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Storms
Storms are a meteorological event that can be studied to advance the science of meteorology. The study of storms can potentially save lives as scientists gain a better understanding of their nature. Learn more about storms here.
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How (and Why) Hurricanes Get Their Names
You probably recognize these right off the bat: Andrew, Katrina, Sandy and now Dorian. But when and why did we start giving hurricanes names?
Monsoons Bring Rain and More Rain
Monsoons are a regularly occurring seasonal climate feature in the tropics, where a contrast between land and ocean temperatures causes shifting winds and brings heavy rainfall.
HowStuffWorks Illustrated: Hurricane Categories
Hurricanes can range in strength from Category 1 all the way to Category 5. Learn more about hurricane categories in this HowStuffWorks Illustrated video.
Is It Dangerous to Bathe During a Thunderstorm?
There's nothing quite as relaxing as a nice bubble bath at the end of the day. However, take one during a thunderstorm and you may have a shocking experience instead.
How Do Spaghetti Models Predict a Hurricane's Path?
Spaghetti models are a way of visualizing data from many different hurricane models to predict a storm's probable path.
Storm Surge, Not Wind, Is the Deadliest Part of a Hurricane
Most people probably think high winds are the deadliest aspect of a hurricane. But they'd be wrong. It's the wall of water brought on by storm surge that barrels on shore taking out everything in its path.
Why Hurricane Florence's Storm Surge Could Be So Deadly
Even though Hurricane Florence was downgraded to a Category 2, the storm could still unleash an historic amount of rain.
Battle Epic: When Hurricanes Clash With Volcanoes
Hurricane Hector is barreling toward the erupting volcano Kilauea. What could possibly be worse?
Did Africa Just Record Its Hottest Temperature Ever?
Scorching-high temps seem to be the norm this summer. So what does this kind of heat do to your body?
Meteotsunamis: How Winds Can Generate Catastrophic Waves
Tsunamis are triggered by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions on the ocean's floor. But other massive waves are caused by wind and can come on suddenly and without warning.
Scorching Heat in Pakistan May Have Set a World Record
The mercury soared to over 122 degrees Fahrenheit in Nawkwabash, Pakistan. It could be the highest April temp ever recorded on the planet.
Scientists Predict Record-breaking 2018 Hurricane Season
Scientists across the globe attempt to forecast upcoming hurricane seasons in the Atlantic. But how — and are they right?
Lightning Deaths in the US Are Way, Way Down
In the mid-20th century, lightning strikes killed hundreds of Americans each year. Now, that number's dropped to only a few dozen. What's changed?
Knowing a Tornado's Strength Could Save More Lives Than Knowing Its Exact Path
Researchers studying tornadoes use a common theory of economics to determine casualty rates.
How a Single Lightning Strike Instantly Killed Hundreds of Reindeer
Herd animals stick together, but when there's a lightning storm, there may not be safety in numbers.
How El Nino Works
El Nino is anything but child's play when it comes to affecting the globe's weather — and, in turn, our economies, health and safety.
10 Times It Has Rained Something Other Than Water
Frogs! Fish! Birds! A surprising number of things have rained down from the sky besides water. But how?
Does thunder in the winter mean snow is coming?
Thunder in the winter is a pretty cool phenomenon. It's unexpected, plus some say when you hear it, snow will arrive within seven days. If you hear thunder during the winter, should you get your snow shovel ready?
Does lightning really never strike the same spot twice?
You've always heard that lightning never strikes the same spot twice. So if that tree stump in the yard was struck during a storm, why not just go sit there during the next storm? You're safe, right? You might want to rethink that.
Do rubber tires insulate your car from lightning?
To paraphrase the band Queen, thunder and lightning are very, very frightening. Especially when you're stuck in a car in the middle of nowhere. But can your rubber tires protect you from a lightning strike?
Are you safe from lightning if you haven't heard thunder for 30 minutes?
Ah, lightning. Nothing like millions of volts of electricity skittering around your neighborhood to get the old heart rate up and send you scrambling for cover. Of course, no one can stay hidden forever, so when's it safe to come out?
Are you safe from lightning if the storm hasn't hit yet?
In the distance, storm clouds are gathering. The air feels alive — almost electric. Even the animals are getting restless. Yep, no doubt about it: a storm's brewin'. So should you stay and watch the light show, or should you take cover?
Are you safe from lightning if the skies are clear?
In the days of Ancient Greece, it was easy enough to chalk up a bolt from the blue to Zeus, the great curmudgeon of Mt. Olympus. But while Ancient Greeks probably never felt safe from their grumpy god, today we know a bit more about lightning safety.
Are you safe from lightning if it's not thundering?
Simon and Garfunkel. Peanut butter and jelly. Thunder and lightning. Some things are just better when they roll in pairs. But while we know that '60s folk singers and classic foodstuffs can also roll solo, what about these stormy BFFs?
Should you hang up your landline during a thunderstorm?
If you're in a thunderstorm, then your top priority is safety. It might sound like a good idea to call your loved ones and let them know you're okay, but hold the phone a moment. See those lightning bolts outside? They've got other ideas.
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