As of 9.45pm (Monday New Zealand time) hurricane Gustav is a category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 115mph, touching down on the coast of Louisiana.
For more information on the the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale click here.
The US National Hurricane Center is monitoring Gustav and follow-up storm Hanna with weather maps and regularly updated weather information.
The Pew Center’s hurricanes and climate change FAQ,
Gustav as a portent of wilder weather – speculation rages, no clear answers
AP: Global warming’s toasty water connection to Gustav
The Guardian: Hurricane Gustav: Fuzzy science confounds predictions
The Times: Gustav whipped up by deep waters of the Loop – and more hurricanes on the way
The Independent: A savage force of nature – and mounting evidence they are becoming more violent
To speak to an expert on climate science or extreme weather contact the Science Media Centre on 04 499 5476 or smc@sciencemediacentre.co.nz