Natural Disasters

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

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

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

Explore the impact of Hurricane Sandy. Understand its destruction and aftermath. Learn about the history of Hurricane Sandy today.

By HowStuffWorks

Explore the impact of Hurricane Ida. Understand its path and aftermath. Learn about the history of Hurricane Ida today.

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

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Explore the impact of Hurricane Andrew. Understand its devastation and historical significance. Learn about Hurricane Andrew today.

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

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

By HowStuffWorks

Discover how a hurricane forms. Explore the process of hurricane formation and its stages. Uncover the science behind hurricanes.

By HowStuffWorks

Typhoon vs. Hurricane: Uncover the differences and similarities between these powerful tropical storms. Learn about their formation and impact.

By HowStuffWorks

Hurricane Charley: Unveiling the Impact and Aftermath of this Devastating Storm. Explore its path, damage, and lessons learned.

By HowStuffWorks

California Hurricane: Exploring the Rare Phenomenon and Potential Impacts. Learn about the history, preparation, and coastal vulnerability.

By HowStuffWorks

When is Hurricane Season? Discover the crucial dates and regions of hurricane occurrence. Learn how to prepare and stay safe.

By HowStuffWorks

Unearth the Worst Hurricanes in US History: Catastrophic storms that shaped landscapes, impacted communities, and left indelible marks on the nation.

By HowStuffWorks

Dive into Category 4 Hurricanes: Intense tropical cyclones with devastating winds, causing significant damage and posing major threats to coastal areas.

By HowStuffWorks

The effects of wildfire smoke are different than those of other types of air pollution. But just how harmful to humans is it?

By Luke Montrose

From hurricanes, to earthquakes, to tornadoes, there's no shortage of potential disasters that can ruin homes and devastate lives. Think you're ready to survive the next disaster? Take this quiz and find out.

By Nathan Chandler

If you live in a mobile home park, are you more likely to be hit by a tornado? Media images certainly make it seem that way. Find out if there's any truth to this scary stereotype.

By Kate Kershner

You've heard the weather forecast on the radio: A storm is coming. That means time to hit the grocery store for bread and milk! But why those items, when they're likely to spoil with a power cut?

By Laurie L. Dove

It seems like every few years someone comes out with a new doomsday prophecy. From aliens and asteroids to floods and earthquakes, how do people think the world will end?

By Clint Pumphrey