HurricanesBy: Henry

What are Hurricanes?Hurricanes are large tropical storms with heavy winds. They contain winds

in excess of 74 miles per hour and large areas of rainfall. In addition, they

have the potential to give off dangerous tornadoes. The strong winds and excessive rainfall also

produce irregular rises in sea levels and crazy flooding.

How Do Hurricanes Form and Where?

• Hurricanes form in the warm waters near the equator. • They are counter-clockwise spinning weather patterns that

can travel at speeds up to 60 mph but that more commonly move at about 15-20 mph.

• Three things must happen for a hurricane to form : the surface water temperature needs to be 80+ degrees down to a depth of 150 feet; there must be weather disturbances,

such as thunderstorms, at the formation point; and there should be no sheer wind. When these three things happen at sea you still have no guarantee that a hurricane will form. • If the weather patterns continue and the seas remain steady, the storm system can build and, once the winds reach 74 mph, the system will enter the hurricane stage.

Hurricane SeasonAtlantic: June 1st -November 30th

Eastern Pacific: May 15th - November 30th

Hurricane Categories

1- Wind speeds of 74-95 mph. No real damage to buildings.2- Wind speeds of 96-110 mph. Some roofing material, door,

and window damage and some flooding. 3- Wind speeds of 111-130 mph.

4- Wind speeds of 131-155 mph. More extensive complete roof structure failure on small residences. Major erosion of

beach areas. Terrain may be flooded well inland.5- Wind speeds of 155 mph+. Complete roof failure. MAJORbuilding destruction. MAJOR flooding. People may have to

evacuate their city or town.

An Example of a Category 5 hurricane.

Hurricane Katrina Hurricane Katrina of 2005 was the most costly

hurricane in U.S. It costs America over 170 billion dollars. It mostly effected New Orleans

causing thousands of people to die. Stats:

Formed: August 23, 2005Dissipated: August 30, 2005High wind speeds: 175 mphLowest pressure: 902 mbar

The End!

Creditshttp://blog.lib.umn.edu/olso4158/architecture/katrina-hurricane-pic3%5B1%5D.jpg

http://www.champion-glass.net/images/FL_Hurricane.jpg

http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/EXID23333/images/hurricane_fran_nasa.jpg

http://www.gohsep.la.gov/hurricanerelated/HURRICANECATEGORIES.htm

http://www.hurricane-facts.com/hurricane-facts.jpg

http://www.printable2010calendar.net/samples/2010_05.png