Severe Weather MYP 1

Thunderstorms AKA Electrical Storms because of their lightening. Warm temperatures, moisture, and rising air, which maybe supplied by a low pressure system. The cumulus cloud can grow into an almost 6 mile high thundercloud (cumulonimbus cloud) in 30 minutes. Has a 3 stage life cycle: Cumulous clouds form from updrafts and once form downdrafts occur. Mature stage has heavy winds, rain and lightening Within 30 minutes the thunderstorm begins to fade and dissipate

Thunderstorms Strong updrafts and downdrafts within a thunderstorm cause millions of ice crystals to rise and sink and crash into each other. Creates positively and negatively charged particles in the cloud The difference between the charge in the sky and in the ground cause lightening. Lightening can produce heat of 48,362 degrees Fahrenheit There are more lightening strikes in Florida than any state in the US. There are more injuries in Florida from lightening than all of the states combined.

Tornadoes A violent, whirling column of air in contact with the ground. Have a diameter of several hundred meters some wider than mile. Wind speeds can reach 250 mph Strong enough to send cars, trees, and even entire houses flying through the air. Usually last only a few minutes but some can last hours.

Tornadoes When thunderstorm updrafts begin to rotate tornadoes can form Swirling winds spiral downward from the thunderstorm’s base, creating a funnel cloud. When it touches the ground it becomes a tornado. The swirling air is invisible, but debris can easily be seen More tornadoes occur in the US than anywhere else on Earth. Central US from Nebraska to Texas has the most tornadoes and is known as Tornado Alley.

Tornadoes Florida experiences 60 % of its tornadoes from June to September. Most severe tornadoes occur from January to April because of the Jet Stream being present in the state. Florida tornadoes can take place any time day or night. The Fujita scale measures the amount of damage caused by the tornado

Hurricanes An intense tropical storm with winds exceeding 74 mph. Most destructive storms on Earth. Typically form in late summer over warm, tropical ocean water. Hurricane season begins June 1st and ends November 17th . Peak time in Florida is August to October. A typical hurricane is 300 miles in diameter which is 150 thousand times larger than a tornado. Center of the hurricane is the eye with clear skies and light wind.

Hurricanes As warm air rises, it cools, water vapor condenses, and clouds form. As more air rises it creates and area of Low pressure over the ocean. The air continues to rise and a tropical depression forms. Tropical depressions bring thunderstorms with winds between 23-38 mph. Air continues to rise and rotate counterclockwise. The storm builds into a tropical storm with winds of 39-74 mph and strong thunderstorms. When winds hit 75 mph they become a hurrincane. Only 1% of tropical storms become hurricanes

Hurricanes Damage occurs from strong winds, flooding, and storm surge. While the hurricane is over the ocean it creates high waves and pushes them to the shore line and can cause coastal flooding. Once hurricanes move over land or cold water, it loses energy and dissipates. Florida’s location leaves the state in a vulnerable position. Developing storms often steer toward the state. https://youtu.be/G5ZC4nWCRe0 https://youtu.be/0TGyssjcelc

Winter Storms Ice storms can down power lines and tree branches Blizzards are violent winter storms characterized by freezing temperatures, strong winds, and blowing snow. Freezing temperatures can cause frostbite and hypothermia. People can be trapped in their homes with no power and freezing temperatures.