Tropical Cyclone Horacio intensified to a Category 5-equivalent system over the central Southwest Indian Ocean east of Mauritius on February 22, 2026, becoming the strongest tropical cyclone recorded globally this year. The storm reached sustained winds near 260 km/h (160 mph) before moving southward over open waters.
A Backcountry Avalanche Watch is in effect for the Greater Lake Tahoe area due to high avalanche danger associated with a rain-on-snow event. The National Weather Service Reno and the Sierra Avalanche Center warn that widespread avalanche activity is possible, including large avalanches capable of burying or injuring people. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended during the watch period.
Two people were killed and another seriously injured after a large tree fell onto a moving vehicle in Calvert County, Maryland, at approximately 16:40 LT on February 22, 2026, during a powerful Nor’easter affecting the region. The incident occurred on Solomons Island Road (Route 2) near Aspen Woods Drive in Sunderland. The two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, and the third occupant was transported to a medical facility in critical condition.
Intense rainfall that began on February 19, 2026, continued to affect Peru’s Arequipa Province through February 23, causing severe floods and landslides. Authorities reported at least 17 fatalities, including one caused by flooding, one by lightning, and 15 when a Peruvian Air Force (FAP) helicopter transporting evacuees crashed during relief operations in Caravelí Province. Hundreds of homes, roads, and bridges were damaged, and essential services remained disrupted as emergency and debris-removal efforts continued.
Heavy snow and strong winds continued across the northeastern United States on February 23, 2026, as a major Nor’easter that began February 22 produced blizzard conditions, widespread travel disruption, scattered power outages, and minor to moderate coastal flooding from the Chesapeake Bay to New England. Over 660 000 customers from Virginia to New York and Massachusetts are without power.
Snowfall totals exceeding 330 mm (13 inches) were recorded across New Jersey on February 23, 2026, as a powerful nor’easter brought blizzard conditions to the Northeast U.S. The event prompted a statewide State of Emergency and placed all counties under blizzard warnings for the first time in three decades.
Multiple accidents and stranded vehicles were reported along Interstate 80 in northern New Jersey late on February 22 and into February 23 as a powerful Nor’easter brought blizzard conditions to the region. Authorities closed sections of the highway near Paterson while crews worked to remove vehicles and clear snow drifts amid winds exceeding 80 km/h (50 mph).
A major blizzard struck New York on February 22, 2026, prompting a citywide travel ban and declaration of a State of Emergency. Snowfall totals reached 35.6 cm (14.0 inches) on Staten Island and 23.6 cm (9.3 inches) in Central Park. All schools have been closed on February 23, as Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared the first traditional snow day since 2019. No remote instruction will take place, and all after-school activities are cancelled.
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 struck near Nikolski, Alaska, at 05:11 UTC on February 23, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 14 km (8.7 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 25 km (15 miles).
A powerful and deep earthquake registered by the USGS as M7.1 struck off the coast of Kota Belud, Malaysia, at 16:57 UTC on February 22, 2026. The agency reported a depth of 620 km (385 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth. Due to the great depth, no tsunami was generated, and damage is unlikely. This is the largest earthquake recorded near Malaysia since the M6.6 quake in Lahad Datu in 1923.
