Hurricanes!

A hurricane is a tropical storm that has winds of 119 kph (74 mph) or higher.• http://www.npr.org/news/specials/hurricane/ap/

• http://www.suu.edu/faculty/colberg/Hazards/Hurricanes_Noreasters/Hurricane_Anim_2.html

Hurricane Facts:

• definition- a tropical storm that has winds of 119 kph (74 mph) or higher

• Hurricane season is June 1-Nov.30.• size: several kilometers across• may last a week or more• A hurricane is called a tropical

cyclone in the Indian Ocean and a typhoon in the Sea of Japan.

How hurricanes form:• A hurricane forms over warm ocean

water as a low pressure area, or tropical depression.

• If it grows in size, due to warm moist air as “food,” it may become a tropical storm.

• Winds spiral as air moves into a low pressure area formed by the rising warm air.

measuring scale• Saffir-Simpson Scale- based on

maximum wind speed

• http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7533909.stm

hurricane safety:• hurricane watch- conditions are

possible for a hurricane to form• hurricane warning- hurricane

conditions are expected within 24 hours and people should evacuate ( leave the area immediately)