Hurricane                                                                                           

            Hurricanes are a large powerful storm that begins out at sea. They bring heavy rain, deadly winds, and incredibly high waves that can reach up to 40 feet. Thousands of years ago people thought that hurricanes were actually “bad tempered Gods” who created a powerful storm. People now know that hurricanes are a caused of different weather masses coming into contact.

Hurricanes form when hot air rises in the sky. In a low pressure area, weather is generally cloudy and winds typically strong. Hurricanes can only begin at sea. They are usually born over  tropical seas. One of the fuels that start a hurricane is moist air, and the other is heat. Hurricanes are pushed by large air currents and weather fronts.  Hurricanes need two “fuels” to start them and keep them going.

            Hurricanes are very destructive storms causing millions of dollars worth of damage in coastal areas every year. Most hurricanes can cause a lot of damage but “die” out when they are over large masses of land. The force of hurricane can rip up trees, cause floods, and destroy homes and buildings. Hurricanes have the destructive force to not only damage large areas, but kill people too.

            Hurricane wind speed can vary and are classified into type categories depending on the wind.

Storm Classification is based on the Saffir-Simpson Scale:

 Not all hurricanes become deadly storms. Some hurricanes die out in sea once they reach colder waters, the “enemy of the hurricane”. All hurricanes are given human names. Every year new names are chosen and are selected in alphabetical order

http://www.wildwildweather.com/hurricane_names.htm (CITE THIS PAGE ON LINKS AND BIBLIOGRAPHY)

Here is a list of Atlantic Ocean hurricane names for the years 2001-2004.  Is your name on there?        

            Every hurricane has a developed eye. This is the middle of the hurricane. Near the center of the Hurricane there is a spot where the winds are calm. Inside the eye is sunny. In the eye of a hurricane there are calm winds and clear skies. A hurricane’s eye is clam because air keeps clouds from forming in the eye of the storm.

    If you are in danger of being a in hurricane than follow these tips to stay safe.

•    Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate.

•     Keep important telephone numbers with in case of an emergency.

•     Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio station. Also T.V. stations provide good coverage.

    Things you will need if you are in a hurricane.

•     First aid kit and medications

•     Canned food and a can opener

•     At least 3 gallons of water per person.

•     Protective clothing and bedding or sleeping bags.

•     Flashlights, batteries and candles.

•     Battery powered radio to listen to reports.

Did you know…?

Some hurricanes last for many weeks

All Atlantic Ocean hurricanes start out around Africa.

Military weather forecasters began giving woman names to hurricanes.

Trees become a major hazard during hurricanes.

Each hurricane season names are changed, so that hurricanes will not be confused with storms of previous years.

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