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…
Department of Commerce funds South Florida ClimateReady Tech Hub 07/02/2024
U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo was in Miami to announce $19 million in funding for the Tech Hubs program. $10 million will go to FIU for several…
Introducing the Wall of Wind – Part 1
Meteorologist and educator Erik Salna provides nitty-gritty details on the gigantic, NSF-funded wind research lab called the Wall of Wind, or WOW. Located at Florida International University in Miami, the WOW facility is…
FIU, Wall of Wind, Bring Wind Engineering into Florida Classrooms
Annual NSF-funded summer programs train STEM teachers in engineering. (Read More)
2024 Wall of Wind Mitigation Challenge: High School Teams Design, Test Protective Wind Barriers
Exciting competition at Florida International University inspires future wind engineers, connects them with local practitioners. (Read More)
CBS4 Miami: Museum of Discovery and Science’s “Eye of the Storm” teaches guests everything about hurricanes
The FIU Eye of the Storm at MODS in Fort Lauderdale on June 1st was a huge success! We thank the Florida Division of Emergency Management for their support! (Video)