The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: March 1 – 7, 2023
New activity/unrest was reported for 5 volcanoes from March 1 – 7, 2023. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 16 volcanoes.
Atmospheric river to bring heavy precipitation, potential flooding to California
A new atmospheric river (AR) event is forecast to impact California on Thursday, March 9, 2023, bringing with it considerable rainfall through Saturday, March 11. Forecast models are predicting that the incoming AR will reach AR4 (on a scale of 1 – 5) ranking in the Bay Area, with an 80% chance of being at least an AR3. A second AR landfall is possible early next week.
Weather system produces more than 880 000 lightning strikes over the Tasman Sea, moving toward South Island, New Zealand
More than 880 000 lightning strikes have been recorded over the Tasman Sea in 24 hours to Tuesday, March 7, 2023. This weather system is moving toward New Zealand’s South Island and is forecast to eventually move up to the North Island late in the week.
Increased seismicity beneath Tanaga volcano, Alaska
In response to increased seismicity beneath the Tanaga volcano detected on March 6 and 7, 2023, the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) raised the Aviation Color Code to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level to Advisory.
Shallow M6.0 earthquake hits New Ireland region, Papua New Guinea
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit New Ireland region, Papua New Guinea at 13:51 UTC on March 7, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 30 km (18 miles).
M4.4 earthquake beneath Lake Taupo, more than 20 aftershocks, New Zealand
An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.4 struck beneath Lake Taupō, New Zealand on March 5, 2023, followed by more than 20 aftershocks. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 1, which denotes minor volcanic unrest, and the Aviation Color Code is Green. Although there is no immediate risk, the potential for eruption hazards cannot be entirely ruled out, and it is essential that visitors and residents follow the recommended safety guidelines.
At least 15 killed, 50 missing after large landslide hits Serasan island, Indonesia
A large landslide hit the Indonesian region of Natuna on Monday, March 6, 2023, leading to the deaths of at least 15 people. 50 others are still missing, as search and rescue teams struggle to reach the affected areas due to poor weather conditions and damaged communication lines.
Strong and shallow M6.0 earthquake hits Mindanao, Philippines
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit Mindanao, Philippines at 06:02 UTC (14:02 LT) on March 7, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 38.6 km (24 miles). PHIVOLCS is reporting M5.9 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles); EMSC M6.0 at 10 km (6.2 miles).
Tropical Cyclone “Freddy” — The longest-lived and one-of-a-kind tropical cyclone in history
History is being made in the world of tropical cyclones, as Cyclone Freddy continues to make its mark. Born northwest of Australia on February 3, 2023, Freddy is now being called one-of-a-kind and the longest-lived cyclone ever documented.
Southern Ontario hit by intense winter storm with thundersnow and heavy snowfall, Canada
An intense winter storm roared through southern Ontario on Friday night, March 3, 2023, bringing heavy snowfall, thundersnow, and howling wind gusts. Despite spring being just a few weeks away, the storm resulted in dangerous travel, scattered power outages, and flight disruptions.
