First tornado of the year touches down in Tehama County, California
The first tornado of 2025 in the U.S. was reported in Tehama County, California on Friday, January 3, 2024.
Powerful vent opens at Dofan volcano as seismic crisis hits Afar region, Ethiopia
A new vent opened at Dofan volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region, releasing powerful jets of steam, rocks, and mud on January 3, 2025. The development comes during a series of earthquakes recorded in the region since December 22 and raised concerns about a potential volcanic eruption — which would be the first on record.
Multiday lake-effect snow to blanket parts of New York and Pennsylvania with heavy snow
A powerful multiday lake-effect snow event is set to blanket parts of New York and Pennsylvania, with areas downwind of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie expected to receive up to 90 cm (3 feet) of snow by Sunday, January 5, 2025 creating hazardous conditions across several regions.
M6.1 earthquake hits Tarapaca-Antofagasta border region, Chile
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit the Tarapaca-Antofagasta border region of Chile at 20:43 UTC on January 2, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 99 km (61 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 91 km (56 miles).
Major winter storm to impact U.S. through the first weekend of 2025
Millions across the central and eastern U.S. are bracing for a major winter storm expected to dump heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain, with dangerous travel conditions and power outages anticipated through the first weekend of 2025.
Severe flooding in Manchester forces evacuations on New Year’s Day, U.K.
Manchester experienced severe flooding on January 1, 2025, when over 100 mm (4 inches) of rain drenched the region and forced hundreds to evacuate homes and hotels. A major incident was declared and emergency services coordinated rescues amid rising water levels and extensive damage.
M6.1 earthquake hits South Sandwich Islands region
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit the South Sandwich Islands region at 13:48 UTC on January 1, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 83 km (51 miles).
Flights canceled, roads blocked, and thousands stranded as heavy snowfall hits Kashmir, India
Kashmir experienced heavy snowfall on December 28, 2024, with accumulations ranging from 13 to 90 cm (5 to 37 inches) across the region. The severe weather disrupted flights, blocked major highways, and caused widespread power and water outages, leaving hundreds of travelers stranded.
Earthquake swarm on Reykjanes Ridge, Iceland
A strong earthquake swarm was registered on Iceland’s Reykjanes Ridge between December 28 and 30, 2024. The activity was concentrated in a tectonically active area, with the strongest reaching M3.6.
Tornado damages Athens downtown square, rips roof off Limestone County Courthouse, Alabama
A powerful EF-1 tornado tore through Athens, Alabama, late Saturday night, December 28, 2024, causing widespread damage to the Limestone County Courthouse, downtown businesses, and Alabama Veterans Park.
