A flood is an overflow of water that submerges or inundates land that is usually dry. It can be caused by various factors, such as heavy rainfall, snowmelt, storm surges, or the failure of dams or levees. Floods can occur in both coastal and inland areas and can vary in scale, from localized flash floods to large and devastating river floods that cover vast areas.
Bern, Switzerland – August 13, 2024 – Devastating thunderstorms swept across Switzerland on Monday evening, August 12, causing widespread damage, flooding, and landslides. The intense weather system brought torrential rain, powerful winds, and over 70,000 lightning strikes, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
This meteorological phenomenon, which is already north of Puerto Rico, has reached sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour, with even stronger gusts, and is moving northwest at a speed of 26 kilometers per hour.
The week began with intense headwinds, only to be followed by powerful storms that brought rain and hail to various regions in Germany. The hardest-hit areas were North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and Bremen. By evening, emergency services were busy dealing with flooded basements, streets, and highways.
Canada experienced a record-breaking week of weather, with extreme heat in the North and torrential rains in Eastern Canada. A unique atmospheric pattern, known as a Rex block, was responsible for the unusual weather patterns.
Tropical Storm Maria made landfall in northern Japan on Monday, August 12, bringing with it record-breaking rainfall and causing widespread disruptions.
