Communities across the globe are grappling with a series of severe and unseasonal weather events, from destructive flooding in California to record-breaking early snowfall in Japan.
Atmospheric River Brings Chaos to California
Evacuation warnings were activated across California last week as a powerful weather phenomenon known as an 'atmospheric river' deluged the state. This long, concentrated filament of moisture, originating over the Pacific Ocean, typically provides vital water for reservoirs and snowpack. However, this particular event brought destructive volumes of rain, posing a significant threat of flooding and landslides, especially in coastal regions.
Meanwhile, in a stark contrast, parts of the United States experienced unusual warmth. Denver, Colorado, surpassed its third-latest snowfall date on record after registering a record-breaking November high of 28C. The persistent warm and dry conditions have forced local ski resorts to postpone their opening until December.
Storms and Snow Across the Pacific
Australia's northern and eastern regions were battered by severe thunderstorms, leading to widespread disruption. On one Friday alone, over 11,000 homes lost power due to a combination of heavy rain, large hail, and damaging winds. These intense storms were fuelled by humid tropical air moving in from the north. The volatile conditions also sparked bushfires via lightning strikes in the plains of New South Wales, with hot and windy weather exacerbating the blazes.
In Japan, the high-altitude town of Sukayu on the northern part of Honshu island was blanketed by more than 1 metre of snowfall. The intensity and depth of this snow were particularly notable for how early it has arrived in the season, with some records being broken. Heavy snow also affected areas of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island.
European Extreme: Italian Mudslides Claim Lives
The extreme weather extended to Europe, where northern Italy faced tragic consequences from torrential rainfall. Mudslides resulted in two fatalities after the Torre River burst its banks. This occurred following an intense downpour that saw 25cm (10 inches) of rain fall in just eight hours, causing significant flooding in the town of Brazzano di Cormons. Approximately 300 residents in the nearby hamlet of Versa were forced to evacuate their homes due to the rising floodwaters.
