superstorms
Extreme weather events
Superstorms are exceptionally powerful and destructive storms that exceed typical hurricane or cyclone intensity.
The term emerged in weather reporting and climate discussion to describe storms of unusual size, strength, or impact: Climate scientists warn that superstorms may become more frequent.
The word sometimes appears in disaster fiction and news headlines for dramatic effect.
Rising planetary temperatures
- climate changePlanetary atmospheric transformation
- extreme weatherUnusual, dangerous atmospheric events
- sea level riseIncreasing ocean surface height
- carbon emissionsReleased greenhouse gases
greenhouse gases · warming oceans · climate crisis · climate models · feedback loops · atmospheric rivers · polar vortex · climate adaptation
Rotating low-pressure storm system
- typhoonWestern Pacific hurricane
- eye wallHurricane's fiercest circular band
- landfallReaching shore after voyage
- tropical cycloneRotating low-pressure ocean storm
hurricane season · eye · barometric pressure · tropical depression · hurricane warning · hurricane watch · evacuation zones · sustained winds
Severe widespread destruction
- catastropheDevastating, large-scale misfortune
- floodingOverwhelming water accumulation
- power outagesLoss of electrical supply
- infrastructure collapseFailure of essential public systems
casualties · displacement · wreckage · debris · emergency response · insurance claims · property damage · structural damage
Weight of air overhead
- forecastingEstimating future conditions
- jetstreamHigh-altitude wind band
- mesocycloneRotating updraft in supercells
- precipitationAtmospheric water deposit
isobars · tropical depression · satellite imagery · convection · wind shear · atmospheric pressure · weather patterns · cone of uncertainty
Seawater overtaking shore areas
- flash floodsSwift, unexpected water surges
- inundationOverwhelming surge of water
- levee breachBroken flood control structure
- overflowExceed capacity and spill
submerged · waterlogged · flood zones · rising waters · tidal surge · floodwaters · evacuation routes · flood damage
Violent wind intensity
- sustained windsUninterrupted air movement
- wind gustsSudden strong air bursts
- squallsSudden violent windstorms
- wind damageHarm from strong air currents
global warming
Rising planetary temperatures
- climate changePlanetary atmospheric transformation
- extreme weatherUnusual, dangerous atmospheric events
- sea level riseIncreasing ocean surface height
carbon emissions · greenhouse gases · warming oceans · climate crisis · climate models · feedback loops · atmospheric rivers · polar vortex · climate adaptation · climate migration
cyclone
Rotating low-pressure storm system
- typhoonWestern Pacific hurricane
- eye wallHurricane's fiercest circular band
- landfallReaching shore after voyage
tropical cyclone · hurricane season · eye · barometric pressure · tropical depression · hurricane warning · hurricane watch · evacuation zones · sustained winds
devastation
Severe widespread destruction
- catastropheDevastating, large-scale misfortune
- floodingOverwhelming water accumulation
- power outagesLoss of electrical supply
infrastructure collapse · casualties · displacement · wreckage · debris · emergency response · insurance claims · property damage · structural damage · fallen trees
barometric pressure
Weight of air overhead
- forecastingEstimating future conditions
- jetstreamHigh-altitude wind band
- mesocycloneRotating updraft in supercells
precipitation · isobars · tropical depression · satellite imagery · convection · wind shear · atmospheric pressure · weather patterns · cone of uncertainty
coastal flooding
Seawater overtaking shore areas
- flash floodsSwift, unexpected water surges
- inundationOverwhelming surge of water
- levee breachBroken flood control structure
overflow · submerged · waterlogged · flood zones · rising waters · tidal surge · floodwaters · evacuation routes · flood damage · water rescue
gale force
Violent wind intensity
- sustained windsUninterrupted air movement
- wind gustsSudden strong air bursts
- squallsSudden violent windstorms
superstormscalm
Free from agitation
gentle breeze · mild weather · fair weather · zephyr · sprinkle
superstormsfair weather
Pleasant, dry climate
clear skies · stillness · dead calm · tranquility · doldrums