Experts say US is No. 1 in the world for weather catastrophes

Written by Allen Foster and BestReviews

What you need to stay safe in an emergency

Last weekend, tornadoes touched down across a wide range of states. This week, there is a chance for more dangerous weather. Areas that used to be relatively free from severe storms are being hit by extreme weather with increasing frequency. No matter where you live, there is a chance you could experience a damaging storm. To be safe, you need to be prepared. Here are some essential items that can help keep you safe in an emergency.

Why is the weather so severe in the US?

There are two primary reasons why experts say the U.S. is leading the world in weather catastrophes: geography and climate change.

Most severe weather requires warm, moist air as a catalyst. Since the U.S. is bordered by two oceans and a gulf, there are ample opportunities for the creation of warm, saturated air. Also, atmospheric rivers enter the country from the west carrying an incredible amount of moisture, which cools and results in an abundance of precipitation.

nother factor that influences storms is the jet stream. This fast-moving current of air travels in upper levels of the atmosphere, causing changes in wind and pressure that can either transport storms or keep weather conditions, such as a heatwave, stagnant. As a result, the jet stream is responsible for shaping the weather over the U.S.

Climate change warms the world, and the hotter the air is, the more moisture it can hold. This fuels the atmosphere with exactly what it needs to create violent storms. As climate change continues, the frequency of severe weather (hurricanes, tornadoes, heatwaves, drought, wildfires, floods, heavy snowstorms and more) will increase.

Read about what you need to have prepared in case of severe weather here.