A dangerous excessive rainfall event, brought by a powerful atmospheric river, is underway across much of Central California today. Areal rainfall totals of 100 – 230 mm (4 – 9 inches) through today, atop areas with saturated soil and deep snowpack are expected to cause widespread and severe flooding impacts, particularly in the High Risk area.
Active seismic activity beneath the Tanaga and Takawangha volcanoes on Tanaga Island, Alaska, approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) apart, has increased the potential for eruption, according to official reports from the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO).
Active vents at White Island/Whakaari volcano in New Zealand are emitting substantial steam and gas plumes. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2 and the Aviation Color Code at Yellow.
Heavy rainfall caused severe flooding in Accra, the capital of Ghana, on March 7, 2023, leading to disrupted traffic, damaged roads, and casualties. As the city has been prone to flooding in recent years, officials have been discussing flood prevention measures, and President Mahama has emphasized the need for “drastic steps” to address the problem. However, with more heavy rainfall forecast over the next 24 hours, concerns remain about the potential for further damage and loss of life.
Heavy rain caused by Cyclone Yaku produced severe flooding and landslides in western Ecuador, resulting in the deaths of at least 3 people. The worst affected was Chone Canton in Manabí Province. The National Meteorology and Hydrology Service of Peru (Senamhi) described Yaku as an unusual and unorganized tropical cyclone.
New activity/unrest was reported for 5 volcanoes from March 1 – 7, 2023. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 16 volcanoes.
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.
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.
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.
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).
