 Storm- a violent disturbance in the atmosphere.  Thunderstorm- a small storm accompanied by lightning and thunder.  Thunderstorms form from large cumulonimbus clouds, or thunderheads.

 During thunderstorms, avoid places where lightning may strike.  Also avoid objects that could conduct electricity, such as metal objects and bodies of water.

 A rapidly whirling, funnel shaped cloud that reaches down from a storm cloud to touch the earth’s surface.  Tornados most commonly develop in thick culumlimbus clouds- the same clouds that bring thunderstorms.  The safest place to be during a tornado is the basement.

 A tropical cyclone that has winds of 119 kilometers per hour or higher.  A hurricane begins over warm ocean water as a low pressure area, or tropical disturbance.  If you hear a hurricane warning and are told to evacuate- leave immediately.

 Storm Surge- a “dome” of water that sweeps across the coast where the hurricane lands.  Evacuate- or move away temperarily

 When a cold, dry air mass moves from central Canada SE across the Great Lakes, it picks up water vapor and heat from the lake.  As soon as the air mass reaches the other side of the lake, the air rises and cools again. The water vapor condenses and falls as lake effect snow.

 If you are caught in a snow storm, try to find shelter from the wind and always have an emergency box in your car.