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In the southwest, brown outs from blowing dust are not uncommon occurrences. New Mexico State University’s Agricultural Science Centers estimate that the average annual wind speed in the southwest is 17 to 18 miles per hour, although gusts can be much higher. Spring seems to bring about the greatest wind strengths and speeds. Viewer Tip: [...]

Because of their structure, coral reefs provide shoreline wave protection from tropical storms and hurricanes. Several million people in the U.S. live in coastal communities near coral reefs. Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter (Source: NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program: http://www.coralreef.noaa.gov. International Year of the Reef 2008: http://www.iyor.org/reefs/benefits.asp.)

Low relative humidity levels and cold, dry air can mean that wildfire risk is high.  In areas where homes “blend” with more natural landscapes – known as the “wildland-urban” interface – widlfire risk can be especially high.  Homes that are located in areas with a history of wildfire occurrence, a long dry season (more than [...]

November 16-22 is the National Geographic Society’s Geography Awareness Week.  This is a great time to remind your viewers about the close links between geography and weather with some well-known examples around the US: Pacific Northwest: When winter-time temperature inversions occur in the Puget Sound Region, which sits in a “bowl” between the Olympic and [...]

If your home or business was damaged by winds or flood waters from Hurricane Ike, you are probably beginning to make repairs.  Viewer Tip: As you clean up and rebuild, remember that there are ways to retrofit your property so that it will better withstand hurricane conditions, should they occur again. Roof: Bracing gabled roofs [...]

September is National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to encourage all Americans to take easy steps to prepare for natural disasters and emergencies at home, work, and school.  A study conducted by the Ad Council and DHS in 2006 found that 91 percent of respondents said it was “very” [...]

Winds and heavy rain from Hurricane Ike took a toll on Houston and surrounding communities.  As flood waters recede, many home and business owners will be facing cleanup activities. Viewer Tip: When the water goes down, keep these tips in mind to assess damage and begin clean-up activities safely: Pay close attention to your local [...]

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 [...]

Each year in the U.S., an average of six magnitude 6 or higher and 57 magnitude 5 or higher earthquakes occur. There is a common belief that earthquakes occur more frequently during hot and dry weather, but scientists have never found a correlation between weather and earthquake activity.  Because earthquakes originate miles below ground, they are [...]

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 [...]

After some natural disasters, such as floods and hurricanes, standing water and excess moisture can cause mold to grow in homes and buildings.  If you are returning to a home or building that has been flooded, it is important to remember that mold may be present.  Some individuals - including those with asthma, allergies, breathing difficulties, or compromised [...]

Many people will be visiting lake or ocean beaches, camping, hiking, and participating in other outdoor activities during the summer months.  As you plan for outdoor recreation activities, remember to keep lightning safety in mind.  As of July 2008, there have been 23 lightning fatalities in the U.S. this year, and all of them have occurred outdoors. Viewer [...]

Recent flooding in the Midwest has been described as a ”500-year flood,” but just what does that mean?  According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the occurrence of a 500-year flood doesn’t depend on what happened last year, fifteen years ago (the Great Flood of 1993), or even 100 years ago.  Instead, the term “500-year flood” is based [...]

Has your home been affected by flood waters?  Flood waters can damage sewage lines and water pipes, making plumbing and taps unsafe for use.  Additionally, flood waters may contain chemicals, wastes, bacteria, and other pollutants that can make you sick. Viewer Tip: Throw away any foods that have come in contact with flood waters – [...]

Heavy rainfall across the midwest over the past two weeks has resulted in historic flooding.  As flood waters recede over the next week, many home and business owners will be facing cleanup activities. Viewer Tip: When the water goes down, keep these tips in mind to assess damage and begin clean-up activities safely: Use Common [...]

DC experienced an average of 772 cloud-to-ground lightning flashes per year between 1996 and 2005 (that’s 11.4 flashes per square mile).  Summer is peak lightning season, and in 2007, 45 people were struck and killed by lightning in the U.S.  Of those lightning strikes, 98 percent the were outside, 80 percent were males, 30 percent were males between [...]

Kansas experienced an average of  851,520 cloud-to-ground lightning flashes per year between 1996 and 2005!  Summer is peak lightning season, and in 2007, 45 people were struck and killed by lightning in the U.S.  Of those lightning strikes, 98 percent the were outside, 80 percent were males, 30 percent were males between the ages of 20 and 25, [...]

South Carolina experienced an average of 459,326 cloud-to-ground lightning flashes per year between 1996 and 2005 (2.8 flashes per square mile)!  Summer is peak lightning season, and in 2007, 45 people were struck and killed by lightning in the U.S.  Of those lightning strikes, 98 percent the were outside, 80 percent were males, 30 percent were males between [...]

Summer is peak lightning season, and while only three deaths from lightning strikes occurred in Puerto Rico between 1997 and 2006, it is still important to know how to stay safe during a storm.   Viewer Tip: The best place to be during a thunderstorm is indoors.  However, it is important to know what to do if you [...]

Idaho experienced an average of 85,343 cloud-to-ground lightning flashes per year between 1996 and 2005!  Summer is peak lightning season, and in 2007, 45 people were struck and killed by lightning in the U.S.  Of those lightning strikes, 98 percent the were outside, 80 percent were males, 30 percent were males between the ages of 20 and 25, [...]