Forces of Nature
We see the destruction that the Earth can unleash in the news on a regular basis. Here you can learn about hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and other forces of nature.
Thundersnow Only Occurs in 7 of Every 100,000 Thunder Storms
The Coldest Country in the World Is Below Freezing, on Average
What State Gets the Most Snow? No. 1 Gets 6 Feet Per Year
The Strongest Tornado Ever, by Wind Speed, Size and Damage
The Largest Wildfire in World History Burned 15% of a Continent
The Largest Wildfire in California History Burned 1 Million Acres
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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.
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Discover how a hurricane forms. Explore the process of hurricane formation and its stages. Uncover the science behind hurricanes.
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Typhoon vs. Hurricane: Uncover the differences and similarities between these powerful tropical storms. Learn about their formation and impact.
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Hurricane Charley: Unveiling the Impact and Aftermath of this Devastating Storm. Explore its path, damage, and lessons learned.
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California Hurricane: Exploring the Rare Phenomenon and Potential Impacts. Learn about the history, preparation, and coastal vulnerability.
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When is Hurricane Season? Discover the crucial dates and regions of hurricane occurrence. Learn how to prepare and stay safe.
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Unearth the Worst Hurricanes in US History: Catastrophic storms that shaped landscapes, impacted communities, and left indelible marks on the nation.
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Dive into Category 4 Hurricanes: Intense tropical cyclones with devastating winds, causing significant damage and posing major threats to coastal areas.
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The effects of wildfire smoke are different than those of other types of air pollution. But just how harmful to humans is it?
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Hurricanes can range in strength from Category 1 all the way to Category 5. Learn more about hurricane categories in this HowStuffWorks Illustrated video.
Ice cubes usually look cloudy and opaque in the middle, despite the fact that water is clear. What's the deal?
By Mark Mancini
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.
More than two centuries ago, the biggest volcanic explosion in human history occurred. And it had far-reaching effects.
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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.
There's a thunderstorm brewing with some serious lightning. Fortunately you're safe in your car because of its rubber wheels. Or are you? And let's not get started on your rubber-soled sneakers!
By Chris Opfer
Next time the cat starts sneezing, should you look for your umbrella or check her out for allergies? There are many superstitions out there about animals and weather prediction. Which ones hold water, and which ones are for the birds?
By Alia Hoyt
There are certain steps you should take to protect yourself, your family and your home during a disaster. These are not those steps.
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The most damaging hurricanes usually have female names. Is this a case of gender bias, or is some other force at work?
Nothing ruins a good hair day like humidity, especially if your hair is dry and overprocessed. What's the science behind the frizz?
A very strong storm doesn't automatically mean death or destruction. You can improve the odds of surviving intact with reinforcements to your home. Plus, scientists are improving their forecast methods. Let's look at high-tech and low-tech storm alerts.
What makes a nor'easter different from your run-of-the-mill winter storm? And which ones have done the most damage?
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Auroras themselves aren't rare, but spotting one can be tricky: You need a clear, dark sky within one of the auroral zones. What are 10 spots that up the odds a bit?
By Julia Layton
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?