The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: August 16 – 22, 2023
New activity/unrest was reported for 3 volcanoes from August 26 – 22, 2023. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 20 volcanoes.
Deep M6.2 earthquake hits Santiago del Estero, Argentina
A deep earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.2 hit Argentina at 14:22 UTC on August 23, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 568.8 km (353.4 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.2 at a depth of 565 km (351 miles.
Tropical Storm “Harold” hits South Texas, marking the first U.S. hit of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season
Tropical Storm “Harold” — the first Atlantic tropical cyclone to make landfall in the US for 2023, hit South Texas on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, delivering torrential rains and localized flash floods in areas along the Mexico border. This sudden impact came mere hours after its upgrade from a tropical depression on its trajectory across the Gulf of Mexico.
Hilary becomes the fourth tropical storm or hurricane to reach California intact, brings record-breaking rains
Tropical Storm “Hilary” — previously a Category 4 hurricane — reached California on August 20, 2023, marking its position as one of the rare storms to maintain integrity upon reaching the state. The storm, with surface winds over 80 km/h (50 mph), brought with it record-breaking rainfall and caused widespread flooding and power outages across the region.
Canadian wildfires prompt evacuation of 20 000 as flames approach Yellowknife
Multiple wildfires in Canada’s northern territories have forced thousands to evacuate their homes, especially in Yellowknife. As the flames approached, the 20 000 residents of the city have been instructed to vacate by Friday, August 18, 2023.
Hilary strengthens to Category 4 hurricane, significant and rare impacts expected in California and Nevada
Hilary rapidly strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane at 06:00 UTC on August 18, 2023, and continued moving WNW toward Baja California Peninsula, Mexico. Significant flooding impacts are possible across portions of the Baja California Peninsula and the southwestern United States.
500 m (1 640 feet) long earth crack opens in Cocotitlán, Mexico
A significant earth crack, measuring approximately 500 m (1 640 feet) in length and 3 m (10 feet) in depth, appeared recently in the cultivated lands of Cocotitlán, State of Mexico, raising concerns among its residents.
Strong and shallow M6.3 earthquake hits Colombia
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.3 hit central Colombia at 17:04 UTC (12:04 LT) on August 17, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
Shallow M6.0 earthquake hits central Mid-Atlantic Ridge
A shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit central Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 16:41 UTC on August 17, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
Tropical Storm “Hilary” forecast to rapidly strengthen on its way toward Baja California and the United States
Tropical Storm “Hilary” formed at 15:00 UTC on August 16, 2023, as the 8th named storm of the 2023 Pacific hurricane season. The system is strengthening and is expected to become a hurricane on August 17, on its way toward the Baja California Peninsula and the United States.
