Hurricanes are intense tropical cyclones that form over warm ocean waters and are characterized by a low-pressure center, organized deep convection, and strong cyclonic surface winds. They derive energy from latent heat released during condensation within deep convective clouds, requiring sea surface temperatures typically above ~26–27 °C, sufficient Coriolis force to initiate rotation, and weak vertical wind shear to maintain structural integrity. Hurricanes exhibit a warm-core structure, an eye and eyewall, and spiral rainbands, and are classified by maximum sustained wind speed. They are central topics in atmospheric science, climate research, and risk modeling due to their role in heat transport, extreme precipitation, storm surge, and high-wind hazards.
Hurricane Karina formed Sunday in the Pacific Ocean and swiftly intensified into a dangerous major storm within hours, fueled by warm waters far offshore where it poses no immediate threat to land.
Environment
1 hour ago
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Tropical Storm Karina strengthened into a hurricane in the Pacific Ocean on Sunday and could become a major storm this week, forecasters said. The cyclone's center was at far out sea and was not threatening land.
Environment
17 hours ago
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Massive storms like Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which caused more than $100 billion in damage, were once considered lifetime events. Increasingly, however, they are becoming the norm: a direct result of climate change, which ...
Earth Sciences
Aug 18, 2026
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When it comes to the cost of a bad forecast, researchers have gone beyond damaged buildings and vehicles to calculate the cost of injuries, evacuations and the long-term loss of public trust.
Earth Sciences
Aug 17, 2026
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Clean-up efforts were underway Sunday as Hurricane Lala, which was downgraded to a tropical storm, rolled past Hawaii's Big Island and dumped heavy rain across the U.S. Pacific state.
Environment
Aug 17, 2026
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Hurricane Lala was pulling away from Hawaii's Big Island early Sunday as heavy rain and strong winds struck the U.S. Pacific state and officials warned of potentially dangerous flooding.
Environment
Aug 16, 2026
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A strengthening tropical storm named Lala is set to hit Hawaii's Big Island with hurricane-force gales on Saturday, bringing dangerous winds, rainfall and heavy surf.
Environment
Aug 15, 2026
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Hurricane warnings are only effective if people understand them. A new study by Florida State University faculty members in the School of Communication in the College of Communication and Information and the Department of ...
Environment
Aug 11, 2026
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Economic losses from natural catastrophes worldwide are estimated to have reached $100 billion in the first half of this year, reinsurance group Swiss Re said Tuesday, a sharp decline from the same period last year.
Environment
Aug 11, 2026
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Tropical cyclones are among the most destructive natural forces on the planet, but predicting where they will go and how strong they will become is beset by challenges. Current methods are often good at tracking storm paths ...
