1. Severe Weather

2. 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
What is Weather?

3. 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.
Air Masses and Fronts

4. Severe Weather Weather that may cause property damage or loss of life
Types of severe weather are:
Thunderstorms
Tornadoes
Hurricanes
Blizzards
Floods
Severe Weather

5. 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 interaction
Thunderstorms are measured based on their wind speeds.
Thunderstorms

6. Important Terms for Thunderstorms
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
Important Terms for Thunderstorms

7. Thunderstorm Safety Tips
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!
Thunderstorm Safety Tips

8. 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
What is a Tornado?

9. How are Tornadoes Measured?
Tornadoes are measured based on their wind speeds and by using the Enhanced Fujita Scale
EF to 85 MPH
EF to 110 MPH
EF to 135 MPH
EF to 165 MPH
EF to 200 MPH
EF 5 Over 200 MPH
How are Tornadoes Measured?

10. Important Terms for Tornadoes
Tornado Watch: weather conditions are likely for tornadoes to form in our area
Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted in our area
Important Terms for Tornadoes

11. When and Where Do Tornadoes Occur?
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
When and Where Do Tornadoes Occur?

12. 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
Tornado Safety Tips

13. 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
Hurricane

14. 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
How Do Hurricanes Form?

15. Measuring Hurricanes Measured using the Safir-Simpson Scale
3 factors are considered
Wind Speed
Central Pressure
Storm Surge
Measuring Hurricanes

16. When and Where Do Hurricanes Occur?
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
When and Where Do Hurricanes Occur?

17. 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
Hurricane Safety Tips

18. Important Hurricane Terms
A Hurricane Watch occurs when a hurricane is possible within 36 hours
The storm is being tracked to predict where it may hit
A Hurricane Warning is issued when it the storm is expected to hit within 24 hours
Evacuation may be needed
Important Hurricane Terms

19. http://www.youtube.com /watch?v=6p7OgtoFGgU
Thunderstorm Video

20. Tornado Video http://www.youtube.com /watch?v=nlwnfXTx4F8
/watch?v=jqRNZqRKVyo
Tornado Video

21. http://www.youtube.com /watch?v=s76Qn7bpCsQ
Hurricane Video