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.
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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.
Polar Vortex disruption expected after January stratospheric warming
A Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) event evolving over the Arctic through mid-January 2026 is forecast to weaken and displace the Polar Vortex, according to ECMWF and NOAA extended-range guidance. The disturbance is expected to propagate downward over the following weeks, raising the probability of Arctic air outbreaks and colder-than-normal conditions in parts of North America and Europe during the second half of January 2026.
Record snow sinks multiple vessels at Juneau Harbor, triggers avalanche risk in Alaska
Record December snowfall reaching over 200 cm (80 inches) in Juneau, Alaska, caused multiple vessels to sink in the city’s harbors as heavy, wet snow accumulated. The heavy snow was driven by multiple atmospheric rivers, which brought heavy precipitation to much of the region through late December 2025.
Alberta clipper reinforces lake-effect snow as heavy rain targets southern California into the New Year
A surge of Arctic air, reinforced lake-effect snowfall, and an atmospheric river are forecast to affect large portions of the United States from December 31, 2025, into January 2, 2026. Heavy snow is expected downwind of the Great Lakes and across parts of the Northeast, while southern California faces a flash flood risk as an atmospheric river moves onshore around New Year’s Day.
Back to back atmospheric rivers forecast to bring heavy rain and mountain snow to California
Heavy rain and snow are forecast across California and Sierra Nevada through January 4, 2026. The first wave will target southern California with subtropical moisture, followed by a stronger system forecast to bring heavy rain and snowfall across central and northern regions of the state.
Evacuation warnings issued for Los Angeles County burn scar areas ahead of New Year storm
Evacuation warnings were issued for Los Angeles County, California for multiple burn scars across the region as an atmospheric river brings in the threat of flash floods and debris flows through New Year’s Day.
Three killed by floods and landslides in Andalusia, Spain
At least three people have been killed by severe floods and landslides in Spain between December 28–29, 2025.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Hayley forecast to make landfall over the Dampier Peninsula, Australia
Severe Tropical Cyclone Hayley is forecast to make landfall over the northern Dampier Peninsula, Western Australia, late on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, as a Category 3 system. The cyclone is expected to bring destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding across parts of the west Kimberley coast.
Powerful winter storm floods Gaza, leaving 17 dead and destroying over 42 000 tents
A powerful winter storm swept across Gaza over the past seven days, leaving at least 17 people dead and over 42 000 tents destroyed by December 28, 2025.
