Widespread damage and at least 16 fatalities, 12 missing in Eastern Europe after rapid intensification of Storm Bettina

Widespread damage and at least 16 fatalities, 12 missing in Eastern Europe after rapid intensification of Storm Bettina

Eastern Europe is still grappling with the aftermath of Storm Bettina, a severe snowstorm that rapidly intensified over the Black Sea and impacted the region on November 26 and 27, 2023. Ukraine has reported significant casualties, with at least five deaths and 19 injuries in the Odesa region. The storm has not only disrupted life in Ukraine but also inflicted damage and caused fatalities in neighboring countries such as Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey and Russia.

Heavy snow and blizzards hit Romania and Bulgaria, claiming lives and disrupting power supply

Heavy snow and blizzards hit Romania and Bulgaria, claiming lives and disrupting power supply

Heavy snowfall, strong winds, and blizzards, unleashed by Storm Bettina, have led to severe weather-related incidents and extensive damage in parts of Romania and Bulgaria on November 26 and 27, 2023. The storm resulted in the deaths of at least 3 people and left dozens injured in several countries, including Moldova, Ukraine, and Russia.

Severe ‘black blizzard’ in Moscow: Snowfall hits 35% of monthly average overnight, Russia

Severe ‘black blizzard’ in Moscow: Snowfall hits 35% of monthly average overnight, Russia

The Russian capital of Moscow is facing an extraordinary ‘black blizzard’, a weather pattern typically seen in the Far North. This phenomenon, which started overnight, has resulted in heavy snowfall and reduced visibility to approximately 100 m (328 feet), with the situation expected to persist until Tuesday, November 28, 2023.

Powerful Storm Bettina ravages Black Sea region with hurricane-force winds, severe storm surge, flooding and snowstorms

Powerful Storm Bettina ravages Black Sea region with hurricane-force winds, severe storm surge, flooding and snowstorms

Hurricane-force winds reaching speeds of 144 km/h (90 mph) and a significant tidal surge caused by a powerful Mediterranean cyclone named Storm Bettina have devastated parts of the Crimean Peninsula, particularly impacting Sevastopol and surrounding districts on November 25 and 26, 2023. The storm has led to widespread power outages, affecting nearly 500 000 residents, and causing considerable flooding and property damage. Bettina’s center moved over land early November 27 and is heading northward.

Major lake-effect snow event expected in Great Lakes region, threatening road closures and power outages

Major lake-effect snow event expected in Great Lakes region, threatening road closures and power outages

As Arctic air sweeps across the Great Lakes, meteorologists are warning of the season’s first significant lake-effect snow event, poised to cause travel disruptions and potentially feet of snow in some areas. This weather phenomenon, intensifying early next week, is expected to bring hazardous conditions, particularly along I-90 and in snow-prone regions of Michigan, Ohio, and New York.

Europe braces for intense Arctic outbreak and heavy snowfall across multiple regions

Europe braces for intense Arctic outbreak and heavy snowfall across multiple regions

Europe is bracing for a major weather shift this weekend, as an intense Arctic cold outbreak targets eastern, central, and southeastern regions. The season’s most severe winter storm is set to hit the Balkan peninsula, potentially dumping up to 50 cm (20 inches) of snow across areas from Romania to Ukraine. This significant event is forecasted to extend into the end of November, contrasting sharply with the mild weather experienced in recent weeks.

Intense winter storm brings heavy snow and freezing temperatures to the Plains and Rockies, U.S.

Intense winter storm brings heavy snow and freezing temperatures to the Plains and Rockies, U.S.

A significant winter storm is affecting the Rockies and Plains, bringing heavy snowfall and temperatures well below normal this holiday weekend. Forecasts predict snow accumulations of 10 – 15 cm (4 – 6 inches) in western Nebraska and central Kansas, and up to 30 – 45 cm (12 – 18 inches) in southwest Colorado. The system, which is also expected to impact the eastern states early next week, poses a severe travel risk due to gusty winds and heavy snow.

Extensive flooding hits Democratic Republic of Congo, nearly 1 500 homes destroyed or damaged

Extensive flooding hits Democratic Republic of Congo, nearly 1 500 homes destroyed or damaged

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is grappling with a humanitarian crisis following extensive flooding caused by ongoing torrential rains since November 13, 2023. The most severe impacts have been recorded in the eastern and north-eastern regions, including Baraka City and Dungu Town, where thousands have been displaced, and homes have been destroyed.