Japan: Tokyo Sees Significant Snow Accumulation Amid Widespread Winter Storm 5

A cold air mass brought widespread snow to much of Japan starting Saturday, February 7, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue warnings and advisories nationwide as heavy snow continued along the Sea of Japan coast. As of Sunday, over 3 cm of snow accumulation was reported in Tokyo, covering streets throughout the capital.

China: Squirrel Performs Gymnastic-Like Moves on Overhead Power Line

On February 1, 2026, in Dali, Yunnan province, southwestern China, a video showed a small squirrel struggling on an overhead power line at the Canghai Yunshang Grassland scenic area. The squirrel spun and flipped along the wire, appearing at first to perform gymnastic moves, before clinging on nervously. It eventually regained its balance and escaped safely.

China: ‘Smiling Face’ Optical Illusion Box Created by Parrots

On January 21, 2026, in Anhui, eastern China, a video showed a white box with two round holes and a curved opening below, forming the shape of a strange smiling face. When the filmer touched the holes, two large eyes suddenly appeared inside, giving the illusion of a human-like face staring outward. The image looked unsettling at first. The effect was created by two parrots positioned behind the holes. Their dark pupils and surrounding white feathers produced the illusion from the chosen angle.

China: Man Sprayed With Squid Ink While Night Fishing in Hainan

On January 26, 2026, in Hainan, southern China, a man fishing from a bridge at night was sprayed with dark ink after pulling a squid from the water, leaving him covered and stunned.

China: Crane Truck Overturns During Tree Lift in Jiangsu

A crane truck overturned during a routine lift in Nantong, Jiangsu, on January 31, 2026, after an operating error caused the vehicle to lose balance. The driver quickly jumped out of the cab as the crane tipped forward and came to rest in a near-vertical position, with the cab at the bottom. No injuries were reported.

China: Tourist Thrown From Horse on Snowy Trail in Jilin

A tourist was thrown from a horse while riding on snow in Changbai Mountain, Jilin, on January 16, 2026. The rider fell into a shallow ditch after the horse suddenly jolted but was able to stand up with help, and no serious injuries were reported.

Portugal: Storm Leonardo Moves Across Country With Heavy Rain and Flooding

Portugal is bracing for a second powerful storm less than a week after Storm Kristin killed six people and caused widespread destruction. Authorities warned on Tuesday, February 3, of potential urban flooding, flash floods, landslides, and coastal accidents between Tuesday, February 3 and Thursday, February 5 as Storm Leonardo moves across the mainland.

China: Loyal Dog Rescues Companion From Cold River Using Tree Branch in Shandong

On February 1 in Shandong, a dog that had fallen into a cold river was rescued by its companion, who used a tree branch to help. With repeated efforts, the dog on shore managed to pull its friend out to safety.

Japan: Heavy Snow Triggers Building Collapses in Niigata

Across Niigata Prefecture, multiple structures collapsed due to heavy snowfall between Monday, February 2 and Tuesday, February 3, leaving two people in critical condition. This video shows a house in the Hanazono area of Nagaoka City that is believed to have collapsed under the weight of snow. As of February 3, snow accumulation in Nagaoka had reached about 1.4 meters, roughly 2.6 times the seasonal average.

China: 85-Year-Old Man Hanging Upside Down From 14th Floor Rescued in Shaoguan

On October 25 in 2022, a woman walking home found an 85-year-old man hanging upside down outside a 14th-floor window in Shaoguan, Guangdong. Police and residents quickly coordinated a rescue, using a bedsheet to secure the man before safely pulling him back inside.

China: Woman Narrowly Escapes Injury After Trash Fire Explodes in Yunnan

A woman in Yunnan, China, narrowly escaped injury after a small trash fire outside her home suddenly exploded on January 28, 2026. Video shows flames flaring violently moments after trash was thrown into the fire, likely igniting a flammable item, leaving the woman shaken with minor burn marks visible.

China: Soap Bubbles Freeze Instantly in Minus 27°C Cold

On January 21, 2026, in Jilin, northeastern China, a video showed extremely cold outdoor conditions with temperatures reaching minus 27 degrees Celsius. A young boy was seen blowing soap bubbles into the air. As the bubbles floated and landed on a nearby table, they quickly froze into crystal-like bubbles. Their surfaces reflected colorful light, creating a sparkling appearance. When the frozen bubbles eventually broke, they turned into soft white fragments instead of liquid. The unusual effect could only be observed under severe winter conditions.

US: Grass Fire Prompts Closure on I-405 in Los Angeles

A grass fire broke out on the side of I-405 in Los Angeles on Thursday evening, January 29, forcing major closures during rush hour.

China: Dashcam Captures Narrow Escape From Out-of-Control Truck

On September 28, 2025, in Guizhou Province, southwestern China, dashcam footage showed an oncoming truck losing control on a winding mountain road and scraping a car ahead. The following driver swerved just in time, narrowly avoiding the truck, then stepped out to find his car undamaged, his expression shifting from fear to relief.

China: Watch Tap Water Freeze Instantly in Bitter Cold

On January 22, 2026, in Donghai County, Jiangsu, a video showed a blogger pouring water from a kettle into the open air, where it froze almost instantly. The footage highlighted the severe cold as the stream quickly turned into solid ice on contact.

China: Auroras Glow Over Heilongjiang After Geomagnetic Storm

Residents in Mohe, Heilongjiang, China, witnessed rare red and green auroras lighting up the night sky after a geomagnetic storm on January 20, 2026.

China: Herder Rescues Wild Animal Trapped on Slippery Ice in Xinjiang

Herders in Hejing, Xinjiang, rescued a wild animal trapped on a slippery, ice-covered slope on February 19, 2025. One man carefully approached the struggling animal and used his hands to guide and lift it to stability, allowing it to safely return to firmer ground.

China: Man Braves Freezing Lake to Rescue Dog Trapped in Ice

A man in Beijing risked his life to rescue a stray dog that had fallen through thin ice into a freezing lake on January 18. Braving the extreme cold, he used his bare hands and body to break a path through the ice, successfully guiding the animal to safety.

US: Snow Squall Warnings Issued Across Ohio, Triggering Dangerous Travel Conditions 2

The National Weather Service issued multiple snow squall warnings for parts of Ohio on Tuesday, January 27, as intense bursts of snow and high winds created dangerous travel conditions. These fast-moving squalls produced heavy snowfall and wind gusts exceeding 35 mph, resulting in near-zero visibility across several counties.

US: Snow Squall Warnings Issued Across Ohio, Triggering Dangerous Travel Conditions

The National Weather Service issued multiple snow squall warnings for parts of Ohio on Tuesday, January 27, as intense bursts of snow and high winds created dangerous travel conditions. These fast-moving squalls produced heavy snowfall and wind gusts exceeding 35 mph, resulting in near-zero visibility across several counties.

China: Firefighters Break Through Newly Paved Road to Rescue Trapped Dog

Firefighters in Muli County, Sichuan, broke through a newly paved road on January 19, 2026, to rescue a trapped Labrador Retriever.

China: Soap Bubbles Freeze Within Seconds in Extreme Cold

A Chinese blogger captured soap bubbles freezing almost instantly in minus 15°C temperatures on December 26, 2025, in Mohe, Heilongjiang.

Taiwan: American Climber Alex Honnold Scales Taipei 101 Without Safety Gear

American climber Alex Honnold climbed Taipei 101 in Taipei on Sunday, January 24, without ropes or safety equipment in a live-streamed ascent.

US: Time-Lapse Shows Heavy Snow Blanketing Ohio State University’s South Oval

Time-lapse footage shows snow accumulating over a 24-hour period on Sunday, January 25, at the South Oval on the Ohio State University campus. A major winter storm swept across the U.S., bringing widespread heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain. The storm has caused seven deaths and massive power outages affecting hundreds of thousands of people.

China: Injured Dog Walks Into Pet Hospital Alone for Treatment

On January 14, 2025, in Shenzhen, China, a security video showed an injured dog wearing a cone walking into a pet hospital, straight to its regular vet for treatment, and then calmly leaving the clinic on its own.

China: Motorcyclist Thrown From Bike After Hitting Curb

On January 18, 2026, in Qujing, Yunnan, a motorcyclist was thrown from his bike after misjudging a road split and riding onto a raised curb, sending him flying in a violent crash captured on video.

China: “Shepherd Pig” Follows Flock of Sheep in Inner Mongolia

On January 6, 2026, in Inner Mongolia, located in northern China, a video captured an unusual sight on a prairie road. A flock of sheep ran ahead while a small pig trotted behind them at a steady pace. Its determined steps made it look as though it were acting as a shepherd dog, keeping pace with the flock.

Ireland: Tesla Avoids Crash as Cow Leaps Into M6 Motorway Near Rochfortbridge

Terrifying dashcam footage captured the moment a cow leaped over a motorway barrier into oncoming traffic on Ireland's M6 near Rochfortbridge on Thursday, January 22. The driver of a Tesla Model 3 narrowly avoided a collision by swerving at the last second, later crediting the vehicle's safety systems for preventing a spin-out after the sudden maneuver.

China: Clever Chicken Evades Tigers Under Sightseeing Vehicle on New Year’s Eve

In a Henan Province tiger park on New Year's Eve, Wednesday, December 31, a clever chicken was spotted using a slow-moving sightseeing vehicle as a shield to escape two Siberian tigers. The bird synchronized its steps beneath the car's chassis to stay out of reach, outsmarting the predators within the tiger reserve.

RECAP: Strongest Solar Storm in Over 20 Years Triggers Widespread Auroras

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday, January 19 and Tuesday, January 20. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

China: Goose Flies Alongside Motorcycle on Highway

On January 12, 2026, in Jiangsu Province, located in eastern China, a video showed a striking scene on a highway. A woman rode a motorcycle with her friend seated behind her, while a black-gray goose flew right beside the moving bike. The goose flapped its wings steadily, matching the motorcycle’s speed for several seconds before soaring ahead of it. Its controlled, confident flight stunned many who watched the clip.

Rare Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights Across Europe and North America 7

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday night, January 19. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

China: Rare Rainbow-Colored Clouds Seen Above Xinjiang Ski Resort

A video captured a striking display of rainbow-colored clouds over a ski resort in Altay, Xinjiang, China, on January 11, 2026. Bands of red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple stretched across the winter sky above the snow-covered slopes as skiers paused to watch the rare phenomenon. The shimmering clouds lingered on the horizon, creating a surreal contrast with the white mountains below.

Italy: Terrifying Ocean Surge Slams Coastal Road in Scilla

A video captured a terrifying moment when an ocean surge crashed onto a coastal road in the Italian town of Scilla on January 11, 2026. Two vehicles approaching a seaside tunnel were briefly stranded as a massive wave from the Tyrrhenian Sea swept across the road, flooding the lane. Both cars slowly reversed away as waves continued to pound the shoreline. No injuries were reported.

Rare Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights Across Europe and North America 6

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday night, January 19. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

Rare Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights Across Europe and North America 5

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday night, January 19. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

Rare Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights Across Europe and North America

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday night, January 19. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

Rare Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights Across Europe and North America 3

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday night, January 19. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

China: Dramatic Mountain Mirage Captured Above Snowy Peak in Sichuan

A group of residents in Sichuan captured a dramatic mountain mirage on Tuesday, January 6, while admiring a snowcapped summit wrapped in thick mist. The fleeting scene showed clouds appearing to lift the peak into another realm as a shimmering mirage emerged above the snowy ridge.

China: Wild Mountain Goats Race Across Steep Rock Face in Zhejiang

A video captured in Zhejiang, China, on Monday, January 5, shows a herd of wild mountain goats racing at breathtaking speed across a steep, barren mountainside. The animals demonstrated uncanny stability as they changed direction effortlessly while maintaining a blistering pace along the rocky slope.

China: Electric Scooter Suddenly Catches Fire at Busy Intersection in Huizhou

A woman waiting at a red light in Huizhou, Guangdong, faced a dangerous situation on Monday, January 5, when her electric scooter unexpectedly caught fire. Thick white smoke rapidly poured out from the battery area.

US: Gas Line Explosion Reported Near Willow River in Minnesota, Forcing Evacuations

A large gas line explosion was reported on Friday, January 16, near Willow River in Pine County, Minnesota, forcing nearby residents to evacuate. Minnesota Energy Resources said customers in the area could be without natural gas for days, though authorities reported no injuries and suspect no criminal activity at this time.

US: Snow Squall Warnings Issued Across Nebraska

Snow squall warnings were issued throughout Nebraska on Friday, January 16, causing low visibility and falling snow with high winds.

Netherlands: At Least Four Injured as Gas Leak Explosion Destroys Multiple Homes in Utrecht 2

A gas leak triggered a powerful explosion at a house in central Utrecht on Thursday, January 15, leaving at least four people injured. While the damage was immense, there were no reports of missing persons. The cause of the blast was not immediately known.

China: Dog Enjoys Underwater Scenery Inside Small Diving Capsule

On May 20, 2025, in Nanning, located in southern China’s Guangxi region, a woman placed her white dog inside a small diving capsule. She then lowered the capsule into shallow water, allowing the dog to observe the underwater scenery.

Chile: Flight to Punta Arenas Captures Smoke From Argentina Wildfires

A video taken from a flight to Punta Arenas shows thick smoke from wildfires in Argentina drifting over the area near Lake Todos los Santos in Los Lagos, southern Chile on Wednesday, January 14.

China: Dog Pushes Elderly Man’s Wheelchair in Tianjin

On December 20, 2025, in Tianjin, northern China, a video showed a white dog gently pushing a wheelchair carrying an elderly man along a busy road, drawing attention for the touching display of companionship and support.

China: Dog’s Tail Becomes Calligraphy Brush

On January 3, 2026, in Shaanxi, China, a video showed a woman using her dog’s tail as a calligraphy brush to write the Chinese character “Fu,” symbolizing good fortune, on red paper. The dog remained calm as its ink-dipped tail formed the character, creating a playful and surprisingly neat work of art ahead of the festival.

US: Vibrant Aurora Display Visible Across Northern Maine

A Northern Lights display was visible in Masardis, Maine, on Saturday, January 10.

South Africa: Heavy Rains Trigger Flood Warnings in Limpopo, Mpumalanga 3

Heavy rains batter northern and eastern South Africa, with flood warnings issued for Limpopo and Mpumalanga, and Kruger National Park partially closed as rivers rise. Residents are urged to stay alert.