Flash floods kill 9 in Sitaro Islands, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
Deadly flash floods swept across the Sitaro Islands Regency in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi Province on January 5, 2026, displacing over a hundred people and leaving at least 17 injured.
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.
Storm Francis triggers severe floods across Málaga Province, Spain
Severe flooding struck Málaga Province, southern Spain, through Sunday and Monday, January 4 and 5, 2026, as Storm Francis brought torrential rainfall, dropping totals of up to 200 mm (8 inches) in parts of the Guadalhorce Valley and Costa del Sol. A Red Alert was issued for parts of the region as rivers overflowed, prompting evacuations and emergency rescues across Cártama, Alhaurín de la Torre, and Málaga city.
Red Flag Warnings in effect across parts of Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas Panhandle on January 5
Red Flag Warnings are in effect for parts of Colorado, Oklahoma, and the Texas Panhandle through Monday, January 5, 2026. The warnings are valid from mid-morning to late afternoon due to very low relative humidity and gusty winds creating critical fire conditions across the region.
Arctic cold blast expands across Europe as Greenland block steers polar air south
An Arctic cold wave is moving across Europe as a persistent Greenland block redirects polar air southward. Forecast models show temperature anomalies between −10°C and −15°C (14°F and 5°F) at 850 hPa with extensive snow cover developing over much of the continent, with heavy snow already affecting parts of the UK and Balkans at the start of January 2026.
Strong winds leave thousands without power in Humboldt County, rare tornado warning issued for Shelter Cove, California
A rare tornado warning was issued for Shelter Cove as high winds downed trees and power lines, leaving nearly 2,000 people without power, and prompted road closures in Humboldt County on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Record-breaking King Tides flood San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California coast, U.S.
Record-breaking King Tides struck the San Francisco Bay Area and parts of the Northern California coast on Friday and Saturday, January 2-3, 2026, causing widespread coastal flooding across multiple counties. Tide gauges across the region recorded water levels up to 0.76 m (2.5 feet) above normal, breaking multiple records and prompting road closures, flood warnings, and emergency advisories.
At least 2 dead after M6.5 earthquake strikes Guerrero and Mexico City, Mexico
At least two people were killed after a strong M6.5 earthquake hit Guerrero on January 2, 2026. Meanwhile, 17 people were injured as hundreds of homes were reportedly destroyed or damaged across Mexico due to the tremors and subsequent landslides. Over 1 000 aftershocks have been recorded since the mainshock as relief efforts and damage surveys continue.
Atmospheric river makes landfall in California, up to 250 mm (10 inches) of precipitation forecast for Sierra Nevada
An atmospheric river made landfall over California during the afternoon of January 2, 2026. Heavy precipitation and mountain snow are forecast through early next week across central and northern California.
One dead after avalanche near Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia
One snowmobiler was killed by an avalanche on the Rockies Mountains in British Columbia on December 30, 2025.
Flash floods kill 17 and destroy 1 800 homes across Afghanistan
Flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall and snowmelt have killed at least 17 people and left 11 injured across Afghanistan since January 1, 2026. Over 1 800 homes and structures were destroyed in Herat, Badghis, and Faryab provinces, with authorities warning of continuing risk as moderate rainfall persists in western regions.
