Weather Patterns Storms Chapter 3 Section 2

Storm A violent disturbance in the atmosphere

El Nino Warmer than normal water in the eastern Pacific Ocean

Thunderstorms Cumulonimbus Clouds –(a.k.a. Thunderheads) Warm, moist air rising rapidly

Lightning Static electric discharge –Cloud-cloud –Cloud-ground 30,000 o C –Hotter than the surface of the sun

Thunder The shock wave created by the rapidly expanding air

Thunderstorm Safety Avoid touching metal objects because they can conduct electricity from lightning into your body. If struck… –Unconsciousness –Serious burns –Heart failure

Tornado Rapidly whirling, funnel shaped cloud that reaches down from a storm cloud to touch Earth’s surface Speeds up to 300 mph

Tornadoes Forming Develop in low, heavy cumulonimbus clouds Spring & early summer Great Plains 800+ per year in U.S. Hide in the basement

Tornado Alley

Hurricane A “tropical disturbance” that forms over warm water as a low pressure area Winds of 75 mph or faster Most common in U.S. –August, September, & October

Typhoons A hurricane in the Pacific or Indian oceans

Eye of the Hurricane Little wind Clear skies

Storm Surge When the hurricane comes onshore it brings a “dome” of water that is up to 6 meters higher than normal Structural damage Flooding

Evacuate If you hear a hurricane warning and are told to evacuate, leave the area immediately

Winter Storms Snow falls when humid air cools below 0 o C

Lake-Effect Snow Cold dry air moves over large bodies of water