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. Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:09:28 +0000 https://www.sott.net/images/sottlogo_rss.jpg SOTT.net https://www.sott.net https://www.sott.net/article/506779-Cars-swept-away-and-roads-collapsed-The-aftermath-of-flooding-in-western-El-Salvador-following-heavy-rains Last night, June 5th, the department of Santa Ana experienced a resurgence of vulnerability due to the intense rainfall that battered the region. The storms that occurred during the night caused the immediate collapse of drainage systems in various parts of the city, leaving several streets and avenues completely flooded. In a matter of minutes, the streets were transformed into raging rivers, causing serious problems for pedestrians and completely paralyzing vehicular traffic. The force of the currents and flash floods took dozens of people by surprise as they tried to return home. Among the most serious incidents reported overnight, emergency crews had to be urgently deployed to 25th Street West. There, the force of the current trapped a driver, whose vehicle began to be dangerously swept away by the water. Thanks to the swift intervention of the rescue teams, the individual was safely evacuated and taken to a protected area, preventing the situation from escalating or resulting... https://www.sott.net/article/506779-Cars-swept-away-and-roads-collapsed-The-aftermath-of-flooding-in-western-El-Salvador-following-heavy-rains Mon, 08 Jun 2026 19:52:29 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506766-Lightning-strike-kills-3-injures-2-at-Cambodian-farm A lightning strike killed three people, including two young children, and seriously injured two others while they were working in a rural rice field yesterday, local police said. The incident occurred during a heavy thunderstorm in Prey Russey village, located in the Phnom Sruoch district of Kampong Speu province. According to authorities, a group of five local farmers was out ploughing the fields when the lightning struck. Police identified the deceased as Sem Rin, 22, and two children, Chan Chetra, 6, and Chan Van, 4. The two survivors, identified as Hul Sona, 23, and Tut Leap, 21, suffered severe injuries and were rushed to a regional hospital, where they remain hospitalised. https://www.sott.net/article/506766-Lightning-strike-kills-3-injures-2-at-Cambodian-farm Mon, 08 Jun 2026 12:42:23 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506765-Lightning-strikes-motorcyclist-on-Bangkok-flyover-in-Thailand A motorcyclist was seriously injured after being struck by lightning while riding on the Ratchavibha flyover in Bangkok on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred at about 3.40pm on the flyover heading towards the Ratchayothin intersection on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. Authorities identified the victim as a male delivery rider. Heavy rain was falling at the time, and he was travelling on the flyover when a lightning bolt struck, causing him to lose control of the motorcycle and crash. Rescue workers from the Poh Tech Tung foundation rushed to the scene and found the 46-year-old rider lying unconscious on his back. A long burn mark extended from the left side of his neck toward his chest, according to local media reports. Preliminary findings indicated that lightning struck his helmet, leaving burn marks and causing a necklace holding an amulet to break. He was subsequently transported to a hospital for urgent medical treatment. https://www.sott.net/article/506765-Lightning-strikes-motorcyclist-on-Bangkok-flyover-in-Thailand Mon, 08 Jun 2026 12:28:11 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506764-Heavy-rain-floods-southwest-China-red-alert-issued-for-mountain-torrents-tornado-strikes-Nanning Heavy rain has caused severe flooding in parts of Chongqing, Guizhou and Guangxi, with water levels reaching up to two metres and submerging vehicles, authorities said. The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters dispatched a working group to Chongqing on Sunday, urging enhanced emergency duty and strict implementation of 24-hour duty and leadership shifts. The Ministry of Water Resources and the China Meteorological Administration issued a red alert for mountain torrents at 6pm on Sunday. From Sunday evening to Monday evening, parts of southwestern Hunan, northern Guangxi and southern Guizhou are at very high risk of mountain torrent disasters. In Chongqing, a 500-600 metre section of road in the High-tech Agricultural Industry Avenue was flooded, with only vehicle roofs visible. A resident said rain started around 1am and by 7am water was about one metre deep, reaching over two metres by morning. The Chongqing Hechuan District education authority confirmed that three... https://www.sott.net/article/506764-Heavy-rain-floods-southwest-China-red-alert-issued-for-mountain-torrents-tornado-strikes-Nanning Mon, 08 Jun 2026 12:02:28 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506749-Waterspout-sweeps-ashore-in-Trat-Thailand Residents of Laem Ngop district were startled on June 2 when a waterspout formed over the sea before moving ashore near a coastal community, prompting authorities to monitor the situation and assess possible damage. According to a report from Laem Ngop Police Station, the phenomenon was observed at approximately 12:45 p.m. in the Laem Ngop area of Trat province. Witnesses reported seeing the waterspout develop over the waters of Chong Chang before gradually moving toward shore and making landfall near the Laem Ngop community, creating concern among local residents who watched the dramatic weather event unfold. Authorities said initial inspections were underway to determine whether any homes, fishing facilities, boats, or other property had been affected. No immediate reports of injuries were released. Relevant agencies are continuing to monitor weather conditions and evaluate the extent of any damage caused by the waterspout. Officials have advised residents in coastal areas to... https://www.sott.net/article/506749-Waterspout-sweeps-ashore-in-Trat-Thailand Sun, 07 Jun 2026 13:47:10 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506744-Ice-Age-cometh-North-Atlantic-spring-storms-have-grown-more-common-since-1940-analysis-reveals Storm Dave, which swept across northern Europe over the Easter weekend, is an example of what new research from the University of Gothenburg has revealed. Spring storms forming over the North Atlantic have become more common than they were 80 years ago, and this is due to climate change. In the Northern Hemisphere, storm seasons follow a seasonal cycle. Storms are weakest and least frequent in summer and most intense in winter. As a result of global warming, storm patterns and their course have changed, and several studies have indicated that winter storms appear to be occurring more frequently and with even greater intensity. Less Arctic sea ice "One factor that may be contributing to the formation of more storms is the reduction in Arctic sea ice. Open water can release more heat and moisture into the atmosphere than when there is a layer of ice covering the sea. The shrinking sea ice also means that storms can take new paths across the Arctic oceans," says Zhi-Bo Li, a... https://www.sott.net/article/506744-Ice-Age-cometh-North-Atlantic-spring-storms-have-grown-more-common-since-1940-analysis-reveals Sun, 07 Jun 2026 11:04:46 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506725-Typhoon-Jangmi-sweeps-northwards-leaving-23-injured-in-Japan-4-inches-of-rain-in-3-hours Typhoon Jangmi (also known as Typhoon No 6) moved northwards over the course of this week. From Okinawa to mainland Japan, prolonged and heavy rainfall led to landslide warnings and the flooding of rivers, with Japan issuing level 4 warnings for some rivers, signalling a risk of overflowing. This level is high enough for municipalities to issue evacuation orders. Three-hourly rainfall totals on Wednesday reached 105mm in Chiyoda, Tokyo, which was a record high for the month. Sustained wind speeds of 80mph (130kph) were recorded on Monday - making it a category 1 typhoon - bringing damage and disruption to businesses, transport, infrastructure and the environment. By Wednesday, 23 people had been injured, 17 of whom were in Okinawa. The typhoon damaged 57 homes and led to 60,000 homes losing electricity. In addition to this, 1.52 million people were advised to evacuate by authorities. The typhoon damaged the exterior wall of Himeji Castle, a Unesco world heritage site in western... https://www.sott.net/article/506725-Typhoon-Jangmi-sweeps-northwards-leaving-23-injured-in-Japan-4-inches-of-rain-in-3-hours Sat, 06 Jun 2026 14:09:26 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506689-Lightning-strike-kills-13-cattle-in-Bangladesh Thirteen cows and a buffalo were killed in a lightning strike in Juri upazila of Moulvibazar yesterday. The incident occurred in Kuchai Jhalai and Pathartila villages under Goalbari Union of the upazila. Local sources said 13 cows belonging to a tea worker family, which were grazing in a field, died on the spot after being struck by lightning. In a separate incident in the Pathartila area, a buffalo was also killed. The sudden disaster has caused significant financial losses to the affected families, for whom the livestock were a primary source of income. Local public representatives and residents have urged the government to provide assistance to the affected families. Md Moin Uddin, member of Ward No. 2 of Goalbari Union Parishad, confirmed the matter around 3:30pm over mobile phone, saying immediate government support is needed for the distressed tea worker families. https://www.sott.net/article/506689-Lightning-strike-kills-13-cattle-in-Bangladesh Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:29:10 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506688-Lightning-strike-kills-young-kayaker-on-Florida-river An 18 year old kayaker has died after being struck by lightning while paddling with his father on a Florida river, in what authorities describe as a rare but tragic outdoor accident. Michael Aidan Vargas was kayaking on the Blackwater River in Santa Rosa County, about 270 kilometres west of Tallahassee, when a lightning strike reportedly knocked him from his kayak and into the water. Witnesses, including his father and employees from a nearby US Navy recreation programme, immediately began searching for the teenager after he disappeared beneath the surface. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was notified shortly after midday on Sunday and coordinated a large scale search involving multiple agencies, including specialist dive teams and rescue personnel. Vargas' body was later recovered from the river. https://www.sott.net/article/506688-Lightning-strike-kills-young-kayaker-on-Florida-river Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:25:21 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506667-Large-hailstones-crash-into-the-streets-of-Denver-Colorado A powerful storm system swept across northeastern Colorado, turning parts of Denver into a hail-covered disaster zone. Residents reported golf ball-sized hailstones crashing down with intense force, damaging streets, vehicles, and rooftops. The sudden severe weather event caught many off guard as skies darkened rapidly and the storm intensified. Authorities are now assessing the extent of damage caused by one of the most violent hail events to hit the region in recent times. https://www.sott.net/article/506667-Large-hailstones-crash-into-the-streets-of-Denver-Colorado Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:53:09 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506647-Historic-storms-floods-and-overwhelmed-firefighters-in-Belgium Beginning Saturday evening, violent thunderstorms swept across much of the country, bringing locally unusually heavy rainfall. Several regions in the south of the country experienced significant downpours, including part of the night, leading to flooding. The Royal Meteorological Institute (IRM) issued an orange alert at 5:00 PM for all Walloon provinces and Brussels. The situation in some Walloon municipalities quickly became a nightmare for residents and motorists, as well as for firefighters who were sometimes overwhelmed. https://www.sott.net/article/506647-Historic-storms-floods-and-overwhelmed-firefighters-in-Belgium Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:58:26 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506628-Mammoth-Mountain-California-records-5-inches-of-new-May-snow A storm moving its way down the west coast of the US is keeping Mammoth Mountain in the running for the last ski area standing. Forecasts earlier this week were calling for colder temperatures and significant precipitation as far north as central Oregon and into the Eastern Sierras. It would appear that these forecasts have come to fruition at Mammoth Mountain, as the ski area picked up 3-5″ of new snow on May 28, 2026. The ski area's mountain report is showing that Mammoth still has a base depth of 97 inches at the Summit, and the recent snow has brought their main lodge season total to 296″. Temperatures are hovering in the low to mid-30s today but are expected to warm up over the weekend. Forecasts earlier in the week were also showing that high elevations in the Sierras could see 6-9″ of snow by Thursday night, so this storm might not be quite done just yet. https://www.sott.net/article/506628-Mammoth-Mountain-California-records-5-inches-of-new-May-snow Sun, 31 May 2026 13:19:34 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506615-Turkeys-Euphrates-water-releases-after-heavy-rainfall-trigger-flooding-and-agricultural-damage-in-Syria In Turkey, Syria, and Iraq, the crisis surrounding the Deklath (Tigris) and Froth (Euphrates) rivers has taken two devastating forms — drought and flooding. The causes may differ, but the outcome remains the same: suffering and death. The crisis stems from Turkey's upstream control over the Deklath and Froth through its extensive dam network. When Turkey restricts water flow, Iraq suffers severe drought and water shortages. When it releases massive quantities of water at once, Syria bears the brunt of destructive floods that devastate civilians, infrastructure, and agricultural lands along the riverbanks. After seven years dominated by the first scenario — suffocation through drought — Turkish authorities recently opened all the floodgates of the Atatürk Dam, the largest dam on the Euphrates River, following heavy rainfall and snowfall during the winter and spring seasons. The release sent massive volumes of water surging toward the Syrian city of Jarablus. Observers noted that the... https://www.sott.net/article/506615-Turkeys-Euphrates-water-releases-after-heavy-rainfall-trigger-flooding-and-agricultural-damage-in-Syria Sat, 30 May 2026 16:23:30 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506614-Powerful-hailstorms-wreak-havoc-in-northern-Italy Powerful thunderstorms with large hail and squalls hit northern Italy after abnormal heat waves reaching 34 to 35°C. The most severe impacts were recorded in the Lombardy and Veneto regions. In Milan (Lombardy), heavy hail covered streets in ice, flooded roads, and caused the River Lambro to overflow its banks. The Seveso River remained at risk. The Barona and western districts of the city were particularly hard hit. In the province of Cremona (Lombardy), a strong hailstorm hit Soresina and the surrounding area. In the province of Brescia (Lombardy), hail and wind affected areas of Lake Garda and the Brescian Plain, affecting Bagnolo Mella, Lonato del Garda, Montichiari, and Ghedi. In Montirone, winds tore off part of a hangar roof and threw it onto a sports field. Roofs of buildings were also damaged, and trees were downed. In the province of Verona (Veneto), a supercell thunderstorm with hail measuring 3-5 cm in diameter struck the Valpolicella and Valpantena regions. The towns... https://www.sott.net/article/506614-Powerful-hailstorms-wreak-havoc-in-northern-Italy Sat, 30 May 2026 16:07:24 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506611-Severe-flooding-hits-central-China-leaving-at-least-9-dead-and-11-missing-on-May-25 A bridge has been washed away by floods in the central Chinese province of Hubei as several other provinces in the country continue to be lashed by heavy rains. State media reported that nine people died and an estimated 11 were missing in Chongqing municipality. https://www.sott.net/article/506611-Severe-flooding-hits-central-China-leaving-at-least-9-dead-and-11-missing-on-May-25 Sat, 30 May 2026 14:53:23 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506609-Three-killed-by-lightning-strike-in-western-Cambodia-another-bolt-kills-19-cattle A single lightning strike killed three rice farmers during a thunderstorm in western Cambodia's Pursat province, according to a local police report yesterday. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, May 28, in Bakan district's Meteuk commune during a heavy thunderstorm while the three individuals were sowing rice seeds, the commune police report said. Also on Thursday afternoon, another lightning bolt struck and killed 19 head of cattle during a thunderstorm in northeast Ratanakiri province's Lumphat district, according to a Chey Udom commune police report. Lightning strikes happen frequently during the rainy season, which runs from May to October in Cambodia. According to the National Committee for Disaster Management, lightning strikes killed 45 people and 71 head of cattle in the Southeast Asian country in 2025. Xinhua https://www.sott.net/article/506609-Three-killed-by-lightning-strike-in-western-Cambodia-another-bolt-kills-19-cattle Sat, 30 May 2026 14:06:44 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506572-Severe-hailstorm-covers-the-city-of-Puebla-Mexico-in-thick-layer-of-ice Videos and images of the intense storm that hit the city of Puebla are circulating on social media , where in addition to heavy rains, an impressive amount of hail fell . The night of May 26th left unusual scenes: streets, neighborhoods and public areas awoke covered in white, mainly in the northern and eastern areas of the capital of Puebla. The accumulation of ice remained on green areas, medians, sidewalks, vehicles, and residential access points, causing partial disruptions for motorists and residents during the early hours of Wednesday. Some social media users even compared the scene to an unexpected snowfall in the middle of the hot season. According to local media and authorities, no serious material damage or fatalities have been reported so far as a result of the storm in Puebla . However, Civil Protection authorities are maintaining vigilance for possible impacts, as similar weather conditions could return to the city of Puebla after 4:00 p.m. this Wednesday. https://www.sott.net/article/506572-Severe-hailstorm-covers-the-city-of-Puebla-Mexico-in-thick-layer-of-ice Thu, 28 May 2026 17:45:17 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506538-Woman-dies-when-her-SUV-was-swept-away-by-flash-flooding-in-Petal-Mississippi A Mississippi woman is dead after flash flooding submerged and swept away her SUV while she was still inside, even as bystanders tried to rescue her. The incident happened around 3 p.m. Monday in the parking lot of the Eastbrook Commons shopping center in Petal. Luisa Ortega is an employee at Los Charros Mexican Grill in the shopping center. She says the staff was still inside the restaurant when the rain started to pick up. "Just flooding in the dining area, flooding in the kitchen," she said. "It was kind of everywhere." Moments later, Ortega says they noticed a white SUV caught up in fast-moving water in the middle of the parking lot as the driver struggled to get out. "You could tell that she was... trying to get out or move around," she said. "But the body of water was moving from a lot of different areas." https://www.sott.net/article/506538-Woman-dies-when-her-SUV-was-swept-away-by-flash-flooding-in-Petal-Mississippi Tue, 26 May 2026 10:13:07 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506537-Lightning-strike-kills-5-cattle-on-farm-in-Marion-County-Florida A lightning strike killed four cows and a calf on a Marion County farm during severe thunderstorms over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville and the farm owner. Lettelier Brangus, a private cattle breeding operation in northern Marion County, said the animals were found beneath a tree after storms moved through the area late Saturday night. What they're saying: The farm said the loss included several of its top-bred donor cows, identified as LB Ms. Stormi, LB Ms. Black Pearl and LB Ms. Jolene. "Today we woke up to a sight no cattle farmer ever wants to see," the farm said in a social media post. "While we are devastated to lose some of our top cattle, we know their genetics will continue to be represented in our herd for years to come." The National Weather Service shared condolences with the family and used the incident as a reminder about lightning safety. "No place outside is safe during a thunderstorm. That includes under a tree," the agency... https://www.sott.net/article/506537-Lightning-strike-kills-5-cattle-on-farm-in-Marion-County-Florida Tue, 26 May 2026 10:01:41 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506518-Fresh-May-snowfall-in-Kashmir-India Fresh snowfall was reported from Minamarg and the Drass sector near Zoji La on Monday, bringing down temperatures sharply and covering higher reaches under a fresh layer of snow. Reports said heavy snowfall lashed the upper reaches of Minamarg and areas around Drass near the strategic Zoji La axis, turning vast mountain stretches white. The fresh spell of snow was accompanied by a noticeable drop in temperature, reviving cold conditions across the region. Locals and travelers said snow accumulation was visible across higher elevations, while chilly winds and overcast skies added to the wintry conditions. The snowfall comes amid fluctuating weather conditions in Kashmir and adjoining mountain regions, where intermittent rain and storms have been reported over recent days. There were no immediate reports of disruption to traffic movement or damage, though authorities were monitoring weather conditions in the high-altitude sector. Fresh snowfall in the Zoji La and Drass region often... https://www.sott.net/article/506518-Fresh-May-snowfall-in-Kashmir-India Mon, 25 May 2026 14:19:32 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506517-Several-days-of-heavy-rain-in-northern-Bulgaria-causes-severe-flooding Tragedy in Bulgaria just now! Large-scale water drowned houses, emergency in Sevlievo Several days of heavy rain in northern Bulgaria have caused rivers to overflow, flooding settlements and forcing evacuations in several regions, including Veliko Tarnovo, Sevlievo, Apriltsi, and parts of Gabrovo. Authorities warn that the situation remains unstable as water levels continue to rise. Emergency services are operating throughout the region, and officials describe the situation as one of the most severe in recent years. Meanwhile, in Veliko Tarnovo, the Yantra River has reached a height of approximately 7.56 meters and remains at a dangerously high level. https://www.sott.net/article/506517-Several-days-of-heavy-rain-in-northern-Bulgaria-causes-severe-flooding Mon, 25 May 2026 14:06:31 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506516-Freak-hailstorm-casts-white-blanket-over-Pietermaritzburg-South-Africa An agrometeorologist says climate change may be contributing to increasingly unpredictable and severe weather patterns after an unprecedented hailstorm battered Pietermaritzburg on Saturday night, leaving parts of the city blanketed in thick ice and residents and motorists "snowed in". Pelham Residents were left stunned after the storm dumped thick layers of hail over roads, homes and vehicles for more than 30 minutes, leaving motorists stranded and residents spending hours shovelling hail from driveways and roads well into Sunday morning. Large parts of the city resembled snow-covered landscapes, with some residents describing the buildup as "calf-deep" in certain areas. https://www.sott.net/article/506516-Freak-hailstorm-casts-white-blanket-over-Pietermaritzburg-South-Africa Mon, 25 May 2026 12:22:46 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506492-Waterspout-spotted-off-the-coast-of-Cebu-Philippines A waterspout was spotted off the coast of Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu early Saturday morning, as captured in a video shared with The Freeman by netizen Janelle Rose. The phenomenon was seen from a high-rise building in the Mactan Newtown area, where the tornado-like formation appeared over the sea following a rainy weather this morning. Waterspouts are tornado-like columns of air and mist that form over water and are commonly associated with unstable weather conditions. https://www.sott.net/article/506492-Waterspout-spotted-off-the-coast-of-Cebu-Philippines Sat, 23 May 2026 18:52:38 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506472-Locals-capture-some-of-the-worst-flooding-New-York-City-has-ever-seen New Yorkers captured footage of a wild storm that almost drowned the city late Wednesday night. Queens alone reported a downfall of 2.57 inches. One X user claims the floods hit within a "span of 25 minutes." Winds reached 60-mph as commuters desperately tried to avoid being swept off their feet. Queens Village native Charlton D'Souza said it was "some of the worst flooding" he had ever seen. https://www.sott.net/article/506472-Locals-capture-some-of-the-worst-flooding-New-York-City-has-ever-seen Fri, 22 May 2026 19:48:42 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506464-Its-nearly-Memorial-Day-but-Rocky-Mountain-National-Park-Colorado-just-got-buried-in-heavy-snow-up-to-a-foot-deep Summerlike weather has made an appearance across much of the United States recently, but winter is not done with the high country in Colorado. Rocky Mountain National Park was coated in heavy snow to start the week, with more than a foot reported in the higher elevations. "It's May 18 and winter is back in Rocky Mountain National Park," the park posted on Facebook. Plow crews were sent out, and roads that are usually busy this time of year were shut down because of the wintry weather, including part of U.S. 34. It is unclear when the road will reopen. https://www.sott.net/article/506464-Its-nearly-Memorial-Day-but-Rocky-Mountain-National-Park-Colorado-just-got-buried-in-heavy-snow-up-to-a-foot-deep Fri, 22 May 2026 13:59:46 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506367-Severe-flooding-across-central-and-eastern-China-after-record-rainfall-of-5-5-FEET-in-3-days-at-least-25-killed-20-missing-UPDATED Heavy rains swept across central and eastern China over the weekend, hitting provinces including Jiangxi and Hunan, with more downpours expected. The National Meteorological Center (NMC) forecasts that over the next three days, heavy rainfall will gradually move eastward and southward. Since Friday evening, torrential rain in Ganzhou city, Jiangxi, has raised river levels and caused localized flooding. Shangyou county was hardest hit, especially Dongshan township, where rising waters disrupted electricity and water supplies, submerged streets and swept away vehicles. By 4:30 pm Saturday, the county government had relocated 1,147 residents across a number of townships. No casualties or missing persons were reported, according to local media. https://www.sott.net/article/506367-Severe-flooding-across-central-and-eastern-China-after-record-rainfall-of-5-5-FEET-in-3-days-at-least-25-killed-20-missing-UPDATED Fri, 22 May 2026 13:30:09 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506463-5-horses-killed-in-lightning-strike-at-Texas-equine-rescue-nonprofit-says An equine rescue in Texas said five horses were killed in a lightning strike during a storm earlier this week. Hooker Ranch Equine Refuge on Wednesday shared emotional posts on social media, saying staff and volunteers are "heartbroken and devastated" following the deadly strike. One post included two photos of the horses being tended to. "The reality of death.," the rescue wrote. "Dealing with the aftermath of a lightning strike which killed 5 of our sweetest rescues -- I'm sorry if the pictures are not for you just keep scrolling, but I think it's important that people understand how things are done." The rescue, which is located in Winnsboro, said each horse was loaded onto a flatbed trailer and "respectfully" covered with tarps before being removed from the property. The nonprofit organization explained that horses are rarely buried onsite except in emergency situations because decomposing large animals can pose health and safety risks to humans, as well as other animals. https://www.sott.net/article/506463-5-horses-killed-in-lightning-strike-at-Texas-equine-rescue-nonprofit-says Fri, 22 May 2026 13:09:09 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506398-Heavy-sandstorm-hits-Iraq-as-hospitals-battle-respiratory-issues A powerful dust storm has swept across Iraq, including Najaf and Baghdad, sending people to hospital with breathing difficulties. https://www.sott.net/article/506398-Heavy-sandstorm-hits-Iraq-as-hospitals-battle-respiratory-issues Tue, 19 May 2026 10:50:51 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506396-WHO-in-panic-mode-as-World-Health-Assembly-kicks-off Today is first day of the World Health Organization's 79th annual World Health Assembly, where delegates come together to set policies and priorities for global health. Essentially, it's a week-long exercise in saying, as loud and long possible, "We're really important." And thank goodness it came along when it did, because...wow. The hantavirus outbreak is tearing through the world at the unstoppably terrifying rate of five whole deaths every two months. That's about 30 deaths in a year or about 0.25% of the number of people who'll died from falling down stairs. In Africa, the Ebola virus went from zero to "emergency" in no time at all, and the African CDC had no choice but to go into panic mode. A new strain of Ebola virus has been declared an international public health emergency by the World Health Organisation. More than 300 suspected cases have been identified - with at least 80 deaths reported. The outbreak is mostly confined to the Democratic Republic of the...... https://www.sott.net/article/506396-WHO-in-panic-mode-as-World-Health-Assembly-kicks-off Tue, 19 May 2026 03:14:20 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506395-WHO-tells-itself-to-declare-global-climate-health-emergency-to-save-millions The WHO is itching to trigger the climate and health "emergency" powers Act or whatever legalistic bomb our patsy governments signed on our behalf. Apparently millions of people will die if we don't have a UN rubber stamp called "Emergency" — because, obviously the big rich countries would never think to send boatloads of fuel, food and clothes all by themselves. (And if they did, Lordy! Without being a conduit for millions of our dollars, how could the UN run it's own grift and graft machine?) Exclusive: Commission says alert would trigger coordinated international response that could help avoid millions dying Anna Bawden Health and social affairs correspondent, The Guardian The climate crisis should be declared a global public health emergency by the World Health Organization, or millions more people will die unnecessarily, leading international experts have said. Presumably the "Emergency" declaration gives them the tools to declare mandatory vaccines, or ban drugs they don't... https://www.sott.net/article/506395-WHO-tells-itself-to-declare-global-climate-health-emergency-to-save-millions Mon, 18 May 2026 20:22:08 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506387-8-4-inches-of-rain-in-48-hours-triggers-flood-warnings-and-traffic-chaos-in-South-East-Queensland-Australia ​South East Queensland is facing an intense weather event, with parts of the region recording more than 200 millimetres of rainfall over a 48-hour period. A 4000-kilometre northwest cloud band, stretching from Darwin to past Melbourne, has merged with an offshore surface trough to trigger the relentless downpours along the east coast. Gold Coast Hinterland and Coast Saturated The Gold Coast has experienced some of the highest precipitation totals since Sunday morning, with weather stations logging upwards of 175 millimetres across two days. Natural Bridge recorded a staggering 214 millimetres. The persistent wet weather carried through Monday, bringing substantial rainfall to the hinterland. Since 9am Monday, Mount Tamborine recorded 84 millimetres, Numinbah saw 86 millimetres, and Clearview took the brunt of the downpour with 104 millimetres over just six hours leading up to 3pm. In the Brisbane region, Geebung and Holland Park West emerged as some of the hardest-hit suburbs, both... https://www.sott.net/article/506387-8-4-inches-of-rain-in-48-hours-triggers-flood-warnings-and-traffic-chaos-in-South-East-Queensland-Australia Mon, 18 May 2026 18:32:52 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506386-Strong-tornado-leaves-damage-in-rural-Nebraska A strong tornado was reported in central-eastern Nebraska, damaging homes in a mostly rural area, according to preliminary reports. The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Hastings, Nebraska, issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) tornado warning for parts of Howard, Merrick and Nance counties at 6:08 p.m. local time on Sunday. The tornado was seen between the communities of Saint Libory and Palmer before lifting, according to storm chasers who captured video of the storm as it moved through the area. Some homes were damaged, with several appearing to have partially collapsed. Storm chaser Sarah Kassabian reported that at least two people were trapped in the basement of a home, though she said they appeared to be okay. Officials have not released information on possible injuries or the number of structures damaged. The NWS had previously issued an outlook placing parts of Nebraska and Iowa under an enhanced risk for severe storms, a level 3 out of 5, warning that... https://www.sott.net/article/506386-Strong-tornado-leaves-damage-in-rural-Nebraska Mon, 18 May 2026 18:22:58 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506383-Heavy-rainfall-flooding-hits-Baku-Azerbaijan-as-monthly-norm-exceeded-by-279 Intense rainfall and thunderstorms have affected various regions of Azerbaijan as of 10:55 AM on May 17, with precipitation levels in the capital significantly exceeding seasonal norms. According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the National Hydrometeorological Service has issued warnings regarding the ongoing unstable weather conditions across the country. In Baku and the Absheron Peninsula, rainfall has reached between 40-55 mm, representing 203-279% of the monthly average for May. The National Hydrometeorological Service reported that the unstable weather has also brought snow to the high-altitude areas of Shahdag, where the snow depth has reached 5 centimeters. Meanwhile, hail was recorded in the Qubadli district villages of Qezyan and Mahrizli, as well as in the city of Aghsu, with diameters ranging from 3 mm to 11 mm. https://www.sott.net/article/506383-Heavy-rainfall-flooding-hits-Baku-Azerbaijan-as-monthly-norm-exceeded-by-279 Mon, 18 May 2026 12:32:56 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506373-Unseasonal-snow-and-storms-sweep-Morocco-in-mid-May-weather-shift Morocco has experienced an unusual spell of wintry weather in mid-May, with thunderstorms and snowfall striking several mountainous regions at a time when temperatures typically begin shifting toward summer conditions. Houcine Youabed, communications officer at Morocco's General Directorate of Meteorology, said the unstable weather pattern was caused by a low-pressure system accompanied by a cold upper-air mass positioned over the western Mediterranean and northern Morocco. The atmospheric conditions triggered a noticeable drop in temperatures, particularly in the High and Middle Atlas mountain ranges, leading to snowfall at elevations above 2,000 meters. According to the meteorological agency, the cold air interacting with humid Atlantic currents created active storm clouds that produced localized thunderstorms and snow. https://www.sott.net/article/506373-Unseasonal-snow-and-storms-sweep-Morocco-in-mid-May-weather-shift Sun, 17 May 2026 20:27:55 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506364-Lightning-kills-30-sheep-in-Telangana-India As many as 30 sheep were killed in a lightning strike on the outskirts of Enmanabetla village in Kollapur mandal of Nagarkurnool district on Saturday, while the shepherd narrowly escaped. The incident occurred around 4.30 pm when Magdham Chinna Venkataiah, a shepherd from the village, had taken his sheep out for grazing. "At around 4.30 pm, it started raining. To protect the sheep, Venkataiah guided them onto a big rock. However, since about 15 to 20 sheep had not climbed onto the rock, he went down to bring them up, leaving 30 sheep there. That was when the lightning struck, killing all 30 sheep instantly. He narrowly escaped as he had just stepped down," said Madhavi B, tahsildar of Kollapur mandal. She said officials prepared a report soon after being informed about the incident and submitted it, seeking compensation for the shepherd. On Sunday, tourism minister Jupally Krishna Rao, who was in the district reviewing the paddy situation, extended ₹50,000 as immediate financial... https://www.sott.net/article/506364-Lightning-kills-30-sheep-in-Telangana-India Sun, 17 May 2026 17:48:38 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506349-Rivers-overflowed-and-flooding-swept-away-cars-in-Jiangxi-China-8-2-inches-of-rain-in-just-12-hours Severe extreme weather hit southern China on Saturday. Shangyou County, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province experienced heavy rain, causing rivers to overflow and flash floods in some roads and residential areas. The heavy rain caused floods as high as 1.5 meters in low-lying areas in some counties and districts in Ganzhou, submerging vehicles and roads, and causing landslides in some areas, disrupting traffic. Extremely intense rainstorms pounded the area since Friday evening, causing small and medium-sized rivers to overflow within hours. https://www.sott.net/article/506349-Rivers-overflowed-and-flooding-swept-away-cars-in-Jiangxi-China-8-2-inches-of-rain-in-just-12-hours Sat, 16 May 2026 12:55:11 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506324-Up-to-2-feet-of-May-snowfall-in-72-hours-on-Alpine-glaciers-in-Austria High altitude ski slopes in the Alps have reported up to 59cm of snowfall over the past few days. Snow has also been falling to low elevations as temperatures plummet. Only seven glacier ski areas are still open for snow sports with several of those closing their 25-26 seasons this Sunday. The biggest accumulation has been reported on the Stubai Glacier near Innsbruck (pictured above this morning), one of those closing this weekend. It has reported nearly two feet of snowfall in the past 72 hours taking its upper base to 3.2m, the second deepest in the Alps. Five of the seven still-open ski areas in the Alps are in Austria, with Hintertux, open until July and with the most terrain still open (42km of slopes), posting 30cm. The Kaunertal Glacier, also closing at the end of this weekend, reports 20cm. The Mölltal Glacier got just 5cm and the Kitzsteinhorn is the fifth Austrian option. Les 2 Alpes, the only ski area open in France, reported 15cm (6"). It has Europe's deepest base at... https://www.sott.net/article/506324-Up-to-2-feet-of-May-snowfall-in-72-hours-on-Alpine-glaciers-in-Austria Fri, 15 May 2026 11:36:19 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506302-Aviemore-Cairngorm-Mountain-Resort-in-Scotland-hit-by-snow-blizzards-in-May-15-7-inches-of-snowfall-overnight Spring may have sprung in the lowlands - mostly - but winter is still clinging hard to the Highlands. Visitors to Aviemore Mountain Resort could be forgiven for thinking it was deep in December, rather than the middle of May, after 40cm of snow fell overnight. The thick snowfall comes as cold northerly winds from the Arctic continue to drive weather patterns in Scotland, with the Met Office reporting temperatures below average for this time of year. However, the lack of warmer weather elsewhere has been a boon for the resort, with winter sports lasting beyond their usual cut-off date in April. Located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, the resort offers a wide range of activities for visitors. https://www.sott.net/article/506302-Aviemore-Cairngorm-Mountain-Resort-in-Scotland-hit-by-snow-blizzards-in-May-15-7-inches-of-snowfall-overnight Thu, 14 May 2026 14:11:42 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506298-Deadly-storm-kills-at-least-104-in-Indias-Uttar-Pradesh A powerful storm swept through India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh, killing more than 100 people and causing widespread destruction across several districts, officials said on Thursday. The violent weather system brought intense rain, hail and strong winds, damaging homes, uprooting trees and disrupting daily life in India's most populous state. According to state authorities, at least 104 people were killed in around a dozen districts, with the worst-hit areas located near the city of Prayagraj. Rescue officials said dozens more were injured as emergency teams responded to incidents across the region. The storm also injured at least 59 people, damaged 87 homes and killed 114 livestock, adding to the scale of losses faced by affected communities. Officials said many fatalities were caused by collapsing walls, falling trees and debris thrown by high-speed winds. https://www.sott.net/article/506298-Deadly-storm-kills-at-least-104-in-Indias-Uttar-Pradesh Thu, 14 May 2026 11:17:03 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506289-Rare-tornado-strikes-the-city-of-Zhangping-China https://www.sott.net/article/506289-Rare-tornado-strikes-the-city-of-Zhangping-China Wed, 13 May 2026 19:31:29 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506275-12-hospitalized-after-torrential-rains-trigger-severe-floods-in-northern-Turkiye Torrential rains have triggered severe flooding in a district near Turkiye's Black Sea coast, inundating homes and businesses and sweeping away cars. At least 12 people were hospitalized with minor injuries, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported. The heavy rainfall late on Tuesday caused rivers in the Havza district of Samsun province to overflow, sending waters rushing down streets, carrying vehicles and debris. Anadolu said the basement and ground floors of several properties were submerged. Video footage showed a driver standing on top of a truck waiting to be rescued from the flood. Anadolu said none of the injured were in serious condition. Some reached the hospital on their own while others were assisted by medical teams. Firefighters, police, and disaster teams were deployed to rescue stranded residents and to clear debris. https://www.sott.net/article/506275-12-hospitalized-after-torrential-rains-trigger-severe-floods-in-northern-Turkiye Wed, 13 May 2026 10:25:59 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506171-Thousands-displaced-as-Eastern-Cape-floods-worsen-as-rain-continues-in-South-Africa-at-least-10-killed-across-the-country-UPDATE Heavy rains, flooding, rough seas and snow have caused widespread disruption across the Eastern Cape and Garden Route, with thousands of residents evacuated, roads closed and emergency shelters overwhelmed as disaster teams race to respond to the severe weather crisis. More than 2,000 flood victims are currently being accommodated in 25 emergency shelters across Nelson Mandela Bay, where overcrowded facilities are housing families, elderly residents, women and children displaced by persistent flooding. Humanitarian organisations and disaster management teams have issued urgent appeals for donations including long-life milk, cereal, drinking water, nappies, baby wipes, toiletries, blankets and mattresses as relief operations intensify. "More than 2,000 flood victims are currently being accommodated in 25 emergency shelters across the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro," Gift of the Givers spokesperson Ali Sablay said. "Gift of the Givers drop-off centres have been set up at the Nelson Mandela... https://www.sott.net/article/506171-Thousands-displaced-as-Eastern-Cape-floods-worsen-as-rain-continues-in-South-Africa-at-least-10-killed-across-the-country-UPDATE Tue, 12 May 2026 19:11:30 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506263-Severe-flooding-hits-Mexico-City Mexico City authorities issued a warning Monday night that heavy rains could cause severe flooding. Several areas of the city are currently underwater. https://www.sott.net/article/506263-Severe-flooding-hits-Mexico-City Tue, 12 May 2026 19:01:32 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506260-May-snowfall-strikes-the-mountains-of-Croatia-strong-thunderstorms-heavy-rain-and-hail-hits-Zagreb-area Severe storms swept across parts of northern Croatia on Tuesday, causing widespread disruption, damaging infrastructure and bringing unusual May snowfall to higher elevations. Emergency services were called into action across Zagreb and Zagreb County after strong thunderstorms, heavy rain and hail hit the region. According to Croatia's Civil Protection Directorate, the County Emergency Centre 112 received around 250 calls from residents reporting various weather-related incidents. In Zagreb, one person was reported injured during the storm. The severe weather also disrupted public transport in the capital. Due to damage to the overhead power network, several tram lines were forced to operate on altered and shortened routes. https://www.sott.net/article/506260-May-snowfall-strikes-the-mountains-of-Croatia-strong-thunderstorms-heavy-rain-and-hail-hits-Zagreb-area Tue, 12 May 2026 17:46:56 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506259-Lightning-strike-kills-4-teenagers-injures-3-in-Kerala-India Four students were killed after being struck by lightning at Mankada in Malappuram district of Kerala on Tuesday. The deceased were identified as Rahees (20), Vahas (18), Siad (18), and Fahad (19), all natives of Vellila. Three others were injured and are currently undergoing treatment at Manjeri Medical College Hospital. The tragedy occurred on Tuesday afternoon at the Panthalloor Hills View Point, also referred to as Kuranganchola or Vellila View Point, during heavy summer rains. According to reports, a group of seven students had gone to the hilltop to spend the evening when they were caught in an unexpected downpour accompanied by intense lightning. The injured were immediately rushed to Manjeri Medical College Hospital by local residents, but four of them succumbed to their injuries. Rescue operations were initially delayed due to the remote location of the hilltop. One member of the group went missing after the lightning strike and was later found during a subsequent search... https://www.sott.net/article/506259-Lightning-strike-kills-4-teenagers-injures-3-in-Kerala-India Tue, 12 May 2026 17:30:07 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506252-Lightning-killed-2825-people-across-India-in-2024-a-10-increase-on-2023-17000-killed-over-a-6-year-period Every day, on average, lightning kills nearly eight people in India. Not floods. Not cyclones. Not earthquakes. Lightning, a hazard most people still think of as random misfortune, has become the country's most lethal natural force, claiming more lives each year than any other weather event. New data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) shows that lightning killed 2,825 people across India in 2024, a 10.4 percent rise from 2,560 deaths in 2023. It accounted for 35.7 percent of all accidental deaths attributed to forces of nature that year, far ahead of heat stroke, which killed 1,832 people, and floods, which took 361 lives, 833 from cold exposure, and 361 from floods. The figures are not an anomaly. Over the past six years, lightning has killed more than 19,245 people across India. The annual toll has remained stubbornly high: 2,357 in 2018, 2,876 in 2019, 2,862 in 2020, 2,880 in 2021, 2,887 in 2022 and 2,558 in 2023. Scientists say it will get worse before it gets... https://www.sott.net/article/506252-Lightning-killed-2825-people-across-India-in-2024-a-10-increase-on-2023-17000-killed-over-a-6-year-period Tue, 12 May 2026 10:55:41 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506251-May-blizzard-buries-the-Russian-city-of-Noyabrsk Unusual snowfall was reported in the southern Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region, Russia, on Sunday, May 10, 2026. Wind gusts reached 23 meters per second. A high alert status was declared in Noyabrsk. Traffic was also restricted on regional highways in the Noyabrsk, Muravlenko, Gubkinsky, and Purovsky districts. Drivers were advised to avoid traveling outside the city. Public transportation was also suspended in densely populated areas. https://www.sott.net/article/506251-May-blizzard-buries-the-Russian-city-of-Noyabrsk Tue, 12 May 2026 09:52:47 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506250-Lightning-strike-kills-90-sheep-in-Jammu-and-Kashmir-India At least 90 sheep were killed when lightning struck a grazing field in the upper reaches of Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Monday. Lightning struck a meadow in Poshkar, Kangan area of Ganderbal district on Sunday night, killing 90 sheep, officials said. The livestock belonged to a family of nomadic shepherds who were taking their animals toward the Sonamarg area for grazing, they said. Strong winds and intermittent rains caused damage to houses and crops in some areas of Kashmir on Sunday night. https://www.sott.net/article/506250-Lightning-strike-kills-90-sheep-in-Jammu-and-Kashmir-India Tue, 12 May 2026 09:42:21 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506187-Two-residents-died-due-to-flooding-in-Bone-Indonesia Two people were declared dead due to a flood disaster caused by heavy rainfall since Thursday night (7/5) at several points in Bone Regency, South Sulawesi. "It's true, two people were reported dead, an elderly woman named Naima after 80 years and a boy named Muhammad Arsyah aged 5 years," said the Head of the Makassar Class A Basarnas Section and Operations, Andi Sultan, as reported by ANTARA, Friday, May 8. After receiving information about the flood disaster at 05.40 WITA from the local community, the rescue team was immediately deployed to the affected location. "After receiving the report, the Bone SAR Post Rescue Team immediately departed for the location of the incident by bringing evacuation equipment. The Joint SAR Team immediately carried out the process of rescuing and evacuating residents affected by flooding in several points," he said. https://www.sott.net/article/506187-Two-residents-died-due-to-flooding-in-Bone-Indonesia Fri, 08 May 2026 19:35:18 +0000 https://www.sott.net/article/506182-Lightning-kills-33-sheep-and-goats-in-Tamil-Nadu-India As many as 33 sheep and goats were killed in a lightning strike at Kumarapalayam near Vellianai on Friday. The livestock belonged to Krishnasamy. The sheep and goats were sheltered in a shed when lightning struck. The dead livestock is valued at around ₹4 lakh. On information, the veterinarians of the Department of Animal Husbandry rushed to the spot and conducted enquiries. https://www.sott.net/article/506182-Lightning-kills-33-sheep-and-goats-in-Tamil-Nadu-India Fri, 08 May 2026 17:35:37 +0000