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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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Observations

Hurricane force winds recorded near Tofino
Typically these storms remain off the coast of Vancouver Island and we only see the frontal systems move ashore.
Lennard Island Lighthouse, British Columbia, Canada
CHEK

Heart of White Rock breaks along with pier
Long time White Rock resident and CBC Producer Joan Marshall reflects on what the pier has meant to her and her community.
White Rock, British Columbia, Canada
CBC

She lives where the soil heats up the fastest
People in Longyearbyen have replaced parkas with a shell jacket. They must calculate with rainfall in January and February. Both snowmobiles and dogs must be parked. People are annoyed and disappointed. Others are very concerned.
Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Svalbard and Jan Mayen
NRK

Tornado touches down near Port Orchard, rips roofs off homes
The tornado touched down and damaged homes on the Kitsap Peninsula. No injuries were discovered in a primary search, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Port Orchard, Washington, United States
The Seattle Times

String of collapses at Del Mar bluffs
Officials press forward with emergency plan following string of collapses at Del Mar bluffs.
Del Mar, California, United States
Los Angeles Times

Johannesburg: fire in township leaves thousands homeless
Local charities call for donations after blaze wrecks 500 homes in Alexandra
Modderfontein, Gauteng, South Africa
the Guardian

7.0 earthquake, aftershocks strike Southcentral Alaska; damage reported across region
Seismologists called the quake the most significant in the state’s largest city since 1964, in terms of how strong the ground itself shook.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

California fires: Number of missing soars over 1,000 as Paradise reels from unfathomable losses
The death toll in the Camp fire in Northern California rose to 63 Thursday as President Trump planned to visit California to meet with people impacted by the wildfires in what marks his second trip to the state since his election.
Paradise, California, United States
latimes.com
Alene Tchekmedyian, Nicole Santa Cruz, Javier Panzar

Hundreds of sea lions take over docks of Cowichan Bay
A raucous crowd has moved into Cowichan Bay and the volume and odour coming from them is wafting for blocks around. Locals estimate over 300 sea lions have descended on the Cowichan community and their presence is proving a huge tourist draw.
Duncan, British Columbia, Canada
CHEK

'New normal' ferocious winds whip up deadly California fires
Two deadly wildfires fueled by "devil winds" tore through opposite ends of California on Sunday, with residents urged to heed evacuation orders by officials forced to leave their own homes. In northern California, the Camp Fire is one of the deadliest and most destructive in the state'
Paradise, California, United States
Reuters

Aftermath of Nov. Storm at Kivalina
Kivalina, Alaska, United States

Cordova windstorm wrecks roofs, sets derelict fish processor adrift
A 100-foot vessel, the Polar Bear, ended up aground on an island across a channel from the town.
Cordova, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Nearly 3,000 people evacuated in Puerto Vallarta
Between two thousand and three thousand are estimated to have been evacuated in Puerto Vallarta, according to estimates by municipal authorities; however,
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta News

'It's like a war zone': Nun among 12 dead as flash flooding hits France
In what the local weather agency said was some of the worst flash floods the Aude river has seen in more than a century, the heavy rainfall brought the equivalent of up to seven months' rain fell in just a few hours.
Villegailhenc, Aude, France
ABC News

Magnitude of Storm Callum captured as Scots hit by landslides and 70mph winds
The stunning image from the University of Dundee shows the scale of the extreme weather engulfing the country. And it comes as heavy rain has caused further landslips delaying the reopening of the key roadways.
Scotland, United Kingdom
The Scottish Sun

Catching some hell; Hurricane Michael slams into Florida
Hurricane Michael slammed into the Florida Panhandle with terrifying winds of 155 mph Wednesday, splintering homes and submerging neighborhoods before continuing its destructive march inland across the Southeast.
Port Saint Joe, Florida, United States
AP NEWS

Officials Weighing Options As North Strabane Landslide Threatens More Homes
More rain fell over the weekend, which is adding to the urgency in North Strabane, where a landslide has led to the demolition of two homes.
Strabane, Pennsylvania, United States
KDKA

Another Landslide Hits The Philippines
At least 15 people are dead and dozens more are missing.
Naga City, Naga, Philippines
New York Times

When Heavy Rain, Erosion and Gravity Cause the Earth to Give Way
In the mountainous areas like western Pennsylvania and West Virginia, heavy rainfall is not just a hassle, but can lead to problems exacerbated by the region’s constrained topography.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Route Fifty

Toronto beats temperature record as students swelter in schools without AC
Students and teachers at hundreds of Toronto schools without air conditioning sweltered their way through record-breaking heat on Wednesday, as the city’s largest school board said it understood why some parents might choose to keep their children at home.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
CTVNews

Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) mortality from drought stress
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Hawaii’s rain from Hurricane Lane, topping 50 inches, is among most extreme in U.S. records
The total amount of rain, measured in feet, soared to historic levels: Over four feet or 52.02 inches were measured on Mountain View, about 15 miles southwest of Hilo.
Hilo, Hawaii, United States

Full report: Damage exceeds $100 million as Madison area braces for more rain, flooding in wake of this week's massive deluge
Record-setting rainfall caused massive flooding in Dane County that killed a man, washed out roads and bridges and heavily damaged property.
Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Wisconsin State Journal

High River Water Overflow
Heavy spring precipitation leads to strong river flow, sweeping away cabin and fish rack.
Unalakleet, Alaska, United States

Bracing for Lane: County, state prepare as significant rain, flooding and high winds are expected from hurricane - Hawaii Tribune-Herald
President Trump approved Gov. David Ige’s request for a disaster declaration Wednesday as powerful Hurricane Lane spiraled closer to Hawaii.
Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Hawaii Tribune-Herald

Drought has volunteers walking Cowichan Lake area’s dry rivers and creek-beds looking for stranded fish fry
Plans are underway for raising the weir: a reflection of widespread concern, says Ken Traynor
Cowichan Lake Area, British Columbia, Canada
Lake Cowichan Gazette

Damage widespread, 1 dead after record rainfall causes flash flooding in Dane County
An epic rainfall swept one man to his death, washed out bridges, swamped homes, cars and businesses, and marooned dozens of shoppers overnight at a Middleton discount store Monday.
Madison, Wisconsin, United States
madison.com
BILL NOVAK, ROB SCHULTZ and CHRIS HUBBUCH Wisconsin State Journal

Flooding fears spark evacuations in US city
Authorities warn 17ft of water could hit Lynchburg in Virginia in minutes if a dam overspills.
Lynchburg, Tennessee, United States
BBC News

Wildfire 'tornado' destroyed 500 structures, killed 2
A local firefighter who was killed fighting a fast-moving wildfire was identified Friday as crews continued to battle the blaze in Redding, California.
Redding, California, United States
USA TODAY

After deadly wildfires, floods hit Greek capital
Firefi­ghters say around 160 reside­nts have been briefl­y trappe­d in their homes due to the floodi­ng
Ekali, Αττικη, Greece
The Express Tribune

Wildfires Kill Dozens Near Athens
They've forced evacuations of popular beach towns just outside the city.
Rafina, Αττικη, Greece
Condé Nast Traveler

Ontario's dry weather has mice looking for a way into houses
The drought gripping the Ottawa area isn't just burning grass and stunting corn crops. Mice are increasingly finding their way into homes and apartment buildings in search of water.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
CBC

Melting of glacier causes flash floods in Pakistan's north
Pakistani officials say the melting of a glacier has unleashed landslides and floods in the country’s northern district of Ghizer, inundating dozens of homes and displacing hundreds of people. Mohammad Khalid, a local police official, said Friday that authorities are sending relief supplies to the flood-hit villages.
Peshawar, N.W.F.P., Pakistan
AP News

Heavy rain causes flash flooding, more rainfall expected
Rainfalls of unprecedented intensity caused flash floods in several parts of the country and serious flooding in Bayan-Ulgii, Selenge and Tuv aimag.
Selenge, Mongolia
MONTSAME News Agency

Glacier melt creates artificial lake in Gilgit
A small glacier melt has swollen Barsuwat Nullah in the Ishkoman valley of Ghizer district, Gilgit-Baltistan, creating an artificial lake and blocking the flow of the Immit River. Water has submerged more than 30 houses, cultivated land, a link road and cattle farms.
DAWN.COM

Death toll in Japan floods nears 200 as intense heat brings threat of disease
Intense heat and water shortages raised fears of disease outbreaks in flood-hit western Japan on Thursday as the death toll from the worst weather disaster in 36 years neared 200. More than 200,000 households had no water a week after torrential rains caused floods and set off landslides across western Japan, bringing death and destruction to decades-old communities built on mountain slopes and flood plains. The death toll rose to 195, with several dozen people still missing, the government said on Thursday.
Saka, Hiroshima, Japan
The Independent

1 dead, dozens injured from hail storm
The southwest region of France was hit on Wednesday by violent hailstorms, damaging roofs, cars and killing one person.
Bordeaux, France
ABC News

Ellicott City devastated by another flood as heavy rain drenches the Baltimore region
Ellicott City was devastated by heavy rain Sunday, just two years after the historic city in Howard County was forced to recover from another flash flood.
Ellicott City, Maryland, United States
baltimoresun.com

B.C. flooding: Ottawa sending military to help flooded communities, evacuations in Fraser Valley
Military help is on the way to B.C. communities ravaged by floods, as rivers rise and more people are forced out of their homes around the province.
Grand Forks, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver Sun

Eastern Washington flooding reaches emergency levels
Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee proclaimed a state of emergency Saturday for counties in the eastern part of the state
Omak, Washington, United States
CBS/AP

"Total devastation": Dozens of fish killed in North, West Vancouver streams
West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
CBC News

Landslides Disrupt Community Infrastructure
Landslides threatened community water supply, transportation, and residential homes.
Ivanof Bay, Alaska, United States
Moses Tcheripanoff, Richard Buzard, George Anderson

Flooding in B.C. Interior prompts road closures, states of emergencies, evacuations
Flooding in the B.C. Interior from rapidly melting snowpacks has washed out roads and properties, prompted local states of emergencies, and caused more people to leave their homes in Oliver.
Oliver, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver Sun

Severely iced-over cellular tower causing service disruptions in Western Alaska
A GCI cell tower in Western Alaska encapsulated in unusually thick ice and snow has caused service disruptions in villages.
Scammon Bay, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Strong winds batter Anchorage
One reading on the Hillside clocked winds reaching 91 miles per hour. The day saw reports of property damage, road closures and downed power lines.LEO Note: According to Rick Thoman of NWS, these are unusually high winds for April.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Windstorm slams Southcentral Alaska with gusts over 80 mph
One reading on the Hillside clocked winds reaching 91 miles per hour. The day saw reports of property damage, road closures and downed power lines.LEO Note: According to Rick Thoman of NWS, these are unusually high winds for April.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Laurel Andrews, Michelle Theriault Boots, Zaz Hollander

Climate change could leave Californians with 'weather whiplash'
Climate change will make for more frequent wild swings in California weather, with both more extremely dry and extremely wet years and 'weather whiplash' in between.
California, United States
CNN

'Catastrophic' overland flooding shuts down southern Alberta highway, threatens Taber homes
We have experienced since Oct. 2 a very unseasonable Alberta winter. High snowfalls, a few Chinooks and certainly we knew some time ago we were in for an interesting spring ... but this is unprecedented...
Taber, Alberta, Canada
CBC

2018 Weather, climate disasters already costing record amounts
So far in 2018, there have been three climate and weather disasters that have cost $1 billion or more.
United States
Newsweek

Water Pooling Around Houses and Flooding Ice Cellars
Permafrost thaw is affecting houses, roads, and ice cellars.
Wainwright, Alaska, United States

In Alaska, a town threatened by climate change gets federal funding to relocate
Newtok, Alaska, United States
ThinkProgress

Easter Island Is Eroding
Rising ocean levels are causing waves to break on the statues and platforms built a thousand years ago. The island risks losing its cultural heritage. Again.
Easter Island, Chile
New York Times

At least six dead as nor’easter slams East Coast with violent wind, rain, snow and floods
From Massachusetts to Virginia, the East Coast was pounded by a storm that threatened to break records. Nearly two million people lost power.
Baltimore County, Maryland, United States
Washington Post
By Karen Weintraub, Bill Hewitt, Amy B Wang, Eli Rosenberg & Keith McMillan

Bad weather blocks cleanup of oil spill in fragile waters near Kodiak
An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Kodiak flew over the area of an oil spill in Shuyak Strait on Wednesday afternoon, but weather continued to hamper response efforts, the Coast Guard said.
Shuyak Strait, Alaska, United States

Svalbard’s ‘Doomsday’ seed vault marks 10th anniversary with upgrades to protect it from climate change - Arctic Today
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault celebrates its first decade in operation by accepting its millionth sample—and a grant for work to keep those samples safe despite melting permafrost.
Svalbard, Norwegian Archipelago, Arctic Ocean
Arctic Today

Left to Louisiana’s Tides, a Village Fights for Time
For the community of Jean Lafitte, the question is less whether it will succumb to the sea than when — and how much the public should invest in artificially extending its life.
Jean Lafitte, Louisiana, United States
New York Times

Canada’s Outdoor Rinks Are Melting. So Is a Way of Life.
Canada loves its ice, and outdoor hockey is part of the nation's cultural identity. So what happens when winters get too warm for backyard rinks?
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Utility Poles Leaning
Leaning utility poles in south Anchorage

Dangerously Low on Water, Cape Town Now Faces ‘Day Zero’
One of Africa’s richest cities is threatening to turn off the taps to its four million residents, cutting off homes and most businesses.
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
The New York Times
Norimitsu Onishi and Somini Sengupta (The Daily Maverick)

Shifting ground causes problems for Whitehorse office building
A large retail and office building in downtown Whitehorse has shifted so much in just a few years that its elevator is now out of service.
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
CBC News

Fierce storm drops a foot of snow on Anchorage in 24 hours
The storm that walloped Southcentral Alaska also left about 32 inches of snow in Moose Pass and 30 in Seward.

High winter winds and warm temperatures
We've had so much wind this winter, on the 15th of January, the winds were warm!!!!!!
Golovin, Alaska, United States

Climate change hinders residential constructions in Sweden
Skåne county has denied planning permission for the building of two new beachfront homes, saying they are at risk from rising sea levels caused by climate change.
The planning permission concerns two houses to be built between 100 and 200 metres away from the sea.
According to the county adminis
Åhus, Skåne län, Sweden
Eye on the Arctic

State report details potential health impacts of climate change
How will climate change affect health in Alaska? Dangerous travel conditions could cause more accidents, warmer temperatures could spread new diseases and the topsy-turvy weather could worsen mental health. Those are some conclusions from a new state report released Monday. Listen now
Newtok, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media
Rachel Waldholz, Alaska's Energy Desk - Anchorage

Roads, cars submerged: Storm rages with snow, floods - The Boston Globe
The powerful winter weather storm was slamming into Massachusetts by mid-morning Thursday, bringing blizzard-like conditions in some areas, torrential rain in others, power outages and hurricane-strength winds on Cape Cod and the Islands.
Quincy, Massachusetts, United States
The Boston Globe

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