Severe weather conditions unleashed by Storm Pia have battered the UK, causing widespread disruptions. With winds reaching up to 80mph, train services, including Euston Station, face closures and delays. Over 168 flights have been canceled, impacting travel plans, while 40,000 households in the North East, Yorkshire, and northern Lincolnshire suffered power outages. Emergency crews are on high alert, responding to incidents like the roof of a Sheffield block of flats being torn off. As the storm intensifies, authorities urge residents to stay vigilant and report damages promptly. Stay updated with live coverage for the latest developments.

The volcano that erupted in southwest Iceland on Monday, is weakening, but the Icelandic Meteorological Office warns of potential new vents that can open up in "short notice". Aerial images show three vents still active, down from five, as the eruption weakens. While no injuries are reported, 4,000 people were evacuated from Grindavik last month due to lava threats. The Icelandic Meteorological Office warns of the potential for new vents along the original fracture, with brief warning times. Although pollution warnings for the capital, Reykjavik, exist, as of mid-morning Wednesday, the city, located 42km from Grindavik, remains unaffected. [Video: @RaviRRana on X]

The Met Office issues a weather warning for Storm Pia, bringing winds of up to 80mph to the northern half of the UK on Thursday. Travel plans face disruption in the run-up to Christmas, with potential power cuts and high waves affecting coastal routes. The yellow wind warning, initially set until midnight, now concludes at 9pm. Northern Scotland expects winds of 70-80mph, while other regions may experience speeds of 45-55mph. High-sided vehicles on exposed roads are cautioned, and the low-pressure system, though not officially named in the UK, prompts concerns for holiday disruptions.      

The Reykjanes eruption is "unlikely, but not impossible" to impact air travel like the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull volcano that grounded planes for weeks, said Prof Matthew Watson, Professor of Volcanoes and Climate at the University of Bristol. "This type of eruption doesn't generally produce much ash, which is what tends to ground planes," he said. Unlike in 2010 when an eruption under a glacier caused explosive reactions with water that turned molten rock into harmful ash, volcanologist Dr Sam Mitchell of Bristol University said "The volcano is not erupting explosively with water. So people should not worry about the airspace over Europe because the current eruption is nothing like what happened with Eyjafjallajökull." The greatest risk locally is from volcanic fumes which are uncomfortable, especially to those with respiratory problems.

Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, faces potential gas pollution as a volcano erupts on the Reykjanes peninsula. The eruption follows weeks of earthquakes, prompting evacuations last month. The lava flow threatens Grindavik, with residents describing "crazy" scenes. The Icelandic Met Office warns of fumes reaching Reykjavik by Tuesday or Wednesday. Though visible from the capital, experts don't anticipate severe travel disruption. In 2010, a volcanic eruption caused significant air travel chaos in Europe. Presently, flights remain unaffected, and the eruption's power is decreasing, but gas concerns persist in Reykjavik. Authorities advise people to avoid the affected area.

The volcanic eruption on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula began Monday night, with lava and smoke soaring over 100 meters into the air. Experts, including Halldor Geirson from the University of Iceland, warn the eruption could persist for months. While most lava flows away from Grindavík, residents face uncertainty, and emergency protocols are in effect. The Blue Lagoon spa closed, and evacuations continue. Though Keflavik Airport remains operational, vigilance surrounds potential changes. Tourists witness the spectacular display, as 50 workers race to fortify defenses. Authorities monitor the situation, emphasizing safety and closely evaluating the evolving eruption.

Flight Radar reports that flights from Keflavik Airport are proceeding on schedule despite the nearby volcanic eruption. They state on X, "Our data reveals minimal impact on operations at Keflavik Airport (KEF) following the volcanic eruption at Grindavik, likely due to no ash cloud." Only 13 flights, 5% of departures and 4% of arrivals, were canceled in the past 24 hours. “Seismic activity together with measurements from GPS devices indicate that the magma is moving to the southwest and the eruption may continue in the direction of Grindavik,” the Met Office said. The Icelandic Coast Guard undertook daring operations, including ferrying a fishing boat to safety and assisting scientists in evaluating the erupting volcano.

China faces a double seismic blow as a magnitude-6.2 earthquake claims 111 lives in Gansu and Qinghai provinces. Hours later, a 5.5-magnitude quake strikes Xinjiang, adding to the nation's crisis. Gansu reports 105 deaths, 4,700 houses damaged, and 397 injuries. Rescue operations are underway, with power and communication lines disrupted. Chinese President Xi Jinping urges comprehensive efforts. The overnight low plunges to minus 15 degrees Celsius. In Xinjiang, the new quake triggers concerns, occurring amidst an already challenging situation. Tents and aid are dispatched as the nation grapples with the aftermath of nature's dual assault.

In a surprising turn, a volcano in southwestern Iceland erupted, sending lava fountains high into the air. The 2.5-mile fissure, located near the evacuated town of Grindavík and the Svartsengi Power Plant, is larger than anticipated, posing immediate threats despite prior evacuations. Volcanologists express concern over the fast-expanding fissure's unpredictability. Although no reported risk to residents, authorities caution against approaching, emphasizing this is "no tourist volcano." Despite weeks of seismic warnings, the eruption caught Iceland off guard. Airports remain open for now, but the unpredictable lava flow raises concerns about potential disruptions. Iceland, with its history of volcanic activity, faces yet another challenge in managing the aftermath.

A powerful 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked northwest China's Gansu and Qinghai provinces, leaving at least 111 dead and over 230 injured. The quake struck near the border at 11:59 pm local time, causing extensive damage, collapsing houses, and disrupting power and water supplies in some villages. Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for comprehensive search and rescue efforts, emphasizing the proper resettlement of affected individuals. Emergency response teams are on the ground, tackling the aftermath of the disaster. The region, already grappling with the aftermath, braces for the challenges of rebuilding and recovery.