You may already know that hurricanes are major tropical
storms that can cause devastating waves, wind, and rain.
They happen during “Hurricane Season,” which is from
June 1
st
until November 30
th
in the Atlantic Ocean and
from May 15
th
until November 30
th
in the Pacific Ocean. A
hurricane that forms in the Atlantic Ocean begins as
tropical disturbance. This is a large area of windy
thunderstorms that forms over the warm ocean, near the
equator. When the storms grow larger, rains and wind
pick up, and the “disturbance” can develop into a full-
fledged hurricane.
Stages of a Hurricane: Simple Storms Grow Into Giants
A storm progresses through four different stages before it is actually considered a hurricane. First is a
tropical disturbance, which has thunderstorms and rotating winds, or what scientists call cyclonic
circulation. Next is a tropical depression, which is similar to a tropical disturbance, but has winds between
23 and 39 miles per hour. A tropical storm is the next level, which has stronger wind speeds between 40
and 73 miles per hour. Once winds reach 74 miles per hour, the storm is officially classified as a hurricane.
The winds pick up energy from the warm surface ocean water.
Hurricanes rotate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern
Hemisphere. Hurricanes can vary in size and can grow to have a diameter of up to 600 miles, which is
longer than the entire state of Florida!
As a hurricane crosses over land, it begins to dissipate, or break apart and reduce in strength. This is
because it is no longer over the warm ocean water that it needs for energy. At this point, a hurricane can
still cause a lot of damage because of high winds, rain, and flooding, but unless it makes its way back
over the open ocean, it is downgraded from a hurricane back to a tropical storm.
Hurricane Dangers
When a hurricane makes landfall, it can be very dangerous along
coastlines because of a storm surge, where ocean waters rush onto land.
When this is combined with heavy rainfall, there can be devastating
floods.
The center of a hurricane is called the eye. While most of a hurricane
contains dangerously strong winds, the eye is actually a calm area in the
storm. When the eye of a hurricane passes over land, people might think
that it’s over, but before long the wind and rain increase again as the
second part of the hurricane moves through.
Furious Hurricanes
Predicting Hurricanes and Protecting People!
What's the difference between a hurricane
watch
and a hurricane
warning
? During a hurricane watch, there is the possibility that a
hurricane will make landfall within 36 hours, and people are advised
to prepare for a possible storm ahead. When a hurricane warning
is issued, a hurricane is definitely on the way, and will make landfall
within 24 hours.
The National Hurricane Center, located in Miami, Florida issues
watches and warnings before hurricanes approach the coastline. They use computers with satellite
images to figure out where and when a hurricane will come on shore. Sometimes, if a hurricane is strong
enough, officials may require citizens to evacuate, or leave their homes, and travel to a safer place.
Can you imagine flying a plane through a hurricane? If you're a hurricane hunter, it's your job! Hurricane
Hunters, who work for the Air Force Reserve, fly airplanes called WC-130's on weather missions to help the
National Hurricane Center make predictions about hurricanes, and gives them the information needed to
issue accurate warnings. Pilots determine how fast the winds are blowing, how big the hurricane is, and
which direction it's moving. This helps people to be better prepared for hurricanes as they approach
shore.
Categories of Hurricanes
There are five categories of hurricanes, which are based on wind speeds. The categories help to make
people aware of how much damage a hurricane may cause because the greater the wind speed, the
more dangerous the storm.
Category 1 – Winds 74 – 95 mph
Winds snap branches, uproot trees, and overturn mobile homes that aren't secured to the ground.
Category 2 – Winds 96 -110 mph
Winds are strong enough to destroy weak doors and windows, and create 8-foot ocean waves.
Category 3 – Winds 111 - 130 mph
Intense winds cause major flooding near the coast, which can destroy homes and businesses.
Category 4 – Winds 131 - 155 mph
Winds are strong enough to destroy some buildings. Causes heavy damages to building roofs.
Category 5 – Winds greater than 155 mph
Buildings along the shorelines are washed away. Buildings can be completely destroyed.
Wild, Wicked Hurricanes
Hurricane Safety Tips
There is no way to stop a hurricane or make it change direction,
so if you ever find yourself in the path of a hurricane, be sure to
be follow any emergency procedures that your community has
in place. Here are some other hurricane safety tips.
•
Be sure you have a battery-powered radio, batteries,
fresh drinking water, and a supply of food. Also, if anyone in your family needs special medication,
be sure you have a full supply.
•
Tell neighbors, friends, and family members your emergency plans. Tell them where you'll go if you
need to leave your home.
•
If you live near the ocean, in low-lying area, or in a mobile home, leave your home and travel
inland to a safe place. You could stay with a friend or family member, in an inland hotel/motel, or
in an emergency shelter area.
•
Keep listening to the radio if a hurricane is approaching. If local authorities instruct you to
evacuate, do it immediately.
•
Before a hurricane arrives, be sure your family's car is filled with fuel. If the electricity goes out, the
fuel pumps at gas stations will not work.
•
Stay inside during the storm. You could be seriously injured if you go outside.
But what about my pets?
We should always take good care of our pets and keep them indoors during a storm. If you have
to evacuate your home, remember that pets are not allowed in most emergency shelters and
hotel rooms. If you leave a pet behind, be sure you set out plenty of food and water for them.
Also, be sure they're wearing a collar with your family's name and phone number on it.
The Five Worst Hurricanes in U.S. History
Hurricane
Year
State(s) Hit
Category
Death Toll
5.
Sea Islands
1893
South Carolina, Georgia
3
1,000
4.
Cheniere Caminanda
1893
Louisiana
4
1100
3.
Hurricane Katrina
2005
Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Alabama
3
1,833
2.
Lake Okeechobee Hurricane
1928
Florida
4
2,500
1.
Great Galveston Hurricane
1900
Texas
4
8,000
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