Forces of Nature

Floods have shaped landscapes, destroyed cities and taken lives for centuries. This list that starts with the worst flood in history looks at some of the most catastrophic floods in recorded history, from natural disasters fueled by heavy rain to human-engineered failures that ended in tragedy.

By Zach Taras

On March 18, 1925, a massive and terrifying storm tore through the Midwest, becoming the Tri-State Tornado, the deadliest tornado in United States history.

By Zach Taras

Clouds are more than just fluffy shapes in the sky; they tell us what’s happening in the atmosphere; Scientists classify different types of clouds based on their height, shape and whether they bring fair weather or severe weather.

By Zach Taras

These spinning columns of air are some of the most violent storms on Earth, capable of tearing apart entire towns in seconds. The most powerful winds ever recorded have been associated with intense tornadoes, making them one of nature's most destructive forces.

By Zach Taras

This rare phenomenon, sometimes called a winter thunderstorm, occurs when a wave cyclone experiences strong upward motion. Freezing temperatures cause snow to fall as the primary precipitation, often leading to thundersnow, lightning and other dramatic meteorological events.

By Mitch Ryan

Wildfires have shaped landscapes, ecosystems and human history for centuries. Some of the deadliest wildfires have burned across millions of acres, leaving behind devastation and reshaping the way we manage fire-prone environments.

By Zach Taras

California has long been a hotspot for devastating wildfires, with its dry climate, strong winds and rugged terrain creating the perfect conditions for destruction.

By Zach Taras

Wildfires have profoundly shaped the landscape and history of the United States, leaving behind tales of devastation and resilience. While the infamous Great Chicago Fire of 1871 is often remembered for its urban destruction, the nation's forests and wildlands have witnessed even more extensive blazes.

By Yara Simón

Over our long history, humans have managed to thrive in a wide range of climates, from the very hot to the very cold. The modern world is different in many ways from the ancient, but we still live pretty much all over, in places that are sweltering and places that are absolutely frigid.

By Zach Taras

As colder months and winter weather sweep across the country, each state in the U.S. prepares for their respective regional conditions. Temperature and the average amount of snowfall per year depend on several factors, including terrain, elevation and the likelihood of consistent precipitation.

By Mitch Ryan

Any avid traveler knows there are far too many gorgeous landscapes and jaw-dropping views to make one all-encompassing list of the most beautiful countries in the world. We're lucky to have such a diverse world, and beauty is subjective.

By Karina Ryan

The United States has a wide range of climate zones, from the subtropical to the arctic. On the low end of the thermometer, there are plenty of options for a deep winter chill. Here, we look at a couple different ways to determine the coldest state in the U.S. — and by both definitions, there's one winner.

By Zach Taras

If you're looking for a place to live and you don't mind some seriously frosty winters, you have plenty of options to choose from. But some places endure more than a few blustery months, and no parka or insulated mittens will feel like enough. Those are contenders for the title of coldest city in the world.

By Zach Taras

Earthquakes are among the most powerful natural forces on Earth, often causing widespread devastation, triggering tsunamis and altering the landscape of a region. But how strong was the strongest earthquake of all time?

By Marie Look

The world's oceans and seas are vital arteries for global trade, yet they also pose significant risks to those who navigate them. From piracy to maritime disasters, the dangers that mariners face are numerous and varied.

By Marie Look

If you're lucky, you've never seen a tsunami in person, but you know that this type of massive wave can cause enormous damage. They can be measured, too, which easily leads to the question: What was the largest tsunami ever recorded?

By Zach Taras

When discussing the weather, humidity is a constant topic of conversation and consternation, especially during those muggy summer months. When people say, "At least it's a dry heat," that's just another way of saying, "Phew! At least it's not humid!"

By Mack Hayden

When challenged to name the hottest place on Earth, sprawling desert environments like Death Valley or the African Sahara probably spring to mind. However, extreme heat nearly matching those examples can occur on five continents, and some of these hottest places are even densely populated by humans.

By Talon Homer

Death Valley is one of the hottest places on Earth. With a record high of 134 degrees Fahrenheit (56.7 degrees Celsius), the California national park is sweltering, but it is not even one of the top 10 hottest states in the U.S.

By Yara Simón

Did you know that some places on Earth can get so hot that local wildlife has evolved specifically to survive the extreme conditions? In these regions, the heat isn't just a summer wave; it's a constant presence.

By Desiree Bowie

The U.S. government is investing over US$7 billion in the coming years to try to manage the nation's escalating wildfire crisis. That includes a commitment to treat at least 60 million acres in the next 10 years by expanding forest-thinning efforts and controlled burns.

By Jamie Peeler

Discover the impact of a Category 3 hurricane. Explore its characteristics and effects. Understand the force of a Category 3 hurricane today.

By HowStuffWorks

Discover the impact of a Category 1 hurricane. Explore its features and effects. Understand the dynamics of Category 1 hurricanes today.

By HowStuffWorks

Explore the impact of Hurricane Katrina. Understand its devastation and aftermath. Learn about the history of Hurricane Katrina today.

By HowStuffWorks

Explore the impact of Hurricane Irma. Understand its path and effects. Learn about the history of Hurricane Irma today.

By HowStuffWorks