Storms in the watch areas may contain wind gusts up to 70 mph, hail up to 2 inches in diameter and the potential for a tornado or two in the strongest storms, the National Weather Service said. - 45 million people affected, public urged to make preparations.
Last couple of decades, the big killer was earthquakes.
Storms did well in the 1990's and the 2000's. Extreme temperatures have started killing more people in recent decades, and can probably be expected to do better in future.
About the only kind of storm that is big enough to kill a lot of people is a tropical cyclone, and they aren't that common. If they hit the right area they can do very well, and anthropogenic global warming means that the biggest ones are going to be bigger than they used to be. even if they aren't expected to become any more frequent.
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Ask the community — no account required