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The LEO Network is a worldwide network of observers and experts that share their observations of environmental change.
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What we know about recovery, a month after ex-Typhoon Halong
With resources spread out over thousands of miles and dozens of communities, KYUK has tried to summarize what we know and don't know about the impact of the storm.
Kwigillingok, Alaska, United States
KYUK

'The devastation is quite shocking' – Fallen trees in Inverness woodland still blocking major walking and cycling route
Storm damage has left multiple trees blocking paths in Cullaird Wood on the outskirts of Inverness, obstructing a key section of the South Loch Ness Trail. Highland Council says it is seeking an arrangement with the landowner’s agents to clear the routes after recent storms Floris and Amy.
Inverness, Highland, United Kingdom
Inverness Courier

Ex-typhoon Halong peeled back as much as 60 feet from Quinhagak's shoreline
Remnants of Typhoon Halong caused severe coastal erosion in Quinhagak, Alaska, stripping up to 60 feet of shoreline, flooding parts of town, and pushing boats into riverside trees. The storm imperiled the community’s sewage lagoon and scattered priceless artifacts from the Nunalleq archaeological site along the beach.
Quinhagak, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Unalakleet shelters dozens of Shaktoolik residents as ex-typhoon sweeps Norton Sound
As the remnants of Typhoon Halong drove flooding and 69 mph winds across Norton Sound, Unalakleet sheltered 88 evacuees from nearby Shaktoolik and moved elders to higher ground. Minor structural damage was reported in Shaktoolik, and flights began returning residents after the storm passed.
Unalakleet, Alaska, United States
KNOM Radio Mission

Officials say storm 'completely devastated' Western Alaska communities
Remnants of Typhoon Halong drove record storm surge and hurricane-force winds into Western Alaska, devastating Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta villages like Kipnuk and Kwigillingok. Officials report dozens of homes destroyed, mass rescues, widespread outages, and at least one death, with many residents sheltering and recovery efforts underway.
Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Governor declares disaster in western Alaska, second storm incoming
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy declared a disaster for western Alaska after an Oct. 8 storm brought flooding and storm surge that damaged homes and infrastructure, prompting a temporary evacuation in Kotzebue. Officials warn another, potentially stronger storm tied to the remnants of Typhoon Halong could bring 70–80 mph winds and further coastal impacts.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States
KNOM Radio Mission

Region weathers storm with some flooding, prepares for upcoming storm on the weekend
A powerful coastal storm brought flooding and damaging winds to western Alaska on Oct. 8, with severe flooding and evacuations in Kotzebue and high water reported across the Bering Strait/Norton Sound region. Communities are now preparing for a larger storm expected over the weekend, with state emergency operations activated.
Nome, Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget
Diana Haecker and Ariana Crockett O’Harra

How 'Amy' Ravaged Norway
Extreme weather 'Amy' brought destructive winds and flooding across Norway, damaging buildings and vehicles, causing landslides, and knocking out power to tens of thousands. Insurance firms received thousands of damage reports as cleanup began across multiple regions.
Bergen, Vestland, Norway
NRK

Juneau gets its first-ever ‘severe thunderstorm’ warning from the Weather Service
At 3:10 p.m. Monday, a wind gust of 60 mph was clocked atop the Juneau Federal Building in downtown Juneau.
Juneau, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Severe Storm Highlights Need for Stronger Sea Defences
A powerful storm in southwest Iceland caused extensive coastal damage and raised concerns over the adequacy of existing sea defences, prompting calls for a significant increase in funding for future protection.
Sandgerði, Reykjanes, Iceland
Iceland Review

Trail-gating at the Nordic Super Bowl
Rainy sloppy conditions in Trondheim underscored the importance of the climate work. But the warm wet weather barely dampened the enthusiasm of the Norwegian crowd.
Trondheim, Trøndelag, Norway
NPR

Trying to make sense of wild winds and a weird winter
Gardening columnist Jeff Lowenfels explains how trees are built to survive extreme high winds.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Federal disaster declaration approved for Northwest Alaska flooding
President Biden has approved federal disaster assistance for Northwestern Alaska regions affected by severe flooding and storms in October 2024.
Northwest Alaska, United States
Alaska's News Source

80 mph, 90 mph and higher: Here's a rundown of peak gusts recorded across Southcentral Alaska in Sunday's storm
A storm in Southcentral Alaska recorded peak wind gusts reaching up to 110 mph, causing power outages in Anchorage and the Mat-Su area.
Southcentral Alaska, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Wind and rain batter Anchorage and Mat-Su, leaving power outages across the region
A severe storm hit Anchorage and Mat-Su, causing power outages for thousands due to high winds and rain. Gusts exceeded 100 mph in higher elevations, with significant impacts across the region.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Part of pedestrian bridge collapses onto Seward Highway in South Anchorage
A part of a pedestrian bridge collapsed onto the Seward Highway in Anchorage due to high winds, blocking the highway temporarily, though the bridge's main structure remained intact. No injuries were reported.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Roof ripped off Anchorage home amid intense wind gusts
A severe windstorm with gusts nearing 75 mph tore off the roof of a home in Anchorage, Alaska, captured on security footage.
Alaska's News Source

Anchorage power outages extend to fourth day in wake of 'extreme' warm January storm
An unusually warm January storm with record warmth and hurricane-force winds left Anchorage residents facing extended power outages for four days.

Thousands in Southcentral Alaska remain without power after Sunday's wind and rain storm
A powerful wind and rain storm in Southcentral Alaska caused widespread power outages and closures, affecting thousands in the Anchorage area.

Thousands are without power due to winter storm hitting Newfoundland and Labrador
A severe winter storm battered Newfoundland and Labrador, leaving thousands without power and causing significant damage along the coastline.
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
CTV News

B.C. woman killed during Saturday windstorm
A 65-year-old woman in South Surrey was tragically killed by a falling tree during a severe windstorm.
South Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
Lake Cowichan Gazette

Storm in Nuuk: Construction Crane Collapsed
In Nuuk, a large construction crane has collapsed due to a storm, with no reported injuries.
Nuuk, Greenland
Sermitsiaq

Anchorage picks up the pieces after Monday night wind storm
A severe windstorm in Anchorage on Monday night caused widespread damage, including downed trees and power outages, as residents began cleanup efforts the following day.
Alaska's News Source

Empty survival suits found but no signs of life after fishing boat overturns in Alaska storm
A fishing vessel capsized in the Gulf of Alaska during a storm, leaving seven empty survival suits but no sign of the five-member crew.
Gulf of Alaska, Alaska, United States
CTV News

'Bomb cyclone' kills 2 and knocks out power to over half a million homes across the northwest U.S.
A powerful "bomb cyclone" swept across the northwest United States, leading to the deaths of two people, widespread power outages, and significant damage from fallen trees and extreme weather conditions.
Northwest United States
CTV News

City, DOT work to repair storm damage to Spit road
A storm caused significant erosion damage to Homer Spit Road, reducing it to one lane. Repair efforts are underway to restore the road and impacted businesses.
Homer, Alaska, United States
Peninsula Clarion

Weeks after storm damaged over 50 Kotzebue properties, local responders carry on with repairs
In Kotzebue, Alaska, local responders continue to repair over 50 properties severely damaged by a storm in October, focusing on essential infrastructure before winter begins.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States

OPINION: To defend democracy — and our climate — we have to vote for it
The article emphasizes the importance of voting for climate-conscious leadership in the wake of unusual and severe flooding in an Arctic community during winter.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States

After flood, Kotzebue residents take stock of damaged homes and property, and take care of one another
At least 30 houses still needed repairs, cleanup was ongoing, and the city’s residents grappled with the need to fix snowmachines, keep their soaked houses warm and prepare for future emergencies.

At the floating nuclear power plant, one of the reactors was automatically turned off
One of the reactors at a floating nuclear power plant in Pevek, Russia, was automatically shut down due to an unspecified issue.
Pevek, Chukotskiy Avtonomnyy Okrug, Russia

Power supply was restored in the village of Rytkuchi, flooded by the storm
Power was restored in Rytkuchi, Chukotka after a storm caused village-wide flooding.
Рыткучи, Чаунский район, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia

Timeline: A decade of deadly and destructive Alaska landslides
Landslides have killed at least 12 Alaskans in the past decade and destroyed homes and critical infrastructure.
Juneau, Alaska, United States

Schools closed, safe rooms open for severe weather
Ahead of Wednesday’s anticipated severe weather, county officials are making some important announcements.
McLain, Mississippi, United States

1 dead, 126 homes damaged or destroyed due to severe weather in Mississippi
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has issued an updated damage report from Tuesday and Wednesday’s severe weather. According to MEMA, one person in Grenada County died. Six were injured, two of which were in Scott County. Details regarding where the other four injuries took place have not been released...
Grenada, Mississippi, United States
SuperTalk Mississippi Media

US in deep freeze while much of the world is extra toasty? Yet again, it's climate change
The U.S. experiences extreme cold as the rest of the world faces unusual warmth, a pattern scientists attribute to climate change.
United States
AP News

Weather 2024: A weirdly warm, wet and recording-breaking year for Spokane
Spokane experienced its fourth-hottest year on record in 2024, with exceptional summer heat, a significant dust storm, and an unprecedentedly wet late-year. Weather extremes spanned subzero temperatures in January to record summer heat and heavy rainfall later on.
Spokane, Washington, United States
The Spokesman-Review

Alaska communities must adapt as climate change transforms state, federal report says
Alaska communities are facing significant challenges due to climate change, including the disappearance of snow crabs, threats to subsistence hunting and fishing, and difficulties in processing and storing food, but some communities are taking action and developing local climate adaptation plans with the support of funding and collaboration between different governments and agencies.
Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Alaska geologists dig into Bering Sea’s past storms to understand future ones
Extreme weather events like Typhoon Merbok are becoming more common, and many Alaska communities are wondering about the future.
Bering Sea

The Arctic Climatologist Calling Attention to a Looming Data Crisis
Rick Thoman is thinking hard about the cost of climate change and the benefits of better tracking, potentially influencing Alaska’s response to extreme weather and more.
Nome, Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget

Urban Alaska can learn from energy innovation in rural Alaska
The state’s rural areas lead the world in renewably powered microgrids. So if the grid of the future is being incubated in rural Alaska, can urban Alaska, like the Railbelt, benefit from some of these strategies and lessons learned?
Alaska, United States
ArcticToday

'Alaska Weather' show will halt TV broadcast in July, raising concerns among many rural Alaskans
A long-running television show, "Alaska Weather" unique to Alaska that provides detailed weather, aviation and marine forecasts across the state will stop airing at the end of June. Especially in rural communities where many residents rely on the show for weather and safety information that's vital to coordinating flights and planning subsistence hunts or commercial fishing trips.
Alaska, United States

Forskarar may have solved the mystery of birds at Svarthamaren
All the birds were gone. Now there is full life in the bird cliffs again. The researchers believe they have found the explanation for the mystery.
Antarctica
NRK

Native knowledge of great lakes ecology: Climate changes to Odawa lands
Climate change has been observed for hundreds of years by the plant specialists of three Odawa Tribes in the Upper Great Lakes along Lake Michigan. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is the focus of two National Park Service (NPS) studies of Odawa Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) of plants, ecosystems, and climate change. Data collected during these studies contributed to developing Plant Gathering Agreements between tribes and parks. This analysis derived from 95 ethnographic interviews conducted by University of Arizona (UofA) anthropologists in partnership with tribal appointed representatives. Odawa people recognized in the park 288 plants and five habitats of traditional and contemporary concern. Tribal representatives explained that 115 of these traditional plants and all five habitats are known from multigenerational eyewitness accounts to have been impacted by climate change. The TEK study thus represents what Native people know about the environment. These research findings are neither intended to test their TEK nor the findings of Western science.
Glen Arbor, Michigan, United States
Frontiers

Blizzard batters Northwest Alaska, causing infrastructure problems
In addition to blizzard conditions, Kotzebue residents have been experiencing power outages, water service interruptions and travel complications because of the storms.

Garbage collection from the coast and tundra after the storm was completed in the village of Rytkuchi
Garbage and wood were removed by the municipal services of the village of Rytkuchi of the Pevek urban district from the coastline and tundra near the settlement. This was the final stage of a large-scale clean-up, which began in the summer after a strong storm.
Prochukotku

Nome-Council Road passable again after suffering significant damage from severe September storm
Three weeks after ex-typhoon Merbok hit Western Alaska and breached the Nome-Council Road, Department of Transportation crews and local contractors finished their repairs.
Nome, Alaska, United States
KNOM Radio Mission

As support streams in, one village still accounting for what was lost in Western Alaska storm
Golovin was hurt worse than other places in the Norton Sound region by the remnants of typhoon Merbok as it swirled up through Bering Sea last weekend. Repairing the damage is going to take time — and the clock is ticking on winter’s arrival.
Golovin, Alaska, United States

Typhoon Merbok pounded Alaska’s vulnerable coastal communities at a critical time
The powerful remnants of Typhoon Merbok pounded Alaska’s western coast on Sept. 17, 2022, pushing homes off their foundations and tearing apart protective berms as water flooded communities. Storms aren’t unusual here, but Merbok built up over unusually warm water. Its waves reached 50 feet over the Bering Sea, and its storm surge sent water levels into communities at near record highs along with near hurricane-force winds.
Bering Sea
ArcticToday

Western Alaska braces for strong storm and possible floods

I hope people talk about this storm for a long time
If that saying about Jan. 1 setting the tone for the year to come has any truth to it, 2022 is going to be a wild ride.
Cantwell, Alaska, United States

Storms, high winds projected to be more frequent in Western Alaska
A University of Alaska Fairbanks scientist said that the reason why Western Alaska is getting windier is that it will soon inherit the Aleutian Islands’ storms. In today’s climate, the Aleutian islands are the windiest area in Alaska.
Toksook Bay, Alaska, United States

Feeding barge “not leaking oil”
It will become clearer in the coming days how the sunken barge owned by Laxa aquaculture in Reyðarfjörður, East Iceland, will be re-floated after this weekend’s storm. Divers are working on the vessel again today and, so far, it appears no diesel or other oil has leaked into the sea.
Reyðarfjörður, East, Iceland
RÚV

The Disappearing Islands
For decades, efforts have been underway to tame the effects of erosion on the Magdalen Islands, an archipelago in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. But the effects of climate change left these tiny islands vulnerable when it came to facing two powerful and unpredictable storms in less than a year.
Magdalen Islands
CBC News

Extreme weather has already displaced 7 million people this year
Following Hurricane Dorian, large parts of the Bahamas have been left in a state of ruin, made unlivable to the hundreds of thousands of people who have called the islands their home.
Mic

This map worries Norwegian rescue workers
Warmer seas have led the fishery to move 300 kilometers further northeast - towards the North Pole. At the same time, cruising traffic in the outlying sea areas is increasing.
Bjørnøya, Svalbard, Svalbard and Jan Mayen
NRK - Norsk Rikskringkasting

As Seas Warm, Galápagos Islands Face a Giant Evolutionary Test
Climate change is ravaging the natural laboratory that inspired Darwin. The creatures here are on the brink of crisis.
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
New York Times

Storms increasing & violent
A new report points to harsher more severe weather incidents happening in our province.
British Columbia
Castanet

Climate change threatens the kittiwake – extreme weather and altered prey availability reduce recruitment
Bad weather is bad news, also for the red-listed kittiwake. New research reveals that wind conditions combined with the availability of different prey species are determinants of chick production in this seabird.
Myre, Nordland, Norway
SEAPOP, Norwegian institute for nature research

Survived the landslide accident in Svalbard. Now comes the twins' story of living with climate change.
From Longyearbyen to Kiribati, Bangladesh and California. Author Teresa Grøtan has collected young people's everyday life with climate change in the book "Before the Island Sink."
Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Svalbard and Jan Mayen
Aftenposten

Kenow Wildfire 2017
Alberta consistently sees an average of 1400 wildfires each year however, the increased economic costs due to firefighting, equipment, damaged properties, evacuations, insurance, remote housing and food can be a challenge.
Waterton Lakes, Alberta, Canada
Jason Giacchetta, David Oswald, Mike Brook

400 plus Alaskans received financial assistance from FEMA, application deadline is Nov. 22
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has disbursed $3.3 million to help Western Alaskans rebuild after ex-typhoon Merbok struck the coast a month ago.

Gusty winds caused 2023 crash that killed ‘Flying Wild Alaska’ pilot Jim Tweto and passenger, federal investigators say
The renowned bush pilot was making a trip he’d made many times when the Cessna 180 crashed near Shaktoolik in June 2023.
Shaktoolik, Alaska, United States

Still waiting on Merbok aid, Shaktoolik braces for fall storms
Shaktoolik, a village in Alaska, is still waiting for aid from FEMA to rebuild a protective berm that was destroyed by a typhoon, leaving the community vulnerable to storms and erosion.
Shaktoolik, Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget

The Science of landslide risk
"Talk of Alaska discusses the science behind landslide risk and early warning systems in the wake of Wrangell's third deadly landslide since 2015."
Wrangell, Alaska, United States

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