ocean

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

A coastal storm has flooded streets in Ocean City, Maryland, prompting officials to issue travel warnings for the area. The flooding has made roads hazardous, and local authorities are urging residents and visitors to avoid unnecessary travel. Local news coverage is drawing attention to conditions along the coast, with residents monitoring the storm's impact on the popular beach resort town.

Tropical Storm Gonzalo has lost its tropical characteristics and transitioned into a post-tropical system over the open Atlantic, according to forecasters. The storm no longer poses the organized wind and rain threat typical of tropical cyclones, and its remnants are expected to continue moving across the ocean. Meteorologists are monitoring whether any remains affect shipping routes or distant shores.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ocean City, Maryland has closed its beach and issued a travel advisory as flooding affects the resort town. Officials are warning residents and visitors to avoid flooded roads and stay out of the water while conditions persist. The closure affects beach access along the popular coastal destination, and local authorities have not indicated when normal operations will resume.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Category 1 Hurricane Nolo has moved further south, with forecasters warning that tropical storm conditions and large swells will continue in the region. Residents and mariners are being advised to stay alert as rough surf and strong winds persist even as the storm tracks away from land.

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 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.