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Storm over Panama City Beach
Storm over Panama City Beach A storm's dark clouds appear over Panama City Beach, Florida, U.S.

storm

meteorology
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News •

‘Getting Heavier’: Climate Change Primes Storms to Drop More Rain • Apr. 8, 2025, 9:41 AM ET (New York Times)
Rivers in Central U.S. Swell Rapidly as Storm Inundates Region • Apr. 7, 2025, 5:53 AM ET (New York Times)
A dangerous storm is sweeping the nation with severe weather risk • Mar. 30, 2025, 5:50 AM ET (USA Today)

storm, violent atmospheric disturbance, characterized by low barometric pressure, cloud cover, precipitation, strong winds, and possibly lightning and thunder.

Storm is a generic term, popularly used to describe a large variety of atmospheric disturbances, ranging from ordinary rain showers and snowstorms to thunderstorms, wind and wind-related disturbances, such as gales, tornadoes, tropical cyclones, and sandstorms.

In meteorological terminology storm is restricted to a cyclone with a strong low pressure centre, strong winds, ranging from 103–117 kilometres per hour (64–73 miles per hour), accompanied by heavy precipitation, and at times, lightning and thunder. For specific types of storms, see thunderstorm; tornado; tropical cyclone.

Umbrella colored like a rainbow sticking out above a sea of black umbrellas while it rains. (storm, weather)
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This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.