High-impact of weather and climate events in February 2009



Heavy rains, floods, landslides, mudslides, lightning, thunderstorm, high winds
Angola, Jordan, Philippines, USA

At least two people were killed and 415 others left homeless in floods triggered by heavy rain in Luanda.

Heavy rainfall and strong winds caused fatal accidents and several power cuts across Amman.

Heavy rains triggered by low pressure damaged several million dollars worth of infrastructure and homes in the southern towns of Santander, Samboan and Carcar.

One person was killed and 16 others injured in fierce thunderstorms, hail and lightning that felled trees and power lines in Georgia and Alabama.

Heavy snow, blizzard - China, Serbia, United Kingdom, USA

Snow and fog caused travel chaos for millions of travellers.

At least three people died and dozens stranded on the highway as a result of snow and frost, causing travel chaos and power cuts.

United Kingdom
Heavy snow disrupted the transport system and left at least 200 vehicles stranded on major roads throughout England and Scotland. Airport runways were closed and hospital operations cancelled.

A winter storm in California forced an abrupt closure of major highways and cancellation of the final round of a national golf tournament.

Drought, water shortage, bushfires, heat wave - Bolivia, China, Cyprus, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Australia

La Paz and El Alto were affected by a shortage of water.

Millions of people and cattle in the northern parts suffered from lack of drinking water exacerbated by the worst drought in decades.

Scores of trees died as a result of drought.

Lack of water has turned an important wetland to near wasteland.

The worst drought in 50 years caused farmers to experience unprecedented dryness.

Severe drought forced the Government to declare a state of emergency.

At least 17 people died of heat wave as temperatures in Victoria State hit a record-breaking 43°C. More than 500 000 houses and businesses were without power due to explosion in electrical substation caused by heat. At least 200 people were killed in deadly bushfires that razed several towns in the southern state of Victoria.

Dust storm, tornado - Qatar, USA

Doha was enveloped in a dusty whirlwind that reduced visibility.

A tornado killed eight people in a small town in Oklahoma.


back to top


dust storm


Contact: MeteoWorld Editor - WMO ©2014 Geneva, Switzerland