Increased eruptive activity, high sulfur dioxide emissions at Tofua volcano, Tonga
Volcanic activity increased at Tonga’s Tofua volcano at 09:56 LT on April 26, 2024, with very intense thermal emission detected by MIROVA.
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
Bright green fireball over Long Island, New York
A bright fireball was seen and recorded streaking through the night sky over the northern tip of Long Island, New York at 02:08 UTC on April 27, 2024 (22:08 LT, April 26).
Catastrophic damage, at least 4 fatalities after severe tornado outbreak hits Oklahoma
A severe tornado outbreak on Saturday, April 27, 2024, has resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals and inflicted significant destruction across several cities in Oklahoma, marking one of the most destructive days in the state’s recent history.
Multi-vortex tornado strikes China’s Guangzhou megacity, leaving 5 fatalities, 141 buildings damaged
A destructive multi-vortex tornado, accompanied by heavy rain and large hail up to 12 cm (4.72 inches) in diameter, struck the Guangzhou megacity (population 18.6 million) at approximately 15:00 LT on April 27, 2024, leaving at least five people dead, 33 injured and 141 commercial building damaged. Guangzhou is located in south China’s Guangdong province and is one of the country’s three largest cities.
Strong M6.2 earthquake hits near the coast of Java, Indonesia
A strong earthquake registered by the BMKG as M6.2 hit near the coast of Java, Indonesia at 16:29 UTC on April 27, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 73 km (45 miles). USGS and EMSC are reporting M6.1 at a depth of 68 km (42 miles).
Deep M6.9 earthquake hits off the west coast of Ogasawara Islands, Japan
A very strong earthquake registered by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) as M6.9 hit off the west coast of Ogasawara Islands, Japan at 08:35 UTC (17:35 JST) on April 27, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 540 km (335 miles). USGS is reporting M6.5 at a depth of 503 km (312 miles), EMSC M6.5 at a depth of 497 km (308 miles).
Destructive tornado outbreak strikes Nebraska and Iowa, EF2 – EF5 tornado threat continues into Sunday, U.S.
A destructive tornado outbreak with at least 78 tornadoes impacted the U.S. Plains on Friday, April 26, 2024, leaving a trail of damage and more than a dozen injuries. The outbreak occurred as a part of a multi-day severe weather threat covering over 60 million Americans. The threat of EF2 – EF5 tornadoes will continue into Sunday, April 28.
Shallow M6.0 earthquake hits Mid-Indian Ridge
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit Mid-Indian Ridge at 22:23 UTC on April 26, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).
Unstable uranium tailings dams in Mailuu-Suu, Kyrgyzstan pose nuclear threat to millions
Recent studies have exposed a critical risk in Kyrgyzstan, where unstable dams holding approximately 700 000 cubic meters (918 000 cubic yards) of uranium mine tailings threaten to unleash a large-scale nuclear disaster on the Fergana Valley, potentially displacing millions and rendering the region uninhabitable.
U.S. Plains on alert for multiday severe weather including tornadoes and hail
A severe weather warning covers the Plains, threatening over 55 million residents with strong tornadoes, hail the size of baseballs, and damaging wind gusts. The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch as the region braces for potentially destructive weather through the weekend.
