Category: weather

Stay Informed: How Scales Help Us Describe Disasters

Palm trees bending in strong winds.

Last year’s Atlantic hurricane season was record-breaking. There were 30 named storms during the 2020 season. Thirteen of those became hurricanes (top winds of 74 mph or greater). Six of those reached Category 3 or higher.(1) Hurricanes are categorized using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Other scales are used by experts to explain and describe Read More >

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Probabilities, Not Promises: How Computer Models are Used in Emergency Preparedness & Response

Computer models are not crystal balls. They are the result of a set of variables going through mathematical algorithms. What comes out is a simulation of what might happen if present truths are accurate predictors of future trends. Models show probabilities; they don’t make promises. Models have many applications. Epidemiologists use them to predict disease Read More >

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When the Weather Outside is Frightful

Be Prepared

It is understandable if in all the hubbub of the holidays you didn’t notice the season changed. The official start of winter was December 21. But for people living in many parts of the country it’s felt like winter since before Thanksgiving. Bundle up because winter is here to stay—at least until March, regardless of Read More >

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10 Ways CDC Gets Ready For Emergencies

One of the best parts of my job is the opportunity to learn from a wide range of experiences. We have an obligation to not only respond to emergencies today, but to prepare for tomorrow by learning from the past. Our work extends to households affected by disease, communities ravaged by disasters, and U.S. territories Read More >

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5 Spring Safety Tips Brought to You By Adorable Animals

golden retriever dog and puppy in a puddle with umbrella

Spring is in the air, and that means warmer weather, blooming flowers…and the potential for extreme weather conditions! Some of our favorite animals remind us of what steps we can take to keep ourselves safe if bad weather strikes. Don’t let floods, thunderstorms, or tornadoes take you by surprise this season. Keep these 5 weather Read More >

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Using Data to Prepare for the Next Heat Wave

A road sign in Death Valley warning travelers of Caution Extreme Heat Danger

Extreme heat events, or heat waves, are a leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States. Between 1999 and 2012, extreme heat caused more than 7,400 heat-related deaths in the United States.  Extreme heat increases hospital admissions for heart disease, respiratory disease, and stroke. Read More >

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