Stronghold Fire reaches 865 ha (2 138 acres) near Sunsites-Pearce, Arizona
The Stronghold Fire in Cochise County, Arizona, has burned approximately 865 ha (2 138 acres) and was 62% contained as of 08:00 LT on May 2, 2025.
Axial Seamount showing signs of approaching eruption as magma builds up off Oregon coast
Axial Seamount, an underwater volcano off the Pacific Northwest coast, could erupt soon for the first time in a decade. Scientists at the University of Washington have detected a sharp increase in small undersea earthquakes and seafloor inflation — signs of magma buildup within the volcano. Despite the activity, experts say there is no threat to coastal communities. The site remains under constant observation through one of the world’s most advanced ocean monitoring systems.
The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: April 23–29, 2025
New activity/unrest was reported for six volcanoes from April 23 to 29, 2025. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 21 volcanoes.
Hot mudflows destroy rubber and rice crops in North Sumatra, sparking fears of another Lapindo disaster, Indonesia
Hot mudflows struck Indonesia’s Roburan Dolok village in North Sumatra on April 25, 2025, damaging crops across the region and contaminating the water supply of four villages.
At least 2 dead in Pittsburgh as severe storms sweep through Northeast and Mid-Atlantic
At least two people died in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, after a derecho swept through the area, downing power lines and trees. The storm was part of a larger severe weather system that affected the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
Mount Etna eruption intensifies with lava fountains and ash emissions, Italy
Strombolian activity at Mount Etna’s Southeast Crater evolved into lava fountaining on April 30, 2025, producing ash emissions and prompting a temporary elevation of the Aviation Color Code to Red. This was the 11th eruptive episode at Etna since March 15.
Severe thunderstorms forecast for parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and the northeastern U.S. as powerful storm system moves east
A powerful storm system will move across the northeastern United States through Tuesday, April 29, 2025, prompting an Enhanced Risk for severe thunderstorms from Texas to New York through Wednesday, April 30.
Tornadoes cause damage in Minnesota and Wisconsin
Tornadoes were reported in Minnesota and Wisconsin on Monday, April 28, 2025, as severe storms swept across the Midwest, producing winds exceeding 120 km/h (74 mph) and teacup-sized hail.
Strong M6.8 earthquake hits Macquarie Island region
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.8 hit the Macquarie Island region at 14:53 UTC on April 29, 2025. The agency reports a depth of 4.5 km (2.8 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.8 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). Macquarie Island is located about halfway between Antarctica and New Zealand.
Major agricultural losses after severe hailstorms hit Romania
Romania’s farmlands have taken a hard hit from a wave of violent spring storms this week, with hail and flooding wiping out large portions of this season’s crops. As temperatures plunge and weather alerts remain in place, the Environment Minister has warned of a possible year without Romanian-grown produce. Urban areas saw dramatic scenes, but the lasting scars are on the fields.
