Dangerous meteorological phenomena with the capability to cause damage, disruption or death are often referred to under the blanket term of severe weather. Severe weather is also part of the larger umbrella term of natural disasters, which includes land, water, fire, health and space disasters.
These phenomena can occur over a vast swathe or in a relatively small area. High winds are a major cause of severe weather; they may take the form of tornadoes, downbursts, waterspouts, cyclones, etc. Other forms of severe weather include lightning, precipitation (e.g., snow, rain, sleet, hail), lack of preciptation (i.e., drought), extreme heat and extreme cold.
Excluding flash floods, the U.S. National Weather Service issues a warning across media whenever a severe weather event occurs. The photo here depicts a waterspout with lightning near a city. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Caretakers work around the clock to save abandoned flamingo chicks
February 15, 2019, 2:41 p.m. by Noel Kirkpatrick
Around 2,000 lesser flamingo chicks were rescued from a dried out dam in northern South Africa, and are receiving a lot of human care.
A shelter worker couldn't leave the dogs alone in a storm — so she slept over
February 14, 2019, 12:40 p.m. by Christian Cotroneo
Movies and cuddles make this storm sleepover fun for everyone.
Students in Finland offer a succinct lesson in commuting
February 12, 2019, 2:31 p.m. by Mary Jo DiLonardo
Riding through snow and cold weather is easy and normal here.
Fluffy the cat nearly froze to death in Montana
February 8, 2019, 3:31 p.m. by Ben Bolton
If you believe in nine lives, this definitely counts for one of them.
What is a frost quake?
February 1, 2019, 10:28 a.m. by Noel Kirkpatrick
Despite it's scary name, it's nothing too serious.
What is a snow squall?
January 31, 2019, 2:19 p.m. by Noel Kirkpatrick
These brief wintertime hazards create dangerous conditions in a short amount of time.
The hygge way to fend off cabin fever
January 29, 2019, 1:51 p.m. by Mary Jo DiLonardo
Find cozy ways to relax and chill when you're stuck inside on a snow day.
Why this polar vortex is so dangerous
January 29, 2019, 12:35 p.m. by Michael d'Estries
A record-breaking freeze fueled by extreme wind chills is about to surge into the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes.
Runaway boats crash into bridges and riverbanks on the Hudson River
January 28, 2019, 3:02 p.m. by Ben Bolton
New York officials work quickly to track down and secure the vessels.
You can thank the polar vortex for this beastly blast of winter
January 28, 2019, 11:50 a.m. by Noel Kirkpatrick
It's going to be a long, cold winter.
It's so cold, Niagara Falls is an icy wonderland
January 24, 2019, 11:34 a.m. by Mary Jo DiLonardo
Parts of the falls appear frozen, creating a stunning winter landscape.
Huge, life-threatening waves are slamming U.S. West Coast
December 21, 2018, 11:12 a.m. by Noel Kirkpatrick
Giant, dangerous waves spurred by weather in Alaska are crashing against California, Oregon and Washington.
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Interactive map plots your address over 750 million years of Earth's history
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Golf courses across U.S. step up to save monarch butterflies
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9 of the world's largest dog breeds
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'Signing Day' recognizes high school seniors starting jobs, not college
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Students in Finland offer a succinct lesson in commuting
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How to use succulents as outdoor annuals
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10 of the snowiest places
Some of these cities get hundreds of inches of snow each year.
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These places always have gorgeous weather
Sunny and 80 degrees? Sign us up! These locales are the perfect escape from the cold.
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14 spectacular ice caves
Whether they're hiding beneath glaciers or inside a mountain, ice caves are strange and surreal.
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A breathtaking look at our national parks
Whether you're an armchair traveler or planning a trip, enjoy these winter wonderlands.
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10-not-too-cold destinations
Just because you're going north for the winter doesn't mean you'll get frozen.
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