Storms

Storms

• A storm is a violent disturbance in our

atmosphere.
• They usually involve a quick change in air
pressure.
Types

• There are several types of severe storms:

– Thunderstorms
– Tornadoes
– Hurricanes
Thunderstorms

• A thunderstorm is a smaller storm that

usually involves precipitation, lightning,
and thunder.
– Formed in cumulonimbus clouds
(Thunderheads).
– Usually caused by a cold front.
Thunderstorm Formation
Lightning & Thunder

• Lightning is a discharge
of positive and negative
charges that build up in a
storm.
– Lightning can heat up to
30,000°C
– Thunder is the sound of
the explosion.
Thunderstorm Safety

• In a thunderstorm, avoid water and

metal objects. Also, beware of possible
flooding.
Tornadoes

• A tornado is a fast spinning funnel-

shaped cloud that spans from the clouds
to the ground.
– Known as a waterspout if formed over
water.
– Winds may be up to 500 kph.
– Form in cumulonimbus clouds in spring and
summer.
Tornado Safety

• During a tornado, you want to stay low

and away from windows and doors.
• Tornado alley is an area around the great
plains where tornados tend to occur
more often.
Tornado Alley
Hurricanes

• A hurricane is a tropical cyclone with

winds reaching 119 kph+.
• Called typhoons in the western pacific.
• Hurricanes begin over warm water as a low-
pressure area.
–If it grows, it becomes a tropical storm, then
a hurricane.
Hurricane Formation
Hurricane Movement
• Because hurricanes are much larger than
other storms, they may last longer than a
week.
• They are steered by the trade winds, and
then the prevailing westerlies.
• Areas near the coast need to be aware of
storm surges, or large waves that may hit
land.
Hurricane Safety

• You may need to evacuate, or leave the

area for the short term.
• Cover windows if possible, then stay
inside away from the windows and
doors.