Hurricanes can cause extreme destruction. Hurricane forecasters are trying to develop ways to improve forecasting a storm's intensity and path.

Strong stormy weather can cause flash floods. This is when heavy rain pours down on a region and very quickly floods an area. Scientists are trying to find ways to warn people before flooding hits by studying weather patterns.

Landslides can occur without warning. Landslides are events when mountainsides fails and slide down bringing with it mud and debris to engulf the land below. Geologists are studying landslides to find out what causes these catastrophic events without warning.

The Dust Bowl during the 1930s was a time that tested American tenacity and resilience. It was the time when one of the greatest man-made American catastrophes caused the migration of countless families because the 10-year drought had rendered the area inhabitable. This clip illustrates the factors that contributed to the Dust Bowl.

At any moment, about 2,000 thunderstorms are occurring worldwide. Learn how thunderstorms form, what causes lightning and thunder, and how these violent phenomena help balance the planet's energy and electricity.