The Monster Hurricanes of 2017
The science behind the powerful storms that have thrashed the Caribbean and U.S. coasts
Hurricane Harvey: Why Is It So Extreme?
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
Hurricane Irma: Florida's Overdevelopment Has Created a Ticking Time Bomb
Disaster risk expert says intense population growth and urban coastal development have created a huge danger
Just How Strong Is Hurricane Irma?
Here’s how Irma compares with Katrina, Patricia, Haiyan and other record holders
Hurricane Harvey: Houston Has No Quick Way to Get Rid of Floodwater
The city is limited by reliance on slow-draining bayous to carry out the rain
Ask the Experts: How Did 2 Such Powerful Hurricanes Occur Back to Back?
Both Harvey and Irma intensified due to perfect storm conditions
What Old-Fashioned Weather Balloons Foretell about Irma's Track
Forecasters depend on satellites and flights to track hurricanes—but balloons add crucial precision
Could Samaritan Drone Aircraft Help Hurricane Harvey Rescuers?
Drone pilots say they can save lives, but emergency responders want them grounded
Why do hurricanes hit the East Coast of the U.S. but never the West Coast?
Hurricanes do form in the Pacific Ocean, just as they do in the Atlantic, but none of these storms seem to reach the continental U.S. Why not?
Are Category 6 Hurricanes Coming Soon?
Tropical cyclones like Irene are predicted to be more powerful this year, thanks to natural conditions, but researchers disagree on how to rate that intensity
Instant Egghead--How Do Hurricanes Form?
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.
Visualizing Hurricanes
Information graphics demystify Earth’s most powerful storms
Wetlands Could Save Cities--and Money, Too
Using insurance industry models, researchers determined that wetlands prevented some $625 million in damages due to Hurricane Sandy. Christopher Intagliata reports.
Flooding from Hurricane Harvey Causes a Host of Public Health Concerns
A lack of clean drinking water, the spread of disease and mosquito breeding grounds are just some of the potential problems
6 Rules for Rebuilding After Harvey and Irma
In an era of catastrophic weather, institutions—like agencies that manage storm barriers—as well as infrastructure must be redesigned