The Watchers team and our contributors bring the latest on extreme weather, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, space weather, and all things science. We're all about making sense of the natural world and keeping you informed on what’s happening. Got a tip or a question? Hit us up using the form at newstips!
On the morning of September 23, 2023, a large landslide caused the collapse of a motorway stretch between Gothenburg in Sweden and Oslo in Norway. The landslide has resulted in three injuries and is currently under police investigation. The incident took place near the small Swedish town of Stenungsund and has significantly impacted the E6 motorway in both directions.
In a significant blow to Valencia’s agricultural sector, hailstorms, winds, and rain on Sunday damaged more than 22 000 ha (54 363 acres) of crops, causing an estimated loss of over 43 million euros. The most affected regions were Utiel-Requena and Camp de Túria.
Extreme rainfall from Storm Daniel led to catastrophic flooding in Central Greece earlier this month, described as a 1-in-200+ year event. The storm then moved on to cause massive flooding in Libya, resulting in over 11 000 fatalities.
The ongoing rainy season, which commenced in early July, is inflicting extensive damage across Niger, leading to major flooding and overflows of the Niger and Komadougou rivers. As the water levels rise, reports confirm a mounting toll of casualties and property damage.
Torrential rainfall in the town of Lisal, located in northwestern Mongala province, triggered a devastating landslide along the Congo River, resulting in the death of at least 17 residents. Authorities are on high alert, suggesting the death toll could further escalate as search and rescue operations continue amidst the debris of collapsed homes.
A massive wave crashed into a beach restaurant in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa on September 17, 2023, leaving 12 people injured. Five of them were transported to a hospital in a serious condition.
An mesoscale low has rapidly developed between Spain and the Balearic islands, the Mediterranean Medicane Centre (MCC) said in their Special Outlook issued at 12:00 UTC on September 15, 2023.
As per the National Hurricane Center’s latest advisory at 12:00 UTC (8:00 AM AST) on September 15, 2023, Hurricane Lee, currently over the western Atlantic Ocean, is anticipated to bring tropical storm conditions across parts of coastal New England by this afternoon.
As of 5:00 AM AST (9:00 UTC), Hurricane “Lee” — a Category 3 storm on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, is intensifying and poses an increasing threat to portions of New England and Atlantic Canada.
Vanuatu’s Yasur volcano experienced increased activity on September 12, 2023, with intense explosions and abundant ash emissions. The Alert Level remains at 2 of 4.
