Extreme Weather

A huge tornado near Interstate 75 in Florida

Here’s Why Hurricane Milton Caused So Many Tornadoes

A meteorologist explains why dozens of twisters touched down across the Florida peninsula before the storm's landfall.

By Isaac Schultz Published October 10, 2024

An infrared image of Hurricane Milton as a Category 5 storm.

How Hurricane Milton Became a Category 5 Storm in Less Than 24 Hours

Significant river flooding, storm surge, and rainfall are expected in the Sunshine State as a Category 5 hurricane barrels towards its western coast.

By Isaac Schultz Updated October 7, 2024

Tallahassee State professor Pamela Andrews carriers sand bags to a car in preparation for possible flooding as Tropical Storm Helene heads toward the state's Gulf Coast in Tallahassee, Florida.

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Intense Flooding Expected as Florida Faces Possible Category 4 Hurricane Tonight

Helene will make landfall Thursday evening, bringing about life-threatening conditions across the northwest coast.

By Passant Rabie Published September 26, 2024

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How to Stay Prepared and Informed for Extreme Weather

How to pack a go-bag, get emergency alerts, and find disaster aid.

Lyndsey Gilpin & Jake Bittle, Grist Published August 30, 2024

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Not Good: Hurricane Beryl Is the Earliest Category 5 Storm in Recorded History

The hurricane already hit Grenada, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines with venom, and now encroaches on Jamaica.

By Isaac Schultz Updated July 2, 2024

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A Homeowner Mutiny in Florida Is Leaving the State More Vulnerable to Hurricanes

The federal government is refusing to restore eroded beaches in Pinellas County unless homeowners agree to one condition: public access.

Jake Bittle, Grist Published June 4, 2024

Photo: Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times

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This Summer Could Bring Some of the Wildest Weather Yet

El Niño has been rough. Its departure could be even rougher.

Sachi Kitajima Mulkey, Grist Published June 3, 2024

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How ‘Kitty Cats’ Are Wrecking the Home Insurance Industry

Supercharged thunderstorms and tornadoes are ravaging the Midwest, driving insurance costs to record highs.

Jake Bittle, Grist Published May 16, 2024

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Photos: Hellish Dust Storm in Greece Leaves Athens Dark Orange

The dusty event, nicknamed Minerva Red, is one of the largest of its kind seen in over five years.

By Ed Cara Published April 25, 2024

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Category 6 Hurricanes Are Already Here

Some scientists say Category 5 is not enough to describe the monster storms that have battered us in recent years.

Kate Yoder & Jake Bittle, Grist Published February 9, 2024

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Photos: California’s Coastline Under Siege by Atmospheric River

Heavy winds and rain battered cities from San Francisco to San Diego.

By Isaac Schultz Published February 5, 2024

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Fast-Growing Wildfire in Southern California Forces Thousands to Evacuate

The Highland Fire in Southern California exploded in size on Tuesday. Only 15% of it has been contained as of Wednesday.

By Angely Mercado Published November 1, 2023

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Hurricanes Now Twice as Likely to Strengthen and Grow, Study Finds

A warming planet means warmer oceans, which fuel storms to grow and strengthen at a much faster rate compared to a few decades ago.

By Angely Mercado Published October 20, 2023

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What Happens When the Flood Insurance Market Goes Underwater?

More homeowners than ever need flood insurance. Fewer than ever can afford it.

Lois Parshley, Grist Published October 16, 2023

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Tropical Storm Brewing Off the Carolina Coast That Could Head Up to New England

The storm is expected to bring rainfall, gusts of wind, and isolated flash flooding throughout the coast.

By Angely Mercado Published September 22, 2023

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See the Aftermath of Severe Flooding in New England This Week

Heavy rain slammed Massachusetts and Rhode Island this week, and more stormy weather may be headed for New England this weekend.

By Angely Mercado Published September 14, 2023

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Hurricane Lee Is Moving Up to New England and Coastal Canada

The storm has maximum sustained winds of more than 100 miles per hour and could bring flash flooding to the Northeast.

By Angely Mercado Published September 13, 2023

Photo: Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2)/NASA

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Satellite Photos Reveal Extent of Floods at This Year’s Burning Man

The equivalent of several months of rain fell over the area, and the water pooled into the playa where the event takes place every year.

By Angely Mercado Published September 8, 2023

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Hurricane Lee Intensifies Into a Category 5 Storm, Unclear If It Will Make Landfall in the US

The storm has grown quickly and the most immediate concern is dangerous rip currents around the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

By Angely Mercado Published September 8, 2023

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Burning Man’s Fyre Fest Moment Is Coming to a Close

Attendees were trapped in the mud, it took hours to leave the area, and one eventgoer tragically died.

By Angely Mercado Published September 5, 2023