• Major M7.4 earthquake hits near east coast of Honshu, Japan, tsunami waves observed along Tohoku coast

    A major earthquake registered by the USGS as M7.4 struck near the east coast of Honshu, Japan, at 07:53 UTC (16:53 local time) on April 20, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 35 km (21.7 miles). JMA and EMSC are reporting M7.4 at a depth of 10 km (6 miles). According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC), hazardous tsunami waves are possible within 300 km (186 miles) of the epicenter.

  • State of emergency declared as Red Heavy Rain Warnings take effect in Wellington and Wairarapa, New Zealand

    Red Heavy Rain Warnings were issued for Wellington and Wairarapa on Monday, April 20, 2026, as flooding, swollen rivers, and landslides cut through infrastructure across the region, prompting the declaration of a state of emergency. Further heavy rain is forecast through Tuesday, April 21, with accumulations of up to 150 mm (5.9 inches) expected in the hardest-hit areas.

  • Tornadoes damage homes and infrastructure across multiple Midwest states on April 17

    A severe weather outbreak produced multiple tornadoes across the Midwestern United States on April 17, 2026, resulting in structural damage to residential buildings and infrastructure in several states. Preliminary National Weather Service data indicates more than 20 tornado reports, with impacts concentrated in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota and extending into Missouri, and at least one reported injury.

  • Strong tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds expected from Plains to Great Lakes on April 17

    A multi-phase severe weather event is expected to impact the central United States on April 17, 2026, from northern Oklahoma to Wisconsin, with an Enhanced Risk of severe storms in place. Initial supercells may produce strong tornadoes and large hail before transitioning into an organized system capable of widespread damaging winds and localized flash flooding.

  • Super Typhoon Sinlaku cripples power, roads and key infrastructure on Saipan and Tinian

    Super Typhoon Sinlaku struck the Northern Mariana Islands late on April 14, 2026, bringing sustained winds near 241 km/h (150 mph) at peak impact and unusually slow movement that kept destructive conditions over populated islands for hours. The islands of Saipan and Tinian sustained widespread infrastructure damage, prolonged utility outages, blocked roads, and flooding, with officials warning that full restoration in some hard-hit areas could take days to weeks.

  • Super Typhoon Sinlaku nears Saipan and Tinian with destructive winds, flooding and dangerous surf

    Super Typhoon Sinlaku approached Saipan and Tinian on April 14, 2026, with destructive typhoon-force winds, life-threatening coastal flooding and torrential rain expected through Wednesday. The National Weather Service said the storm’s center was just southeast of the islands Tuesday afternoon local time, with the eyewall nearing both islands and dangerous conditions already affecting parts of the Marianas.

  • Cyclone Vaianu brings destructive winds, heavy rain and widespread disruption to New Zealand’s North Island

    Cyclone Vaianu crossed New Zealand’s North Island on Sunday, April 12, 2026, bringing damaging winds, torrential rain, and large swells that caused flooding, evacuations, power outages, and transport disruption across several districts. The storm made landfall near the Māketū Peninsula in Bay of Plenty shortly after 14:00 LT on Sunday before tracking southeast and moving offshore later that evening. Cleanup continued on Monday as authorities assessed slips, flood damage and coastal impacts.

  • Typhoon Sinlaku forecast to reach super typhoon strength before nearing the Marianas, Typhoon Warnings issued for Rota, Tinian and Saipan

    Typhoon Sinlaku intensified into a dangerous major typhoon over the western Pacific on April 12, 2026, as officials issued typhoon warnings for Rota, Tinian and Saipan, and a tropical storm warning for Guam. The storm was forecast to strengthen further on April 13, reaching super typhoon strength, before nearing the Marianas, where destructive winds, coastal inundation, and flash flooding are possible from late April 13 into April 14.

  • Red wind warning and widespread severe weather alerts issued as Cyclone Vaianu approaches North Island, New Zealand

    Cyclone Vaianu is forecast to move south across New Zealand’s North Island on Sunday, April 12, 2026, bringing a multi-hazard threat, including damaging winds up to 140 km/h (87 mph), heavy rainfall, and coastal inundation risk. A Red Strong Wind Warning is in force for the Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island, with widespread Orange warnings and watches covering much of the North Island and upper South Island. Significant disruption to transport, power supply, and communities is expected.

  • Tropical Storm Sinlaku strengthens, rapid intensification forecast as it tracks toward Guam

    Tropical Storm Sinlaku formed on April 9, 2026, in the western Pacific and strengthened to 102 km/h (63 mph) by 15:00 UTC on April 10, approximately 904 km (562 miles) southeast of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The system is becoming more organized and is forecast to undergo rapid intensification while tracking toward the Mariana Islands, with a potentially dangerous passage near or over Guam.