1. Hurricanes

2. What is a hurricane?
Can be up to 1,000 miles wide and Usually lasts over a week
Gather heat and energy through contact with warm ocean waters
The center of the storm or the “eye” is the calmest part

3. How do hurricanes form?
Warm ocean water provides energy for the hurricane and causes more evaporation making humid air and clouds.
Winds coming together force air upward
Winds flow outward above the storm, allowing the air below to rise
Humid air rising makes the clouds of the storm
Light winds outside the hurricane steer it and let it grow

4. What is a storm surge? The most devastating element of a hurricane
Causes flooding along the coast
The water piles up, unable t escape anywhere but on land as the storm carries it landward

5. When does hurricane season start?
Atlantic Ocean- June 1 to November 30
Pacific Ocean- May 15 to November 30

6. Who names hurricanes?
World Meteorological Organization
Starting in 1979, men’s and Women’s names are alternated
If a hurricane does significant damage, its name is retired and replaced with another

7. What is the difference between a hurricane and a typhoon?
Hurricanes – found in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico an Eastern Pacific Ocean
Typhoons- Found in the Western Pacific Ocean

8. What is a tropical storm watch?
Tropical storm conditions with sustained winds from mph are possible in your area within the next 36 hours

9. What is a tropical storm warning?
Tropical storm conditions are expected in your area within the next 24 hours

10. What is a hurricane watch?
Hurricane conditions with sustained winds of 74 mph or greater are possible in your area within the next 36 hours

11. What is a hurricane warning?
Hurricane conditions are expected in your area within 24 hours

12. What are the stages of a hurricane?
Tropical Wave
Tropical Disturbance
Tropical Cyclone
Tropical depression
Tropical storm
Hurricane

13. What is the name of the scale used to measure hurricanes?
Saffir-simpson Hurricane scale