Author: Alice R. Hoover

Extreme weather events, such as floods, storms, heatwaves, and heavy snowfall, can have a devastating impact on businesses. Research shows that many companies face significant disruptions and financial loss due to unforeseen weather-related disasters. As a result, having comprehensive business insurance that covers these extreme events is essential for protecting your business from potential risks. Small business owners, in particular, should consider securing insurance policies that offer coverage for such unpredictable occurrences. By doing so, they can mitigate financial damage and ensure their operations remain resilient in the face of nature’s unpredictability. Comprehensive coverage not only safeguards assets but also…

Derechos, though less well-known than hurricanes or tornadoes, are rare but highly destructive storms. Commonly occurring in late spring and summer across the central and eastern United States, these storms generate intense straight-line winds that can span hundreds of miles, causing widespread damage. On August 10, 2020, a powerful derecho impacted the Midwest, traveling 770 miles in 14 hours and leaving over a million people without power.The term “derecho,” meaning “straight ahead” in Spanish, was first coined by Gustavus Hinrichs in 1888. A derecho is defined as a long-lived windstorm associated with a line of thunderstorms, with winds exceeding 58…

Each year, hailstorms cause billions of dollars in property damage, with vehicle owners filing over 250,000 claims annually. The extent of hail damage to vehicles depends largely on the size and force of the falling ice. Even small hailstones, no larger than pebbles, can leave minor dents or dings on a vehicle’s surface. When hailstones reach the size of quarters, they can cause visible dents and even cracks. Larger hail—comparable in size to golf balls or limes—can shatter windshields and inflict serious structural damage. Hail forms when updrafts in thunderstorms carry water droplets into freezing air, turning them into solid…

Heatwaves, one of the most significant consequences of climate change, are becoming increasingly frequent and intense, posing a serious threat to global populations. Urban areas, with their dense infrastructure, are particularly susceptible to extreme heat, affecting over 1.7 billion people worldwide. In fact, nearly half of the world’s 10,000 cities have experienced heightened heat exposure in the past 40 years. In response, a recent policy brief from the Joint Research Centre (JRC) outlines key strategies, best practices, and policy tools designed to help local authorities in EU cities mitigate the impacts of extreme heat. This comprehensive guide aims to equip…

A polar vortex is set to bring extreme cold to much of the country over the next week, as frigid air descends from the North Pole. AccuWeather forecasts indicate that real-feel temperatures in the Northeast, including New England, may plummet to single digits. These intense cold blasts are expected to occur in three phases: January 3-4, January 7-8, and January 11-12, according to meteorologist Alex DaSilva. The polar vortex can cause dangerous winter conditions, making it essential to understand its impact and how to stay safe. This article outlines key information on what a polar vortex is and offers tips…

Wind, a dynamic and formidable force of nature, has long intrigued humans with its varied and often unpredictable behavior. From soft, refreshing breezes to violent, destructive storms, the spectrum of wind speeds observed on Earth is remarkable. This article takes an in-depth look at the most extreme wind speeds ever recorded, delving into the science behind these powerful gusts and the sophisticated methods used to measure them. By exploring the factors that contribute to such high-velocity winds, we gain a deeper understanding of the forces shaping our planet’s weather systems and the potential impact of extreme winds on both natural…

Between 1970 and 2022, disaster events in Asia and the Pacific have claimed over two million lives and caused an estimated USD 2.7 trillion in economic damages. Tsunamis rank as the third deadliest and the fourth most economically destructive hazard in the region. Ms. Hideko Hadzialic, Director of the UNDP Representation Office in Tokyo, highlighted Japan’s long-standing commitment to tsunami preparedness during the UNDP Oral Session at the World Bosai Forum 2025. “In Japan, preparedness for tsunamis is ingrained in our culture. From teaching children evacuation procedures to preserving historical knowledge of past tsunamis, these practices are built on centuries…

Landslides, the movement of rock, debris, or earth down a slope, can occur anywhere in the U.S. While they claim an average of 25 to 50 lives annually, global fatalities reach thousands, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Dr. Dalia Kirschbaum, a landslide research scientist at NASA, notes that regions such as the Himalayan Arc, the Philippines, and parts of South America experience frequent landslides due to factors like rainfall, earthquakes, and human activity. Temperature fluctuations and fire-damaged landscapes also heighten the risk. The American Red Cross stresses the importance of understanding local landslide risks, as these events often…

Volcanic eruptions pose significant threats to aviation, primarily through the presence of ash clouds that can severely disrupt flight operations. These ash clouds contain fine particles that, when inhaled by aircraft engines, can cause engine failure and compromise flight safety. As a result, real-time forecasting tools have become essential in improving both volcanic ash management and aviation safety. By providing accurate predictions of ash plume movement and concentration, these tools allow airlines and air traffic controllers to make informed decisions, reroute flights, and implement safety measures effectively. This proactive approach minimizes the risk to aircraft, ensures safer travel, and helps…

FEMA flood zone maps are used to assess the likelihood of flooding in specific areas across the United States. These maps include Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and Flood Hazard Boundary Maps, which classify regions into zones based on varying levels of flood risk. With more than 20,000 communities mapped, these zones help inform insurance requirements and development decisions. Homebuyers and property owners are encouraged to research flood risk—even in states that don’t require sellers to disclose past flooding. You can access flood maps through the FEMA Flood Map Service Center using a street address, or use tools like ClimateCheck…