HURRICANES
The Super Storms
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Hurricane Formation
"Weather Machine"
The "weather machine" is natural forces working together. This "machine" takes energy from the sun, earth, and the atmosphere, and turns it into rain, wind, and other forms of weather.
Birth of a Hurricane
The ocean realeases warm air into the atmosphere. As the warm air rises, the moisture condenses to form clouds and rain. The result is a tropical thunderstorm. Sometimes several thunderstorms come together to create a tropical disturbance. As a tropical disturbance grows, the ocean realeases more air into the atmosphere. When wind circles inside a tropical disturbance, the storm becomes a tropical depression. Once wind reaches 39 mph it becomes a tropical storm. Most tropical storms die out. But in one case they will reach 74mph A HURRICANE IS BORN.
Do all storms become hurricanes?
No because most times when a storm becomes a tropical storm it dies out.
Does the name of the storm change depending on where it's formed?
Yes, when they form in the Atlantic and the Eastern pacific, they are called Hurricanes. When they form in the Western Pacific, they are called Typhoons. And when they form in the Indian Ocean, they are called Cyclones.
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How do meteorologists know the strength?
Meteorologists use the Saffir-Simpson Scale to rate a hurricanes strength. This scale rates hurricanes from 1 to 5. The higher the number, the more damage the storm causes. This info helps people to decide whether to board up their windows and stay home, or to seek a safer shelter away from the coast.
How do they track a hurricane?
The meteorologists use satellite images and data from the flight crews to decide when a storm has become a Hurricane. At this point, they give the hurricane a name.
What are some steps to take to prepare for a hurricane?
Once meteorologists know the track of the storm, the warn people in its path.
Board up your windows
Try to take cover
And if it's to strong, seek refuge away from the coastline.
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Hurricane Sandy and how to prepare for a Hurricane
Hurricane Sandy, a late-season post-tropical cyclone, swept through the Carribean and East Coast of the US in late October of 2012. The storm left dozens dead, thousands homeless, and millions without power. Total damage is expected to be billions of dollars.
To prepare, try and check the weather channel more often. Also store food and drinks in a safe place. When you know it's coming, pack most important stuff into the basement or bunker if you have one. If it's to bad, try to drive away from the coast of the country. Wait until it's fully over to check back home.