Storms Graphic Organizer Definition Formation Effects Hurricanes Tropical low-pressure system with winds blowing at speeds of 74 mph and faster Between August & October Move westward with the trade winds Form over warm ocean water near equator and lose energy as they move over land or cooler water Storm surge causes massive wall of ocean water to move inland Can lift cars, uproot trees, and tear roofs off buildings Winter Storms Blizzards- blinding snow storms with winds of at least 35 mph and temps below 20 degrees Lake Effect Snow develops from cold weather from the NW gaining moisture over the Great Lakes and dumping large amounts of snow over areas to the east Can cause power outages, traffic accidents, roof and building damage Thunderstorms A storm with lightning and thunder Thunderstorms get their moisture from humid air, which rises and forms cumulus clouds Clouds build to cumulonimbus clouds and rain or hail begins to fall Damage from flash floods, hail damage, wind damage, injuries from lightning Tornadoes a violently rotating column of air stretching from a cloud to the ground A tornado can become visible when water droplets appear below the cloud in the center of the rotating column About 20 percent of all tornadoes are violent enough to lift or completely demolish sturdy buildings