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!

  • Introduction of Oceanic Mid-plate Superstructures (OMS) in volcanic studies

    ByTW

    New research introduces the concept of Oceanic Mid-plate Superstructures (OMS) to describe large volcanic structures formed from various volcanic sources over time. The study focuses on the Melanesian Border Plateau (MBP), an example of an OMS, revealing its formation through four distinct volcanic episodes, combining hotspot activity and lithospheric movements, contributing to around 222 000 km² of intraplate volcanism.

  • Heavy rains, deadly landslide hit Mindanao, Philippines

    ByTW

    Recent heavy rainfall and strong winds in parts of Mindanao, southern Philippines, have led to floods and landslides, resulting in at least seven deaths, including five children, 10 people missing, and significant damage. The disaster has affected over 187 000 people across four provinces in the Davao region, with ongoing rains halting search and rescue operations.

  • Bright daylight fireball over Kanto, Japan

    ByTW

    A bright daylight meteor was recorded over Japan’ Kanto Region at 06:55 JST on January 15, 2024. The event was accompanied by a sonic boom.

  • Winter storms cause over 70 deaths across nine US states

    ByTW

    Since January 12, 2024, a series of winter storms and an outbreak of cold air have led to at least 40 deaths across nine US states. The severe weather has caused significant disruptions, including power outages affecting over 85 000 homes and businesses in Oregon, hazardous travel conditions, and extensive road closures. The latest forecasts indicate another round of extreme cold and heavy snowfall across the central and eastern US.

  • Florida’s Bay County hit by first EF3 tornado since 1970s

    ByTW

    The National Weather Service has confirmed that the tornado that struck Panama City Beach, Florida, on January 9, 2024, was an EF3, marking the first occurrence of such a severe tornado in Bay County in over half a century.