https://www.sott.net/topic/7-Storms Signs of the Times: The World for People who Think. Featuring independent, unbiased, alternative news and commentary on world events. en-us Original content Copyright 2026 by Signs of the Times/Sott.net. For other content, see our Fair Use Policy at www.sott.net. Wed, 04 Nov 2026 08:57:35 +0000 https://www.sott.net/images/sottlogo_rss.jpg SOTT.net https://www.sott.net https://www.sott.net/article/509265-Giant-waterspout-formed-at-sea-in-Mugla-Turkiye In the Milas district of Muğla, a giant waterspout that formed at sea after heavy rain and a storm approached as far as Ören Beach. The waterspout, which advanced along the coast and reached the open waters off the harbor, caused fearful moments for nearby citizens, and those moments were recorded with cell phone cameras. Following the heavy rain and storm that were effective in the Milas district of Muğla, a giant waterspout formed at sea approached Ören Beach. The waterspout advanced along the coast and reached the harbor, causing moments of fear for the citizens nearby. https://www.sott.net/article/509265-Giant-waterspout-formed-at-sea-in-Mugla-Turkiye Tue, 03 Nov 2026 12:40:17 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509256-Florida-flooding-photos-show-kayaks-in-streets-roads-resembling-rivers-6-INCHES-of-rain-in-just-an-HOUR National Weather Service officials issued urgent warnings for Brevard residents of "extremely dangerous and life-threatening conditions," as flash floodwaters sent water into homes, stalled out cars, flooded roads and left beachside canals swollen and schools closed. The heavy, persistent rains fell across Brevard overnight from Sunday into Monday, Nov. 2, leaving residents rattled from the south of the county to the north. Weather officials continuously extended flood warnings Nov. 2. Several inches of rain came down in some parts of south Brevard, weather officials reported. Multiple vehicles were stranded due to flooding along U.S. 192 in West Melbourne, Florida. https://www.sott.net/article/509256-Florida-flooding-photos-show-kayaks-in-streets-roads-resembling-rivers-6-INCHES-of-rain-in-just-an-HOUR Mon, 02 Nov 2026 19:55:40 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509255-Mandatory-evacuations-in-southwestern-Colorado-as-storms-bring-another-round-of-historic-flooding This is a developing story. Evacuations are underway in several southwestern Colorado counties where another wave of intense storms is expected to bring historic levels of flooding late Sunday through Monday morning, just a week after the last round of high water. The National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch that started at 5 a.m. Sunday morning for much of the Four Corners region, including Durango, Cortez, Ignacio, Silverton and Pagosa Springs. The watch will remain in effect until at least 11 a.m. Monday morning, with one to three inches of rain possible. Parts of the San Juan Mountains above 10,000 feet could see 12 to 18 inches of new snow. The San Luis Valley is under a flood watch beginning Sunday evening and stretching into late Tuesday. https://www.sott.net/article/509255-Mandatory-evacuations-in-southwestern-Colorado-as-storms-bring-another-round-of-historic-flooding Mon, 02 Nov 2026 19:36:34 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509251-Thai-golfer-Aeya-15-dies-after-tournament-lightning-strike Thai junior golfer Aeyavarin "Aeya" Pradubyart, 15, died on November 2, 2026, a day after being struck by lightning during a youth tournament in Chachoengsao. The incident occurred at about 4pm at a golf course on Ongkharak - Bang Nam Priao Road, Moo 8, in Don Ko Ka subdistrict, Bang Nam Priao district. A female caddie, Saithan, 31, was also injured and remained under close medical supervision. Aeya's family raised concerns about why the competition had continued despite earlier lightning strikes and alleged that the absence of an ambulance at the course delayed her transfer to hospital. Rescuers restored heartbeat at course Rescue workers found Aeya unconscious and without vital signs. They performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the scene and restored her heartbeat before taking her to Bang Nam Priao Hospital. She was subsequently transferred to Buddhasothorn Hospital for further treatment. According to her family, her heart had stopped for nearly an hour before a pulse... https://www.sott.net/article/509251-Thai-golfer-Aeya-15-dies-after-tournament-lightning-strike Mon, 02 Nov 2026 14:25:57 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509250-At-least-60-vehicles-swept-away-in-Rhodes-Greece-after-17-hours-of-heavy-rainfall The damage caused by severe weather in the Archangelos area on the island of Rhodes is extensive, according to initial estimates, after torrents of floodwater swept away vehicles and inundated dozens of homes and businesses early on Monday. According to information obtained by the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA), at least 60 vehicles were swept away and damaged, while dozens of homes and commercial premises were flooded. The full extent of the damage has yet to be assessed, with initial estimates pointing to a particularly serious situation in the area. Rainfall continues on Rhodes, although with less intensity. The Fire Service, Civil Protection authorities and volunteers remain on alert across the island, as problems and hazardous conditions persist on the road network. For safety reasons, traffic has been suspended on sections of the road network in the areas of Kolymbia, Kalathos and Archangelos, on the eastern side of Rhodes. Civil Protection has advised the public to... https://www.sott.net/article/509250-At-least-60-vehicles-swept-away-in-Rhodes-Greece-after-17-hours-of-heavy-rainfall Mon, 02 Nov 2026 13:30:18 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509249-Arizona-flooding-triggers-evacuations-highway-closures Heavy rain and flooding triggered evacuations, road closures and emergency responses across parts of Arizona on Nov. 1. Residents were ordered to leave homes in Sedona as rising water threatened communities. Flash flooding in Oak Creek Canyon prompted evacuation orders and rescue operations as water surrounded vehicles and approached homes. More south and east, residents near waterways in Camp Verde and parts of Gila County were also told to evacuate. Flooding also forced the closure of several state highways as authorities warned drivers to avoid flooded roads, washes and low-water crossings. Flash flooding triggers evacuations in Sedona On Oct. 31, the National Weather Service office in Flagstaff announced on social media that overnight flood risks could be a possibility heading into Nov. 1. At 5:37 a.m. on Nov. 1, residents in northern Arizona received a flood warning due to the excessive rainfall that was expected. https://www.sott.net/article/509249-Arizona-flooding-triggers-evacuations-highway-closures Mon, 02 Nov 2026 13:14:42 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509231-Waterspout-spotted-off-Cyprus-in-spectacular-footage A waterspout formed over the sea near Paphos harbour on Saturday afternoon, creating a striking spectacle captured on video and shared across social media. The weather phenomenon drew attention as a funnel-shaped column appeared above the water. Videos posted online show the waterspout forming over the sea, offering dramatic views of the phenomenon off the Paphos coast. https://www.sott.net/article/509231-Waterspout-spotted-off-Cyprus-in-spectacular-footage Sun, 01 Nov 2026 12:07:06 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509217-Flooding-sweeps-away-vehicles-in-Guaymas-and-Empalme-Mexico-4-7-inches-of-rain-in-JUST-45-minutes Heavy rains recorded since early Friday caused flooding in Guaymas and Empalme, Sonora, where currents covered roads and swept away dozens of vehicles. El Universal reported preliminarily the death of one person who was apparently swept away along with a car by the current of a creek in the Misión del Sol neighborhood of Guaymas. It was also reported that a woman was swept away by the current on Abelardo L. Rodríguez Avenue; so far, her condition had not been officially disclosed. In various areas, accumulated water left streets and zones practically submerged. In Guaymas, water reached parts of the Tourist Boardwalk and streets in the downtown area. In response to the emergency, the Navy Secretariat activated the Marina Plan's Assistance Phase through the Second Naval Region. The Emergency Operations Committee was also established to coordinate damage assessments and support efforts among federal, state and municipal authorities. https://www.sott.net/article/509217-Flooding-sweeps-away-vehicles-in-Guaymas-and-Empalme-Mexico-4-7-inches-of-rain-in-JUST-45-minutes Sat, 31 Oct 2026 20:04:16 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509216-Lightning-strike-kills-two-sugarcane-loaders-in-Uganda Two casual labourers have been killed by lightning at Namagera Central sugarcane weighbridge in Jinja district, where they worked as loaders. The victims, Abdul Muwereza, 34, and Hassan Mubiru, 35, were reportedly taking shelter under a jackfruit tree during a rainstorm when lightning struck. Aloysious Wakabi, one of the loaders, said about 15 workers had sought shelter under the tree as rain threatened. However, their supervisor later called some of them to offload sugarcane from a truck. Wakabi said 10 workers responded to the assignment, while four remained behind. Shortly afterwards, they heard a loud blast about five metres from the truck. https://www.sott.net/article/509216-Lightning-strike-kills-two-sugarcane-loaders-in-Uganda Sat, 31 Oct 2026 19:28:50 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509197-Fishing-trip-ends-in-tragedy-as-lightning-strike-kills-6-in-Pabna-Bangladesh At least six people were killed and two others injured in lightning strikes at Sonapatil Beel area under Pabna Sadar upazila this evening. The deceased were identified as Shaon, 22; Robbel, 22; Mizan, 12; Sazid, 10; Abdullah, 18; and Emon, 14, said police. All of them were residents of villages under Malanchi union of Pabna Sadar upazila, said Md Tariqul Islam, officer-in-charge (OC) of Pabna Sadar Police Station. Police recovered the six bodies from near Sonapatil Beel and took them to the 250-Bed Pabna General Hospital for autopsy, said Monir, assistant sub-inspector of Pabna Sadar Police Station. After autopsy, three of the bodies were handed over to their families and the others were kept at the hospital morgue, he added. Quoting locals, Malanchi Union Parishad Chairman Kabir Ahmed said a group of young men and boys had gone fishing at Sonapatil Beel this afternoon. They were sitting on the bank of the beel when lightning struck, killing them, he said. https://www.sott.net/article/509197-Fishing-trip-ends-in-tragedy-as-lightning-strike-kills-6-in-Pabna-Bangladesh Fri, 30 Oct 2026 19:48:04 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509178-Heavy-early-snowfall-in-the-highlands-of-central-Greece-7-8-inches-deep Heavy snowfall in the highlands of central Greece Wednesday led authorities to instruct car drivers to use snow chains on several mountain roads. A police statement said that chains would be necessary in many parts of the Evritania and Fthiotida regions, mostly on local roads around the town of Karpenissi and on the national road from Lamia to Karpenissi. Snow ploughs were also enlisted to clear the roads where necessary. Local media reported up to 20 centimeters of snow in the mountains of southwestern Thessaly. https://www.sott.net/article/509178-Heavy-early-snowfall-in-the-highlands-of-central-Greece-7-8-inches-deep Thu, 29 Oct 2026 15:53:50 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509177-Early-snow-blankets-Japan-as-Winter-arrives-ahead-of-November-up-to-7-4-inches-deep Japan's first significant snowfall of the season has brought winter conditions to Hokkaido and northern Honshu, with snow depths exceeding 10 centimeters in several mountain and inland locations on October 28, while a fresh wave of cold air is expected to bring further snowfall over the weekend of October 31 and November 1. As of 11 a.m. on October 29, the Japan Meteorological Agency had confirmed the season's first snow cover on numerous mountains extending from Hokkaido through Tohoku and into the Japanese Alps, marking a significant advance of winter weather across the country. Hokkaido experienced some of the heaviest snowfall on October 28 as a strong winter pressure pattern carried cold air southward from the Asian continent. Snow was recorded in Sapporo, Hakodate, Muroran, Obihiro, Kushiro and Abashiri, with several cities experiencing their first snowfall earlier than the seasonal average. Sapporo's first snow arrived on October 28, matching the average date but five days... https://www.sott.net/article/509177-Early-snow-blankets-Japan-as-Winter-arrives-ahead-of-November-up-to-7-4-inches-deep Thu, 29 Oct 2026 15:43:27 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509176-Baby-survives-as-lightning-kills-mother-and-four-year-old-child-in-Zimbabwe The incident happened at approximately 1.30 pm as the group left Headman Macebo's homestead in Ward Eight. The young mother had reportedly been working at a nearby homestead before the group prepared to leave. She was carrying her two-year-old child on her back when lightning struck. Local councillor Mqondisi Zikhali confirmed the incident, describing the tragedy as a shocking development for residents. "The incident happened as they left Headman Macebo's homestead. The lightning bolt killed two people on the spot, while a two-year-old child who was on her mother's back survived. Another four-year-old was rushed to hospital after surviving the strike," he said. Zikhali said the incident had stunned residents, particularly because the area had experienced little rainfall. https://www.sott.net/article/509176-Baby-survives-as-lightning-kills-mother-and-four-year-old-child-in-Zimbabwe Thu, 29 Oct 2026 15:14:44 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509174-Heavy-rain-triggers-flood-alert-in-Sharjah-United-Arab-Emirates The UAE National Centre of Meteorology issued a flash flood alert on Wednesday after heavy downpours lashed Shees and Wadi Al Helo in Sharjah. Valid from 3 pm to 8 pm on October 28, the warning urged residents and drivers to avoid flood-prone mountainous spots where water accumulates rapidly in valleys. Footage shared by Storm Centre on X revealed heavy rain in Fujairah. Meanwhile, video clips from Shees displayed wet roads, moving vehicles, and reduced visibility against mountains and palm trees. https://www.sott.net/article/509174-Heavy-rain-triggers-flood-alert-in-Sharjah-United-Arab-Emirates Thu, 29 Oct 2026 13:08:23 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509173-One-man-dead-another-missing-as-flash-floods-sweep-away-cement-mixer-truck-in-Egypt One person was killed, another went missing and a third was injured after flash floods swept away a cement mixer truck carrying three people in Egypt's South Sinai governorate, authorities said. The incident occurred in Wadi Watir, near the coastal city of Nuweiba, after heavy rainfall triggered powerful torrents through the mountainous valley on Tuesday evening. South Sinai Governor Ismail Kamal said search and rescue teams were continuing efforts to locate the missing person, while the injured victim was receiving treatment in hospital. The flooding disrupted traffic and forced authorities to close affected roads as emergency teams worked to clear mud, rocks and debris deposited by the torrents. https://www.sott.net/article/509173-One-man-dead-another-missing-as-flash-floods-sweep-away-cement-mixer-truck-in-Egypt Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:42:29 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509172-Woman-and-niece-killed-as-flash-floods-sweep-away-car-in-Jordan A 37-year-old woman and her 27-year-old niece died after flash floods swept their vehicle off a bridge in Jordan's Madaba governorate, carrying it more than 100 metres into a valley, local media reported. The tragedy occurred near the Sayagha Bridge as the vehicle was travelling towards Madaba when torrents of water surged from higher ground following rainfall. According to local media reports, the rain had initially been light around sunset before floodwaters intensified rapidly, trapping the vehicle and sweeping it off the bridge into the valley below. The driver, who was the woman's brother and the younger victim's uncle, managed to escape by jumping from the vehicle and reaching a nearby rock. Civil Defence teams and local residents subsequently rescued him. https://www.sott.net/article/509172-Woman-and-niece-killed-as-flash-floods-sweep-away-car-in-Jordan Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:27:56 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509171-Floods-in-Syria-kill-2-people-put-7-bridges-roads-out-of-service At least two people have died as heavy rains and floods swept across large parts of Syria, with search operations continuing for missing people. Seven bridges, culverts and dirt roads have collapsed or been put out of service, cutting major routes between governorates, including Aleppo - Raqqa, Raqqa - Deir ez-Zor and Homs - Farqlus, while displaced families have also suffered damage to their shelters. https://www.sott.net/article/509171-Floods-in-Syria-kill-2-people-put-7-bridges-roads-out-of-service Thu, 29 Oct 2026 11:56:20 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509170-Floods-maroon-300-villages-in-Odisha-India-after-Cyclone-Arnab-dumps-up-to-21-4-inches-of-rain-in-24-hours The Odisha government is coordinating with the Union Home Ministry to airlift people stranded in Ganjam district, where heavy rain and flash floods triggered by Cyclone Arnab have marooned around 300 villages, Chief Secretary Anu Garg said on Thursday, reported PTI. Tthe state has deployed 54 teams from various disaster response agencies for rescue operations as washed-out highways and disrupted train services hamper connectivity. However, low cloud cover and continued rainfall could delay air evacuations, Garg said. According to PTI, the rescue teams comprise three units of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), 27 of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and 24 Fire Service teams. The state government plans to airlift 120 people in the first phase, Garg said, adding that the Indian Coast Guard would provide a helicopter and make the necessary arrangements. "The state government is in contact with the Ministry of Home Affairs, and arrangements are being made to... https://www.sott.net/article/509170-Floods-maroon-300-villages-in-Odisha-India-after-Cyclone-Arnab-dumps-up-to-21-4-inches-of-rain-in-24-hours Thu, 29 Oct 2026 11:35:28 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509125-Heavy-rains-trigger-massive-flooding-in-Ecuadors-largest-city-Guayaquil-2-5-inches-of-rain-falls-in-just-an-hour-UPDATE Parts of Ecuador's largest city are underwater after severe rains battered the coast. It's the latest storm to hit the country amid a strengthening El Nino. https://www.sott.net/article/509125-Heavy-rains-trigger-massive-flooding-in-Ecuadors-largest-city-Guayaquil-2-5-inches-of-rain-falls-in-just-an-hour-UPDATE Wed, 28 Oct 2026 12:04:36 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509146-Airbus-A320-severely-damaged-by-hailstorm-on-flight-from-Yemen-to-Jordan-on-October-26-with-nose-and-cockpit-windshield-destroyed An Airbus A320 operated by Yemenia Airways has sustained severe damage after encountering a heavy hailstorm during a flight from Yemen to Jordan. The incident occurred on Monday, 26 October, while the aircraft was travelling from Aden International Airport to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman. Images show that the cockpit windshield sustained significant damage from the impact of the hailstones, while visible damage can also be seen to the nose of the Airbus A320. Despite the severity of the incident, no injuries have been reported among passengers or crew members. https://www.sott.net/article/509146-Airbus-A320-severely-damaged-by-hailstorm-on-flight-from-Yemen-to-Jordan-on-October-26-with-nose-and-cockpit-windshield-destroyed Wed, 28 Oct 2026 11:39:30 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509127-Record-King-Tides-swamp-California-and-Southeast-with-parts-of-South-Florida-reaching-hurricane-level-flooding Record King Tides swamp California and Southeast, with parts of South Florida reaching hurricane-level flooding The ongoing king tide event has broken several flooding records across some places in South Florida, even surpassing records set by several hurricanes. Peak flooding is expected to continue through Wednesday. Meanwhile, king tides also set a flood record in Los Angeles, with coastal flooding expected to continue across much of California through Thursday. https://www.sott.net/article/509127-Record-King-Tides-swamp-California-and-Southeast-with-parts-of-South-Florida-reaching-hurricane-level-flooding Tue, 27 Oct 2026 14:54:37 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509123-An-impressive-tornado-causes-significant-property-damage-between-Requinoa-and-Rengo-Chile Footage of a violent tornado passing through the O'Higgins Region, Chile. The vortex generated intense wind gusts and sent debris flying through inhabited areas. https://www.sott.net/article/509123-An-impressive-tornado-causes-significant-property-damage-between-Requinoa-and-Rengo-Chile Tue, 27 Oct 2026 10:21:56 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509122-Santa-Fe-New-Mexico-rocked-by-first-tornado-in-50-years-as-rare-twister-leaves-behind-widespread-damage A rare EF-1 tornado tore through Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Saturday, marking the first tornado recorded in the city in more than 50 years. The tornado developed at 7 p.m. in the Via Caballo neighborhood, south of Santa Fe, with peak winds of 110 mph, according to the National Weather Service's (NWS) damage survey. The storm then traveled north for approximately 1.5 miles, leaving a path of destruction before eventually dissipating near the College of Santa Fe. "Saturday night and Sunday morning, parts of our city looked like a disaster zone," Santa Fe Mayor Michael Garcia said in a press release. "The tornado that moved through our community left a path of destruction." Much of the damage occurred along Ranch Springs and Camino Chuco roads, where power poles were broken, trees were uprooted or damaged, and fences were torn down. Drone video posted by the Santa Fe Police Department shows significant damage to the roofs of numerous homes in the area. https://www.sott.net/article/509122-Santa-Fe-New-Mexico-rocked-by-first-tornado-in-50-years-as-rare-twister-leaves-behind-widespread-damage Tue, 27 Oct 2026 10:12:00 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509068-Champi-one-of-2026s-strongest-storms-kills-1-and-injures-171-as-Taiwan-shuts-down-2-feet-of-rain-in-48-hours-UPDATE One person has died and 171 others have been injured as Typhoon Champi lashes Taiwan. The person died on Thursday after being swept by waves in Liuqiu, a small island off the southeastern coast of Taiwan's main island, according to the fire department, the country's Central Emergency Operations Center reported. The casualty figures, also from the fire department, were as of Friday morning. All of Taiwan's 262 domestic flights were canceled along with 669 international flights, according to the transport ministry. Schools and offices across Taiwan's main island were closed Friday. https://www.sott.net/article/509068-Champi-one-of-2026s-strongest-storms-kills-1-and-injures-171-as-Taiwan-shuts-down-2-feet-of-rain-in-48-hours-UPDATE Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:15:33 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509107-Streets-turned-into-rivers-in-Ciudad-Juarez-Mexico Flash floods slammed Ciudad Juárez, Mexico on Oct 23-24, sweeping cars away and flooding homes. The western side of the city got hit hardest. No deaths reported. https://www.sott.net/article/509107-Streets-turned-into-rivers-in-Ciudad-Juarez-Mexico Mon, 26 Oct 2026 10:43:29 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509106-Thailands-Phuket-hit-by-flash-flooding-and-landslides-after-4-6-inches-of-rain-in-24-hours Heavy rain has triggered flash floods and landslides on the Thai island of Phuket, with the weather authority forecasting more bad weather ahead of the end of the rainy season in the south-east Asian country. The town of Patong, a popular tourist destination, was among the worst hit. Floodwaters carried rocks, mud and debris into residential areas and shopping streets, damaging houses, shops and vehicles, the Bangkok Post reported on Monday, citing authorities. After persistent rain, water and debris flowed down the hillsides into lower-lying areas overnight. The Kathu district, which includes Patong, was badly affected. Mud and boulders blocked sections of road, shop windows shattered and cars were flooded. In some areas, a driving ban was imposed. Emergency crews moved in with bulldozers and other heavy equipment to clear debris and open drainage channels, and the city administration of Patong set up emergency shelters. https://www.sott.net/article/509106-Thailands-Phuket-hit-by-flash-flooding-and-landslides-after-4-6-inches-of-rain-in-24-hours Mon, 26 Oct 2026 10:26:50 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509072-East-Asias-summer-rain-belt-has-shifted-north-over-decades A joint research team from KAIST and the APEC Climate Center has found that the East Asian summer front has migrated north over the past half century, with the shift exceeding 200 km (124 miles) in late summer. This raises the risk that the Korean Peninsula will experience heavy rain and heat stress at the same time. The findings suggest that summer disaster planning should address flood prevention and heat-illness management together, through late September. A research team led by Professor Hyungjun Kim from the Department of AI and Futures Studies, who is also director of the KAIST Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy, has identified the long-term northward migration of the East Asian summer front and the resulting increase in compound risk. The team conducted the study with Dr. Suyeon Moon and Dr. OkYeon Kim from the APEC Climate Center (APCC) by analyzing 47 years (1979 to 2025) of high-resolution reanalysis data. The study is published in npj Climate and Atmospheric... https://www.sott.net/article/509072-East-Asias-summer-rain-belt-has-shifted-north-over-decades Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:16:47 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509071-El-Nino-then-and-now El Niño is part of a natural climate pattern that occurs roughly every two to seven years, bringing warmer-than-normal water to parts of the equatorial Pacific. The most recent very strong El Niño events, in 1997-98 and 2015-16, upended weather patterns. Impacts spanned the planet, from fires in Indonesia and the Amazon to crop failures due to drought in southern Africa to heavy rain and coastal flooding in Southern California. The current El Niño rivals these past heavyweights. https://www.sott.net/article/509071-El-Nino-then-and-now Sat, 24 Oct 2026 11:51:07 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509069-Strong-wind-and-rain-forecast-as-back-to-back-storms-hit-UK-this-weekend Storm Austen caused major disruption throughout the day. Trains have been cancelled, trees felled, buildings damaged and homes left without power. The storm made landfall in south-west England overnight and tracked eastwards throughout the day. Jersey saw gusts of up to 84mph (135km/h) while in Brighton, on the south coast, part of the iconic West Pier - an abandoned structure that first opened in 1866 - collapsed into the sea. National Grid confirmed this afternoon it had restored power to more than 60,000 homes who were left without due to the storm. However, there are thousands still affected by power cuts. https://www.sott.net/article/509069-Strong-wind-and-rain-forecast-as-back-to-back-storms-hit-UK-this-weekend Sat, 24 Oct 2026 11:10:48 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509059-Severe-flooding-in-US-west-triggers-rooftop-rescues-and-evacuation-order Severe flooding in the Four Corners region on Friday led to water rescues - some from rooftops - and impassable roads, with some residents being told to evacuate low-lying areas of Colorado and New Mexico and others advised to shelter in place until water levels go down. It followed several busy days of flooding in the region that swamped dozens of homes in Utah. Earlier in the week, tornadoes blew off roofs, knocked trees on to houses and downed power lines in Arizona. At least one person was injured. An unknown number of people were rescued overnight and continued to be rescued on Friday by New Mexico guard boats, helicopters and amphibious vehicles, Devin Neeley, a San Juan county spokesperson, said. "We're picking people off of roofs and pulling people out of houses that have 3 or 4ft (1-1.5 metres) of water in them, and there's more water coming," Neeley said. https://www.sott.net/article/509059-Severe-flooding-in-US-west-triggers-rooftop-rescues-and-evacuation-order Fri, 23 Oct 2026 20:34:43 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509043-Storm-brings-extremely-heavy-rain-and-major-hailstorm-to-Quito-Ecuador-2nd-such-event-in-15-days A severe storm with heavy rain and hail causes major flooding on the streets of Quito, Ecuador, submerging vehicles and bringing traffic to a standstill. https://www.sott.net/article/509043-Storm-brings-extremely-heavy-rain-and-major-hailstorm-to-Quito-Ecuador-2nd-such-event-in-15-days Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:42:12 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509040-Lightning-strike-kills-11-cattle-in-Keralam-India In a devastating blow to plantation workers, eleven free-grazing cattle belonging to the rare indigenous 'Cheruvally Kunjan' dwarf breed, along with a bull calf, were struck by lightning and killed at the Cheruvally Estate. The livestock were owned by workers living in the estate quarters (layams). Rubber tappers reporting for work yesterday morning discovered the carcasses scattered across a rocky patch of land near Kambi Layam in the Mukkada area. The region had experienced severe thunderstorms and heavy downpours on Wednesday evening. The cattle, which graze freely across the plantation during the day, routinely return to the workers' settlement by dusk. It is believed they were struck while making their way back. The sheer force of the bolt also damaged nearby rubber trees and left the surrounding earth scorched and cratered. A veterinary team led by In-charge District Veterinary Officer Dr Joji Mathew, along with Erumeli Senior Veterinary Surgeon Dr Suja Chacko and mobile... https://www.sott.net/article/509040-Lightning-strike-kills-11-cattle-in-Keralam-India Fri, 23 Oct 2026 11:35:11 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509028-Flash-flooding-after-more-than-6-6-inches-of-rain-in-just-3-hours-in-SE-Queensland-Australia-10-3-inches-in-24-hours An overnight deluge in South East Queensland and the northeastern corner of New South Wales has intensified during Thursday morning, with flash-flooding occurring in many places. Numerous locations on both sides of the border received more than 100 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours to 9 am local time on Thursday, with several weather stations north of Brisbane receiving well over 200 mm. The highest recorded 24-hour total was a massive 263 mm at the Caboolture Water Treatment Plant, just north of Brisbane. But the unfolding story of this severe weather event is not just the high 24-hour rainfall totals, but the sustained periods of intense rainfall which are continuing well into Thursday. After steady rain throughout the night, rainfall rates increased dramatically after dawn at many locations in and around Brisbane, especially on the Sunshine Coast. https://www.sott.net/article/509028-Flash-flooding-after-more-than-6-6-inches-of-rain-in-just-3-hours-in-SE-Queensland-Australia-10-3-inches-in-24-hours Thu, 22 Oct 2026 12:35:00 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509027-Phoenix-Arizona-hailstorm-shatters-windows-pummels-neighborhoods A powerful hailstorm pounded parts of the Valley, shattering windows and damaging cars and homes. Viewer video shows rain and hail coming down in North Phoenix, while similar storm scenes unfolded in Glendale, Tempe, Mesa and other Valley communities. In the North Mountain area, heavy hail slammed cars and homes around 3:30 p.m. Residents at an apartment complex near 19th Avenue and Peoria found shattered windows and windshields after the storm moved through. One resident said a window broke with a "boom" as thunder shook the building. The damage offers a dramatic look at the force of the fast-moving Valley storm. https://www.sott.net/article/509027-Phoenix-Arizona-hailstorm-shatters-windows-pummels-neighborhoods Thu, 22 Oct 2026 11:53:08 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/509008-Severe-weather-in-southern-France-one-dead-near-Marseille-one-missing-in-Corsica-2-FEET-of-rain-in-24-hours In Haute-Corse, a person went missing in Ghisonaccia on Tuesday evening; another was found dead in Saint-Mitre-les-Remparts in the Bouches-du-Rhône. Cars swept away, neighbourhoods and homes flooded: a new bout of severe weather has lashed south-eastern France, moving from Occitanie towards Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. The heavy rain, which began on Monday, was easing in intensity by around midday on Tuesday. On Tuesday 20 October, a 75-year-old was found dead in Istres, in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, after being swept away by floodwaters in the commune of Saint-Mitre-les-Remparts. A helicopter had been deployed in an attempt to locate the missing person. In Haute-Corse, one person is missing in Ghisonaccia, the prefecture announced. Two people were on board a 4x4 when it was carried away by the Fium'orbu river. One managed to escape through the window, but the other is being searched for by rescue teams. https://www.sott.net/article/509008-Severe-weather-in-southern-France-one-dead-near-Marseille-one-missing-in-Corsica-2-FEET-of-rain-in-24-hours Wed, 21 Oct 2026 10:37:54 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/508980-Two-dead-and-thousands-evacuated-as-Storm-Adam-dumps-record-25-inches-of-rain-in-24-hours-on-eastern-Spain A night and day to forget across eastern Spain, particularly in the Valencian regions of La Marina and La Safor. Unprecedented rainfall exceeding 600mm overnight has left rivers including the Girona and Vernissa overflowing their banks, trapping dozens of residents in their homes - with several forced onto rooftops to await rescue. Appearing alongside Government Delegate Pilar Bernabé following an emergency Cecopi coordination meeting early on Monday morning, Regional Minister for Emergencies Juan Carlos Valderrama issued an urgent warning to residents along the southern coast of Valencia and northern Alicante. "People must not travel; they must stay at home. There is heavy, continuous rain, which is causing significant flooding in towns such as Pego, Oliva, Piles, and Miramar," Valderrama said, confirming that "many people are trapped" and that emergency vehicles were initially unable to navigate flooded roadways. Units from the Third Intervention Battalion of the Military... https://www.sott.net/article/508980-Two-dead-and-thousands-evacuated-as-Storm-Adam-dumps-record-25-inches-of-rain-in-24-hours-on-eastern-Spain Mon, 19 Oct 2026 13:05:31 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/508978-This-was-massive-Waterspout-spotted-in-English-Channel-near-Dover-UK A "massive" water spout has been spotted off the Kent coast in the English Channel. David Long was visiting his partner in St Margaret's Bay, near Dover, when he spotted the spinning vortex at about 8.30am today (October 18). A water spout is similar to a tornado, but forms over water rather than land. The spinning column of air is initially known as a funnel cloud while it remains suspended above the surface. When it reaches the water, it becomes a water spout. Mr Long said he had seen the weather phenomenon in the Channel several times before, but never one on this scale. https://www.sott.net/article/508978-This-was-massive-Waterspout-spotted-in-English-Channel-near-Dover-UK Mon, 19 Oct 2026 10:51:01 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/508959-Category-4-Typhoon-Champi-narrowly-misses-Guam Guam narrowly escaped a direct hit from Category 4 Typhoon Champi early Sunday morning after the powerful storm made a last-minute turn westward, keeping its most destructive winds largely offshore. National Weather Service Guam meteorologist Landon Aydlett said Champi passed closest to the U.S. territory at 4:26am Sunday, October 18, about 16km south of Merizo in southern Guam and 33km south of the island's central area. The typhoon was packing maximum sustained winds of 225km/h when it passed Guam. "Certainly, we had a near miss of this typhoon in all its intensity," Aydlett said during an early morning weather briefing. "We've been very fortunate this morning." https://www.sott.net/article/508959-Category-4-Typhoon-Champi-narrowly-misses-Guam Sun, 18 Oct 2026 11:06:32 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/508946-Bangkok-roads-flood-after-4-inches-of-rain-in-3-hours Heavy afternoon rain flooded roads in western Bangkok on October 17, 2026, as a gauge in Nong Khaem recorded 102.5mm over three hours and motorists were warned away from a waterlogged junction in Bang Bon. Bangkok's flood prevention centre reported the Nong Khaem reading, the highest in its update, at 2.30pm. The centre said light to moderate rain remained across the Thonburi side and riverside areas, moving westwards. Rainfall ranged from moderate to very heavy, with western Bangkok bearing the brunt of the downpours. Bang Bon junction flooded as storms disrupt roads Bang Bon district office warned at 1.20pm that deep standing water at the Bang Bon three-way junction posed a risk to small cars and motorcycles. The office urged those road users to avoid the junction to prevent their engines stalling. https://www.sott.net/article/508946-Bangkok-roads-flood-after-4-inches-of-rain-in-3-hours Sat, 17 Oct 2026 12:52:08 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/508945-El-Nino-rains-flood-South-America-sending-residents-fleeing-and-cattle-swimming Rivers swollen by heavy rains linked to El Niño continued flooding swaths of Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay on Friday, forcing thousands of people from their homes and sending ranchers scrambling to move cattle to higher ground. In Argentina's northeastern Corrientes province, the Paraná River rose to a dangerous 4.7 metres (15.4 feet) on Thursday in the riverside town of Ituzaingó, prompting evacuations there and in other towns across the province. Herds of cows waded across flooded pastures as ranchers guided them toward dry land. The calves struggled against a current thick with floating clumps of river plants. Provincial officials said they were digging canals and installing drains to prepare for more heavy rain. The floodwaters come from three major rivers that start in Brazil and flow south through the region: the Paraná, the Uruguay and the Iguazú. Torrential rain has pushed all three waterways higher for days, spilling them over their banks in northeastern Argentina,... https://www.sott.net/article/508945-El-Nino-rains-flood-South-America-sending-residents-fleeing-and-cattle-swimming Sat, 17 Oct 2026 12:00:08 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/508912-Cars-float-in-tunnel-and-streets-flood-after-heavy-rain-in-Sao-Paulo-Brazil A storm hit the city on Wednesday afternoon, the 14th, causing flooding in various parts of the capital. The rain began to intensify around 4 PM, when the city entered a state of alert for flooding. Videos circulating on social media show streets in the central region completely covered by water. Footage shows a large volume of water in the Tietê River and cars and buses floating in the Anhangabaú tunnel. Civil Defense issued a severe alert for heavy rain, lightning, and winds, as well as the risk of flooding. https://www.sott.net/article/508912-Cars-float-in-tunnel-and-streets-flood-after-heavy-rain-in-Sao-Paulo-Brazil Thu, 15 Oct 2026 12:06:32 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/508911-Two-dead-as-Istanbul-endures-heaviest-rainfall-in-80-years-cars-washed-down-streets-by-floodwaters-after-8-inches-of-rain Istanbul was on Thursday battling to recover from flooding caused by what officials said was the heaviest rainfall in the city since records began more than 80 years ago, as the downpour continued. The rain began lashing Turkey's largest city in earnest on Wednesday morning and intensified throughout the day, causing chaos and flash flooding, with footage showing cars being dragged away by the fast-flowing waters. "We are talking here about the highest level of precipitation in Istanbul since records began in 1942," Istanbul governor Davut Gul said. Two people died in the floods, one of them a 14-year-old boy who was electrocuted when he stepped into a puddle in the Balat area. He was rushed to hospital but medical personnel were unable to save him, officials said. https://www.sott.net/article/508911-Two-dead-as-Istanbul-endures-heaviest-rainfall-in-80-years-cars-washed-down-streets-by-floodwaters-after-8-inches-of-rain Thu, 15 Oct 2026 11:29:47 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/508910-Waterspouts-spotted-as-storm-front-hits-Greece Waterspouts formed in the Corinth Gulf, west of Athens, on Tuesday as unsettled weather brought intense conditions to parts of Greece, with video footage capturing the striking phenomenon off the coastal site of Lykoporia. The footage, recorded by local outlet KorinthosTV, shows rotating columns extending from storm clouds toward the sea. No injuries were reported in the area. A waterspout forms when a rotating column of air connects the base of a cloud with the sea surface. The visible funnel consists largely of condensed water vapor and droplets, while the circulation can disturb the water below, producing spray and foam. https://www.sott.net/article/508910-Waterspouts-spotted-as-storm-front-hits-Greece Thu, 15 Oct 2026 10:26:57 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/508909-Tornado-spotted-on-Georgian-Bay-Ontario-on-on-October-9 A waterspout spotted over Georgian Bay on Oct. 9, 2026. https://www.sott.net/article/508909-Tornado-spotted-on-Georgian-Bay-Ontario-on-on-October-9 Thu, 15 Oct 2026 10:19:45 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/508908-Hail-covers-streets-as-storm-hits-Santiago-Chile Heavy rainfall and electrical storms battered Santiago, Chile on Tuesday afternoon (October 13), causing widespread flooding and chaos across the capital. Eyewitness video showed floodwaters flowing down hail-covered streets. Reuters verified the location from the buildings and road layout, which matched archive and satellite imagery. The date and location were also confirmed through the original file's metadata. The National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) declared a red alert for the Metropolitan Region as hail blanketed streets in what residents described as winter-like conditions during spring. The municipalities of Providencia and Santiago Centro were the hardest hit, with flooded streets and collapsed roofs reported throughout the storm. Santiago Metro closed several stations including Pedro de Valdivia and Salvador on Line 1 due to flooding at entrances, though train circulation continued unaffected, according to the transport company. https://www.sott.net/article/508908-Hail-covers-streets-as-storm-hits-Santiago-Chile Thu, 15 Oct 2026 10:09:27 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/508893-Early-snow-blankets-the-West-as-Great-Falls-Montana-piles-up-16-inches An early-season winter storm brought 16 inches of snow to Great Falls, Montana, from Saturday through Monday, giving the city its second-snowiest start to a snow season on record, behind 2019. The storm also delivered 15.7 inches over two days, ranking ninth among the city's two-day snowfall totals, according to the National Weather Service office in Great Falls. Near Helena, footage showed snow blanketing the ground Monday morning, a sharp change from the warmth a week earlier. "It's hard to imagine I was [riding] my bike in 80F last Monday," @SandiMtgal wrote in an X post. In Peerless, Montana, video filmed by Curtis Fladager showed cattle grazing through the fresh snow. https://www.sott.net/article/508893-Early-snow-blankets-the-West-as-Great-Falls-Montana-piles-up-16-inches Wed, 14 Oct 2026 12:56:01 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/508892-Man-dies-as-flash-floods-sweep-car-into-sea-on-Rhodes-Greece-8-inches-of-rain-in-six-and-a-half-hours-massive-waterspout-seen A 25-year-old man died Wednesday after his car was swept into the sea by torrential floodwaters on Rhodes, as severe storms caused widespread flooding and disrupted transport across the Greek island. The man was found unconscious in the sea off Stegna beach on the island's east coast, near the village of Archangelos, after four cars were swept into the water by powerful currents, the Greek Coast Guard said. Coast Guard personnel, police officers and emergency medical crews responded to the scene. According to local media reports, the man, who worked at a hotel, had gone to retrieve his car when it was swept away by the floodwaters. He was unable to escape the vehicle. The storm caused widespread disruption across Rhodes, with roads flooded, vehicles stranded and traffic interrupted. Authorities closed roads in several areas, while a section of the road linking Archangelos and Malonas was shut after a large rock fell onto the roadway, damaging the pavement and safety barriers. https://www.sott.net/article/508892-Man-dies-as-flash-floods-sweep-car-into-sea-on-Rhodes-Greece-8-inches-of-rain-in-six-and-a-half-hours-massive-waterspout-seen Wed, 14 Oct 2026 12:30:50 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/508871-Tropical-Rainstorm-Rachel-sends-waves-into-California-homes Waves driven by Tropical Rainstorm Rachel smashed through glass windows and doors in Long Beach, California, sending seawater into living rooms and leaving a row of oceanfront homes unsafe to occupy. Powerful surf tore apart shoreline defenses, flooding properties and forcing residents out along a coast already stripped of protective sand. "There's a lot of stuff getting exposed out here that's just mind-blowing. It's mind-blowing," resident Miguel Figueroa said as damage unfolded along the shoreline. Rachel made landfall Saturday evening in northern Baja California, Mexico, south of San Diego, but its destructive coastal impacts extended well beyond where the storm moved ashore. In Long Beach, waves damaged the boardwalk and breached the barrier protecting waterfront homes. Building inspectors deemed multiple structures unsafe to enter, leaving displaced residents facing uncertainty about when they could return. https://www.sott.net/article/508871-Tropical-Rainstorm-Rachel-sends-waves-into-California-homes Tue, 13 Oct 2026 10:35:41 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/508870-Record-rain-from-Tropical-Storm-Rachel-causes-flooding-across-Las-Vegas-valley Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Rachel drenched the Las Vegas valley on Sunday morning, causing widespread flooding. More than one inch of rain fell early in the morning on the west side of the valley, which prompted a Flash Flood Warning. Another half an inch of rain fell on the east side of the valley during the same time frame. Harry Reid International Airport picked up 1.08 inches of rain, setting a new daily record. The previous record was 0.78 inches in 2012. Our cameras captured floodwaters across Las Vegas, leaving cars stranded and forcing road closures. https://www.sott.net/article/508870-Record-rain-from-Tropical-Storm-Rachel-causes-flooding-across-Las-Vegas-valley Tue, 13 Oct 2026 10:10:24 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/508860-Red-Sprites-over-Spain-photographed-from-Corsica A farfadet, or "red sprite," was photographed above the village of Montemaggiore on September 16. These giant flashes of lightning, often imperceptible to the naked eye, appear fleetingly during particularly intense and prolonged thunderstorms. Florian Riou, the photographer who captured this luminous phenomenon in Balagne, shares the story behind his shot. In Balagne, on the night of September 16, red sprites were seen dancing in the sky. And although they weren't mischievous elves, the spectacle was no less magical: at 11 p.m., immense glowing red structures were photographed from the heights of the village of Montemaggiore. These giant flashes of light, also known as "red sprites," are rarely visible to the naked eye: they appear in the mesosphere, at altitudes between 50 and 90 km, and last only a few milliseconds. "Because it is very difficult to spot without a camera, this transient luminous phenomenon (TLP) remains largely unknown," notes Florian Riou, the photographer who... https://www.sott.net/article/508860-Red-Sprites-over-Spain-photographed-from-Corsica Mon, 12 Oct 2026 19:49:38 +0000