Eduardo Ramirez, Ryan Harris, William Luna, Brian Luna Hurricanes Eduardo Ramirez, Ryan Harris, William Luna, Brian Luna

What are hurricanes? Hurricanes are giant, spiraling tropical storms that can pack wind speeds of over 160 miles to 57 kilometers an hour and unleash more than 2.4 trillion gallons of rain a day. Hurricanes begin as tropical disturbances in warm ocean waters with surface temperatures of at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

How hurricanes form The warm, moist air over the ocean rises upward from near the surface. Because this air moves up and away from the surface, there is less air left near the surface. Another way to say the same thing is that the warm air rises, causing an area of lower air pressure below. Air from surrounding areas with higher air pressure pushes in to the low pressure area. Then that "new" air becomes warm and moist and rises, too. As the warm air continues to rise, the surrounding air swirls in to take its place. As the warmed, moist air rises and cools off, the water in the air forms clouds. The whole system of clouds and wind spins and grows, fed by the ocean's heat and water evaporating from the surface.

Why should we be cautious? The contrast with the failed preparation of a hurricane can strike shortly after and could leave thousands in danger. If both federal and state governments fail to prepare supplies as the storm barrels in, there is little pressure on local residents to evacuate, and emergency responders could take days to get to the scene after the storm to rescue the tens of thousands stranded in the city.

Would you want to be in this situation?

What are the results for the country, and the people? Depending on how bad the hurricane is, it can create major problems. The maximum effects of a hurricane are usually felt within the right-front quadrant. Here the winds are usually the strongest, storm surge is highest, and the possibility of tornadoes is greatest. It is important to know whether or not your area will be affected by the right-front quadrant. It could mean the difference between maximum hurricane conditions or a glancing blow. It would depend what category hurricane it is, for the most part, but hurricanes with a category 1 or higher are strong enough to do property damage or create injuries or deaths. In most cases, the flooding caused by torrential rains and storm surges are the most dangerous part of the storm.

Hurricane Preparation You need to always have plenty of water because the water sources may be shut off. You also need to have can goods to last you for two weeks. Be sure that you have a hand-held can opener. A battery-operated radio, batteries of all sizes, flashlights, and a first-aid kit are necessities also.

Fun fact The term “hurricane” has its origin in the religions of past civilizations. The Mayan storm god was named Hunraken and a god considered evil by the Taino people of the Caribbean was called Huracan. Hurricanes may not be considered evil but they are one of nature's most powerful storms. Their potential for loss of life and destruction of property is tremendous.

Hurricane Katrina Early in the morning on August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast of the United States. When the storm made landfall, it had a Category 3 rating on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, it brought sustained winds of 100–140 miles per hour and stretched some 400 miles across. The storm itself did a great deal of damage, but its aftermath was catastrophic.

Hurricane Katrina was the largest and 3rd strongest hurricane ever recorded to make landfall in the US. The final death toll was at 1,836, primarily from Louisiana (1,577) and Mississippi (238). More than half of these victims were senior citizens. The storm surge from Katrina was 20-ft (six meters) high. 705 people are reported as still missing as a result of Hurricane Katrina.

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/news/katrina-formation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooGsvj5SeHE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbJaMWw4-2Q

Before and After