Hurricane Strikes

Texas residents are still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. The powerful storm plowed into the state’s southeastern coast in late August, causing widespread flooding and destruction. Dozens of people died, and thousands had to evacuate their homes.

Storms like Harvey form over the ocean. They bring heavy rain and strong winds. Most hurricanes weaken when they hit land and move past an area quickly. But Harvey slowed down. It pounded Houston, the largest city in Texas, and nearby areas. More rain fell there during the storm than typically does in a year.

As this issue of SuperScience went to press, another huge hurricane was barreling through the Caribbean Islands and Florida. Hurricane Irma was one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean, with winds reaching 300 kilometers (185 miles) per hour.

Recovery efforts in the hardest-hit areas will continue for years to come. “We’ll get through it,” says Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo.