Ocean

Rising sea levels caused by climate change are reshaping coastlines around the world, putting coastal cities at growing risk of flooding and erosion. Low-lying urban areas face mounting pressure to invest in sea defences and long-term adaptation plans as oceans continue to rise.

Hurricane Polo, a storm in the eastern Pacific, is being described as one of the strongest storms ever recorded, with forecasters attributing its unusual intensity to El Niño conditions. Warm ocean waters linked to the climate pattern are driving rapid intensification, drawing attention from weather watchers and news outlets tracking the storm's path and potential coastal impacts.

Meteorologists report that this year's El Niño is on track to be the strongest ever recorded, surpassing previous events in measured ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific. Scientists warn the event could offer a preview of conditions typical of a warmer climate future, with potential for extreme weather worldwide. The warning comes as global temperatures have already been breaking records throughout the event.

Hurricane Polo has intensified into a major Category 3 storm while moving over the Pacific Ocean off Mexico's coast, with forecasters tracking its projected path. Coverage is focused on where the hurricane is heading and what coastal areas could face in the coming days as it churns offshore.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has issued a threat against United States warships operating in the Indian Ocean, according to a report by The Telegraph. The warning marks an escalation in rhetoric between Tehran and Washington at a time of already heightened tensions in the Middle East. Details about the specific nature of the threat and any US response were not immediately available.

Hurricane season is behaving in ways forecasters describe as historically abnormal, with conditions in two oceans significantly out of balance, according to USA Today. The report suggests the typical patterns that govern storm formation have broken down this year, raising questions about what to expect for the rest of the season. Coverage is drawing attention to how unusual ocean and atmospheric conditions are reshaping storm forecasts.

Hurricane Nolo is strengthening in the open ocean and forecasters expect it to reach Category 3 intensity by Sunday, according to The Weather Channel. A storm of that strength would bring major hurricane conditions, with the forecast track and any threat to land closely watched in the days ahead.

A new report says global temperatures have reached record highs as the El Niño climate pattern strengthens in the Pacific. El Niño, which warms ocean surface waters and alters weather worldwide, is adding to the underlying warming trend driven by greenhouse gas emissions. Scientists warn the combination could push average temperatures to new extremes in the coming months, with implications for heatwaves, droughts and storms across many regions.

A new report describes geological rifting underway beneath the Pacific Northwest, where tectonic forces are slowly pulling the Earth's crust apart. The findings are drawing widespread attention, with readers sharing and discussing the story of the region's underlying seismic activity. Scientists point to the ongoing deformation of the Cascadia region as evidence of powerful forces reshaping the ocean floor and coastline over geological timescales.

A spacecraft built to explore icy moons where life could exist is flying close by Earth, using the planet's gravity to adjust its course. The maneuver is part of a long journey toward the outer solar system, where scientists hope to study oceans beneath the moons' surfaces. The flyby has drawn attention as a milestone in the search for conditions suitable for life beyond our planet.

New research suggests icy moons in the outer solar system, such as those orbiting Jupiter and Saturn, could retain their subsurface liquid oceans even if their outer ice shells are shattered by giant impacts. If impacts like those that formed some of the moon's craters did not destroy interior oceans, this raises the chances that oceans on worlds like Europa and Enceladus are more resilient than thought, keeping interest high in future missions to icy bodies.

The Atlantic has yet to produce a hurricane this season, and climate outlet Grist attributes the calm to El Niño. The phenomenon, which is driving record ocean temperatures worldwide, creates wind shear over the Atlantic that suppresses tropical storm development. The piece notes the irony that the same pattern raising global temperatures is also canceling Atlantic tropical activity, at least for now.

Hawaii has experienced its third near-miss from a Pacific hurricane this season, according to reporting in The Atlantic. The storms have tracked close enough to the islands to raise alarms, prompting evacuations and emergency preparations even without direct landfalls. Commenters are linking the pattern to warmer ocean temperatures and are debating whether climate change is increasing hurricane threats to the islands.

A strong nor'easter is battering Ocean City, Maryland, delivering heavy rain, gusty winds and coastal flooding to the resort town. Local coverage describes swollen streets and rough surf along the shore, with residents and visitors warned to stay clear of floodwater. The storm is moving up the mid-Atlantic coast, disrupting travel and prompting flood warnings in coastal communities.

Ocean City, Maryland has closed the ocean to swimmers as rough weather moves through the resort town, according to local reporting. Beachgoers were ordered out of the water while conditions remain dangerous. Visitors and residents are following the closure closely as the popular summer destination waits for the weather to improve.

Fire crews in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, are responding to an active structure fire on Ocean Drive, according to local officials. Details on injuries, the extent of the damage, or the cause of the blaze have not yet been released as crews work to bring the fire under control.

North Carolina Highway 12 near the Marc Basnight Bridge and the village of Rodanthe has been closed after ocean water washed over the road. NC 12 is the main route along the Outer Banks and is repeatedly overrun during storms and high surf, cutting off Hatteras Island communities. Closures typically last until water recedes and crews clear sand and debris from the roadway.

Highway 12, the main route along North Carolina's Outer Banks, remains closed in sections where ocean water washed over the road. Waves and overwash pushed sand and water across the pavement, and the state transportation department has not yet reopened the affected stretches. Drivers and residents are being told to use caution and expect delays until conditions improve.

The U.S. Geological Survey is examining how a super El Niño could affect the Midwest region of the United States. The pattern, marked by unusually warm Pacific Ocean waters, typically alters rainfall and temperature across North America, raising questions about flooding, drought and agricultural consequences for Midwestern states.

Attendees at the Ocean's Calling festival were filmed wading through floodwater, using inflatable donut floats to carry their luggage as they left the grounds. Heavy conditions left parts of the venue waterlogged, turning the exodus into striking images shared widely online.

The first nor'easter of the season has struck Monmouth and Ocean counties on the New Jersey shore, bringing heavy coastal weather to the region. Local coverage includes photo galleries documenting the storm's impact on shore communities, and residents are following updates on conditions and any damage along the coast.

A nor'easter continues to hammer Monmouth and Ocean counties in New Jersey, with coastal winds and precipitation ongoing across the region. Local coverage centers on the storm's impact on shore communities, travel and residents, as conditions persist and people share updates on the weather's toll.

A coastal storm has flooded streets in Ocean City, Maryland, prompting local authorities to issue travel warnings for residents and visitors. Standing water is reported across low-lying roads, and officials are urging drivers to avoid flooded areas and delay unnecessary trips. The storm has become a leading regional story as conditions continue to affect the popular shore resort community.

Flooding has overtaken Ocean City, New Jersey, with water covering streets in the Jersey Shore resort town. Weather coverage is tracking the inundation as coastal communities deal with high water and its impact on residents and visitors.

Ocean City, Maryland has closed the ocean to swimmers as rough weather moves through the resort town. Officials ordered the water off-limits along the beach while dangerous conditions persist. Visitors and locals are watching the weather closely as the popular shore destination suspends typical summer activity.

Police in Ocean City, Maryland have released an update on flooding conditions and issued a new travel advisory for the resort town. The advisory warns drivers about water-covered roads and urges caution or avoidance of affected areas. Officials are monitoring conditions as high water continues to disrupt travel in and around the coastal community.