The Hurricanes

dropdown You may already know that hurricanes are major tropical storms that can cause devastating waves, wind, and rain. They happen during “Hurricane Season,” which is from June 1st until November 30th in the Atlantic Ocean and from May 15th until November 30th in the Pacific Ocean. A hurricane that forms in the Atlantic Ocean begins as tropical disturbance. This is a large area of windy thunderstorms that forms over the warm ocean, near the equator. When the storms grow larger, rains and wind pick up, and the “disturbance” can develop into a fullfledged hurricane. dropdown When a hurricane makes landfall, it can be very dangerous along coastlines because of a storm surge, where ocean waters rush onto land. When this is combined with heavy rainfall, there can be devastating floods. The center of a hurricane is called the eye. While most of a hurricane contains dangerously strong winds, the eye is actually a calm area in the storm. When the eye of a hurricane passes over land, people might think that it’s over, but before long the wind and rain increase again as the second part of the hurricane moves through. dropdown During a hurricane watch, there is the possibility that a hurricane will make landfall within 36 hours, and people are advised to prepare for a possible storm ahead. When a hurricane warning is issued, a hurricane is definitely on the way, and will make landfall within 24 hours. The National Hurricane Center, located in Miami, Florida issues watches and warnings before hurricanes approach the coastline. They use computers with satellite images to figure out where and when a hurricane will come on shore. dropdown Hurricanes and tropical storms are given names to help people identify them. Scientists refer to hurricanes and storms by name as they track them across the ocean. Before 1953, hurricanes were not given official names. From 1953 through 1978, hurricanes were only given female names, like Isabel, Camille, Claudette, and Wilma. Beginning in 1979, hurricanes were given the names of both women and men. dropdown Hurricanes can cover an area hundreds of miles wide, while tornadoes are almost always less than a mile wide. While they are smaller than hurricanes, tornado winds can be stronger and more powerful. Some tornadoes have winds of over 300 miles per hour, while hurricanes rarely exceed 200 miles per hour. dropdown There is no way to stop a hurricane or make it change direction, so if you ever find yourself in the path of a hurricane, be sure to be follow any emergency procedures that your community has in place. Be sure you have a battery-powered radio, batteries, fresh drinking water, and a supply of food. Also, if anyone in your family needs special medication, be sure you have a full supply. Tell neighbors, friends, and family members your emergency plans. Tell them where you'll go if you need to leave your home.