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)
Return of the great Pacific 'Blob' may intensify winter storms in U.S.
October 19, 2018, 11:33 a.m. by Michael d'Estries
The large mass of warm water in the Northeast Pacific was first seen in 2013 — and it's back.
The helpers come out for Hurricane Florence
September 14, 2018, 2:54 p.m. by Mary Jo DiLonardo
When there's a disaster, there are always good people who step up.
How well can we predict a hurricane's punch?
September 14, 2018, 8:21 a.m. by Noel Kirkpatrick
As the mid-Atlantic braces for Hurricane Florence, the National Weather Service is paying close attention to VF3, a weather modeling core.
Can a butterfly flapping its wings really cause a hurricane?
September 13, 2018, 2:05 p.m. by Bryan Nelson
The short answer is no, but that doesn't mean it's not a compelling metaphor.
Has the era of Category 6 hurricanes arrived?
September 13, 2018, 8:12 a.m. by Michael d'Estries
As more intense storms wreck havoc, scientists are considering expanding the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale.
How to evacuate your pet for a hurricane
September 12, 2018, 12:21 p.m. by Mary Jo DiLonardo
Not all evacuation centers accept pets, so be prepared.
What happens to animals during a hurricane?
September 12, 2018, 8:22 a.m. by Mary Jo DiLonardo
The storm affects shelter, food and overall survival, but some species cope surprisingly well.
Helping pets in Hurricane Florence's path
September 11, 2018, 2:23 p.m. by Mary Jo DiLonardo
How rescue groups, shelters and animal lovers are staying ahead of the storm.
Satellite captures trio of massive storms lined up in the Atlantic
September 11, 2018, 10:14 a.m. by Mary Jo DiLonardo
We know Florence in on track to be a major hurricane, but Isaac and Helene are still question marks.
Winter is coming and it's going to be awful, warns Farmers' Almanac
August 30, 2018, 12:25 p.m. by Michael d'Estries
The 2018-2019 forecast includes plenty of teeth-chattering cold, freezing rain, blowing winds and paralyzing snowfall.
NASA brings 'aerosol Earth' into mesmerizing color
August 28, 2018, 8:12 a.m. by Noel Kirkpatrick
This NASA image highlights wildfires, hurricanes and dust storms to show off the Earth's air quality.
Hurricane Lane looks peaceful from up here
August 23, 2018, 11:54 a.m. by Noel Kirkpatrick
NASA astronaut Ricky Arnold photographed Hurricane Lane from the International Space Station while NOAA Hurricane Hunter Lisa Bucci went into the eye of the storm.
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