The Monster Hurricanes of 2017

Disaster risk expert says intense population growth and urban coastal development have created a huge danger

In an era of catastrophic weather, institutions—like agencies that manage storm barriers—as well as infrastructure must be redesigned

Forecasters depend on satellites and flights to track hurricanes—but balloons add crucial precision  

Both Harvey and Irma intensified due to perfect storm conditions

Here’s how Irma compares with Katrina, Patricia, Haiyan and other record holders

Using insurance industry models, researchers determined that wetlands prevented some $625 million in damages due to Hurricane Sandy. Christopher Intagliata reports.

A lack of clean drinking water, the spread of disease and mosquito breeding grounds are just some of the potential problems

Drone pilots say they can save lives, but emergency responders want them grounded

The city is limited by reliance on slow-draining bayous to carry out the rain

How did the storm rapidly blow up from Category 1 to 4, why is it so stuck over Houston, how can it possibly produce so much rain? And more

Information graphics demystify Earth’s most powerful storms

Hurricane season begins in May and lasts through November, producing dozens of powerful hurricanes. In this episode of Instant Egghead, Scientific American editor Mark Fischetti explains how these massive storms get their start.