Weather

The Halema’uma’u Crater in Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano has exhibited some of the most dramatic volcanic eruptions on Earth, sometimes generating rare volcanic tornadoes.  These awe-inspiring phenomena occur when the intense heat from an explosive eruption spawns powerful convection currents and spinning vortices. Halema’uma’u Crater: The Legendary Home of Pele Halema’uma’u is the most active vent of Kilauea, the mighty shield volcano that dominates Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  In Hawaiian mythology, Halema’uma’u is revered as the sacred home of Pele, the passionate and tempestuous fire goddess. Over the centuries, this dynamic crater has captivated people with its lava lake activity, explosive …

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Each year, about ten tropical storms form over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. Around six of these storms turn into hurricanes. On average, five hurricanes hit the U.S. coast every three years, causing 50 to 100 deaths from Texas to Maine. Two of these are usually major hurricanes with winds over 110 mph.1 Learning about these dangerous hurricanes is important for recognizing their impact on communities and preparing for future storms.  1. Galveston Hurricane (1900) This hurricane hit Galveston, Texas, with winds over 135 mph. It remains the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history. The storm …

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Hurricane Helene has joined Hurricane Debby, Hurricane Francine, and Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight1 in an unusual string of four rapidly intensifying storms in a row during the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. This concerning trend of storms quickly gaining strength is giving people less time to prepare and catching many off guard.  So why are Atlantic hurricanes developing so fast this year, and what can we expect for the rest of the season?  Understanding Rapid Intensification Rapid intensification is defined as a tropical storm or hurricane gaining at least 35 mph in maximum sustained winds within 24 hours. It’s one of …

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Hurricane season is upon us once again, and experts predict an above-average number of storms this year. In fact, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts 14 to 21 named storms, with 6 to 10 potentially becoming hurricanes.1  As we brace for the potential impact, it’s worth looking back at some of the most devastating hurricanes in U.S. history.  1. Hurricane Charley (2004) Hurricane Charley made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm on August 13, 2004.  With maximum sustained winds of 150 mph, Charley caused widespread damage across the state, particularly in the Charlotte County area. The …

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Tsunamis have always been among the most devastating forces on Earth. But on a fateful night in 1958, one tsunami rewrote the record books in the most astonishing way possible. This monstrous wave, born from a perfect storm of geologic events, reached a height that defied belief and reshaped our understanding of these powerful phenomena. Its impact was felt not only in the immediate aftermath but also in the decades of scientific research that followed. The Earthquake That Started It All The Lituya Bay Tsunami was set in motion by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck along the Fairweather Fault, …

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According to the Global Historical Tropical Cyclone Statistics from Colorado State University, the year 2023 saw above-average tropical cyclone activity with a total of 78 named storms globally, out of which 45 intensified into hurricanes. Additionally, 30 of these hurricanes further developed into major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher).1 This concerning data highlights the increasing strength and frequency of powerful storms, leading us to examine 10 of the most extreme cases ever documented. 1. Bhola Cyclone (1970) This cyclone, which struck East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and India’s West Bengal, is considered the deadliest tropical cyclone on record. The storm surge …

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