Severe Weather

Weather is the state of the atmosphere in a specific place and time There are many components that affect the weather 1. Temperature-How hot or cold the air is 2. Humidity-The amount of water that is in the atmosphere 3. Air Pressure-The amount of force pressing down on earth’s surface from the gases in the atmosphere 4. Wind-Air moving in a specific direction What is Weather?

An air mass is a large body of air that has similar properties to the part of Earth’s surface over which it develops What type of air mass would develop over Africa? What type of air mass would develop over Antarctica? A boundary between two air masses of different moisture or temperature is a front. Air Masses and Fronts

Severe Weather Weather that may cause property damage or loss of life Types of severe weather are: Thunderstorms Tornadoes Hurricanes Blizzards Floods Severe Weather

A heavy storm that is accompanied by rain, thunder, lightning and strong winds. To create a thunderstorm you need Moisture: cloud formation & rain Unstable air: relatively warm air rises rapidly Lifting: from sea breezes and mountain interaction Thunderstorms are measured based on their wind speeds. Thunderstorms

Important Terms for Thunderstorms A Severe Thunderstorm Watch can be issued by the National Weather Service station This type of storm has winds of at least 58 mph or hail at least ¾ inch in diameter A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when a severe thunderstorm has actually been observed Important Terms for Thunderstorms

Thunderstorm Safety Tips Go inside and stay away from windows, doors, and porches Stay away from trees and out of boats Avoid plumbing fixtures and contact with electrical fixtures Stay off the phone! Thunderstorm Safety Tips

A destructive rotating column of air with very high winds and a funnel shaped cloud in contact with the surface of the earth Tornadoes form when a thunderstorm meets horizontal winds which cause it to rotate. Tornadoes can come one at a time or in clusters They can also vary in size, length, width, direction of travel, and speed What is a Tornado?

How are Tornadoes Measured? Tornadoes are measured based on their wind speeds and by using the Enhanced Fujita Scale EF 0 65 to 85 MPH EF 1 86 to 110 MPH EF 2 111 to 135 MPH EF 3 136 to 165 MPH EF 4 166 to 200 MPH EF 5 Over 200 MPH How are Tornadoes Measured?

Important Terms for Tornadoes Tornado Watch: weather conditions are likely for tornadoes to form in our area Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted in our area Important Terms for Tornadoes

When and Where Do Tornadoes Occur? Tornadoes can occur in any state and any time of year They typically occur from March to August The most common tornadoes are in “Tornado Alley” “Tornado Alley” - Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas When and Where Do Tornadoes Occur?

Seek shelter immediately when a tornado warning is issued Underground shelter is best If not available, find an inside room, hallway, or closet on the lowest floor and away from windows Listen to the radio or watch TV for updates on the storm Tornado Safety Tips

A severe storm that develops over tropical oceans and whose winds are stronger that 120 km/hr that spiral in to an intense low pressure center Hurricanes begin when warm moist air over the ocean rises rapidly When moisture in this rising air condenses a large amount of heat is released The released heat increases the force of the rising air Hurricane

They form when they gather heat and energy through contact with warm ocean waters Water evaporates from the water and the moisture produces a storm They can also form when a wind pattern occurs near the surface of the ocean and spirals inward How Do Hurricanes Form?

Measuring Hurricanes Measured using the Safir-Simpson Scale 3 factors are considered Wind Speed Central Pressure Storm Surge Measuring Hurricanes

When and Where Do Hurricanes Occur? Hurricanes can occur during any time of the year Hurricane season is from June 1st to November 30th They can form in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern Pacific Ocean When and Where Do Hurricanes Occur?

Know if the location you are in is a safe zone or whether evacuation may be needed Protect windows and glass with plywood Turn off utilities Have a supply kit including first aid, water, canned goods, battery powered radio, blankets, etc. After evacuation, do not return until it has been declared safe Hurricane Safety Tips

Important Hurricane Terms A Hurricane Watch occurs when a hurricane is possible within 36 hours The storm is being tracked to predict where it may hit A Hurricane Warning is issued when it the storm is expected to hit within 24 hours Evacuation may be needed Important Hurricane Terms

http://www.youtube.com /watch?v=6p7OgtoFGgU Thunderstorm Video

Tornado Video http://www.youtube.com /watch?v=nlwnfXTx4F8 http://www.youtube.com /watch?v=jqRNZqRKVyo Tornado Video

http://www.youtube.com /watch?v=s76Qn7bpCsQ Hurricane Video