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We humans like to think that we're in charge of the planet we live on. Without being able to collectively decide how it should be done, we're at the controls. But are we in control?

The scientific community is, in fact, converging on the idea that we have entered a new phase of Earth's history — one in which our activity has become a powerful agent of geological change, equal to the other great forces of nature that build mountains and shape continents and species. The proposed name for this emerging period is the "Anthropocene" or the age of humanity.

But nature doesn't care about that. It's not conceding anything and reminds us about its power whenever it has the chance. From droughts and wildfires to earthquakes and floods, it has plenty of tools to do so as well.

So we at Bored Panda decided to put together a list of pictures, showing just how chaotic our surroundings can get. Continue scrolling to check them out and upvote the most memorable ones!

To learn more about the weather, we contacted Bob McDavitt, a weather guru who uses //etBoB to provide weather information for cruising sailors, primarily for those in the South Pacific.

McDavitt was born in Marton, New Zealand, and was schooled in Wellington. He graduated with B.Sc (hons) degrees in Maths and Computer Science from Victoria University, and has been a meteorologist since 1975.

For twenty years, McDavitt was the MetService Weather Ambassador, and focused on promoting friendly relations with weather users. This involved communicating awareness about any incoming nasty weather, keeping an eye on the impact of the weather on the coming season and any special events, and arranging MetService promotions, displays, and exhibitions.

#3

This Tree Was Struck By Lightning 3 Hours Ago

This Tree Was Struck By Lightning 3 Hours Ago

zuki500 Report

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Antz Online
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The portal to the **upside down, "stranger things". Edit, thanks for the correction

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#5

Cedar Tree Explosion

Cedar Tree Explosion

A storm blew through central Kansas this evening and exploded this cedar tree near my house. Someone speculated it was a microburst. I just thought it was neat.

iamyourmomletmefeedyou Report

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"The meteorological way of making a weather prediction is based on the scientific method," McDavitt told Bored Panda.

"1) Data is gathered to measure what is happening now; 2) This data is turned into a grid of numbers; 3) Computer programs that mimic known physics extrapolate these numbers into a future state/time; 4)These numbers are then converted into text and graphics to send off to users who are warned when defined thresholds are exceeded," the weather guru explained.

#6

My Friend Was Flying Out Of Phoenix Last Night. He Just Missed The Dust Storm

My Friend Was Flying Out Of Phoenix Last Night. He Just Missed The Dust Storm

suburbanite Report

#7

This Is The Road I'm Supposed To Drive On My Final Driving Test This Morning. Fog My Life

This Is The Road I'm Supposed To Drive On My Final Driving Test This Morning. Fog My Life

lovely_carrot Report

#8

My Sister Rented A Flat Here In North Of Iceland For Christmas. This Is Her View

My Sister Rented A Flat Here In North Of Iceland For Christmas. This Is Her View

maggipedia Report

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Bubs623
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would be having a massive panic attack from feeling claustrophobic. Seriously- that photo makes my heart race. *shivers*

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It is said that a five-day forecast can accurately predict the weather approximately 90 percent of the time, a seven-day forecast is right about 80 percent of the time, and a 10-day—or longer—forecast will live up to its words only about half the time.

Models have to use estimates and assumptions to predict the weather. But the atmosphere is constantly changing and those estimates are less reliable the further you get into the future.

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"Weather is a mix of pattern and chaos," McDavitt pointed out. "We can only follow the pattern and attempt to work out the bounds of the chaos."

#10

Over 4 Meters (13 Ft.) Of Snow At Riksgränsen Skii Resort In Northen Sweden

Over 4 Meters (13 Ft.) Of Snow At Riksgränsen Skii Resort In Northen Sweden

Riksgränsen Report

#11

The Sky In Murcia, Spain, Turned Orange Because Of Dust From The Sahara

The Sky In Murcia, Spain, Turned Orange Because Of Dust From The Sahara

Nightrach Report

#12

When It's Your Stop And The Doors Open To This

When It's Your Stop And The Doors Open To This

9999monkeys Report

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Alex Travous
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've post holed for a whole mile before. Definitely would just stay on the train at this point.

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#14

Welcome To Narnia: Two Days Of Gale Force Winds Along Lake Erie Have Iced Over Many Of The Homes Along The Beach In Hamburg, NY

Welcome To Narnia: Two Days Of Gale Force Winds Along Lake Erie Have Iced Over Many Of The Homes Along The Beach In Hamburg, NY

john_kucko Report

#15

Dedication On Display For Buffalo Bills Fans

Dedication On Display For Buffalo Bills Fans

TooShiftyForYou Report

#16

What Happens In Southern Utah After A Wind Storm

What Happens In Southern Utah After A Wind Storm

funnybunnyhunny Report

#18

Went To Go See The Golden Gate Bridge

Went To Go See The Golden Gate Bridge

thebeardedteach Report

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E Menendez
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is pretty common. I lived there for almost 13 years and I can tell you the fog doesn't burn off. And even if you are visiting in summer, bring layers because it gets cold. Can always tell the summer tourists - shorts with a SF novelty sweatshirt because they didn't bring the right clothes. And don't ever expect to go swimming without a wetsuit because it is so cold.

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#19

Lightning Strikes A Golf Practice Green In Iowa

Lightning Strikes A Golf Practice Green In Iowa

Tuff_spuff Report

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Apatheist 62
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The golfer's joke is that if you're ever out in a thunderstorm, hold up a one iron. Even god can't hit a one iron.

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#20

Took This Pic When The Sandstorm Was About To Hit

Took This Pic When The Sandstorm Was About To Hit

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#21

Tree In My Town Burning From A Lightning Strike

Tree In My Town Burning From A Lightning Strike

Thunderbolt505T Report

#22

Thickness Of Ice On My Windshield In Romania

Thickness Of Ice On My Windshield In Romania

AndrewwwG Report

#23

Damaging Winds And Severe Storms Just Blew Through Indiana. Patio Table Stuck Into A Wall

Damaging Winds And Severe Storms Just Blew Through Indiana. Patio Table Stuck Into A Wall

austin9269 Report

#24

Found This In My Yard After Strong Winds. I Guess You Would Call It A Tumble Weave?

Found This In My Yard After Strong Winds. I Guess You Would Call It A Tumble Weave?

wicklifferocks Report

#25

This Is What Happens In My Hometown When You Don't Leave The Faucet Trickling In The Winter. Pipes Bursting In Watertown, NY

This Is What Happens In My Hometown When You Don't Leave The Faucet Trickling In The Winter. Pipes Bursting In Watertown, NY

mynameisadrean Report

#26

Tornado-Driven Branch Impales My House Directly Above My Kid’s Bed

Tornado-Driven Branch Impales My House Directly Above My Kid’s Bed

Endarius Report

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Hippopotamuses
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don’t know whether child was in bed, but if so a Very luck escape

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McMouse Condolences UK pandas
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tornadoes can make pieces of straw imbed itself in telephone poles. I've seen images of that, and it's freaky as hell.

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Snakery Bakery
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a pine tree fall on my house during a hurricane and it looked very similar to this.

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Smilodon, a Bad Cat
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Was it the Minecraft poster or Zelda sword that gave it away? And given the close call, maybe a life needing reexamination?

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ohjojo (you/your's)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank goodness your child was out flying and eating bugs when there's occurred

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Sean Sean
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your kid sleeps in a tote? Strange when there's a perfectly good bed.

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O.M.Miki
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that's actually terrifying. like a donnie darko situation

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John Hackley
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd remove that ceiling fan long before I'd remove that branch. Spectacular.

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SCamp
Community Member
1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Didn’t position the bed there post-penetration did you? 🤔

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#27

It's Been So Cold, I Snapped My Welcome Mat

It's Been So Cold, I Snapped My Welcome Mat

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#28

I Guess I'm Not Driving Anywhere Today

I Guess I'm Not Driving Anywhere Today

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#29

This Photo Was Taken At 9 AM On August 17, 2018, In Prince George, British Columbia. The Smoke From The Wildfires Is So Thick It's Blocking Out The Sun

This Photo Was Taken At 9 AM On August 17, 2018, In Prince George, British Columbia. The Smoke From The Wildfires Is So Thick It's Blocking Out The Sun

TheCanadianGuy08 Report

#30

Lightning Blew Up My Mailbox Last Night, Of All The Things

Lightning Blew Up My Mailbox Last Night, Of All The Things

bytorthesnowdog Report

#31

My Trip To Mount Rushmore Last Year

My Trip To Mount Rushmore Last Year

parkourgamer Report

#32

This Tree Fell And Pulled The Whole Lawn Up With It

This Tree Fell And Pulled The Whole Lawn Up With It

eroback Report

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Raye West
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You just KNOW all those bugs are like, "...... well, guess we walk gingerly on down now"

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#34

After Flood, Fire And Rescue Departments Going Door To Door To Check The Safety Of Structures

After Flood, Fire And Rescue Departments Going Door To Door To Check The Safety Of Structures

jemillerbalt Report

#35

I Hate Freezing Rain

I Hate Freezing Rain

DoMi8910 Report

#36

Record-Breaking Snowfall From Canadian Blizzard. 30 Inches Fell On Friday Alone

Record-Breaking Snowfall From Canadian Blizzard. 30 Inches Fell On Friday Alone

Davidcfmo Report

#38

Our Beloved Hotdog Stand Got Damaged During Hurricane Irma

Our Beloved Hotdog Stand Got Damaged During Hurricane Irma

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#39

This Poor Lambo I Towed In Calgary Ab After Hail And Flooding

This Poor Lambo I Towed In Calgary Ab After Hail And Flooding

Arsenicrenegade Report

#40

Iowa Corn Flattened By 100mph Winds

Iowa Corn Flattened By 100mph Winds

Gambler_001 Report

#41

Got A Call Earlier That A Tree Fell On My House

Got A Call Earlier That A Tree Fell On My House

bven Report

#42

The Roof In My Apartment Collapsed Due To Rain, But The Latex Paint Caught The Drywall

The Roof In My Apartment Collapsed Due To Rain, But The Latex Paint Caught The Drywall

CadeVision Report

#43

I (Left) Was Excited To See The Tip Of Africa From Gibraltar But... Fog. Still The Closest I’ve Ever Been

I (Left) Was Excited To See The Tip Of Africa From Gibraltar But... Fog. Still The Closest I’ve Ever Been

WhatAJSaid Report

#44

Algeria, Les Fusillés Metro Station This Evening. After The Torrential Rains

Algeria, Les Fusillés Metro Station This Evening. After The Torrential Rains

khaleddrareni Report

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ZombieSushi386
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The dude in the bottom pic cracks me up. Surrounded by water and he's still playing on his phone like nothing happened

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#45

Not As Bad As The Guy Who Traveled To See The Golden Gate Bridge, But This Is My Wife And I At The Highest Point On Skyline Drive, Overlooking The Majestic Shenandoah Valley

Not As Bad As The Guy Who Traveled To See The Golden Gate Bridge, But This Is My Wife And I At The Highest Point On Skyline Drive, Overlooking The Majestic Shenandoah Valley

anarchistchiken Report

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Robert Trebor
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I got the same view at Mt Rainier last fall. No sign of a mountain there. Mountain, what mountain?

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#46

There Was A Blizzard Last Night So We Decided To Check On Our Car

There Was A Blizzard Last Night So We Decided To Check On Our Car

justinmillerco Report

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SobyKay
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey car! You doing okay? Right blinker once for yes. Left for no.

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#47

Mother Nature Decided That This BMW Should Be A Convertible

Mother Nature Decided That This BMW Should Be A Convertible

Massive storm with high winds uprooted a bunch of trees yesterday.

Deej-OP Report

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Stephen Musial
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful cherry lumber that would have some amazing figuring if milled properly.

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#48

In Iceland - Restaurant Had A Broken Door During A Severe Snow Storm

In Iceland - Restaurant Had A Broken Door During A Severe Snow Storm

North West Hotel & Restaurant Report

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#49

When You Are Flooded, And Don't Wanna Get Electrocuted, But Hopeful

When You Are Flooded, And Don't Wanna Get Electrocuted, But Hopeful

OyVeyzMeir Report

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C C
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I swear, it doesn't matter where I live, all I know is that my next house will be built on stilts bc of flooding

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Note: this post originally had 129 images. It’s been shortened to the top 49 images based on user votes.