25 tornadoes reported in central United States, damage in Iowa and Nebraska
At least 25 tornadoes were reported across four states in the central United States on May 17, 2026, with widespread damage being reported in parts of Iowa and Nebraska.
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
State of Disaster Emergency declared for Colorado as Sharpe Fire grows to over 11 400 ha (28 000 acres)
A State of Disaster Emergency has been declared for the state of Colorado due to the rapidly growing Sharpe Fire that has scorched 11 400 ha (28 000 acres). Mandatory evacuations were issued for Campo and surrounding rural areas in southeastern Colorado after the Sharpe Fire crossed from Oklahoma under critical fire weather conditions on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Study suggests Earth’s first continents formed through subduction 3.5 billion years ago
A new study suggests that Earth’s earliest continental crust may have formed through subduction-related processes more than 3.5 billion years ago. Researchers studying ancient rocks from Western Australia found evidence that magmas became progressively wetter and more oxidized during the Paleoarchean, supporting the idea that deep water recycling was already occurring inside the young Earth.
Exceptional drought returns to Texas Panhandle and western Oklahoma for first time since July 2023
Exceptional drought (D4) has returned to parts of the Texas Panhandle and western Oklahoma for the first time since July 2023, according to the National Weather Service Arkansas-Red Basin River Forecast Center (ABRFC). Drought conditions continue worsening across large parts of the Southern Plains following one of the driest and warmest starts to spring on record. Extreme Drought (D3) conditions are already affecting 36% of the Arkansas-Red Basin, while forecasters warned that very dry conditions are expected to persist across western portions of the region.
Crashes reported due to blinding dust storms in North Dakota
Blinding dust storms caused crashes on state highways 83 and 85 in North Dakota on May 14, 2026, while grass fires fueled by dry and windy conditions created dangerous travel conditons on the I-29 in Traill County.
Multiple wildfires trigger evacuations across northern Texas and New Mexico
Wildfires burning across the Texas Panhandle and eastern New Mexico have scorched more than 18 000 ha (44 500 acres) since May 14, prompting evacuations near Amarillo and along the New Mexico–Texas border
Strong M6.2 earthquake hits Banda Sea, Indonesia
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.2 struck the Banda Sea, Indonesia, at 17:53 UTC on May 14, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 146 km (91 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.2 at a depth of 146 km (91 miles) while BMKG reports M6.7 at a depth of 163 km (102 miles).
Dust storm triggers multiple crashes and closures of US-195 and I-90 in Washington
Dust storms triggered a multi-vehicle crash on US-195 near Spangle on May 13, 2026, while another crash was reported on I-90 near Spokane. Authorities reported near-zero visibility in the area, with the crashes causing both routes to be closed for over 10 hours.
Severe thunderstorms leave over 100 dead across Uttar Pradesh, India
Severe thunderstorms swept across Uttar Pradesh, India, on the night of May 13, 2026, claiming at least 104 lives and leaving over 59 people injured across the state. Prayagraj was the worst hit, with preliminary reports indicating between 20 and 30 fatalities. Widespread destruction was reported in multiple districts, with more than 80 homes being damaged along with other structures.
Scientists find evidence of early continental rifting beneath Zambia
A study published in Frontiers in Earth Science presents isotopic evidence that parts of southern and central Africa may already be undergoing the early stages of continental breakup beneath a proposed tectonic corridor extending from Tanzania toward Namibia.
