Over 9 000 residents and tourists evacuated Santorini island by ferry and emergency flights on February 3 and 4, 2025, following a surge in seismic activity that began on January 28. Authorities remain on high alert as the region continues to experience strong earthquakes, including 43 tremors above M4.0 since February 1.
A long-duration atmospheric river (AR) continues to impact Northern California, bringing heavy precipitation, with two additional moisture pulses expected before it dissipates on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.
A mix of freezing rain and sleet will develop across parts of the Midwest and northern Mid-Atlantic from Wednesday, February 5 through Thursday, February 6, 2025, as Arctic air lingers ahead of an approaching storm system. The greatest ice accumulation risks are expected in western Maryland, the West Virginia Panhandle, and Pennsylvania, where ice buildup may cause power outages and hazardous road conditions. Elsewhere, lighter freezing rain could still lead to travel disruptions across the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley.
In response to ongoing intense seismic activity, Greek authorities have deployed the EMAK emergency rescue team to Santorini, setting up temporary shelters near the indoor stadium. From February 1 to 3, 2025, more than 200 earthquakes have been recorded between Santorini and Amorgos, with the strongest reaching M4.8 on February 3. Schools on Santorini and nearby islands have been closed, and residents have been advised to avoid vulnerable structures. Additional flights have been scheduled to facilitate departures from the island.
The Ollera Creek Bridge, a critical section of the Bruce Highway, was destroyed over the weekend, severing a key transport link in Queensland amid the state’s worst flooding in 60 years. The floods have claimed the life of at least one person after a rescue boat capsized and have inundated thousands of homes and numerous roads across the region.
Severe flooding hit Sicily and Tuscany on February 2 and 3, 2025, turning streets into raging rivers, forcing emergency rescues and overwhelming local services.
A strong atmospheric river (AR) is set to bring heavy rainfall to northern California starting Sunday, February 2, 2025, with forecasts indicating up to 380 mm (15 inches) in the Sierra Nevada, increasing the risk of flash floods and debris flows near the burn scars.
A major flood event is underway in northern Queensland, Australia, on Sunday, February 2, 2025, after parts of the region received between 500 and 1 000 mm (19.7 – 39.4 inches) of rain in the 48 hours leading up to 09:00 LT today. At least one person has drowned in floodwaters after an SES boat capsized. The region is forecast to receive additional heavy rainfall, with some areas expected to see up to 500 mm (19.7 inches) of additional rain over the next 24 hours.
During a nighttime eruption on Thursday, January 30, 2025, the Sakurajima volcano produced an impressive volcanic lightning show, a rare but well-documented phenomenon associated with explosive eruptions.
A swarm of over 50 earthquakes has been recorded in the geothermal area, north of Taupo volcano, since 18:00 LT (05:00 UTC) on Thursday, January 30, 2025. The strongest earthquake was M2.9, with many earthquakes being reported as ‘unnoticeable’ or ‘weak’ by GeoNet.
