Severe Weather Events across South Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean
Severe weather in South Africa resulted in thunderstorms and tornadoes, while Storm Coral affected the eastern Mediterranean with cold air and snow. The US is experiencing extreme cold, leading to disruptions but upcoming temperate conditions are expected.
This week, severe weather has significantly impacted South Africa, characterized by intense thunderstorms, substantial flooding, and reported tornado activity. The South African Weather Service has issued alerts for various provinces in the central and eastern regions, cautioning against the risks associated with heavy rainfall, powerful winds, hail, and lightning strikes.
A tornado that struck Pretoria North on Tuesday resulted in extensive damage, affecting hundreds of homes, vehicles, and buildings, while uprooting numerous trees. By the week’s conclusion, portions of eastern South Africa are anticipated to receive cumulative rainfall ranging from 100 to 150 mm.
In the eastern Mediterranean, a substantial drop in temperatures has occurred due to a cold air mass descending from northern regions. The Greek National Meteorological Service has designated this weather phenomenon as Storm Coral, which has introduced snowfall to the northern parts of Greece, particularly in mountainous areas, as well as to Turkey.
Snow accumulation has disrupted public transport and air travel in Istanbul, leading to school closures. In certain eastern regions, snowfall has reached up to 40-50 cm, isolating several villages, while ski resorts have recorded nearly a meter of snow. As the cold air system progresses southward, areas such as Cyprus, Lebanon, and Israel are experiencing cold temperatures confined to more elevated terrains.
In the United States, extreme cold conditions persisted through midweek and into the latter part of the week, as a frigid air mass moved southward from the Great Plains and affected much of the eastern states. Temperatures fell below -30°C in some areas and between -10°C to -20°C across a broad section of the country, marking a decline of over 15°C from typical averages.
The accompanying heavy snowfall has notably affected the Midwest and the mid-Atlantic regions, with some areas experiencing accumulated snowfall of around 30 cm. In Detroit, a burst water main led to street flooding that subsequently froze, trapping residents in their homes. However, conditions are expected to improve as temperatures approach their seasonal averages over the coming weekend.
In summary, severe weather conditions have been experienced globally, with South Africa facing significant storms and flooding, while Storm Coral has impacted the eastern Mediterranean region with cold air and snowfall. Additionally, extreme cold in the United States has disrupted lives and transportation. Observations indicate that improved weather is on the horizon as temperatures are predicted to normalize.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
