Tropical Cyclone “Lincoln” hits Gulf of Carpentaria, heavy rainfall and damaging winds continue, Australia

Tropical Cyclone “Lincoln” hits Gulf of Carpentaria, heavy rainfall and damaging winds continue, Australia

Tropical Cyclone “Lincoln” made landfall on the Gulf of Carpentaria coast between Port McAarthur and the Northern Territory – Queensland border at 06:00 UTC on February 16, 2024, as a Category 1 storm. Shortly after, it weakened and moved west across the Northern Territory, with heavy rainfall forecasted and a moderate risk of redeveloping into a tropical cyclone.

Floods and landslides hit Ecuador, leaving two dead and thousands affected

Floods and landslides hit Ecuador, leaving two dead and thousands affected

Heavy rain has been affecting Ecuador since January 29, 2024, resulting in devastating floods and landslides across the country. Two fatalities were reported in Azuay Province, with four others injured in Chimborazo and Loja. The disaster has affected over 16 600 individuals, predominantly in Los Ríos, Manabí, Esmeraldas, and Guayas provinces, leading to the destruction of 36 houses and damage to 3 180 others.

50 homes damaged, 5 destroyed by twin tornadoes in Limassol, Cyprus

50 homes damaged, 5 destroyed by twin tornadoes in Limassol, Cyprus

Two tornadoes wreaked havoc in Limassol, Cyprus, on February 14, 2024, causing extensive damage across the city, particularly in the Germasoyeia suburb. The storms tore roofs off houses, downed a building crane, and caused other significant infrastructural damage. Local officials report that the damage is massive and unprecedented, with emergency services and maintenance workers responding to the aftermath.

Floods in northern Oman claim three lives, cause widespread evacuations

Floods in northern Oman claim three lives, cause widespread evacuations

Heavy rains affecting Oman over the past couple of days caused significant disruption and widespread floods in which at least 3 people lost their lives. Over 200 individuals have been evacuated or rescued, with schools suspending classes in affected areas. The Ministry of Health has also rescheduled 25 000 appointments in light of the flooding.

Massive power outages hit Victoria during violent thunderstorms, Australia

Massive power outages hit Victoria during violent thunderstorms, Australia

Violent thunderstorms struck Australia’s east coast on February 13, 2024, leading to significant damage and disruptions. The storms caused the shutdown of AGL’s Loy Yang A power station in Victoria, leaving approximately 590 000 homes and businesses without electricity. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) was forced to cap electricity prices at A$16,600 per megawatt hour, a significant increase from the usual A$200. Efforts to restore power are ongoing, with some customers already reconnected.

Intense hailstorms hit UAE after cloud seeding operations

Intense hailstorms hit UAE after cloud seeding operations

Heavy rain accompanied by lightning and intense hailstorms hit the city of Al Ain and other parts of UAE on the morning of February 12, 2024, causing impressive hail accumulations. This is reportedly the strongest hailstorm Al Ain has seen in 40 years. It comes after NMC conducted a series of cloud seeding flights.

Strong winter storm over the Southern Plains to evolve into a Nor’easter on February 12

Strong winter storm over the Southern Plains to evolve into a Nor’easter on February 12

Forecasters at the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a warning on February 11, 2024, about a significant winter storm impacting the Southern Rockies and High Plains, moving northeast towards the Northern Mid-Atlantic, New York, and New England. Expected heavy snowfall, powerful winds, and potential coastal flooding are set to disrupt travel and cause power outages across affected regions.

Severe snowstorm paralyzes Astana, Kazakhstan

Severe snowstorm paralyzes Astana, Kazakhstan

A heavy snowstorm hit Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan (population 1 million), on February 8, 2024, causing decreased road visibility and paralyzing city operations.