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)
Why you should worry about carbon monoxide
December 3, 2012, 5:45 p.m. by Clint Williams
Storms bring out the generators — and with them, an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
2012 one of the most active hurricane seasons
December 3, 2012, 12 p.m. by Douglas Main, OurAmazingPlanet
The large number of hurricanes seen this season resulted, in part, from above-average surface temperatures throughout the Atlantic.
2012 could break record for fewest tornadoes
November 20, 2012, 4:29 p.m. by Douglas Main, OurAmazingPlanet
The drought that has covered much of the United States contributed to the lack of tornadoes.
Natural beauty tips for gorgeous winter skin
November 17, 2012, 9:58 p.m. by Starre Vartan
Try these simple, natural tactics to keep your skin lovely through the holiday season and beyond.
90 percent chance 2012 will be warmest recorded year for U.S.
November 15, 2012, 4:31 p.m. by Jeanna Bryner, LiveScience
2012 is also, so far, the eighth warmest on record for global average temperatures.
What if climate-change doubters held a debate and nobody came?
November 15, 2012, 10:19 a.m. by John Platt
Al Gore's 24-hour Climate Reality broadcast has attracted millions of online viewers. A competing broadcast by climate doubters had just thousands.
Tread carefully in linking extreme weather to the climate crisis
November 14, 2012, 6 p.m. by Guest Columnist
Environmental scientist Amy Luers warns that tying the issue to extreme events like Hurricane Sandy won't produce the change we need.
Venice submerged by record-breaking 'Acqua Alta' flooding [Photos]
November 14, 2012, 11:50 a.m. by Catie Leary
An 'Acqua Alta' is the term used to describe the exceptionally high water levels that periodically inundate Veneto cities and towns along the Adriatic Sea between autumn and spring.
Tough (and tougher) times on the ranch
November 14, 2012, 9:30 a.m. by Daily Climate
Cow whisperers and the old-guard wrestle with lingering impacts to farms and ranches from this year's drought and brace for an uncertain future.
Sandy's devastating tree legacy, and what homeowners can do to prevent a 'next time'
November 13, 2012, 6:30 p.m. by Tom Oder
During storm season, trees can become a treacherous liability, but there are ways homeowners can keep the beauty and shed the fear by following a few simple rules.
Nor'easter slams New York boroughs still reeling from Sandy [Photos]
November 8, 2012, 11:30 a.m. by Catie Leary
Residents evacuate their homes as a nor'easter rolls through New York City less than 2 weeks after Hurricane Sandy devastated parts of the East Coast.
Kids can help with Sandy relief by wearing camp t-shirts
November 7, 2012, 6:29 p.m. by Robin Shreeves
November 13 is ‘International Wear Your Summer Camp T-Shirt Day.’ Camp Craze will donate $5 to the American Red Cross for each picture of a camper wearing a camp t-shirt submitted to their social media sites.
-
Why a beluga's squishy head is so special
-
8 creative techniques to keep coral reefs alive
-
Squirrels rely on birds to let them know when it's safe to go out
-
Scientists discover 'monster' black hole that 'should not even exist'
-
These birds prove you don't need a big brain for a complex social life
-
Drone captures the largest swarm of sea turtles ever filmed
-
17 memorable quotes from 'Elf'
Buddy the Elf always knows what to say to spread holiday cheer.
-
5 ways to cat-proof your Christmas tree
Keep your kitty — and your holiday decorations — safe with these tips for cat-proofing your tree.
-
9 yummy winter drinks
These drinks will make you feel cozy, whether it’s a party or just an ordinary day.
-
Which holiday foods are safe for pets?
You know dogs and cats will be eyeing that holiday table.
-
It's time to revive the Society for the Prevention Useless Giving
Here's how to embrace your inner Spug all year long.
