Weather Education
Weather Wise
Plain-language and technical weather education. Articles are reviewed for accuracy and cite their sources.
Tornadoes: Rotating Columns of Destructive Wind
A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes are among the most intense and dangerous weather phenomena on Earth, capable of producing extreme winds, destroying structures, and creating life-threatening flying debris.
6 min read
Flash Floods: When Water Rises Fast
Flash floods are rapid, dangerous flooding events that can develop within minutes to a few hours after intense rainfall, dam or levee failure, or sudden water release. They are among the most dangerous weather hazards because they often occur quickly, with little time to react.
6 min read
Hurricanes: Nature’s Most Powerful Tropical Storms
Hurricanes are intense tropical cyclones that form over warm ocean waters and can produce destructive winds, storm surge, flooding rainfall, tornadoes, and dangerous marine conditions. Understanding how hurricanes form, strengthen, weaken, and move helps people better prepare for their impacts.
10 min read
Supercell Thunderstorms: The Rotating Giants of Severe Weather
Supercell thunderstorms are powerful, long-lived storms defined by a rotating updraft called a mesocyclone. They are responsible for many of the most significant severe weather events, including large hail, damaging winds, flash flooding, frequent lightning, and the strongest tornadoes.
8 min read
QLCS: Tornadoes and Damaging Winds Hidden Inside Squall Lines
A QLCS, or Quasi-Linear Convective System, is a line or broken line of thunderstorms capable of producing widespread damaging winds, embedded circulations, brief tornadoes, and rapidly changing severe weather conditions. Unlike classic supercell thunderstorms, QLCS tornadoes often form quickly within a larger storm line, can be rain-wrapped, and are especially challenging to detect at night.
5 min read