adults - storms - prevention

E-Learning Module for Adults

Storms

e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Natural Disasters

2

Part 1: Prevention

In part 1 of the Storm module , you will learn:

• WHAT IS A STORM? (causes and characteristics)

•THE SIGNS OF A STORM

•THE TYPES OF STORMS

•THE IMPACT OF A STORM


3

Part 1: PreventionStorms - What are they?

Storms are a natural phenomenon and can’t be “prevented” but you can be more aware and

better prepared if they do affect you.


4

Part 1: Prevention

WHAT IS A STORM? (causes and characteristics)


5


Do you know what a storm is?

A storm is any disturbed state of an environment or astronomical body’s atmosphere especially affecting its surface, and strongly implying severe weather.

Image courtesy of Vlado at FreeDigitalPhotos.net


6


Do you know what a storm is?

A storm is any disturbed state of an environment or astronomical body’s atmosphere especially affecting its surface, and strongly implying severe weather.

Examples of severe weather includes: high winds, rain, hail, sleet, snow, blizzard, thunder and lightning, storm surges, hurricanes, etc. Image courtesy of Vlado at FreeDigitalPhotos.net


8

Part 1: Prevention Storms - What are they?

Do you know what causes a storm?


9

Part 1: Prevention Storms - What are they?

Do you know what causes a storm?

Storms are created when a centre of low pressure develops with a system of high pressure surrounding it. This combination of opposing forces can create winds and result in the formation of storm clouds, such as cumulonimbus. Small localised areas of low pressure can form from hot air rising off hot ground, resulting in smaller disturbances such as dust devils and whirlwinds.


10


How is wind created?

Source: NOAA

Wind is air that is in motion. The sun heats the Earth’s surface. As the Earth’s surface heats, so does the atmosphere. Some parts of the Earth receive more direct heat and stay warmer (i.e. land) while others are cooler (i.e. water). Warm air weighs less than cool air and so it rises. As it does, cooler more dense air replaces the risen warmer air. The movement of that air is what causes wind.


11



Source: NOAA



12



Source: NOAA



13


Do you want to know more about how the weather works? Then check out the following links from

the Met Office in the UK

•http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/learning/learn-about-the-weather/how-weather-works/highs-and-lows/pressure

•http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/learning/learn-about-the-weather/how-weather-works/highs-and-lows/wind-flow

•http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/learning/learn-about-the-weather/highs-and-lows/weather-conditions

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/learning/learn-about-the-weather/how-weather-works/highs-and-lows/pressure

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/learning/learn-about-the-weather/how-weather-works/highs-and-lows/pressure

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/learning/learn-about-the-weather/how-weather-works/highs-and-lows/wind-flow

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/learning/learn-about-the-weather/how-weather-works/highs-and-lows/wind-flow

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/learning/learn-about-the-weather/highs-and-lows/weather-conditions

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/learning/learn-about-the-weather/highs-and-lows/weather-conditions


14


Or watch this video on what are air masses?


16

Part 1: Prevention

THE SIGNS OF A STORM


17

Part 1: PreventionThe signs of a storm

The Beaufort scale, is an empirical measure for describing wind intensity based on observed conditions at sea or on land.

A strict meteorological definition of a terrestrial storm is a wind measuring 10 or higher on the Beaufort scale. Storms can last anywhere from 12 to 200 hours, depending on season and geography.

When is a wind a storm?


18

Part 1: PreventionThe signs of a storm

The Beaufort scale, is an empirical measure for describing wind intensity based on observed conditions at sea or on land.

A strict meteorological definition of a terrestrial storm is a wind measuring 10 or higher on the Beaufort scale. Storms can last anywhere from 12 to 200 hours, depending on season and geography.

When is a wind a storm?


19

Part 1: Prevention The signs of a storm

Clouds

As indicated earlier, the causes of wind also result in the formation of clouds.


20


Clouds

As indicated earlier, the causes of wind also result in the formation of clouds.

Clouds are formed when a mass of warm rises up over a mass of cold air. The range of ways in which clouds can be formed and the variable nature of the atmosphere results in an enormous variety of shapes, sizes and textures of clouds.


21


Clouds Can you recognise the clouds

associated with storms or severe

weather?

Clouds


22


Clouds

© Copyright Richard Croft and licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence.

Source: Met Office © Copyright Tony Atkinand licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence.

Can you recognise the clouds

associated with storms or severe

weather?

Clouds


23



1. Cumulonimbus Clouds


24



1. Cumulonimbus CloudsCumulonimbus clouds are heavy and dense low-level clouds, extending high into the sky in towers, plumes or mountain shaped peaks. The base is often flat and very dark, and may only be a few hundred feet above the Earth’s surface. Cumulonimbus clouds are associated with thunderstorms and atmospheric instability. These clouds are capable of producing lightning and other dangerous severe weather.


25


2. Nimbostratus Clouds

Source: Met Office


26


2. Nimbostratus Clouds

Nimbostratus clouds are dark grey or bluish grey featureless layers of clouds, thick enough to block out the sun. These mid-level clouds are often accompanied by continuous heavy rain or snow and cover most of the sky. If there is hail, thunder or lightning it is a cumulonimbus cloud rather than nimbostratus.

Source: Met Office


27


3. Funnel Clouds

© Copyright Tony Atkinand licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence.


28


3. Funnel Clouds

A funnel cloud is a cone-shaped cloud which extends from the base of a cloud towards the ground without reaching the ground. They are formed in the same way as a tornado, building around a localised area of intensely low pressure and are typically associated with the formation of cumulonimbus clouds

© Copyright Tony Atkinand licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence.


29


CloudsVideo: Clouds


31


Do you want to know more about clouds? Then check out the following link from the met office in

the UK

Or check out this Met Office Factsheet:

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/learning/clouds

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/learning/clouds

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/media/pdf/s/0/12_0674_Factsheet_1_Clouds.pdf


32

Part 1: Prevention

THE TYPES OF STORMS


33

There are many varieties and

names for storms. Can you name the

most common ones?

Part 1: PreventionTypes of storms


34

There are many varieties and

names for storms. Can you name the

most common ones?

Part 1: PreventionTypes of storms

Source: Kevin Wadsworth, The Met Office

© Copyright David Stowelland licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence.

© Copyright Andy Dolman and licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence

© Copyright Mat Fascione and licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence

Source: NOAA NATIONAL SEVERE STORMS LABORATORY

© Copyright David Baird and licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence

Getty images


35

Part 1: Prevention Types of storms

1. Thunderstorm



36


1. Thunderstorm

A storm that generates lightning and the attendant thunder. It is normally accompanied by heavy precipitation.



37


1. Video : Thunderstorm



39


Watch this video from the Met Office for more information on Thunderstorms:


41


2. Snowstorm



42


2. Snowstorm

A snowstorm is a heavy fall of snow accumulating at a rate of more than 5 centimetres (2 inches) per hour that lasts several hours.



43


3. Blizzard



44


3. Blizzard

A blizzard is accompanied by gale-force winds, heavy snow (accumulating at a rate of at least 5 centimetres (2 inches) per hour, and very cold conditions (below approximately -10 degrees Celsius or 14ºF.



45


4. Wind storm



46


4. Wind storm

A wind storm is a storm marked by high wind with little or no precipitation. High winds are also the cause of Dust Storms and Sand Storms in dry climates. (See previous information on the Beaufort Scale).



47


5. Hailstorm



48


5. Hailstorm

A hailstorm is a type of storm that precipitates round chunks of ice. Hailstorms usually occur during regular thunder storms. While most of the hail that precipitates from the clouds is fairly small and virtually harmless, there are occasional occurrences of hail greater than 2 inches in diameter that can cause much damage and injury.



49


6. Tropical cyclone

Getty images


50


6. Tropical cycloneA tropical cyclone is a storm system with a closed circulation around a centre of low pressure, fuelled by the heat released when moist air rises and condenses. Tropical cyclones are distinguished from other cyclonic storms such as nor’easters and polar lows by the heat mechanism that fuels them, which makes them “warm core” storm systems. Tropical cyclones form in oceans if the conditions in the area are favourable, and depending on their strength and location, there are various terms by which they are called, such as tropical depression, tropical storm, hurricane and typhoon.

Getty images


51


Watch this video from the Met Office to know more about hurricanes, typhoons and tropical cyclones:


53


7. Tornado



54


7. Tornado

A tornado is a violent, destructive wind storm occurring on land. Usually its appearance is that of a dark, funnel-shaped cloud. Often tornadoes are preceded by a thunderstorm and a wall cloud. They are often called the most destructive of storms, and while they form all over the world, the interior of the United States is the most prone areas, especially throughout Tornado Alley.



55


7. Video: Tornado



57


To know more about Tornados, check out the following link from the met office in the UK:

•http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/learning/learn-about-the-weather/weather-phenomena/tornado/how-tornadoes-are-formed

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/learning/learn-about-the-weather/weather-phenomena/tornado/how-tornadoes-are-formed

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/learning/learn-about-the-weather/weather-phenomena/tornado/how-tornadoes-are-formed


58

Part 1: Prevention

THE IMPACT OF A STORM

Storms result in numerous weather-related impacts, both inland and around the coast.


59

Part 1: PreventionStorms - Impact

Storm SurgeStrong winds, high tides and tidal surges acting in combination create huge waves, known as a storm surge.


60


Source: Met Office



61


Source: Met Office


These storm surges can cause damage to sea vessels, sea defences and infrastructure and lead to flooding to properties and disruption to road and rail travel along the coast.


62


Video: Storm Surge


64

Part 1: Prevention Storms - Impact

WHY ARE STORMS DANGEROUS?


65



STORMS CAN CAUSE FLOODING:•Heavy rain may cause the water level to rise


66



STORMS CAN CAUSE FLOODING:•Heavy rain may cause the water level to rise•Drains can be blocked during storms and water has no way to go


67



STORMS CAN CAUSE FLOODING:•Heavy rain may cause the water level to rise•Drains can be blocked during storms and water has no way to go •Melting snow can sometimes cause flooding after the storm has passed


68



STORMS CAN CAUSE FLOODING:•Heavy rain may cause the water level to rise•Drains can be blocked during storms and water has no way to go •Melting snow can sometimes cause flooding after the storm has passed

Link to the FLOODING

unit


69




70



DIFFICULT TO MOVE AROUND: •Slippery paths and roads


71



DIFFICULT TO MOVE AROUND: •Slippery paths and roads•Snow can block paths and roads, especially if there are large snow drifts


72



DIFFICULT TO MOVE AROUND: •Slippery paths and roads•Snow can block paths and roads, especially if there are large snow drifts•Cars, trains and buses may not be able to travel or may get stuck


73




74



STORMS CAN CAUSE DAMAGE: •High winds can damage houses and knock down trees


75



STORMS CAN CAUSE DAMAGE: •High winds can damage houses and knock down trees•Trees may fell on people or cars


76



STORMS CAN CAUSE DAMAGE: •High winds can damage houses and knock down trees•Trees may fell on people or cars•Fallen trees may block paths and roads


77



STORMS CAN CAUSE DAMAGE: •High winds can damage houses and knock down trees•Trees may fell on people or cars•Fallen trees may block paths and roads•Landslides and mudslides may happen


78



It should be noted that although storms generally lead to negative impacts on lives and property, systems with significant rainfall can alleviate drought in places they move through. Heavy snowfall can also allow special recreational activities to take place which would not be possible otherwise, such as skiing.


79


Example of storm disasters:

1953 east coast floodDuring the night of 31 January 1953 and morning of Sunday 01 February, a storm in the North Sea caused a storm surge which coincided with a high spring tide. The flood struck the east coast of England and Scotland, as well as the Netherlands and Belgium. Although the storm and surge were forecast in advance, public warning systems were not effective at that time as local radio stations did not broadcast at night, and many people were not prepared for the flooding. More than 2,500 people were killed around the North Sea coastline (1,836 in the Netherlands, 307 in England, 28 in Belgium, 19 in Scotland and 361 out at sea). Around 30,000 animals were drowned and, as well as loss of life, the flooding caused massive damage to people’s homes and businesses and ruined large areas of farmland.


80


Example of storm disasters:

1953 east coast floodDuring the night of 31 January 1953 and morning of Sunday 01 February, a storm in the North Sea caused a storm surge which coincided with a high spring tide. The flood struck the east coast of England and Scotland, as well as the Netherlands and Belgium. Although the storm and surge were forecast in advance, public warning systems were not effective at that time as local radio stations did not broadcast at night, and many people were not prepared for the flooding. More than 2,500 people were killed around the North Sea coastline (1,836 in the Netherlands, 307 in England, 28 in Belgium, 19 in Scotland and 361 out at sea). Around 30,000 animals were drowned and, as well as loss of life, the flooding caused massive damage to people’s homes and businesses and ruined large areas of farmland.

More information:

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/news/in-depth/1953-east-coast-flood







81


Example of storms disasters:Winter storms, December 2013 to

February 2014

Source: Northumberland County Council


82



February 2014Following severe storms. the south of England saw heavy rainfalls associated with these storms which caused widespread flooding, power cuts and major disruptions to transport. Economically the worst affected areas were Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall in the south west and the Thames Valley in the south east. The flood phenomena ranged from coastal flooding, pluvial flooding, fluvial flooding to groundwater flooding. The flooding resulted in the inundation of the majority of the Somerset Levelsand saw the main railway line to Cornwall and West Devon severed by the sea at Dawlish.



83




February 2014


84


The storms and strong winds also caused widespread impacts inland. Many trees were felled by the wind and on 12 February around 100,000 homes and businesses were without power. Several buildings experienced structural damage by winds. The Met Office issued a Red Warning for wind – the highest level of warning – for parts of North Wales and north-west England for the storm on 12 February 2014, while at the height of the storms more than 15 severe flood warnings were in place across the country.



February 2014


85


Example of storms disasters:

Although the impacts of these events were caused through strong winds and storm surges, similar impacts can be felt through other storms, such as thunder, snow and hail storms.



86


•http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/who/how/case-studies

To learn more on high profile severe weather events that have affected the UK in the last few years, check out the following link from the met

office in the UK:

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/who/how/case-studies


87


You can learn more about weather, storms and their impacts through these sites:

•www.metoffice.gov.uk •www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency

The Environment Agency can also advise you on whether you live in or plan to move to a flood risk area.

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/

http://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency

This educational resource has been produced by the partners of the e-PPR Project (e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Natural Disasters) with the support of the Erasmus+ programme.

Unless otherwise stated, this educational resource is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. It is attributed to the partners of the e-PPR project. Further information can be found at www.e-ppr.euThe authors are committed to respecting the intellectual property rights of others, and have taken all reasonable efforts to ensure that the reproduction of content (text, pictures, etc.) has been done with the full consent of copyright holders and that all copyright holders are acknowledged in such reproductions. If you feel that your copyright has not been fully respected, please contact us by email at [email protected] you are going to use parts of the content with materials whose copyright holder(s) is/are not the authors, it is your responsibility to make sure you do so, respecting the original holder’s copyrights. This content is the sole responsibility of the project partners and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.


Copyright Statement

http://www.e-ppr.eu/

mailto:[email protected]

adults - storms - prevention

Education