic snowfall claimed two lives last week. More than 2 m (7 feet) of snow fell in the first half of January, followed by another 3.7 m (12.1 feet) in December, burying entire homes and paralyzing the region.

  • Ice storm warnings in effect across Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia

    ByRishav Kothari

    Ice storm warnings are in effect for parts of Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia between January 24 and 26, 2026. Ice accumulations of 6 mm to 25 mm (0.25 to 1 inch) and wind gusts up to 30 mph (48 km/h) are forecast across the regions. The combination of freezing rain, sleet, and gusty winds is expected to cause widespread power outages, tree damage, and extremely hazardous travel conditions.

  • Intense rainfall and gale-force winds hit Greece, causing deadly flooding

    ByRishav Kothari

    A severe storm system brought intense rainfall and gale-force winds across Greece on January 22, 2026, causing deadly floods and widespread disruptions. A woman was killed in Glyfada, Athens, when her vehicle was swept away by floodwaters, and a 53-year-old coastguard officer died in Peloponnese after being struck by a wave. Schools were closed, ferry services suspended, and authorities warned residents to avoid non-essential travel.

  • Damaging ice forecast across parts of the South as high-impact winter storm develops

    ByRishav Kothari

    A major long-duration winter storm is forecast to affect large portions of the central and eastern United States starting Friday, January 23, 2026, with confidence increasing in damaging ice accumulations across parts of the South. Heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain are expected from the southern Rockies and Plains into the Mid-South, with the system spreading east into the Mid-Atlantic and New England through the weekend.

  • At least 5 dead in Tunisia after the heaviest rain in 70 years

    ByRishav Kothari

    At least 5 people have been reported dead after the heaviest rain in over 70 years struck parts of Tunisia, dropping over 200 mm (8 inches) of rainfall since Monday, January 19, 2026. A Red Alert (the highest warning level) was issued for the Grand Tunis area as well as the Nabeul and Monastir provinces as rainfall and floods continued through Tuesday into Wednesday, January 20-21.

  • Extreme cold watches expand as Arctic outbreak spreads across central United States

    ByRishav Kothari

    A large and prolonged outbreak of Arctic air is spreading across the United States, prompting extreme cold watches across much of the northern and central United States from Thursday, January 22, 2026, through Friday, January 24. This Arctic outbreak will bring one of the most dangerous cold spells in recent years, with the greatest threat lasting from Thursday night through early Saturday morning.

  • Winter storm watches in effect across central and southern United States

    ByRishav Kothari

    Winter storm watches are in effect from New Mexico and Texas to Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky, from Friday morning through late Saturday night, January 23–24, 2026, with some extending into Sunday afternoon, January 25. Heavy snow, sleet, and ice accumulations are forecast, along with dangerously cold temperatures that will persist into Monday morning, January 26.