Weather and Natural Disasters

Xcel Energy says its facilities appeared to have role in igniting largest wildfire in Texas history

By Jamie Stengle, Associated Press

The utility provider Xcel Energy said Thursday that its equipment appeared to have played a role in igniting the Smokehouse Creek fire, though it did not believe its equipment was responsible for the Windy Deuce fire.

Texas Panhandle wildfire now the largest in state history

By Sean Murphy, Jim Vertuno, Associated Press

The Smokehouse Creek Fire has merged with another blaze and is 3 percent contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

Firefighters try to tame Texas wildfires before hot, windy weekend

By Sean Murphy, Jim Vertuno, Associated Press

The explosive growth of the second-largest wildfire in Texas history slowed as snow fell and winds and temperatures dipped, but the massive blaze was still untamed and threatening more death and destruction.

Texas Panhandle wildfire expands rapidly, prompting evacuations

By Associated Press

Republican Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 60 counties as the largest fire burned nearly 400 square miles.

PHOTOS: Icelandic volcano begins erupting again, spewing lava and cutting off heat and hot water

By Marco Di Marco, Associated Press

A volcano in southwestern Iceland erupted Thursday for the third time since December, sending jets of lava into the sky.

Punxsutawney Phil sees an early spring ahead

By Associated Press

Phil predicts more winter far more often than he sees an early spring, not a bad bet for February and March in western Pennsylvania.

Atmospheric river drenches California, with another expected on Sunday

By John Antczak, Associated Press

Heavy rain and gusty winds that began hitting the San Francisco Bay Area on Wednesday moved south and arrived in Los Angeles in time to snarl the Thursday morning commute.

7.1 earthquake strikes remote western China, state media says

By Associated Press

Tremors were felt as far away as the neighboring countries Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

Survivors found in homes smashed by Japan quake, but dozens are still missing

By Yuri Kageyama, Hiro Komae, Ayaka McGill, Associated Press

Deaths climbed Friday to 94 people, and 222 people were missing after a series of powerful quakes rattled Japan's western coast and triggered tsunamis.