False Claims of “Engineered” Hurricanes Spread on Social Media Despite Lack of Evidence

Misinformation about Hurricanes Milton and Helene has surged online, fueled by social media platforms that prioritize engagement over accuracy. False rumors range from questioning forecasts and rescue efforts to conspiracy theories, including the claim that the hurricanes were “geo-engineered.”

President Joe Biden called the theories “beyond ridiculous” after Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene suggested that the government could control the weather. Meteorologists, including Jill Trepanier from Louisiana State University, emphasize that hurricanes are natural weather phenomena driven by specific conditions, including warm ocean waters and atmospheric circulation patterns.

Similarly, Suzana Camargo from Columbia University stated that no technology or current knowledge exists to control or modify storms on the scale of hurricanes.

While climate change has contributed to stronger storms, the idea of artificially creating hurricanes remains baseless.

Much of the viral misinformation comes from X (formerly Twitter), where users with blue checkmarks—now available for purchase—gain prominence in the algorithm and can profit from high engagement, regardless of the content’s truth. This system, introduced by Elon Musk, has enabled conspiracy-driven accounts to reach wider audiences. Unlike platforms like YouTube and Instagram, X lacks strong misinformation guidelines and removed its previous feature for reporting false content.

Social media influencers, like “Wild Mother,” who promote conspiracy theories, claim their ideas are gaining traction. They highlight how their comments are now filled with support rather than skepticism. However, experts warn that this misinformation can damage public trust in authorities, particularly during natural disasters. The Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) reported that fewer than 36 false posts about the hurricanes amassed over 160 million views on X, with many posts promoting politically charged narratives tied to Donald Trump and targeting aid workers and migrants.

This wave of misinformation poses real risks, from hindering recovery efforts to fueling political distrust ahead of the U.S. presidential election.