Imagine you’re relaxing by a river near the beach when suddenly, the water starts rushing towards the ocean. This might seem strange, but it’s a sign of an approaching tsunami. If you ever notice this, head to higher ground immediately. Water in rivers, streams, or creeks moving away from the ocean can also indicate a tsunami is coming. Repeated wave surges or unusual swells are other signs to watch for. If you’re at the beach and see the water quickly pulling back, leaving bare sand, run to safety as fast as you can. This is a strong signal that a tsunami is on its way.
Sometimes, the sea level might rise slightly, which can be a warning of a tsunami. This happens in about 40% of cases, with the first wave being smaller and the next one much larger, arriving about 10 minutes later. If you see the seawater bubbling or swirling, it’s a sure sign a tsunami is near.
While sailing, if you notice sharks suddenly swimming away to deeper waters, it might mean a hurricane is approaching. Get back to land quickly and alert others. If you see trees shaped like the letter J on a slope, the ground might be unstable, which could lead to a landslide.
If your hair stands on end when you’re outside, it could mean a lightning storm is nearby. Head indoors immediately to avoid getting struck. A metallic taste in your mouth, clammy palms, or a tingling sensation can also warn of an imminent lightning strike.
An ocean swell up to six feet high often means a hurricane is coming, but this can happen three days before it arrives. As the hurricane gets closer, the waves grow larger, reaching up to 15 feet. During heavy rains, a roaring sound in the distance might signal a flash flood. Move to safety quickly, as flash floods can be deadly.
Bees work harder before heavy rainstorms, so if you see them buzzing around more than usual, rain might be on the way. Conical clouds can mean severe storms, and if they start spinning, a tornado could be forming. Only warm conical clouds are dangerous; cold ones are harmless.
Some bugs stop moving when a storm is coming, so if you notice insects looking drowsy, find shelter. Catfish in aquariums become restless when there’s seismic activity, which could indicate an earthquake.
If you need to walk across a frozen lake, avoid gray ice, as it might be thin and unsafe. Narrow strips of clouds hanging low in the sky can mean severe weather, often a tornado. Large hailstones without rain can also signal a nearby tornado.
At the beach, wild, choppy waves with debris can indicate a strong rip current. Square waves occur when two wave patterns collide, creating dangerous cross currents. Stay on the shore if you see these.
A wall cloud stretching for miles can mean a severe storm or tornado is coming. To gauge how close a thunderstorm is, count the seconds between seeing lightning and hearing thunder; every five seconds equals one mile.
If you see a smelly green covering on water, it might be a hazardous algal bloom. Green skies can mean a thunderstorm, hailstorm, or tornado is nearby. This color appears when yellow sunlight mixes with blue storm clouds.
To avoid a tree falling on you, check its trunk for missing bark or holes, which indicate weakness. If the air smells like chlorine, a thunderstorm with heavy rain is likely coming. This smell comes from ozone created during the storm.
Toads can sense earthquakes and might leave their homes or stop mating if one is near. When walking in snowy mountains, listen for hollow sounds underfoot and check for cracks, as these can warn of an avalanche.
In the wild, if water in creeks or rivers rises or falls quickly, a landslide might be near. If the water turns muddy, leave the area immediately. In old houses, widening cracks can indicate a sinkhole, especially in limestone areas.
Near active volcanoes, even small earth tremors can signal an eruption. If tree leaves suddenly wilt, it might mean a storm is coming, as the air becomes more humid. If you hear a sound like a train or airplane but see neither, it could be a tornado approaching.
Imagine you’re at the beach and notice the water pulling back quickly. Create a short skit or role-play with your classmates to demonstrate what actions you should take to stay safe. Discuss the natural warning signs of a tsunami and how to respond effectively.
Design a poster that illustrates different natural warning signs for weather events like hurricanes, lightning storms, and tornadoes. Use images and short descriptions to educate others on how to recognize these signs and what safety measures to take.
Keep a journal for a week, observing and recording any unusual animal behaviors you notice in your surroundings. Research and write about how these behaviors might relate to upcoming weather changes or natural events.
Create a game where you and your classmates identify different types of clouds and their associated weather patterns. Use flashcards with images of clouds and match them to their potential weather warnings, such as tornadoes or severe storms.
Participate in a workshop where you learn about the signs of earthquakes and avalanches. Practice safety drills and discuss how to recognize early warning signs, like changes in animal behavior or ground conditions, to stay safe in these situations.
Tsunami – A large ocean wave usually caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption. – Example sentence: The coastal town was evacuated due to the warning of an approaching tsunami.
Hurricane – A powerful tropical storm with strong winds and heavy rain. – Example sentence: The hurricane caused widespread damage along the coastline, uprooting trees and flooding streets.
Earthquake – A sudden shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface. – Example sentence: The earthquake was so strong that it caused buildings to sway and people to run outside for safety.
Tornado – A rapidly rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground, capable of causing severe damage. – Example sentence: The tornado swept through the town, leaving a path of destruction in its wake.
Flood – An overflow of water onto land that is normally dry, often caused by heavy rain or melting snow. – Example sentence: After days of heavy rain, the river overflowed its banks, resulting in a major flood.
Storm – A disturbance in the atmosphere marked by strong winds, rain, thunder, and lightning. – Example sentence: The storm knocked out power lines and left many homes without electricity.
Waves – Movements of the surface of the sea or ocean, often caused by wind. – Example sentence: The strong waves made it difficult for the boats to return to shore safely.
Animals – Living organisms that can move and react to their environment, often studied in biology and ecology. – Example sentence: Scientists study animals to understand their behavior and how they adapt to changing environments.
Weather – The state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time, including temperature, humidity, and precipitation. – Example sentence: The weather forecast predicts sunny skies and warm temperatures for the weekend.
Signs – Indicators or evidence of a particular environmental condition or change. – Example sentence: The early signs of spring include blooming flowers and the return of migratory birds.
