Storms
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Tsunami

Best of the Web: Bigger than Texas: the true size of Australia's devastating floods

Joe Hinchliffe and Ben Smee
The Guardian
Fri, 04 Apr 2025 12:08 UTC
If the flooding in outback Australia were a country, it would be the world’s 31st largest.
© Anthony Calvert/Bureau of MeteorologyIf the flooding in outback Australia were a country, it would be the world’s 31st largest.
The extent of flood waters that have engulfed Queensland over the past fortnight is so widespread it has covered an area more than four times the size of the United Kingdom. The inundation is larger than France and Germany combined - and is even bigger than Texas.

The seemingly endless plains of outback Queensland are so vast and remote as to boggle any attempts to visualise the scale of what is being described as one of the most devastating floods in living memory.

The Bureau of Meteorology said on Friday that the flooding had "severely impacted" more catchments spanning about 1m sq km since prolonged downpours began drenching south-west and central Queensland on 23 March.

To put that in perspective, Tasmania is 15 times smaller (64,519 sq km or 24,911 sq miles); the land area of the United Kingdom is 241,930 sq km, and Texas is 695,662 sq km.

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Snowflake

Minnesota's April Blizzard: 15 inches of snow stuns north


stories.jobaaj.com
Fri, 04 Apr 2025 17:37 UTC
A surprise April snowstorm hit Minnesota.
A surprise April snowstorm hit Minnesota, with northern areas receiving up to 15 inches, causing travel disruptions. The Twin Cities saw minimal snowfall. While the snow melted quickly, the event highlights Minnesota's unpredictable spring weather.
Minnesota's Surprise Spring Snowstorm: A Weather Forecast Recap

Mother Nature threw a curveball at Minnesota this spring! An unexpected April snowstorm dumped impressive amounts of snow across the state, leaving many residents surprised by the late-season blizzard. While the Twin Cities metro area saw only a couple of inches, central and northern Minnesota experienced significantly heavier snowfall, causing disruptions to travel and daily life.

Significant Snow Totals Across Minnesota

The multi-day storm, arriving on Tuesday, brought a rain-snow mix to the Twin Cities, but northern regions were hit hardest. A winter storm warning was issued, and snowfall totals were substantial. Hovland, Minnesota, led the pack with a whopping 15.2 inches of snow. Other areas in northern Minnesota also saw impressive totals, including Finland (14.4 inches), Detroit Lakes (13.6 inches), and Lutsen (13.1 inches). Central Minnesota wasn't spared either, with several locations receiving over a foot of snow. Fergus Falls reported 15.1 inches, Garfield 12.5 inches, and Alexandria 12 inches.

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Tsunami

Heavy rainfall batters many regions of New Zealand - flooding, power outages throw life out of gear - nearly 8 inches of rainfall overnight


The Economic Times
Fri, 04 Apr 2025 17:17 UTC
Flooding at Omaunu Road, Kāeo, Northland.
© Peter de GraafFlooding at Omaunu Road, Kāeo, Northland.
Heavy rainfall across New Zealand, particularly in Auckland and Northland, has caused flooding, power outages, and disruptions. Several regions of the country have been receiving heavy rains along with strong winds due to an atmospheric river phenomenon.

The heavy rain on Friday (April 4) was caused by a deep low crossing the Tasman Sea, bringing a band of warm air and moisture. MetService issued weather warnings and watches for several regions, including Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Waikato, and the top of the South Island.

Auckland experienced significant disruptions with all Gulf Harbour ferries cancelled and replaced by buses. Power outages were reported in Remuera, Piha, Karekare, and Glenfield. Vector estimated restoration times between 3 pm and 4 pm New Zealand time for some areas.

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Tsunami

Delta govt calls for collective action as flood sweeps away vehicles, motorbikes in Agbor, Nigeria on April 2

Alphonsus Agborh
Tribuneonlineng.com
Fri, 04 Apr 2025 17:03 UTC
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Delta State government has called on residents, stakeholders, and organisations to take collective and proactive measures in mitigating the impact of natural disasters.

The state government which made the call on Thursday emphasised the need for community engagement, preparedness, and sustainable practices to safeguard lives and property threatened by flooding, erosion, and other environmental hazards.

Reacting to last Wednesday's torrential rain and flood erosion that swept away some vehicles and motorcycles along Old Lagos -Asaba Road, Boji-Boji Agbor in Ika South Local Government Area of the state

Speaking at a press conference in Asaba , the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu urged residents to adopt environmentally friendly practices, adhere to safety guidelines, and work together in building a more resilient Delta State.

Reports had gone virile indicating the state government negligence in flood and erosion control in the hilly urban center thus resulting in the devastation.

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Lightning

Lightning strike kills 2 pupils in Zambia

Joshua Jere
znbc.co.zm
Thu, 03 Apr 2025 11:19 UTC
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A lightning strike has killed two pupils and left two others seriously injured at Kapichilasenga Day Secondary School in Zoole village, Chief Chikwa in Chama district of Eastern province.

The two deceased, who were from the same family and both in Form 1, have been identified as GIBSON BOTHA, 17, and MARTHA BOTHA, 15.

The incident occurred around 18:00 hours.

MUCHINGA Province Police Commissioner DENNIS MOOLA confirmed the tragic incident to ZNBC News, stating that the two deceased pupils were weekly boarders at the school.

Mr. MOOLA says on the day of the incident, the two pupils were with their friends, FELISTUS BOTHA, 15, and ANGEL MTONGA, 18, when disaster struck as they were preparing their supper in a makeshift kitchen.

Mr. MOOLA explained that rains experienced in the area led to a lightning strike which struck the makeshift kitchen, killing the two pupils instantly.

The other two pupils were left unconscious and rushed to Kapichilasenga Rural Health Centre for treatment.
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Lightning

Lightning strike kills 3 children in Namibia


The Namibian
Fri, 04 Apr 2025 11:13 UTC
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Three children aged four, five and 13 died after they were struck by lightning at Katenture village in the Kavango East region on Wednesday.

Regional police commander commissioner Andreas Haingura confirmed the incident on Thursday, adding that a 10-year-old girl survived and was rushed to the Andara District Hospital.

Haingura said the incident happened around 17h00.

The three deceased children were identified as Matamu Nyambi, Kathumbi Dinyando Folka and Thiyemba Frans.

Their next of kin have been informed.

Their bodies were transported Andara Hospital's mortuary.

Namibia Press Agency
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Tornado2

Violent tornado causes catastrophic damage near Lake City, Arkansas, 40K without power

Andrew Wulfeck
New York Post
Thu, 03 Apr 2025 21:54 UTC
tornado arkansas
© Fox WeatherA powerful tornado touched down in northeastern Arkansas on Wednesday, prompting the issuance of an urgent Tornado Emergency, April 3, 2025
A powerful tornado touched down in northeastern Arkansas on Wednesday, prompting the issuance of an urgent tornado emergency as the supercell passed through communities such as Lake City and Blytheville.

The FOX Forecast Center described the storm as a "wedge tornado," a type of twister that is particularly dangerous and wide, which sent storm chasers scrambling to put enough distance between themselves and the violent cyclone.

The tornado, with multiple vortices swirling around its base, was first spotted just east of Jonesboro and quickly moved toward the Arkansas-Missouri state line.

Accompanying the destructive tornado were bursts of light, likely caused by transformers exploding due to the intense winds, which were estimated to have reached nearly 200 mph.

Comment: Action News 5 reports seven confirmed dead so far:
Seven people have been confirmed dead in the Mid-South as storm damage mounts.

According to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, Obion County has confirmed one weather-related death in the area.

Fayette County Sheriff's Office is reporting two deaths after a tornado in Lagrange. A 48-year-old man and his 16-year-old daughter died at the hospital after a tornado struck their modular home.

The mother was also taken to the hospital in critical condition after crews rescued her from underneath the home.

Two other family members were hospitalized and are in stable condition.

According to McNairy County's chief sheriff's deputy, there are four weather-related deaths in the county.




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Snowflake

5 ski areas in North America see 15 to 18 inches of April snow in 24 hours


Unofficialnetworks.com
Wed, 02 Apr 2025 12:48 UTC
Aspen Mountain Powder Stake.
Aspen Mountain Powder Stake.
North America has seen some serious snowfall over the past 24 hours, with areas in Colorado, Utah, Montana, California, and beyond all having ski resorts that've seen more than a foot of new snow.

Don't worry, if you're favorite mountain isn't on the list, there's still several days of storms set to hit a significant portion of the mountain west.

These are the 5 ski areas that saw the most snow in North America over the past 24 hours.

Aspen Mountain, Colorado - 15 inches

Aspen Mountain of Aspen Snowmass saw 15 inches of new snow over the past 24 hours, with 17 inches falling in the past 48 hours. Their base depth is now at 51 inches, allowing 103 of 104 trails to be open today.

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Tornado2

Damage reports flood in as tornadoes rampage through the Mid-South, Midwest US

Justin Boggs
Scrippsnews.com
Thu, 03 Apr 2025 12:22 UTC
storm damage is shown off 96th Street North between Garnett Road and Mingo Road Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Owasso, Okla.
© Mike Simons/APSevere storm damage is shown off 96th Street North between Garnett Road and Mingo Road Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Owasso, Okla.
The National Weather Service received reports of nearly two dozen tornadoes touching down on Wednesday, with more tornadoes possible on Thursday in the mid-South.

At least 10 tornadoes were reported in Missouri, while Kentucky reported six. There were also possible twisters in Illinois, Arkansas, and Tennessee. Extensive storm damage was also reported in Indiana, near Indianapolis.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency reported two deaths associated with Wednesday's storms, one in McNairy County and another in Obion County.

A large tornado was spotted in Lake City, Arkansas, on Wednesday. There is no word on whether that twister caused any injuries or fatalities, but multiple buildings were destroyed.

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Snowflake Cold

High ground on the island of Madeira were once again covered in snow and hail in April

Tobi Hughes
Madeiraislandnews.com
Wed, 02 Apr 2025 13:05 UTC
nnnnnnn
The highest points of Madeira were once again covered in snow and hail this morning.

According to the meteorological station of the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere, Pico do Areeiro recorded a temperature of -2 degrees at 6:50 am. At Chão do Areeiro, at 6:20 am, the thermometers also pointed to -0.3 degrees.

As the images show, on the morning of this regional holiday, many people decided to head to the mountains in the hope of enjoying the snow and white landscapes. However, the experience did not go as expected for most visitors, who found roads and trails closed.

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