Natural Hazards
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The number of hurricanes expected to occur during a 100-year period based on historical data—light blue area, 20 to 40; dark blue area, 40 to 60; red area, more than 60. Map not to scale. Source: the National Atlas and the USGS (Hi-res | Low-res) Natural Hazards - HurricanesHurricanes bring destructive winds, storm surge, torrential rain, flooding, and tornadoes. A single storm can wreak havoc on coastal and inland communities and on natural areas over thousands of square miles. In 2005, Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma demonstrated the devastation that hurricanes can inflict and the importance of hurricane hazards research and preparedness. More than half of the U.S. population lives within 50 miles of a coast, and this number is increasing. Many of these areas, especially the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, will be in the direct path of future hurricanes. Hawaii is also vulnerable to hurricanes.
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USGS Hurricane Related News (USGS Newsroom)
NOAA: National Hurricane Center (Atlantic)
NOAA: National Hurricane Center (East Pacific)
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Highlighted Hurricane Resources Select the next to each link to open that item in a new window.
USGS Storm Team |