Science & Health

Are Hurricanes Getting Worse?

By Rebecca Hersher,

Published September 12, 2018 at 11:11 AM CDT

A satellite image from Monday shows Hurricane Florence as it travels west and gains strength in the Atlantic Ocean. Hurricanes Isaac and Helene have also formed off the coast of West Africa.

Whenever a hurricane is on the way, the same questions tend to resurface. Are storms really becoming stronger and more frequent? And is climate change playing a role? NPR's Rebecca Hersher explains.

Science & Health

Rebecca Hersher

Rebecca Hersher (she/her) is a reporter on NPR's Science Desk, where she reports on outbreaks, natural disasters, and environmental and health research. Since coming to NPR in 2011, she has covered the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, embedded with the Afghan army after the American combat mission ended, and reported on floods and hurricanes in the U.S. She's also reported on research about puppies. Before her work on the Science Desk, she was a producer for NPR's Weekend All Things Considered in Los Angeles.

See stories by Rebecca Hersher

Merrit Kennedy

Merrit Kennedy is a reporter for NPR's News Desk. She covers a broad range of issues, from the latest developments out of the Middle East to science research news.

See stories by Merrit Kennedy