US: Extreme Cold Watch in Effect in Iowa as Strong Gusts Create Dangerous Blizzard and Whiteouts

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for Iowa, warning of high winds, snow, and an extended period of low temperatures. A wind advisory remained in effect until 11 p.m. Wednesday, January 21, for several counties. In northern and northeastern Iowa, strong gusts caused blowing snow and reduced visibility, potentially triggering blizzard conditions.

New Zealand: Landslide Hits Mount Maunganui

Search and rescue operations are underway in Mount Maunganui after a major landslide struck a local campground at 9:30 a.m. today. With up to nine people missing, emergency crews are working through the night. States of Emergency remain active across several regions, including Northland and the Bay of Plenty, as authorities assess the widespread damage.

Italy: Storm Harry Brings Flooding and Massive Waves to Sicily

Severe weather battered southern Italy from January 18, 2026, as Storm Harry swept through the central Mediterranean, hitting Calabria, Sicily, and Sardinia with violent winds, torrential rain, and massive waves. Authorities issued red alerts, evacuated nearly 200 people across Sicily, and deployed thousands of emergency workers as coastal flooding, transport disruptions, and storm surges caused widespread damage, while officials warned that conditions remained critical.

US: Protesters March in Downtown LA Against Trump Immigration Policies

Several hundred people gathered in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon, January 20, as part of the nationwide “Free America Walkout” to protest the Trump administration’s immigration policies, briefly disrupting traffic. The demonstration, which moved from City Hall to nearby streets, remained peaceful.

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.

Japan: Strongest Cold Wave of Season Brings Heavy Snow to Wide Areas 2

A cold wave described as the strongest of the season has brought heavy snowfall to wide areas of Japan, particularly along the Sea of Japan coast. The snow is expected to persist through around Sunday, January 25.

Japan: Strongest Cold Wave of Season Brings Heavy Snow to Wide Areas

A cold wave described as the strongest of the season has brought heavy snowfall to wide areas of Japan, particularly along the Sea of Japan coast. The snow is expected to persist through around Sunday, January 25.

US: Winter Storm Triggers Snow Emergencies in Parts of Ohio

A blast of winter weather hit Ohio on Monday, January 19, prompting snow emergencies in some counties.

US: Hundreds Rally in Atlanta Against Trump Immigration Policies

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Hurt Park in downtown Atlanta Tuesday, January 20 to voice opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration-enforcement policies, part of a broader wave of demonstrations sparked by controversial actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

US: Snow Blankets Parts of Kentucky 2

Parts of Kentucky saw snowfall on Wednesday, January 21.

US: Snow Blankets Parts of Kentucky

Parts of Kentucky saw snowfall on Wednesday, January 21.

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.

France: 5,000 Farmers Gather in Strasbourg to Demand Halt to EU-Mercosur Deal

In Strasbourg, roughly 5,000 protesters and hundreds of tractors demonstrated at the European Parliament on Tuesday, January 20, against the EU-Mercosur agreement. The protest precedes a key Wednesday vote, January 21, where EU lawmakers will decide if the deal should be referred to the European Court of Justice for a legal review, potentially stalling the ratification process.

China: Driver Sparks Chaos With Fireworks Before Fleeing Police

This is the tense moment that a Chinese driver almost destroyed his own vehicle while setting off fireworks on a roadside before being confronted by police. On January 28, 2025, in Hebei, China, the video captured a man lighting fireworks on a street curb beside his parked car when uniformed officers approached to stop him. Realizing he was about to be detained, the driver jumped back into the vehicle and abruptly reversed at high speed. As the car lurched backward, sparks from the still-burning fireworks shot toward the rear of the vehicle, igniting thick clouds of smoke that rapidly filled the street. The video ended with the smoke billowing across the roadway as the car sped away and the police were left behind in the drifting haze.

Spain: Flooding Hits Girona After Torrential Rain 2

Severe storms in northeastern Spain caused widespread flooding across the Girona region after two days of torrential rain, with rivers overflowing and roads closed. Firefighters recovered the body of a man believed to be a local resident whose car was swept away by floodwaters during Storm Harry, as authorities urged residents to avoid travel and remain at home.

Spain: Flooding Hits Girona After Torrential Rain

Severe storms in northeastern Spain caused widespread flooding across the Girona region after two days of torrential rain, with rivers overflowing and roads closed. Firefighters recovered the body of a man believed to be a local resident whose car was swept away by floodwaters during Storm Harry, as authorities urged residents to avoid travel and remain at home.

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.

Japan: Heavy Snow and Strong Winds Affect Northern Regions 2

Snowfall and strong winds affected parts of Hokkaido and the Tohoku region on Tuesday, January 20, as a low-pressure system moved across northern Japan. Snow accumulated rapidly in some areas, while gusty winds led to reduced visibility and difficult travel conditions, particularly along the Sea of Japan coast.

US: Indiana Hoosiers Fans Take Over Bloomington to Celebrate National Championship 3

A massive crowd of Indiana Hoosiers fans flooded the streets of downtown Bloomington to celebrate the team's national championship win over the Miami Hurricanes on Monday, January 19.

Japan: Heavy Snow and Strong Winds Affect Northern Regions 3

Snowfall and strong winds affected parts of Hokkaido and the Tohoku region on Tuesday, January 20, as a low-pressure system moved across northern Japan. Snow accumulated rapidly in some areas, while gusty winds led to reduced visibility and difficult travel conditions, particularly along the Sea of Japan coast.

Japan: Heavy Snow and Strong Winds Affect Northern Regions

Snowfall and strong winds affected parts of Hokkaido and the Tohoku region on Tuesday, January 20, as a low-pressure system moved across northern Japan. Snow accumulated rapidly in some areas, while gusty winds led to reduced visibility and difficult travel conditions, particularly along the Sea of Japan coast.

US: Indiana Hoosiers Fans Take Over Bloomington to Celebrate National Championship

A massive crowd of Indiana Hoosiers fans flooded the streets of downtown Bloomington to celebrate the team's national championship win over the Miami Hurricanes on Monday, January 19.

US: Indiana Hoosiers Fans Take Over Bloomington to Celebrate National Championship 2

A massive crowd of Indiana Hoosiers fans flooded the streets of downtown Bloomington to celebrate the team's national championship win over the Miami Hurricanes on Monday, January 19.

Malta: Storm Harry Batters Islands with Severe Flooding and Destructive Winds

Storm Harry battered the Maltese Islands with winds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour, causing widespread flooding and over 300 emergency incidents. The severe weather forced the closure of schools and businesses on Tuesday, January 20, suspended ferry and mail services, and led to the diversion of several international flights.

Spain: Emergency Services Rush to Site of Deadly Train Crash Near Barcelona

A train driver was killed and dozens of others were injured after a commuter train derailed and struck a fallen retaining wall near Barcelona on Tuesday, January 20. Emergency services dispatched 20 ambulances to the site between Gelida and Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, where all passengers were successfully evacuated from the wreckage.

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.

Chile: Deadly Wildfires Kill at Least 19, Destroy Hundreds of Homes 2

Deadly wildfires in southern Chile have killed at least 19 people and destroyed hundreds of homes, as strong winds and warm temperatures continue to fuel the blazes in the Ñuble and Biobío regions. Authorities have declared disaster zones and deployed soldiers, while firefighters battle ongoing and newly ignited fires.

Rare Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights Across Europe and North America 4

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 2

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.

UK: Thousands Join ‘Free Iran’ March in London to Demand IRGC Proscription 4

A huge crowd of Iranians and supporters marched through central London on Sunday, January 18, to protest against the Islamic Republic of Iran regime. Protesters called on the UK government to proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), close the Iranian embassy, and sever diplomatic ties with Tehran.

Chile: Deadly Wildfires Kill at Least 19, Destroy Hundreds of Homes

Deadly wildfires in southern Chile have killed at least 19 people and destroyed hundreds of homes, as strong winds and warm temperatures continue to fuel the blazes in the Ñuble and Biobío regions. Authorities have declared disaster zones and deployed soldiers, while firefighters battle ongoing and newly ignited fires.

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: Raccoon Sits Cross-Legged While Playing With Prayer Beads

A small raccoon in Qingdao, Shandong Province, was captured sitting upright and holding a long string of prayer beads on Tuesday, January 13. The raccoon appeared unusually focused as it slowly manipulated the beads with its front paws in a human-like pose.

China: Live Fish Found Trapped Inside Solid Block of Ice in Zhejiang

A Chinese resident in Zhejiang discovered a small fish still alive inside a thick block of ice on Monday, January 5. Although completely encased in the frozen water, the fish's body continued to twitch and quiver as if struggling to survive.

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.

China: Tiny Newborn Kitten Resembles Fuzzy Chick While Being Washed

A fragile newborn kitten in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, was filmed being washed under a gentle stream of water on Tuesday, January 13. The owner carefully rinsed the kitten's small wet body, which resembled a fuzzy chick as it let out helpless squeaks.

US: Cold Weather Brings Inches of Snow to Parts of Massachusetts

Cold weather moved into Massachusetts, bringing inches of snow to central and eastern regions on Monday, January 19.

US: Prescribed Burning Starts in Lake Havasu, Sending Massive Smoke

Massive smoke was seen on the horizon north of Lake Havasu City on Monday, January 19, as prescribed burning started at Lake Havasu National Wildlife Refuge near Topock. Access to burn areas is being restricted during active operations for public safety.

US: Snow Squall Warning and Travel Advisory Issued for Upstate New York

A snow squall warning was issued for parts of Upstate New York on Monday, January 19. A travel advisory also took effect for the western region as a winter storm was expected to impact the area.

UK: Thousands Join ‘Free Iran’ March in London to Demand IRGC Proscription

A huge crowd of Iranians and supporters marched through central London on Sunday, January 18, to protest against the Islamic Republic of Iran regime. Protesters called on the UK government to proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), close the Iranian embassy, and sever diplomatic ties with Tehran."

US: Large Crowds Block Roads in New York City to Celebrate Senegal AFCON Win

Senegal fans blocked roads in New York City’s Harlem neighborhood to celebrate their team's 1-0 victory over Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday, January 18.

US: Cold Front Brings Rare Snow to Florida Panhandle

A cold front moved into the U.S. South, bringing snow to Florida Panhandle on Sunday, January 18.

US: Large Crowds Block Roads in New York City to Celebrate Senegal AFCON Win 2

Senegal fans blocked roads in New York City’s Harlem neighborhood to celebrate their team's 1-0 victory over Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday, January 18.

Chile: 19 Dead, Over 50,000 Evacuated as Wildfires Threaten Concepción

On Sunday, January 18, Chilean President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe across two regions as deadly wildfires claimed at least 19 lives. More than 50,000 people have been evacuated from the Ñuble and Biobío regions. President Boric warned that the death toll is expected to rise as search teams reach devastated areas. Blistering heat and strong winds have severely hampered firefighting efforts, with temperatures soaring to 100°F (38°C) on Sunday, January 18.