Historic rainfall in UAE results in major flooding, traffic chaos in Dubai

Historic rainfall in UAE results in major flooding, traffic chaos in Dubai

On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, the UAE was struck by an exceptional weather event, with record-breaking rainfall reaching up to 254.8 mm (10 inches) in Al Ain, surpassing the country’s annual average in less than 24 hours. The National Centre of Meteorology (NMC) issued a red alert as the rains caused significant flooding, traffic disruptions, and at least one death in Dubai. This severe weather follows similar impacts in neighboring Oman, where 19 fatalities were reported.

Enhanced Risk of Severe Weather (level 3/5) for portions of southern Iowa, northeastern Missouri, and far western Illinois

Enhanced Risk of Severe Weather (level 3/5) for portions of southern Iowa, northeastern Missouri, and far western Illinois

There is an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) for severe thunderstorms on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, with threats for significant severe hail and tornado potential over southern Iowa into northern Missouri and west-central Illinois, the National Weather Service (NWS) warns. Additionally, elevated to critical fire weather is possible Tuesday due to gusty winds and dry conditions over parts of the southern High Plains and northeastern Montana.

Severe storms unleash tornadoes and extreme floods across Texas and Louisiana, U.S.

Severe storms unleash tornadoes and extreme floods across Texas and Louisiana, U.S.

A deadly severe weather outbreak hit the Gulf Coast and lower Mississippi Valley on April 10, 2024, with tornadoes, heavy rains, and high wind gusts. The storms caused at least one fatality in Mississippi and widespread destruction, including in New Orleans, which faced a Flash Flood Emergency. Investigations suggest the event might qualify as a serial derecho — a significant meteorological phenomenon.

Intense rainfall and hailstorms hit Cuba, leaving 260 000 customers without power

Intense rainfall and hailstorms hit Cuba, leaving 260 000 customers without power

Intense rainfall and hailstorms struck western Cuba on March 22, 2024, causing widespread damage, including downed trees, power outages, and flash floods. The National Electricity Union reported over 260 000 users without electricity in provinces such as Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, Mayabeque, Matanzas, and Havana.

Extremely heavy rains hit Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo, causing destructive floods and landslides, Brazil

Extremely heavy rains hit Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo, causing destructive floods and landslides, Brazil

Heavy rains in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro state on March 22, 2024, resulted in at least nine fatalities, with Petropolis being the hardest hit. A staggering 270 mm (11 inches) of rain fell within 24 hours, significantly impacting the region and leading to numerous incidents, including landslides and house collapses. The storm then moved to the neighboring state of Espírito Santo, dropping more than 200 mm (7.8 inches) of rainfall within 24 hours.