LND topic: natural-disasters page 1

natural disasters

Illinois breaks tornado records before summer even starts

June 24, 2026

This year has been unusually busy for tornadoes in the U. S. , with nearly 800 tornadoes reported nationwide by early June. Illinois, a state not usually seen as a tornado hotspot, has surprised experts by leading with 157 tornadoes so far. That's more than double the number in Mississippi, which co

science

Big Earth Shakes and Storms That Changed the World

June 16, 2026

A volcanic blast on Thera about 4, 600 years ago pushed the Minoan Empire toward collapse and paved the way for the Mycenaeans to rise. The eruption threw ash into the sky, flooded nearby coasts with tsunamis, and shattered trade routes that had kept the Minoans powerful. Historians even link this e

weather

Is the Pacific Ocean about to reshape our weather?

June 16, 2026

A shift is happening far below the ocean’s surface near the equator. Warm currents are moving eastward, bulging sea levels and hinting at the early stages of a powerful El Niño event. This isn’t just another weather pattern—it could be a game-changer for global temperatures and storm tracks. Unlike

weather

Stormy Skies and Ballot Boxes: Texas Voters Face a Tricky Day

May 27, 2026

Texas voters heading to the polls today aren’t just picking winners—they’re dodging hailstones. Severe storms with heavy rain, strong winds, and even a chance of tornadoes are expected to roll through the state just as runoff elections begin. The worst of it looks set to hit West Texas, the Hill Cou

environment

When Earth Moves: How Swiss Pollution Spots Risk Contaminating Water

May 4, 2026

Switzerland keeps track of about 38, 000 spots where soil or ground water has been polluted. These can be old dumps, factory yards, shooting ranges, or places where accidents happened years ago. Most of us don’t notice them, but nature sometimes does. Heavy rain can turn quiet slopes into fast-movin

environment

Wildfire near Tucumcari Spreads Fast, Boosts Fire Season Concerns

April 30, 2026

A wildfire initially spotted near Tucumcari, New Mexico, grew unusually fast—swelling from 1, 500 acres to 10, 000 in less than a day, making it the biggest blaze burning in the state right now. Firefighters arrived just hours after the first signs of smoke near Highway 156 at mile marker 41, only t

environment

When the Weather Turns Mean, the Real Survival Tool Isn’t a Bag

April 28, 2026

Early one March morning in Hawaii, a dog’s sharp bark cut through the dark—sirens followed seconds later. Outside, cars streamed toward the high school parking lot, the town’s designated escape zone. Neighbors’ phones buzzed with alerts: a river had climbed higher than a three-story building, and a

weather

Tornado Hits Runaway Bay: What Happened and What’s Next

April 27, 2026

A powerful storm swept through Wise County, Texas, on Saturday, leaving behind a trail of destruction. The National Weather Service later confirmed it was an EF-2 tornado, meaning it packed winds strong enough to uproot trees and tear apart buildings. Damage was heaviest in Runaway Bay, a small comm

weather

Heavy rains leave thousands homeless in the Dominican Republic

April 14, 2026

The Caribbean nation has been soaked for weeks by relentless downpours that show no sign of stopping soon. Over 30, 000 families have had to abandon their homes in the northern provinces as water keeps rising. Three lives have been lost in separate incidents linked to the flooding—a child trying to

weather

Why March Weather Acts Like a Mood Swing: Extreme Conditions Explained

March 17, 2026

March often feels like weather whiplash—and this week is no exception. From blizzards in the Midwest to flash floods in Hawaii, the U. S. is experiencing a mix of extremes. But why now? Early spring acts like a meteorological battleground. Cold air from Canada still lingers, while warm, moist air pu