Hurricanes are some of the most powerful and destructive storms on our planet. Let’s dive into what hurricanes are, how they form, their unique features, and how we can stay safe when they occur.
A hurricane is a big storm with very strong winds and lots of rain. Depending on where they happen, they have different names:
Even though they have different names, they are the same type of storm, just in different places.
Hurricanes can be really fast and huge! Their winds can blow at speeds of 75 miles per hour or more, which is faster than a cheetah, the fastest land animal. These strong winds can cause a lot of damage by knocking down trees and buildings.
One interesting part of a hurricane is the “eye.” This is a calm spot in the middle of the storm. Around the eye is the eyewall, where the winds are the strongest. Even though the eye is calm, it doesn’t last long, and the strong winds will come back as the storm moves.
Hurricanes can cause a lot of damage. The strong winds can break trees and buildings, and the heavy rain can lead to flooding. Flooding happens when too much rain falls, and the ground can’t soak it up, causing water to gather in low areas.
Hurricanes usually form over warm ocean waters. The warm air and moisture help them grow. Scientists, called meteorologists, use special tools to watch and predict hurricanes so they can warn people in time to prepare.
Being prepared and staying safe is very important during a hurricane. Here are two key tips:
Hurricanes are huge storms with strong winds and heavy rain that can be very dangerous. By understanding how they work and following safety tips, we can be better prepared to protect ourselves and our communities. Staying informed and ready can help us stay safe during these powerful storms.
Hurricane Observation Journal: Start a hurricane observation journal. Over the next week, watch the weather reports with your family. Write down any news about hurricanes or storms. What do you notice about where they form and how they move? Draw a picture of a hurricane and label its parts, like the eye and the eyewall. Share your journal with your class and discuss what you learned.
Build a Mini Hurricane: Create a simple hurricane model using a bowl of water and some food coloring. Gently swirl the water with a spoon to mimic the rotation of a hurricane. Add a drop of food coloring to see how the “eye” forms in the center. Talk about how the calm eye is surrounded by the swirling storm. What happens when you stop swirling the water?
Hurricane Safety Plan: With your family, create a hurricane safety plan. Discuss what you would do if a hurricane was coming. Where would you go if you needed to evacuate? What items would you pack? Make a list of emergency supplies you might need, like water, food, and a flashlight. Practice your plan with your family to make sure everyone knows what to do.
