dramatic

This word originates in the theatre where it describes the action of a performed a story (a piece of drama) that is full of emotion and action.

Over time, we have applied the word to events, situations and circumstances where emotions run high and actions or activities are fast and ever-changing.

Thus we are likely to hear of a dramatic change of events, a dramatic rescue, a dramatic tropical storm. All of these convey a similar combination of intensity in emotions, actions and responses.