How Hurricanes Form
How Hurricanes Form
Hurricanes can be very powerful and violent storms. Hurricanes get their energy when the sun heats up the ocean water. When the wind blows across the warm ocean, the water evaporates and gets carried upward. As the wind continues, the storm starts to spin and move across the ocean. If the water stays warm there are no mountains or obstacles, the storm can grow. Once it hits land, it no longer has moisture or heat so it starts to weaken.
The wind speed tells you how strong a hurricane is, and stronger storms are much more dangerous! The Safire-Simpson Scale measures a hurricane’s strength. In 2005 Hurricane Wilma reached category five status, but was a category three when it hit the west coast of Florida. Wilma caused …show more content…
About 72 hours before landfall, there are higher ocean waves and a drop in barometric pressure.
Within 36 hours, people will see more warning signs they should watch for.
• Even larger ocean waves
• Falling barometric pressure
• Higher winds and rough seas
• More cloud cover
• Heavy rain and squalls
HURRICANE WARNING SYSTEMS (LOCAL & NATIONAL)
• TV news
• Hurricane watches or warnings
• Forecast cone and path
• Smart phone apps
DETAILED SAFETY PLAN:
HOW TO PREPARE YOURSELF AND STAY SAFE
Every family should have a hurricane plan so they know what to do if there is a hurricane. Each plan will be different, but should include important reminders.
• Prepare your home by putting away loose items around the house, turn your freezer to its coldest temperature and put supplies in your safe room.
• Make sure you have enough supplies, like flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies and medicine, plus food, water and cash.
• Decide if and when to evacuate.
• Put up hurricane shutters.
• Listen to TV news for updates.
• During a hurricane, stay in a safe room without windows on the lowest level of your house.
• After a hurricane, watch out for dangers like downed power lines and
Hurricanes can be very powerful and violent storms. Hurricanes get their energy when the sun heats up the ocean water. When the wind blows across the warm ocean, the water evaporates and gets carried upward. As the wind continues, the storm starts to spin and move across the ocean. If the water stays warm there are no mountains or obstacles, the storm can grow. Once it hits land, it no longer has moisture or heat so it starts to weaken.
The wind speed tells you how strong a hurricane is, and stronger storms are much more dangerous! The Safire-Simpson Scale measures a hurricane’s strength. In 2005 Hurricane Wilma reached category five status, but was a category three when it hit the west coast of Florida. Wilma caused …show more content…
About 72 hours before landfall, there are higher ocean waves and a drop in barometric pressure.
Within 36 hours, people will see more warning signs they should watch for.
• Even larger ocean waves
• Falling barometric pressure
• Higher winds and rough seas
• More cloud cover
• Heavy rain and squalls
HURRICANE WARNING SYSTEMS (LOCAL & NATIONAL)
• TV news
• Hurricane watches or warnings
• Forecast cone and path
• Smart phone apps
DETAILED SAFETY PLAN:
HOW TO PREPARE YOURSELF AND STAY SAFE
Every family should have a hurricane plan so they know what to do if there is a hurricane. Each plan will be different, but should include important reminders.
• Prepare your home by putting away loose items around the house, turn your freezer to its coldest temperature and put supplies in your safe room.
• Make sure you have enough supplies, like flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies and medicine, plus food, water and cash.
• Decide if and when to evacuate.
• Put up hurricane shutters.
• Listen to TV news for updates.
• During a hurricane, stay in a safe room without windows on the lowest level of your house.
• After a hurricane, watch out for dangers like downed power lines and