1. Tropical Storms: Hurricanes and Cyclones UNIT 10 STANDARDS: NCES 2.5.2, 2.5.3, 2.5.5, 2.6.1, 2.6.2, 2.6.4 LESSON 5

2. Lesson Objectives In this lesson, you will learn about: Identify where tropical storms form Describe the life cycle of a hurricane Recognize the dangers of hurricanes Explore the recent hurricanes in NC

4. Tropical Cyclones or Hurricanes Cyclones are the most violent type of storm on Earth. Large rotating low pressure storms that form over the tropics. The storm grows because of the tremendous amount of energy from the warm tropical air and waters. The warm air begins to rise and water vapor condenses. As more energy is released during the rain, the storm grows. The rising warm air causes low-pressure areas and pulls more warm air in. This produces a rotation of the air and they beginnings of the storm.

5. Where NC Hurricanes come from

6. Cyclonic Storms Formation Summer has the greatest amount of energy (heat) Form over warm waters Movement Move westward due to the Earth’s spin until they hit land

7. Stages of Development Tropical Disturbance Tropical Depression Tropical Storm Tropical Cyclone A traveling tropical low is the first stage. When the disturbance has formed a low-pressure system with circulating winds Winds in the center between 65-74 mph, pressure falls Winds in excess of 75 mph with the formation of an eye.

8. Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale Classifies on: Wind Speed Air pressure Property damage

9. Hurricane Parts The “Eye” is the most notable part, see below. Note the direction of the wind rotation.

10. Storm Surge (Animation) Storm Surge is when the hurricane winds force a mound of water toward land. As the water rushes over land, it causes localized flooding.

11. Hurricane Advisories The National Hurricane Center is responsible for tracking and forecasting the intensity and movement. They issue hurricane projections and local warnings to evacuate.

12. Famous Hurricanes Watch the following clips. Hurricane Fran Hurricane Sandy Hurricane Andrew Hurricane Katrina Top 10 Hurricanes Answer the following: What area of the US was impacted? What was the effect on NC? How would you relate the hurricane intensity when it made landfall and the destructive

13. Section Review 10.5.1 Identify the four main stages of a tropical cyclone. What two conditions must exists for a tropical cyclone to form. Suppose you live in an area where a Category 5 hurricane is projected to hit. What should you do and when? Your choice could mean life or death as seen in Hurricane Katirna.