Heavy rains affecting the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil over the past few days caused floods and landslides in which at least 4 people were killed and one went missing. The state government said 26 municipalities have reported losses due to the storms of recent days and the cities of Rio Negrinho and Ascurra have declared a state of emergency.
Tropical Cyclone “Cheneso” formed around 12:00 UTC on January 18, 2023, as the fourth named storm of the 2022/23 South Indian Ocean cyclone season and made landfall around 07:45 UTC (10:45 LT) on January 19, north of the city of Antalaha in northern Madagascar with maximum sustained winds of 90 km/h (55 mph) and gusts up to 120 km/h (75 mph).
An avalanche hit southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region at 19:50 LT on January 17, 2023, burying multiple vehicles and killing at least 28 people as of January 20. The avalanche occurred on a section of road between Pai village in Mainling county and the Doxong La tunnel in Medog county, leaving people trapped in their vehicles as snow engulfed the exit of the tunnel.
After a run of particularly wet weather for New Zealand’s Gisborne region, one location has beaten its record for the highest January rainfall since 1937.
Tropical Cyclone “Cheneso” formed around 12:00 UTC on January 18, 2023, as the fourth named storm of the 2022/23 Southwest Indian Ocean cyclone season.
Tropical Cyclone “Irene” formed on January 18, 2023 north of New Caledonia as the 4th named storm of the 2022/23 Australian region cyclone season.
A powerful low pressure system, named Storm Gerard by Météo France, brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and thunderstorms to northern and western France on Sunday, January 15, and Monday, January 16, 2023, resulting in significant weather-related incidents and causing casualties and damage. This is the 22nd named storm of the 2022/23 European windstorm season, including two ex-hurricanes (Danielle and Martin).
On January 16, 2023, Iowa experienced a rare meteorological event as two tornadoes touched down in the eastern part of the state, marking the first January tornadoes in Iowa in 56 years. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the last time Iowa saw January tornadoes was in 1967 — with a total of 13 tornadoes during the month. While tornadoes are a relatively common occurrence in Iowa, with peak season typically taking place in May, January tornadoes are a rare phenomenon.
Heavy rainfall and flooding continue to impact Queensland’s Central Coast. A Severe Weather Warning is current for heavy to locally intense rainfall between Ayr and St Lawrence, and adjacent inland areas, including Mackay, Proserpine and Bowen. Many catchments in northern and central Queensland are experiencing minor to major flooding, and dangerous flash flooding remains possible.
A winter storm is forecasted to form on Tuesday evening, January 17, 2023, in the eastern regions of Colorado before traversing northeastward through Thursday, January 19. This system is anticipated to bring copious amounts of snowfall to the High Plains region and western Great Lakes area, with the possibility of substantial freezing rain. Expect significant disruptions to travel in affected areas.
