Hurricanes

Formation.

Hurricanes are intense low presure weather systems that build up energy from the temperature of the ocean.
They form in tropical regions where water temperatures are at least 27 degrees.
To form, they need low pressure and moist air.
Trade winds cause the storm to rotate in an anti-clockwise direction.
Warm air from thunderstorms and the ocean surface begin to rise causing LOW PRESSURE.
The warm air rises faster and faster, encouraging more warm air to be sucked up into the storm. This also causes cooler, drier air to be sucked down
As the hurricane moves across the ocean, it picks up more moisture and increases its speed.

1 of 4

Strong winds causing structural damage. These wind can also roll cars, blow over trees and erode beaches.
A sudden change in pressure can cause buildings to explode, or other buildings to be sucked up by the winds.
biggest hazard is flying debris.
Heavy raainfall is another effect. Hurricanes can bring large amounts of rainfallin just one day. It can cause inland flooding and can totally devastate large areas..
Heavy rainfall can also cause mass movements such as landslides, mudslides and debris flows.
Water seepage into buildings may result in their collapse from the weight of the absorbed water.
Storm surges can also occur, cuased by prevailing winds pushing a wall of water from the coastline. As a result, this can cause significant inland flooding and beach erosion. The low pressure pushes up the sea surface.

2 of 4

3 of 4

Tracking Hurricanes. The National Hurricane Centre in Floridatracks th development of hurricanes over certain areas.
Forecasting with special computers.
Warning is issued when the wids are greater than 74 miles or seas are dangerously high with rough waters.
Announcements, radio broadcasts and television reports.
Hurricanes can be predicted for certain times so goves time to prepare.

4 of 4