1. Quick Hurricane Facts For YOU!

2. What is a Hurricane? Intense low-pressure storms that have sustained winds of at LEAST 74mph – an organized system of intense thunderstorms High winds and intense, heavy rain The winds and heavy rain spin counter-clockwise around a central point called the “EYE” Conditions inside the eye are often calm and bright! They form in tropical waters, because they need to use warm water as fuel to survive! Hurricane season is typically from June-November Hurricane intensity is measured using the Saffir- Simpson Scale

6. What Causes All That Damage? Heavy winds, ranging from 74mph to greater than 200mph Heavy rains Inland Flooding STORM SURGE

7. Storm Surge!! A storm surge is a wall of water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the hurricane winds. It can combine with the normal tides and can increase the normal sea level by 15 feet! This means that a WALL of water comes in from the sea, causing severe inland flooding, major damage, and even deaths. Hurricane Storm Surge Video

8. What Causes Hurricanes to Weaken?? Moving over land – this deprives them of the warm water they need for fuel, and the “human” structures slow down the winds Moving over colder waters to the north