A major solar flare measuring X7.1 erupted from Active Region 3842 at 22:20 UTC on October 1, 2024, producing a CME that most likely has an Earth-directed component. This is the second-strongest solar flare of Solar Cycle 25.
Hurricane “Helene” made landfall near Perry in the Big Bend region of Florida at 23:10 local time (LT) on Thursday, September 26, 2024, as a Category 4 hurricane with record-breaking winds of 220 km/h (140 mph). It created massive life-threatening storm surges of up to 6.1 m (20 feet). Multiple extreme wind warnings have been issued across several counties in the Big Bend region before the arrival of the eye of the storm.
Hurricane “Helene” is expected to rapidly intensify to a Category 4 major hurricane before making landfall on Florida’s Big Bend coast on Thursday, September 26, 2024. Catastrophic storm surge, potentially reaching 6 m (20 feet) above ground, along with destructive winds and life-threatening flash flooding, pose serious risks to the region. Residents in affected areas are urged to follow evacuation orders and complete preparations immediately.
Widespread floods in West and Central Africa, caused by extraordinary torrential rains since July 2024, killed at least 1 000 people and affected 4 million. The floods destroyed 300 000 homes and displaced 500 000 people. The catastrophic humanitarian situation, aggravated by the northward passage of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), has resulted in widespread damage to homes, schools, medical facilities, swaths of farmland, and heightening the risk of water-borne diseases, food insecurity, and malnutrition.
A strong and shallow earthquake, registered by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) as M5.9, struck near Torishima Island, Japan, at 23:14 UTC on September 23, 2024 (08:14 JST on September 24). The agency reported a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). The USGS reported M5.6 at a depth of 11.7 km (7.3 miles), while the EMSC reported M5.6 at a depth of 9 km (5.6 miles).
Heavy torrential rains struck the Ishikawa Prefecture in Japan on Friday and Saturday, September 20 and 21, 2024, leading to severe flooding in the region, and prompting the highest level of flood alert. Wajima City recorded 318.5 mm (12.5 inches) of rainfall between Friday and Saturday, while Suzu recorded 226 mm (8.9 inches) of rain within the same period. One person was killed and more than 10 remain missing, as of 12:00 UTC today.
Wildfires have engulfed northern and central Portugal, leading to widespread destruction and the deaths of at least seven people. With over 5 000 firefighters and international assistance mobilized, authorities are struggling to contain the infernos that have burnt thousands of hectares of land as high temperatures and winds exacerbate the situation.
Around 457 mm (18 inches) of rain fell in Carolina Beach on Monday, September 16, 2024, as a powerful coastal storm — Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight — triggered flash floods, leaving roads impassable and prompting widespread rescue efforts in southeastern North Carolina.
Storm Boris has wreaked havoc across Central and Eastern Europe over the past 4 days, unleashing catastrophic floods that have claimed at least 18 lives, displaced thousands, and left entire regions under water. Countries like Austria, Poland, and the Czech Republic are battling widespread destruction as rivers overflow, bridges collapse, and emergency services struggle to manage the crisis.
The aftermath of Typhoon “Yagi” has left Myanmar devastated, with at least 459 people dead, more than 450 missing, over 240 000 displaced, and entire regions submerged under floodwaters.
