San Francisco exceeds seasonal rain totals, another atmospheric river and extremely dangerous winds approaching California, U.S.

San Francisco exceeds seasonal rain totals, another atmospheric river and extremely dangerous winds approaching California, U.S.

Severe storms swept through California on Thursday, February 1, 2024, causing widespread flooding, power outages, and fallen trees. The first of two storms, part of strong atmospheric river systems, hit the San Francisco Bay Area before moving south towards Los Angeles, delivering over 100 mm (4 inches) of rain in some areas. Officials warn of a “significant threat” from an even larger storm expected over the weekend, with the potential for excessive rain, heavy snow, and strong winds across the state through Tuesday, February 7.

Catalonia’s worst drought in a century prompts declaration of drought emergency, new water restrictions, Spain

Catalonia’s worst drought in a century prompts declaration of drought emergency, new water restrictions, Spain

Barcelona and the wider region of Catalonia have declared a drought emergency following three consecutive years of insufficient rainfall, leading to reservoir levels falling critically low. Pere Aragones, the head of the regional government, announced immediate water-saving restrictions affecting six million people. With reservoirs at less than 16% capacity, the emergency is described as the worst drought Catalonia has experienced in a century, necessitating drastic reductions in water usage for residents, municipalities, farmers, and businesses alike.

Violent clashes outside European Parliament amid massive farmer protests

Violent clashes outside European Parliament amid massive farmer protests

European farmers took the protest near the EU summit in Brussels today, blocking roads with 1 300 tractors and clashing with police. The protests started earlier this month, but demonstrations have now spread across Europe as farmers from Belgium, France, Italy, and Spain demand help with taxes and rising costs. EU leaders acknowledged the crisis, amid calls for action ahead of European Parliament elections.

Red warnings for extreme wind gusts and avalanches issued as Storm Ingunn approaches Norway

Red warnings for extreme wind gusts and avalanches issued as Storm Ingunn approaches Norway

A powerful Atlantic windstorm named Storm Ingunn by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute on January 31, 2024 is now moving over the Faroe Islands with wind gusts of up to 250 km/h (155 mph). While severe gales will affect northern Britain, in Norway, red warnings are in place for extreme wind gusts and avalanches