Thunderstorms

Lightning

Tornadoes

Hurricanes Blizzards

Weather is the state of the atmosphere in a specific place and time

There are many components that affect the weather 1. Temperature-How hot or cold the air is 2. Humidity-The amount of water that is in

the atmosphere 3. Air Pressure-The amount of force

pressing down on earth’s surface from the gases in the atmosphere

4. Wind-Air moving in a specific direction

An air mass is a large body of air that has similar properties to the part of Earth’s surface over which it develops What type of air mass would develop over

Africa? What type of air mass would develop over

Antarctica? A boundary between two air masses of

different moisture or temperature is a front.

Weather that may cause property damage or loss of life

Types of severe weather are: Thunderstorms Tornadoes Hurricanes Blizzards Floods

A heavy storm that is accompanied by rain, thunder, lightning and strong winds.

To create a thunderstorm you need Moisture: cloud formation & rain Unstable air: relatively warm air

rises rapidly Lifting: from sea breezes and

mountain interactionThunderstorms are measured based

on their wind speeds.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch can be issued by the National Weather Service station This type of storm has winds of at least

58 mph or hail at least ¾ inch in diameter

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when a severe thunderstorm has actually been observed

Go inside and stay away from windows, doors, and porches

Stay away from trees and out of boats

Avoid plumbing fixtures and contact with electrical fixtures

Stay off the phone!

A destructive rotating column of air with very high winds and a funnel shaped cloud in contact with the surface of the earth

Tornadoes form when a thunderstorm meets horizontal winds which cause it to rotate.

Tornadoes can come one at a time or in clusters

They can also vary in size, length, width, direction of travel, and speed

Tornadoes are measured based on their wind speeds and by using the Enhanced Fujita Scale

EF 0 65 to 85 MPHEF 1 86 to 110 MPHEF 2 111 to 135 MPHEF 3 136 to 165 MPHEF 4 166 to 200 MPHEF 5 Over 200 MPH

Tornado Watch: weather conditions are likely for tornadoes to form in our area

Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted in our area

Tornadoes can occur in any state and any time of year

They typically occur from March to August

The most common tornadoes are in “Tornado Alley”

“Tornado Alley” - Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas

Seek shelter immediately when a tornado warning is issued Underground shelter is best If not available, find an inside room,

hallway, or closet on the lowest floor and away from windows

Listen to the radio or watch TV for updates on the storm

A severe storm that develops over tropical oceans and whose winds are stronger that 120 km/hr that spiral in to an intense low pressure center

Hurricanes begin when warm moist air over the ocean rises rapidly

When moisture in this rising air condenses a large amount of heat is released

The released heat increases the force of the rising air

They form when they gather heat and energy through contact with warm ocean waters

Water evaporates from the water and the moisture produces a storm

They can also form when a wind pattern occurs near the surface of the ocean and spirals inward

Measured using the Safir-Simpson Scale

3 factors are considered Wind Speed Central Pressure Storm Surge

Hurricanes can occur during any time of the year

Hurricane season is from June 1st to November 30th

They can form in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern Pacific Ocean

Know if the location you are in is a safe zone or whether evacuation may be needed

Protect windows and glass with plywood Turn off utilities Have a supply kit including first aid,

water, canned goods, battery powered radio, blankets, etc.

After evacuation, do not return until it has been declared safe

A Hurricane Watch occurs when a hurricane is possible within 36 hours The storm is being tracked to predict

where it may hitA Hurricane Warning is issued when

it the storm is expected to hit within 24 hours Evacuation may be needed

Two sources of forecasting weather

Data collected from upper atmosphere

Data collected on the Earth’s surface