The flooding up here has gotten me thinking about the use of natural disasters in stories. Anyone else used a flood, tornado, hurricane, volcanic eruption, ect. as plot device, or even as the main antagonist?

Flipping through my stories, I found one what uses a natural disaster to move the story forward. Though... the eruption of the volcano is partially the fault of the birth of a dragon (but we won't blame him).

So, anyone else?

I have a couple of ideas involving bad storms, like hurricanes.

I like earthquakes. I try to put them in as often as possible.

*goes to start thread about storms*
(I haven't, by the way, but it's an interesting thought. )

I have a story where disturbing weather makes it very difficult for some people (well, like a whole army...) to get to where they need to go, but I suppose that's normal. I also have a seafaring book where a storm plays a rather important part, but I think that's normal too. * can't think of any not normal she has written about *

I tend to forget about weather beyond whether or not it's raining, and possibly how cold it is outside. It can be a very useful plot device. I used it once in last years Nano. No, twice, actually. A hurricane and a flood. I can't think of any other time I've played the natural disaster card, though.