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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

Mont-Tremblant World Cup skiing races cancelled due to warm weather
The PwC Tremblant World Cup was cancelled due to warm weather, preventing the production of suitable snow conditions for the event.
Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada
CHEK

Biggest November snowstorm in half a century hits Seoul and grounds flights
Seoul experiences its heaviest November snowstorm in more than 50 years, resulting in flight cancellations and commuter chaos, with at least two casualties reported.
Seoul, South Korea
CTV News

'Blizzard of the Century' Blankets Far East Russia's Amur Region
A severe blizzard in Blagoveshchensk, Far East Russia, brought 36 cm of snow, leading to a state of emergency being declared.
Blagoveshchensk, Amur Oblast, Russia
The Moscow Times

Penguin 'Gus' on His Way Home – After Unusual Holiday
Emperor penguin 'Gus' was found malnourished on a tourist beach 3,500 km from his Antarctic home; he is now returning home after weeks of rehabilitation.
Western Australia, Australia
SVT Nyheter

Mama orca and her kids go 'grocery shopping' near downtown Vancouver
A family of killer whales was spotted near downtown Vancouver in a rare sighting likely linked to hunting for seals.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Yukon News

Britain on alert after second major storm of the season batters country, leaving at least two dead
A severe storm in Britain, the second this season, has caused significant flooding and disruption, with at least two fatalities reported.
England and Wales, United Kingdom
CTV News

Hunting Dog (1.5 years old) Killed by Wolf at Risberget in Åsnes
A rare wolf attack in Risberget, Innlandet, Norway, resulted in the death of a 1.5-year-old Norwegian Elkhound during an elk hunt, highlighting ongoing concerns about wolf-dog interactions in the region.
Åsnes, Innlandet, Norway
NRK

Storm inundates Northern California with rain, heavy snow. Thousands remain in the dark in Seattle
A powerful storm has caused significant flooding, landslides, and power outages in Northern California, affecting areas like San Francisco, while Seattle faces extended power outages.
Northern California, United States
CTVNews

Storm Resumes Coal Delivery in Chukotka District
A storm in Chukotka cleared ice, enabling the coal ship 'Tanir' to deliver 2,000 tons of coal to the village of Uelen.
Uelen, Chukotka, Russia
IA Chukotka

What killed a harbor seal found headless at Letnikof Cove? It's a mystery, federal scientists say.
A headless harbor seal was discovered at Letnikof Cove, raising questions as scientists from NOAA investigate the cause of death and post-mortem scavenging.
Letnikof Cove, Haines, Alaska, United States
Chilkat Valley News

Volcano Eruption on Iceland
A volcanic eruption is underway on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland, prompting the evacuation of Grindavik and the Blue Lagoon.
Grindavik, Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland
NRK

More than 16,000 Highland pupils are staying at home as heavy snows causes chaos for schools
Heavy snowfall has led to the closure of over 100 schools and nurseries in the Highlands, affecting more than 16,000 pupils.
Highlands, Scotland, United Kingdom
Inverness Courier

Snow, wind storms hammer Sweden, power cuts in North
Severe snow and wind storms in northern Sweden have left at least 10,000 households without power in Västerbotten. Schools have closed, and traffic disruptions are reported across affected areas.
Västerbotten, Sweden
Eye on the Arctic

90,000 without power, ferries cancelled as storm batters Vancouver Island
A powerful storm has left about 90,000 people without power on Vancouver Island, causing widespread service disruptions including the cancellation of several BC Ferries sailings due to safety concerns.
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Lake Cowichan Gazette

Found hot water at Kjalar­nes and Geldingarnes
New low-temperature geothermal areas have been discovered in the capital region of Iceland, potentially boosting the supply of hot water for heating and industry in Reykjavik.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Vísir

More than 600,000 lose power from bomb cyclone in Western Washington
A powerful bomb cyclone in Western Washington caused a windstorm with gusts reaching up to 74 mph, leaving over 640,000 people without power. Efforts to restore electricity are underway, but it may take several days to fully restore service.
Western Washington, United States
The Spokesman-Review

Oarfish keep washing ashore in California. Folklore suggests that could be a bad omen
A deep sea oarfish washed up in Southern California. Japanese folklore suggests seeing the rare fish is a bad omen, some accounts say.
Encinitas, California, United States
NPR

Province issues travel advisory as 'bomb cyclone' hits Vancouver Island causing widespread power outages
A bomb cyclone hitting Vancouver Island has caused widespread power outages, affecting over 140,000 BC Hydro customers and leading to the closure of multiple highways on the island.
Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada
CHEK

Snow falls on Vancouver Island north of Campbell River ahead of bomb cyclone
Snowfall has hit areas north of Campbell River in anticipation of a powerful bomb cyclone expected to bring severe wind and rain to Vancouver Island.
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
CHEK News

‘Bomb cyclone’ threatens Northern California and Pacific Northwest
The areas that could see particularly severe rainfall as the large plume of moisture heads toward land will likely stretch from the south of Portland, Oregon, to the north of the San Francisco area.
San Francisco, California, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Harsh winter weather triggers state of emergency for Point Hope
A State of Emergency has been declared in Point Hope, Alaska, as severe winter weather, including high winds and power outages, disrupts the community. Shelter and support services are in place for affected residents.
Point Hope, Alaska, United States
KTUU

Strong winds knock out power for many in Point Hope
Unusually strong winds in Point Hope, Alaska, caused widespread power outages, prompting over 200 residents to seek shelter at a local school, while poor weather conditions delayed the arrival of a lineman to restore power.
Point Hope, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Diver attacked by shark near Chatham Islands
A shark attacked a diver near the Chatham Islands, prompting emergency response from Hato Hone St John and the New Zealand Flying Doctors Service.
Chatham Islands, New Zealand
NZ Herald

Local emergency declared after high seas damage Homer Spit
Homer Mayor Rachel Lord declared a local emergency after water and debris washed over the Homer Spit last weekend, damaging parts of the road and forcing closures.
Homer, Alaska, United States
KBBI AM 890

Wolf attacks in Södermanland have increased - new cull announced
In Södermanland, Sweden, wolf attacks on livestock have significantly increased, prompting authorities to announce a new cull. The most recent attack marks the thirteenth incident of the year, affecting farmers and prompting expanded protective measures.
Södermanland, Sweden
SVT Nyheter

'Stunning' 47-foot fin whale washes ashore near Anchorage's Westchester Lagoon
A 47-foot fin whale washed ashore near Anchorage's Westchester Lagoon. Biologists believe it is a young female and are investigating the cause of its beaching.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

India’s capital chokes as air pollution levels hit 50 times the safe limit
Authorities in New Delhi shut schools, halted construction and banned nonessential trucks from entering the city after air pollution shot up to its worst level this season.
New Delhi, NCT, India
Anchorage Daily News

Alaska's total commercial salmon harvest this year was ultra-low in both quantity and value
Alaska's 2024 commercial salmon harvest was among the lowest since records began and offered the lowest inflation-adjusted value to harvesters since 1975.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
KTUU

Erosion from high surf and wind leave Homer Spit Road damaged
Homer Spit Road sustained damage from high tides and winds, prompting short-term repairs and highlighting the need for long-term erosion control measures.
Homer, Alaska, United States

Washington confirms second case of chronic wasting disease
A second case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been confirmed in Washington, detected in a white-tailed deer in Spokane County. This follows the first case earlier in the year.
Spokane County, Washington, United States
Spokesman.com

Tractor almost taken off the sea in storm: "Now winter is coming"
A severe storm in Finnmark led to multiple warnings for wind gusts, snow, and high water levels, causing significant damage including a tractor nearly swept to sea and a pier destroyed.
Finnmark, Norway
NRK

Sandhill crane straggler spotted at Creamer's Field
A lone sandhill crane has been observed staying at Creamer's Field in Fairbanks well beyond the typical migration period. The crane appears healthy but risks survival challenges due to the approaching winter.
Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

All public services decommissioned and shut down: Newtok's end is imminent
Newtok faces imminent shutdown due to severe infrastructure risks and erosion, with remaining residents relocating to temporary homes in Mertarvik.
Newtok, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Avian flu has been confirmed in Canada. What does that mean for you?
A teenager remains in hospital with avian flu, according to British Columbia's top doctor. On Tuesday, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the teen is suffering from severe respiratory distress. On Wednesday, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) confirmed it as avian flu — the first case of its kind in Canada. Henry said it's very likely that the B.C. teen's infection took place due to an exposure to either a sick animal or something in the environment.
British Columbia, Canada
CBC

Scientists discover volcano-like structure in Arctic Ocean off Alaska
Scientists aboard a U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker have discovered an unusual volcano-like structure in the Arctic Ocean, potentially emitting gas and rising 500 meters from the seafloor.
Arctic Ocean
Alaska Public Media

Bees swarming
Unusual bee swarming behavior observed in East Burke, Vermont, with 50 to 100 hives affected by extreme temperature fluctuations.
East Burke, Vermont, United States

Bird flu in B.C.: Teen infected with H5N1 stable but remains critically ill
A teenager in British Columbia has tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza and remains in critical condition, with health officials unable to identify the source of exposure despite extensive contact tracing.
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver Sun

'We expected snow here'- Record November heat in the North
Kirkenes, Norway experiences unprecedented November heat, leading to canceled winter attractions and concerns from climate experts.
Kirkenes, Finnmark, Norway
The Barents Observer

Orcas spotted in Penn Cove for the first time in over five decades
The Orca Conservancy said the sightings made history. Some whale watchers hope it will again raise awareness of the need to protect them.
Oak Harbor, Washington, United States

While not yet official, Mount Fuji gets its trademark snowcap after the longest delay in 130 years
Snow arrived at Mount Fuji more than a month after it normally would, after setting a record for the most-delayed snowfall in 130 years.
Mt Fuji, Japan

Death toll from Spanish floods tops 200 as shock turns to anger and frustration
The damage from the storm Tuesday and Wednesday recalled the aftermath of a tsunami, with survivors left to pick up the pieces as they mourn loved ones lost in Spain’s deadliest natural disaster in living memory. Many streets were still blocked by piled-up vehicles and debris, in some cases trapping residents in their homes. Some places still don’t have electricity, running water, or stable telephone connections.
Valencia, Valencia, Spain
Associated Press

Halloween storm turns Anchorage streets into 'liquid banana peel,' meteorologist says
A "wintry mix" of snow and rain through Friday morning produced slick conditions for trick-or-treaters in Alaska's largest city. It was a record setting snow fall for the day.
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Chris Klint, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage

This unusual fox keeps being spotted in Yellowknife
Some have dubbed the creature Anubis, referring to the ancient Egyptian god usually depicted as a canine or a man with a canine head.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
CBC

Whitehorse digs out after another heavy dump of October snow
The Yukon capital was already buried under a thick blanket of autumn snow at the start of the week. Then residents woke to another big dump on Wednesday.
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
CBC

Human skull washed up in Kotzebue last month is ancient, village officials say
A human skull found in Kotzebue in October is ancient, with officials confirming it is not contemporary. The skull was discovered in an area formerly used as a burial site. Since the recent flooding, police said they received three reports of remains washing up on shore in the Kotzebue area.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States

Orcas revive 'dead salmon hat' trend from the 1980s
Researchers in Washington reported observing orcas in Puget Sound balancing salmon on their heads, a behavior not seen in decades.
Puget Sound, Washington, United States
Vancouver Sun

Two Bears Are Shot In Building on HPR
A brown bear and one of her two cubs were shot and killed by a Sitka resident early Thursday after the animals entered into a storage building in the 4200 block of Halibut Point Road, in the vicinity of the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal, and were trying to get into freezers.
Sitka, Alaska, United States

Finnish Lapland hit by 30-year autumn warm spell
Temperatures reached a high of 11.2 degrees Celsius in Kilpisjärvi on Friday, compared to a high of -1.7 degrees on the same day last year.
Kilpisjärvi, Lapland, Finland

High winds cause erosion and flooding in region
Nome Public Schools were closed on Monday. Bering Air did not fly on Monday and canceled or delayed flights on Tuesday morning. Alaska Airlines canceled its evening flights for Sunday and Monday but flew as scheduled the morning flights.
Nome, Alaska, United States
The Nome Nugget

A record breaking snow storm?
In this case, the weather models were showing a strong push of cold air coming out of the Yukon, a push of warm air coming up from the south and a low spinning up from the Gulf of Alaska.
Haines, Alaska, United States
Chilkat Valley News

Jellyfish Invasion Raises Dog Safety Concerns
The storm event on October 21st brought an invasion of jellyfish to flooded areas. Eating jellyfishis thought to have resulted in one dog fatality, raising concerns for pet owners across Kotzebue.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States
Jacqualine Schaeffer, Laurie Meythaler-Mullins, Gay Sheffield, Tom Okey

The Chukotka village of Rytkuchi was flooded by a surge wave due to a strong storm
Во вторник, 22 октября, в селе Рыткучи городского округа Певек из-за шторма начался подъём уровня воды. В результате подтопления двух многоквартирных домов пришлось расселить 45 человек. В целях безопасности в населённом пункте отключили электричество, сообщает ИА "Чукотка".
Рыткучи, Чаунский район, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Russia

Storm Submerges Kotzebue
A record storm caused extensive flooding in Kotzebue, Alaska, submerging the town and prompting community concern and relief efforts.
Kotzebue, Alaska, United States
Anna Liljedahl , Jacqualine Schaeffer, Richard L Thoman Jr, Gemini

Fall storm damages houses in Kotzebue and Northwest Alaska villages
A severe fall storm caused significant damage in Kotzebue, Alaska, with high winds and rising water levels leading to airport inaccessibility, disrupted flights, and emergency declarations.

Believe they could have saved more of the 190 reindeer that went through the ice with the right equipment
Nearly 190 reindeer perished after falling through thin ice in Finnmark, revealing a lack of proper rescue equipment and the need for better emergency preparedness in reindeer herding communities.
Kautokeino, Finnmark Fylke, Norway

Juneau water levels recede after moderate Mendenhall Lake and River glacial outburst
The National Weather Service has canceled a flood warning issued Saturday as waters continue to recede Monday morning.
Juneau, Alaska, United States
Adelyn Baxter, KTOO - Juneau and Clarise Larson, KTOO - Juneau

‘A beautiful thing’: Klamath River salmon are spotted far upstream in Oregon after dam removal
Less than two months after the removal of dams restored a free-flowing Klamath River, salmon have made their way upstream to begin spawning and have been spotted in Oregon for the first time in more than a century.
Klamath, California, United States
Los Angeles Times

Fox Attacks House Cat
A fox attack on a house cat in Kotzebue, Alaska, raises concerns about unusual wildlife behavior, potentially linked to diseases like rabies or avian influenza, and highlights the importance of disease prevention and wildlife management.
Russell Cameron , Kimberlee Beckmen, Gemini

Where did the amphibians go?
A local Trinidad and Tobago resident reports an unusual absence of toads and frogs during the rainy season, following an intense drought, marking a first in 34 years.
Laventille, San Juan/Laventille, Trinidad and Tobago

Browning Crowns in Tombstone Territorial Park
Taller trees in Tombstone Territorial Park are experiencing browning due to increased exposure to harsh winter conditions, amidst inconsistent snowfall and local climate changes.
Tombstone Territorial Park, Yukon Territory

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