The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: April 16-22, 2026
New activity/unrest was reported for 4 volcanoes from April 16 to 22, 2026. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 23 volcanoes.
Violent EF4 tornado injures 10 in Enid, Oklahoma, emergency declared in Garfield and Kay counties
A preliminary EF4 tornado injured 10 people in Enid, Oklahoma, on April 23, 2026, according to NWS Norman. The tornado reached estimated peak winds of 274 km/h (170 mph), tracked 15.3 km (9.5 miles), and damaged parts of Vance Air Force Base and the Gray Ridge neighborhood. This was the first EF4 tornado to impact Garfield County since April 1991.
Wildfire destroys more than 80 homes in Brantley County, Georgia
More than 80 homes have been destroyed by a wildfire in Brantley County, Georgia, as of April 24, 2026, prompting evacuation orders in multiple communities. Approximately 1 000 structures remain under threat as the fire continues to spread under dry and windy conditions, with containment still limited.
Large tornado hits Enid, Oklahoma, damaging homes and Vance AFB, at least 10 injuries reported
A large tornado struck Enid, Oklahoma, during the evening hours of April 23, 2026, causing significant structural damage, downing power infrastructure, and prompting search-and-rescue operations across affected neighborhoods. At least 10 people were injured.
Tornado Watch issued for Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri, higher-end threat expected across Kansas and Oklahoma
The NWS Storm Prediction Center issued Tornado Watch 134 at 17:00 UTC (12:00 CDT) on April 23, 2026, for eastern Nebraska, western and central Iowa, and northwest Missouri as severe thunderstorms began developing and increasing in coverage along a cold front. The watch includes tornado potential, damaging wind gusts up to 110 km/h (70 mph), and large hail up to 6.4 cm (2.5 inches), while a separate Enhanced Risk area across eastern Kansas and northern Oklahoma is expected to produce more intense severe storms later in the afternoon and evening.
Kīlauea eruption episode 45 peaks early with 300 m (1 000 feet) lava fountains and ash advisory for Kaʻū, Hawaiʻi
Lava fountains rising to 300 m (1 000 feet) and an ash plume reaching 5 000 m (16 500 feet) marked the onset of episode 45 at Kīlauea on April 23, 2026, triggering an ashfall advisory for Kaʻū. Activity remained confined within Halemaʻumaʻu as fountain heights stabilized after an early peak.
Landslide reactivation forces evacuation in Old Fort, British Columbia
A reactivated landslide in Old Fort, northeastern British Columbia, Canada, on April 20, 2026, prompted authorities to issue an evacuation order affecting approximately 150 residents. The movement damaged critical infrastructure, including the closure of the main access road, while Emergency Support Services coordinated evacuations and opened a reception center. Rainfall forecast over the next 48 hours introduces additional risk for slope instability.
Three tornadoes hit central California in third such day since 1955
A rare tornado event occurred in California after three tornadoes touched down in Fresno and Merced counties on April 21, 2026. This was the third time since 1955 that three or more tornadoes have touched down in the National Weather Service (NWS) Hanford Office’s jurisdiction.
Hundreds of wildfires scorch southern Georgia, 91 counties under State of Emergency
Hundreds of wildfires continued burning across southern Georgia on April 22, 2026, prompting authorities to place 91 counties under a State of Emergency for at least 30 days. The fires have burned more than 14 160 ha (35 000 acres) this month, destroyed dozens of structures, and forced evacuations as drought conditions persist.
Major late-season winter storm forecast to bring up to 50 cm (20 inches) of snow and freezing rain to northern Manitoba, Canada
A major late-season winter storm is forecast to impact northern Manitoba, Canada, beginning Wednesday evening, April 22, 2026, bringing 30–50 cm (12–20 inches) of snow, freezing rain, and strong winds. The system will produce rain or freezing rain across central regions before transitioning to heavy snow through Saturday, creating hazardous travel conditions and increasing the risk of power outages.
