How Researchers Use the ‘Wall of Wind’ to Test the Strength of Buildings Against Hurricanes
KPRC-NBC Houston came to the NHERI Wall of Wind to learn more about the hurricane and downburst research. Houston was hit with a severe and damaging derecho in May 2024. (Read More)
What is a downburst? These winds can be as destructive as tornadoes − we recreate them to test building designs
Researchers at the NHERI Wall of Wind are doing research to understand how a downburst can be so destructive and what cities and building designers can do about it. (Read More)
CBS4 Miami – FIU Wall of Wind Challenge
CBS4 Meteorologist Dave Warren was a judge at the 2025 Wall of Wind Challenge and then interviewed FIU Wall of Wind Alum Dr. Ziad Azzi during a live report. (Watch Video)
FIU hosts national leaders in Miami to showcase research and innovation
FIU hosted more than 50 business and education leaders, government officials and congressional staff members recently as part of the university’s third-annual in-person showcase of its cutting-edge technologies and innovation, including the Wall…
Florida Film Premier, Built to Last: Buyer Beware, Free Event, Thursday, March 27, 5pm – 7pm
Come join us for a special film premier documentary event of Built to Last: Buyer Beware, March 27th, 5-7pm, Ocean Bank Auditorium (CBC-155), FIU College of Business, FIU Main Campus. Register for parking:…
Hurricane-proof skyscrapers vulnerable to less powerful windstorms, study finds
FIU Wall of Wind researchers have found that skyscrapers built to withstand major hurricanes fare much more poorly in less powerful windstorms known as derechos. (Read More)
Hands-On Discovery and Panther Spirit Shine at FIU’s STEAM-Weather Day
Hundreds of local elementary and middle school students gathered at FIU’s Ocean Bank Convocation Center for STEAM-Weather Day, exploring science, technology, engineering, arts, and math through interactive, hands-on activities and demonstrations. (Read More)
Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Rate Reductions for Miami-Dade County, Auto Insurance Reductions Statewide, and 11 New Companies Entering Florida’s Market
Standing in front of the FIU Wall of Wind, Governor Ron DeSantis provided an update on Florida’s insurance market, highlighting significant progress in stabilizing rates, expanding consumer protections, and fostering a competitive environment.
New FIU-led coastal and inland flood loss model certified by Florida in 2024
The Florida Public Flood Loss Model has been certified by the Florida Commission on Hurricane Loss Projection Methodology, meaning the model has met rigorous standards and is considered reliable. It analyzes both coastal…
Miami’s ‘Wall of Wind’ Simulates Major Hurricanes
The NSF-NHERI Wall of Wind at Florida International University in Miami can simulate hurricanes winds up to about 157 mph. (Read More)
Designing the World’s Largest Wind-Wave Research Facility
The planned NICHE multi-hazard laboratory will be focused on the study of extreme wind, waves, and surge on civil infrastructure, the natural environment, and communities affected by natural hazards. (Read More)
Wall of Wind – NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast
At the U.S. National Science Foundation Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure Wall of Wind Experimental Facility, researchers seek to better understand wind effects on civil infrastructure systems and to prevent wind hazards from…
Unique WOW Experiments – Part 3
In our final episode with FIU meteorologist Erik Salna, we learn about the Wall of Wind Challenge, an annual event for high school students. NHERI researchers provide a specific wind mitigation challenge. Student…
Full scope of Beryl’s damage yet to be assessed while many still without power
Beryl left a trail of destruction from Texas to Vermont, marking the latest “billion dollar” weather and climate disaster to impact the U.S. The increasing cost of extreme weather events has authorities looking…
Unique WOW Experiments – Part 2
FIU-based meteorologist and educator Erik Salna relates some unusual but important WOW experiments to test the effects of wind loading on civil infrastructure such as construction cranes and electrical power towers. One unique…