superstorm

American  

[soo-per-stawrm] / ˈsu pərˌstɔrm /

noun

1. a very severe and widespread storm characterized by record-setting meteorological events and large-scale destruction.

   The superstorm brought a 15-foot storm surge to the harbor.

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superstorm British  

/ ˈsuːpəˌstɔːm /

noun

1. an extremely powerful storm that causes widespread devastation

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Etymology

Origin of superstorm

1955–60; super (adj.) + storm

Example Sentences

A geomagnetic superstorm is one of the most extreme forms of space weather, created when the Sun sends enormous bursts of energy and charged particles toward Earth.

From Science Daily • Nov. 23, 2025

The so-called “bomb cyclone” is a previously-rare superstorm that often occurs during winter after a rapid deepening in low pressure within a specific area.

From Salon • Nov. 20, 2024

The chances of a once-in-a-century superstorm, such as the Carrington Event in 1859, also slightly increase during solar maximum, Fang said.

From Scientific American • Jul. 4, 2023

The coming superstorm — really, a rapid procession of what scientists call atmospheric rivers — will be the ultimate test of the dams, levees and bypasses California has built to impound nature’s might.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 13, 2022

The arrival of a superstorm that, with biblical specificity, is expected to last 40 days, forces Finch and his pals into a solar-powered R.V., destination San Francisco.

From New York Times • Nov. 4, 2021