Quick Hurricane Facts For YOU!

What is a Hurricane?Intense low-pressure storms that have sustained

winds of at LEAST 74mph – an organized system of intense thunderstorms

High winds and intense, heavy rainThe winds and heavy rain spin counter-clockwise

around a central point called the “EYE”Conditions inside the eye are often calm and

bright!They form in tropical waters, because they need

to use warm water as fuel to survive!Hurricane season is typically from June-NovemberHurricane intensity is measured using the Saffir-

Simpson Scale

What Causes All That Damage?Heavy winds, ranging from 74mph to greater

than 200mphHeavy rainsInland FloodingSTORM SURGE

Storm Surge!!A storm surge is a wall of water that is

pushed toward the shore by the force of the hurricane winds.

It can combine with the normal tides and can increase the normal sea level by 15 feet!

This means that a WALL of water comes in from the sea, causing severe inland flooding, major damage, and even deaths.

Hurricane Storm Surge Video

What Causes Hurricanes to Weaken??Moving over land – this deprives them of the

warm water they need for fuel, and the “human” structures slow down the winds

Moving over colder waters to the north