The term 'DISASTER' is an 8-letter word that can be used to describe a hurricane or tornado, both of which are often destructive and cause significant damage. Hurricanes are large storms with strong winds and heavy rains that form over warm ocean waters and move toward land. Tornadoes are powerful rotating columns of air that form from thunderstorms and can cause extensive destruction in a short amount of time. Both disasters can cause loss of life and property, and can have long-lasting effects on the affected areas.