Weather hazards
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This article originated from the Critical Issues Program authored by the American Geosciences Institute. To learn more about AGI or the Critical Issues Program, visit http://www.americangeosciences.org/critical-issues. |
Weather hazards include hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, lightning, hail, winds, and winter weather. Many of these phenomena are related to atmospheric conditions that can be monitored and forecast. Weather hazards include hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, lightning, hail.
Why do weather hazards matter?
Weather hazards impact the entire country, with enormous effects on the economy and public safety. Since 1980, weather/climate disasters have cost the U.S. economy more than $1 trillion.[1] Several billion-dollar weather/climate disasters affect the United States in an average year.[2]
Tornado funnel. Credit: NASA
Satellite image of hurricane. Credit: NASA
Tornado funnel. Credit: NOAA
How does geoscience help inform decisions about weather and climate hazards?
Meteorologists closely monitor weather and climate in order to issue warnings and make recommendations to the public and emergency managers.
Introductory resources
- Severe Weather 101, National Severe Storms Laboratory/NOAA
- Answers to basic questions about the science and forecasting of severe weather events, including tornadoes, thunderstorms, lightning, hail, floods, damaging winds and winter weather.
Frequent questions
- How might global warming change the strength of hurricane intensity, frequency, and rainfall?
- How does the damage from hurricanes compare to tornadoes?
- How many tornadoes have there been in my state or county?
- How do you forecast tornadoes?
- How vulnerable is my coast to storm surge?
References
- ↑ Billion-Dollar Weather/Climate Disasters: Overview, NOAA, http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/billions/overview
- ↑ Billion-Dollar Weather/Climate Disasters: Table of Events, NOAA, http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/billions/events
See also
- Weather Hazards Basics, American Geosciences Institute
- Climate
- Drought
- Flood
- Water availability
- Water quality
External links
| find literature about Weather hazards |
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