Tropical Storms Don’t Need to Be Hurricanes to Pack a Punch
Wind Isn’t the Only Threat When most people hear the term “tropical storm,” they often breathe a sigh of relief—after all, it’s not a hurricane, right? But tropical storms can be just as dangerous, even without hurricane-force winds. From flooding rains to deadly storm surge, these systems are often underestimated, despite their potential to cause […]
The Staggering Cost of U.S. Hurricanes Since 2016: Over $800 Billion in Damages
Storms Are Hitting Harder—and Costing More Since 2016, hurricanes have left a staggering financial footprint across the United States, with damages surpassing $800 billion. From Harvey to Ian, these storms have become not only more frequent but also significantly more destructive. As climate change fuels stronger, wetter, and slower-moving hurricanes, the cost to communities, infrastructure, […]
Why You Should Never Drive Through Flooded Roads During Heavy Rain
Flooded Roads Are More Dangerous Than They Look When heavy rain hits and streets begin to flood, it might seem tempting—or even necessary—to try to drive through standing water. But doing so can be a deadly mistake. What looks like a few harmless inches of water could hide powerful currents, submerged hazards, or roadway collapses. […]
Think You’re Safe from Lightning Indoors? Not Always—Here’s How to Stay Protected
Indoors Doesn’t Always Mean Out of Danger When a thunderstorm rolls in, the first piece of safety advice you’ll hear is, “Get inside.” And that’s absolutely right—being indoors is far safer than being out in the open. But what many people don’t realize is that lightning can still pose a threat even after you’ve taken […]
Flash Flood Emergencies: 4 Things to Know About This Rare but Life-Threatening Warning
Not Your Average Flood Warning Flood alerts are issued fairly often, but a Flash Flood Emergency is something entirely different. This rare and extreme warning signals a life-threatening situation where severe, often catastrophic flooding is either happening or about to happen. While standard flood warnings give people time to prepare, a flash flood emergency means […]
Not All Tornado Warnings Are the Same—Here’s What You Should Know
Every Warning Means Danger, But Some Mean Immediate Action When a tornado warning is issued, it’s easy to assume they all carry the same level of urgency. But not all tornado warnings are created equal. While every tornado warning should be taken seriously, some come with added language or classifications that indicate a higher level […]
What We Learned from Hurricane Helene: The Most Surprising Revelations in the Final Report
A Storm That Defied Expectations When Hurricane Helene formed in the Atlantic, early forecasts suggested it would be a relatively routine storm. But as it developed, Helene proved to be anything but predictable. Now, with the release of its final report, meteorologists and emergency officials are taking a closer look at just how unusual this […]
The Speed of Tornadoes: From Racing Down Highways to Crawling Like a Snail
Why Tornado Speeds Vary So Much Tornadoes are among nature’s most unpredictable forces, and their speed can range from rapid and destructive to slow and meandering. While some twisters tear across the landscape at highway speeds, others move at a much slower pace, causing destruction over a prolonged period. The speed of a tornado depends […]
Understanding Squall Lines: 5 Dangers They Bring, Including Destructive Winds and Tornadoes
What Is a Squall Line? A squall line is a fast-moving band of severe thunderstorms that forms ahead of a cold front. These storms can stretch for hundreds of miles and produce intense weather conditions, often moving rapidly and leaving little time for preparation. Squall lines are notorious for their ability to generate widespread damage […]
Essential Steps to Prepare for Severe Weather
Why Severe Weather Preparedness Matters Severe weather events such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and winter storms can strike with little warning, leaving destruction in their wake. Being prepared in advance can help protect lives, minimize damage, and ensure a faster recovery. Understanding the risks and taking proactive steps can make all the difference when severe […]