tornadoes

Top Tweets
Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.
An NOAA truck with a weather satellite on the back.
Courtroom with a jury box and judge's bench.
Wind turbines in grass field during golden hour.
Newsletter
Disaster preparedness starts with facing reality

Disaster preparedness starts with facing reality

Americans need to acknowledge the increasing risk of climate disasters and take proactive measures to prepare for them.

Umair Irfan reports for Vox.

In short:

  • Extreme weather events like tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, posing significant risks to communities across the United States.
  • While infrastructure and forecasting have improved, many people still underestimate their vulnerability and fail to prepare adequately, risking their safety during disasters.
  • Establishing a "culture of preparedness" that involves education and coordinated disaster response plans can help reduce the impact of these climate-related events.

Key quote:

“If we leave people behind, it’s a failure.”

— Abdul-Akeem Sadiq, professor of public policy at the University of Central Florida.

Why this matters:

With climate change intensifying natural disasters, the number of affected individuals will likely increase. Effective preparedness and response strategies can save lives, prevent property damage and enhance community resilience.

Keep reading...Show less
Tornadoes strike the US almost daily from late April to late May

Tornadoes strike the US almost daily from late April to late May

Nearly every day between April 25 and May 27 saw tornadoes in the U.S., marking the most active May for severe weather since 2011, with violent storms, a downburst in Houston, and massive hail.

Matthew Cappucci and Ian Livingston report for The Washington Post.

Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
Tornado patterns shift due to climate change, experts advise on preparation

Tornado patterns shift due to climate change, experts advise on preparation

Climate change is altering tornado patterns in the U.S., leading experts to offer new preparation strategies for these unpredictable storms.

Cinnamon Janzer reports for the BBC.

Keep reading...Show less
Newsletter
tornado alley widening

How 'tornado alley' is changing

It's that time of year when tornado alley swings into action. But is it moving?
When disaster strikes, is climate change to blame?

When disaster strikes, is climate change to blame?

Scientists are specifying how much damage climate change is adding to extreme weather events, potentially influencing court cases, insurance claims and public policy.

tornado warning systems deficiencies
NOAA Photo Library/Flickr/Commercial use & mods allowed

Rolling Fork residents say they didn't hear any tornado warning sirens

Many Rolling Fork residents say they didn't hear sirens before the Mississippi tornado. Questions now remain about warning systems in poor, rural communities.
ORIGINAL REPORTING
MOST POPULAR
CLIMATE