Rise of the Superstorms: Introduction (03:58)

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Three record-breaking hurricanes, Harvey, Irma, and Maria, struck during the 2017 hurricane season, threatening the lives of millions. Scientists and politicians must respond to these now common superstorms.

Hurricane Harvey Strikes (09:29)

Meteorologists at the National Weather Service predict that Hurricane Harvey will regain strength as it enters the Gulf of Mexico before striking Houston, Texas. Wind engineer Forest Masters travels to Houston with his engineering team to gather data from the incoming storm through their portable wind tower system.

Flooding in Houston (08:23)

In Houston, the enormous amounts of impervious surfaces within the city, the lingering tropical storm, and record rainfall lead to massive flooding. The Federal Relief Effort is stretched thin due to record-breaking flooding throughout the state of Texas.

Understanding Hurricane Irma (08:12)

Six days after Harvey hit and ravaged the state of Texas, Hurricane Irma is spotted forming and intensifying in the Atlantic, and first hit the island of Barbuda. Satellites, buoys, ships, and ground-based weather stations try and sort through data projects to pinpoint what parts of Florida will be affected by Irma.

Irma Makes Landfall (05:48)

Residents of Florida and the Florida Keys are anxious to know where Irma will make landfall as they begin evacuating. The Florida Keys are devastated by the Hurricane winds and storm surge; surprisingly, Jacksonville is one of the areas most affected by flood damage.

Storm Chasers (03:55)

Frank Marks, director of the NOAA Hurricane Research Division, describes why it is critical for scientists to find ways to determine energy transfer from the ocean to the atmosphere using drones. Maria strikes Puerto Rico with devastating wind and rain.

Effects of Climate Change (06:47)

The entire island of Puerto Rico is devastated and loses power during the strike of Hurricane Maria; storm victims wait in lines for days to receive necessities like food and water from FEMA. Many scientific experts agree global warming and the increasing rates of fossil fuel use are to thank for the rise in superstorms.

Hurricanes of the Future (05:41)

If the research on climate change is correct, more high intensity storms will strike, destroying more of the coast each time. The economic fallout of Hurricane Maria has ushered in a mass migration of people away from the Caribbean Islands.

Credits: Rise of the Superstorms (01:06)

Credits: Rise of the Superstorms