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One of the greatest possible causes of death during a hurricane is storm surge, when ocean winds create a force that pushes water toward the shore.  This causes a tide that can increase the water level at least 15 feet, and waves on top of this increased water level can increase flooding.  Storm surge is [...]

A major threat hurricanes and tropical storms bring to land is inland flooding, which results from intense rainfall from the storms. The intensity of rainfall does not directly relate to the wind speed of the storm, however – some intense flooding events occur during weaker storms that slowly drift or stall over one area.  A [...]

Although trees tolerate every day weather, they are vulnerable to severe weather and natural disasters. Large-scale damage to trees has direct environmental effects. For example, scientists have concluded that an estimated 320 million trees in Mississippi and Louisiana died or were severely damaged from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Since healthy forests take in large amounts [...]

The National Disaster Education Coalition estimates that 80 to 90 percent of people living in an area affected by hurricanes have never experienced the core of a major hurricane.  While many have been through weaker storms, they may have a false idea of how much damage a hurricane can cause. Viewer Tip: The best thing [...]

The strong, gusty winds and heavy rains that accompany a tropical storm can easily carry away trash and other large items.  These items can cause injury, damage property, and injure wildlife, and trash can become a harmful pollutant in our waters. Viewer Tip: When a tropical storm is approaching, be sure to bring lightweight items [...]