The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: February 14 – 20, 2024
New activity/unrest was reported for 2 volcanoes from February 14 to 20, 2024. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 20 volcanoes.
Large tornado hits West Java, damaging hundreds of homes and injuring 30 people, Indonesia
A large and destructive tornado swept through four districts in Sumedang and Bandung Regencies of West Java, Indonesia on February 21, 2024, affecting more than 60 homes and injuring at least 22 people.
NMC issues Orange alert for severe cold, China
Severe weather warnings have been issued across China, with temperatures set to plummet in the south and Beijing experiencing snowy conditions. The National Meteorological Center (NMC) has renewed an orange alert, indicating significant temperature drops of 6 to 12 °C (10.8 to 21.6 °F) in southern regions and more than 20 °C (36 °F) in some areas. Beijing saw up to 4.1 cm (1.6 inches) of snow, affecting traffic and pedestrian safety. In Xinjiang, a new record low of -52.3 °C (-62.14 °F) was set, breaking a 64-year-old record.
Severe sandstorms hit parts of NW China
Severe sandstorms hit Ruoqiang County in China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on the morning of February 17, 2024, reducing visibility to less than 100 m (330 feet) and prompting authorities to implement traffic control measures on many roads. In Turpan, local rescue teams were deployed to assist those stranded by the sandstorms.
Xinjiang records lowest temperature in history at -52.3 °C (-62.1 °F), China
Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region has set a new record for low temperatures, reaching -52.3 °C (-62.14 °F) in Fuyun County, leading to the death of numerous birds and surpassing a cold record held since 1960. Amidst the Chinese Lunar New Year’s return, this severe cold has resulted in extensive traffic disruptions and emergency responses across the region.
Tropical Storm “Eleanor” forms over the southern Indian Ocean
Tropical Storm “Eleanor” formed over the southern Indian Ocean on February 19, 2024, as the 6th named storm of the 2023/24 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season. The cyclone is strengthening as it turns southward toward Saint Brandon and Mauritius. The current forecast track takes its center very close to Mauritius on February 23.
Tropical Storm “Akará” forms off Rio de Janeiro as first TS in South Atlantic since 2019
On February 16, 2024, the Brazilian Navy identified a subtropical depression ESE of Rio de Janeiro, which intensified into Tropical Storm “Akará” by February 19. Akará is the first named tropical storm to develop in the South Atlantic Ocean since Iba in 2019 and the basin’s first named storm in February since Bapo in 2015. The system is expected to continue intensifying, but remain well away from Brazil.
Destructive avalanche hits Afghanistan, leaving at least 25 people dead
A destructive snow avalanche mixed with rubble struck the village of Nakre in the Tatin valley, Nugram district of Nuristan Province, overnight on Sunday, February 18, 2024. The disaster resulted in at least 25 fatalities and 8 injuries, with around 20 homes destroyed or heavily damaged.
Severe thunderstorm hits Sydney, lightning strikes injure 4, set 3 homes on fire, Australia
Severe storms hit NSW, Australia on February 19, 2024, causing injuries, transport shutdown, and flash flooding. The storms have resulted in four people injured by a lightning strike, significant transport disruptions, and the ignition of three houses. Sydney recorded up to 57 mm (2.24 inches) of rain, intensifying the risk of flash flooding across the state.
Atmospheric river event brings new round of heavy rain and snow to California
An atmospheric river event continues directing subtropical moisture over much of California on Monday, February 19, 2024. Heavy coastal and low elevation rain, thunderstorms, heavy mountain snow and high winds are all expected from this new atmospheric river event.
