Weather Content

Lightning
A force no bigger than the average thumb that can reach 50,000 degrees. It strikes in a fraction of a second, sometimes setting things on fire. There's actually two types of lightning, positive and negative. Negative lightning is much more common, but still dangerous, and originates from the base of a thunderstorm. Positive lightning is much more powerful, with basically no rumble once the strike hits and originates from the top of a thunderstorm.

Tornadoes
One of nature's strongest forces with the power to destroy lives in an instant. They're classified on a scale from 0 to 5 called the Enhanced Fujita Scale and are rated based on the damage they cause. Their size isn't necessarily an indication of how strong they are, but there are cases where a large wedge tornado was a sign of a strong tornado like the May 3, 1999 multivortex tornado. A multivortex tornado is what it sounds like, a main tornado with multiple smaller tornadoes moving around it. These smaller tornadoes are often erratic, which can lead people to believe the tornado skipped their house.

Hurricanes
An often large storm system that can cause widespread destruction in its wake. Unlike tornadoes, hurricanes can be forecast well in advance as their various stages from tropical wave to tropical storm or hurricane are well understood. Their movement still remains a challenge as they tend to wobble and that can make a big difference between a direct hit and a glancing blow. Some of the more notable hurricanes include Andrew in 1992, Sandy in 2012 and Camile in 1969. The more impactful storms tend to have their names retired.

Floods
One of nature's more silent killers, costing lives of everyone, including those in vehicles. Most people probably think of flooding from rainfall, but you can get it in a variety of ways, including aerial flooding and river flooding. Flooding from rainfall can come from just a heavy thunderstorm or a stalled weather system like a low pressure. Often times, they stall as a result of being blocked or lacking the necessary push to move them along like the jet stream.

Avalanches
A killer that lurks on mountains, waiting to be triggered by unsuspecting skiiers. The various layers of snow provide the weakness needed to trigger them, but there are a few signs to look out for if you're on a ski slope such as cracking sounds or moving slabs of snow. There are also different types of avalanches such as powder and compact avalanches. Ski resorts tend to be more aware of the dangers and will trigger the avalanches themselves so that regular people aren't as likely to trigger one.

Blizzards
A chilling force that can leave thousands stranded for days. While it may seem like falling snow and wind are what make a blizzard, it's actually a specific set of requirements, blowing or falling snow reducing visibility to 3/4 of a mile or less for at least 3 hours. Coupled with the cold temperatures, it can be lethal for anyone stuck outside for any length of time. Much like hurricanes, these are pretty well understood and forecasts can predict them with a decent amount of accuracy.

Droughts
When nature turns up the heat, she may not let go for days, leaving many to suffer the consequences. Droughts occur due to lack of rain or from very little rain. In the deserts of the southwest, this can be due to Monsoon Season, which is also capable of bringing flooding in a given year. Droughts tend to occur in the summer and fall, which can lead to wildfires later in the year. California is pretty notorious for their droughts and subsequent wildfires every year as a result.

Thunderstorms
Nature's own mini family with potentially lethal personalities.

Ice Storms
When the temperature drops, this killer proves that winter comes with both beauty and terror.

Earthquakes
A phenomena that shakes the very ground that we stand on.

Volcanoes
Towering peaks that carry a multitude of hazards when the time comes.