End of December 2023 - Natural disasters across the world. Latest events.
Global weather has taken a turbulent turn lately, causing significant disruptions and extreme events. The planet is grappling with severe weather conditions, triggering various natural disasters. The undeniable reality of a climate crisis is becoming more apparent. Let's explore some of the noteworthy incidents that have recently unfolded worldwide.
Flooding unleashes in Southern California.
Southern California found itself in the grip of a watery onslaught on December 22, as heavy rains caused severe flooding. The downpours were particularly intense in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, inundating areas in cities like Port Hueneme, Oxnard, and Santa Barbara. The storm, which exceeded average monthly rainfall in just a few hours, triggered flash flooding in Ventura County. Subsequent deluges in Santa Barbara led to waterlogged streets. By midday, as the rain and wind subsided, residents stepped out to assess the aftermath of the flooding that disrupted normal life in these regions. Over 20 million people across Southern California to central Arizona were put under a Flood Watch, emphasizing the scale and impact of this weather event.
Huge hailstorm hits New South Wales, Australia.
On Christmas Day, a colossal hailstorm pounded the Central West of New South Wales, transforming the landscape into a wintry scene with its blanket of white. The spectacle, reminiscent of snow, created an unusual and visually striking Christmas for the region. The weather bureau issued warnings for extensive parts of interior eastern Australia. As the storms shifted away from the coastal areas, they triggered intense conditions in inland NSW. Reports surfaced of hailstones measuring five centimeters or more, with the potential for even larger ones. The threat of giant hail and heavy rainfall lingered for various districts, including the Southern Tablelands, South Coast, Snowy Mountains, and Hunter regions.
Snow is accumulating rapidly in Japan.
Northern Japanese prefectures, including Hokkaido, Niigata, Toyama, and Fukui, found themselves under a heavy snow alert issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency on Friday, December 22. The warning, the second-highest in the country's snow alert system, was prompted by ongoing heavy snowfall in these regions. The Hokuriku region and Niigata prefecture were particularly affected, leading to concerns about potential disruptions in traffic. The Tohoku region along the Sea of Japan also experienced worsening conditions. Notably, in Toyama Prefecture, 20 centimeters of snow accumulated over three hours in certain areas. Hokkaido and Niigata, among other places, recorded significant snowfall, with Iwamizawa in Hokkaido reaching an unbelievable 81 centimeters. In certain areas, there's a risk of vehicles getting stranded. It's advisable for drivers to refrain from non-essential outings. For those who must go out, it's recommended to use vehicles equipped with winter tires or snow chains. Additionally, considering alternative routes might be a prudent choice to navigate the challenging weather conditions.
Brazil grinds to a halt as torrential rain unleashes chaos in São Paulo.
On Saturday evening, December 23, heavy rain in São Paulo disrupted the city, causing 23 flooding points, as reported by the Emergency Management Center. Meteorologists explained that the expected rain was a result of the heat and humidity combination on that Saturday. Caution and alert states concluded at 6:45 pm. The train services, Companhia Paulista de Trens Metropolitanos, experienced interruptions due to track flooding. Gusts of wind, reaching up to 50 km/h, were strongest in the Cidade Ademar area in the South Zone around 4:30 pm. In the city center, in Sé, Rua Mauá was blocked around 5 pm, making one point impassable in the direction of Ipiranga. Vila Formosa in the East Zone had a section of the Marginal Tietê toward Castello Branco affected. In Vila Prudente, also in the East Zone, Avenida Luiz Ignácio toward Sapopemba accumulated water. Rua Padre Viegas de Menezes in Itaquera was closed in both directions. Avenida Alcântara Machado in Mooca was completely impassable. In the South Zone, particularly in the Santo Amaro area, Interlagos and Nações Unidas avenues experienced flooding.