Articles
Disaster science, historical analysis, country risk profiles and preparedness — written and reviewed under our editorial policy.
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale: What Each Category Means
The Saffir-Simpson scale ranks hurricanes 1 to 5 by wind speed only — it ignores surge and rain, the biggest killers. What each category rea…
WND Editorial Team · Oct 19, 2026 · 4 min read
Ice Storms: When Rain Freezes Into a Winter Hazard
An ice storm is freezing rain that coats roads, trees and power lines in ice. A quarter inch can cause blackouts for days. How to prepare an…
WND Editorial Team · Oct 19, 2026 · 4 min read
When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors: Lightning Safety in a Thunderstorm
Lightning kills about 20 people a year in the US and can strike 10 miles away. When thunder roars, go indoors and wait 30 minutes after the …
WND Editorial Team · Oct 18, 2026 · 4 min read
Hurricane Watch vs. Warning: What Each Means and What to Do
A hurricane watch means conditions are possible within 48 hours; a warning means they're expected within 36. What each alert asks of you — a…
WND Editorial Team · Oct 18, 2026 · 4 min read
Rapid Intensification: When Hurricanes Explode in Strength
Rapid intensification: a hurricane's winds can jump 30 knots (~35 mph) in 24 hours — tropical storm to major hurricane overnight. Prepare ea…
WND Editorial Team · Oct 16, 2026 · 4 min read
Break the Grip of the Rip: How to Survive a Rip Current
Rip currents cause 80% of beach rescues. They won't pull you under — only away from shore. Stay calm, float, and swim parallel to the beach …
WND Editorial Team · Oct 16, 2026 · 4 min read
Tsunami Safety: Move Inland, Don't Wait for a Warning
Tsunamis give natural warnings: a strong long quake, a suddenly rising or draining ocean, a loud roar. Don't wait for an official alert — mo…
WND Editorial Team · Oct 15, 2026 · 5 min read
Downgraded but Dangerous: Why Slow Hurricanes Still Flood
A hurricane downgrade measures wind speed only. Hurricane Simon shows why a slower, weaker storm can still bring catastrophic rain, flooding…
WND Editorial Team · Oct 15, 2026 · 5 min read
Turn Around, Don't Drown: Never Drive Through Floodwater
Six inches of moving water can knock you down; a foot can sweep a car away. The NWS campaign's lesson: never drive or walk through floodwate…
WND Editorial Team · Oct 14, 2026 · 4 min read
Storm Surge: Why the Water Kills More Than the Wind
Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water a storm's winds push ashore — historically the leading cause of US hurricane deaths. How to surviv…
WND Editorial Team · Oct 14, 2026 · 5 min read
Nor'easters: What They Are and How to Prepare
Nor'easters are powerful East Coast storms fuelled by Arctic air meeting warm Atlantic waters. What they are, when they strike, and how to p…
WND Editorial Team · Oct 13, 2026 · 5 min read
After a Flood: How to Stay Safe During Cleanup
The floodwater has gone, but the danger has not. Return home, handle gas and electrical hazards, throw out contaminated food and clean mould…
WND Editorial Team · Oct 13, 2026 · 5 min read