Oceans

Two Pacific storms are threatening land simultaneously. Hurricane Nolo is taking aim at Hawaii, while Hurricane Polo, a powerful Category 4, is churning toward Mexico's Pacific coast. Officials in both regions are monitoring the storms' tracks and urging residents to prepare for possible heavy rain, high surf and strong winds as forecasts firm up.

Powerful storms are striking opposite sides of the United States at the same time, and forecasters point to El Niño as the driving force. The climate pattern, marked by warmer Pacific waters, is reshaping jet stream paths and steering severe weather toward both the West and East coasts, prompting warnings and preparedness efforts nationwide.

The Pacific Ocean is currently experiencing a cluster of hurricane activity, with The Atlantic reporting that the basin has become unusually crowded with storms. Multiple simultaneous hurricanes in the region raise concerns about potential impacts on coastal communities, shipping and Pacific island nations, and underscore broader questions about storm season intensity and ocean conditions.

The El Niño climate pattern is influencing weather on opposite coasts of the United States, shaping storm tracks and conditions on both sides of the country, according to reporting by The New York Times. The pattern typically suppresses Atlantic hurricane activity while boosting storms across the southern tier of the nation and altering West Coast weather.

Forecasters say El Niño is driving a stark divide in tropical activity this hurricane season. The pattern has strengthened winds over the Atlantic, tearing storms apart and keeping that basin unusually calm, while warm Pacific waters are generating repeated hurricanes. Meteorologists expect the imbalance to persist as long as El Niño conditions hold through the season.

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck near New Caledonia in the Pacific Ocean on September 26, 2026, prompting a natural disaster alert. The available evidence comes from a US embassy advisory posted for Fiji, warning people in the region about the event. The posts collected do not include eyewitness reactions, damage reports, or details on casualties, and no tsunami warning information is given in the evidence, so the full public response is not yet clear.

New research indicates that Earth microbes can survive under simulated conditions of the ocean beneath the ice of Saturn's moon Enceladus, suggesting life there is not out of the question. Scientists see the finding as encouraging for the search for life beyond Earth, since Enceladus's subsurface ocean is considered one of the most promising places to look.

Researchers from Purdue University are travelling to a remote island group in the Pacific Ocean to investigate possible remnants of Amelia Earhart's aircraft. The aviator vanished during her 1937 attempt to fly around the world, and her disappearance remains one of aviation's great mysteries. The expedition has drawn attention as it could finally shed light on what happened to her plane.

Hurricanes off the Pacific coast are sending heavy surf to Southern California beaches while bringing rain to parts of the Southwest, according to the Los Angeles Times. The storm activity is expected to affect coastal conditions and desert areas, drawing attention as residents and officials monitor changing weather along the region.

Representative Maria Elvira Salazar has introduced H.R. 10505, the Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2026, in the US House of Representatives. The bill would reauthorise existing US conservation programmes that fund protection of tropical forests and coral reefs abroad. Further details on the bill's provisions and its prospects in Congress were not immediately available.

A nor'easter is bearing down on the New Jersey Shore and Long Island, with forecasters warning of coastal flooding as the storm moves through the region. New York's ABC7 is tracking the system, and residents along the coast are being told to prepare for rising waters and hazardous conditions in the coming days.

Firefighters in Emerald Isle, North Carolina are responding to an active structure fire on Ocean Drive, according to local officials. Details about injuries, the extent of the damage, or what caused the blaze have not yet been released as crews work at the scene.

New Jersey officials have declared a state of emergency as a nor'easter drives rising tides along the coast, prompting concern over coastal flooding. The declaration allows the state to mobilise resources and restrict travel if needed. Residents along the Jersey Shore are being warned to prepare for dangerous conditions, with communities closely monitoring water levels and possible evacuations as the storm intensifies.

A nor'easter struck Ocean City, Maryland, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and coastal flooding to the resort town. WBAL-TV reported on the storm's impact as conditions battered the shoreline. Nor'easters can cause significant beach erosion and property damage along the Mid-Atlantic coast, and residents were monitoring the worsening weather.

A nor'easter is slamming the Jersey Shore, with raw footage showing waves hitting the pier in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. The storm is bringing heavy surf and coastal winds to the area, and footage from Asbury Park Press captures conditions at the shoreline as the weather system moves through the region.

Ocean water has surged onto beaches in Suffolk County, New York, according to local reports. The flooding along the shoreline has drawn attention as residents and officials monitor conditions on Long Island's coast, with concerns about high tides, coastal erosion and possible hazards for beachgoers.

New Jersey has declared a state of emergency in eight counties as a nor'easter storm approaches the region. Officials are urging residents to prepare for heavy snow, strong winds and hazardous travel conditions. Emergency preparations and potential closures are underway as communities brace for the storm's impact.

Ocean City, Maryland has closed the ocean to swimmers and beachgoers as rough weather hits the popular resort town. Officials ordered the closure as conditions turned dangerous along the coast, keeping visitors out of the surf until the weather improves. Beach towns along the mid-Atlantic often issue such closures during storms, and residents are watching for updates on when the water will reopen.

Officials in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, have closed Ocean Drive because of an active fire. Emergency crews are responding and residents and visitors are being urged to avoid the area while the situation develops. No details on injuries or damage have been released yet.

Strong ocean thunderstorms are hitting the Jersey Shore in New Jersey, with winds gusting up to 50 mph, according to ongoing live coverage from local news. Residents along the coast are being advised to stay alert as the stormy conditions continue, with possible disruptions to beach activity and travel in affected areas.

Ocean City, Maryland has closed its beaches to swimming as rough weather moves through the resort town. Officials ordered the ocean off-limits, with guards keeping visitors out of the water until conditions improve. The closure comes as heavy surf and dangerous conditions hit the popular coastal destination, drawing local attention to safety along the shore.

North Carolina Highway 12 near the Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe has been closed after ocean water washed over the roadway on the Outer Banks. The route, a vital link for Hatteras Island communities, is frequently flooded during coastal storms and high surf. Travelers are being urged to use caution or find alternative arrangements while crews wait for conditions to improve.

A Nor'easter has flooded streets in Ocean City, Maryland, with photos showing water covering roads along the resort town. Coastal communities on the Delmarva peninsula are dealing with tidal flooding and rough conditions as the storm pushes water ashore. Local news outlets are documenting the impact with photo galleries.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation says sections of Highway 12, the main route along the Outer Banks, remain closed because of ocean overwash covering the road. Overwash happens when waves push seawater and sand across the low-lying highway, making travel unsafe. Drivers in the area are being told to expect delays or use alternate routes while crews assess and clear the affected stretches.

Ocean City, Maryland has issued warnings about flooding and high winds, with high tides forcing the closure of several roads. Officials are cautioning residents and visitors about hazardous conditions along the coastal resort town, particularly in areas prone to tidal flooding. Similar coastal flood warnings have been affecting communities along the mid-Atlantic coast during recent high tide cycles.

Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue has issued a warning to beachgoers about dangerous surf conditions along the county's coastline. Lifeguards are urging swimmers to use caution, stay near staffed lifeguard towers, and avoid entering the water where red flags are flying. Local news outlets across the region are carrying the advisory as conditions remain hazardous.

A newly reported scientific effort is shedding light on the ocean's 'deep reefs' — little-known coral and rocky ecosystems lying in dim waters beyond the reach of typical diving surveys. Researchers are using advanced exploration methods to document what lives there and how these hidden habitats function, as interest grows in protecting deep-sea environments.

Authorities are set to resume searching Sunday for a man last seen in the ocean off Robert Moses State Park on Long Island. Details about his identity and how he went missing have not been released. Local news outlets in the New York and New Jersey area are tracking the rescue operation as it enters another day.

Singer and actress Patricia Manterola has joined forces with PETA Latino in a new campaign calling for an end to fishing. The animal rights group announced the collaboration, positioning the Mexican star as a high-profile voice for ocean life. The campaign targets fishing practices PETA describes as cruel to fish and damaging to marine ecosystems.

The first nor'easter of the season has struck Monmouth and Ocean counties in New Jersey, with the Asbury Park Press publishing photos of conditions along the shore. Coastal communities are seeing the season's first significant coastal storm, drawing local attention to impacts such as wind, rain, and beach erosion.

Officials in Ocean County, New Jersey are preparing for coastal tidal flooding and beach erosion, with potential evacuations under consideration. Emergency crews are monitoring shorelines as rising water threatens beachfront communities. Residents along the Jersey Shore are being warned to stay alert for possible evacuation orders.

Two homes in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, have been declared a total loss after a fire, according to local officials, who confirmed that no injuries were reported. The blaze caused significant property damage in the coastal town, and authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the fire.

Police are searching for an unidentified man who disappeared while in the ocean at Robert Moses State Park on Long Island. Authorities have not released the man's name or details of the incident. The search is ongoing, and further information is expected as officials continue operations along the shoreline.

Organizers have canceled a music festival in Ocean City as a nor'easter storm threatens the area. The cancellation comes ahead of expected severe coastal weather, leaving ticket holders awaiting information on refunds. The storm's timing has forced officials to scrap the event rather than risk attendee safety.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation says sections of NC 12, the main route along the Outer Banks, remain closed after ocean overwash covered parts of the road. Drivers are being warned to expect disruptions until crews can clear sand and water and confirm the highway is safe to reopen. NC 12 is the only road linking many Outer Banks communities, so closures typically affect residents, visitors and emergency access.