Natural Hazards - Hurricanes

Hurricanes 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.

Highlighted Hurricane Resources

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Hurricane and Extreme Storm Studies
Investigating the extent and causes of coastal impacts of hurricanes and extreme storms on the coasts of the United States.
National Wetlands Research Center
The mission of National Wetlands Research Center (NWRC) is to develop and disseminate scientific information needed for understanding the ecology and values of our Nation’s wetlands and for managing and restoring wetlands, coastal habitats, and associated plant and animal communities.
Hurricane Hazards—A National Threat
A fact sheet about hurricanes and the danger they pose to Nation.
Hurricane Related Podcasts: USGS CoreCast
Podcasts, from the USGS CoreCast, related to hurricanes.
Mapping Coastal Change Hazards
Providing information on the mapping of coastal hazards such as hurricanes.
USGS Responds to Hurricanes (Katrina, Rita, and Wilma)
The U.S. Geological Survey continues to mobilize equipment and personnel to gather the scientific data and information on the impact of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma.