What do we know about hurricanes?
A hurricane is a tropical low pressure system with winds blowing at speeds of 119 km/h (74 miles per hour) or more – strong enough to uproot trees.
Hurricanes Need Water to Form and Grow:
A hurricane begins as a group of thunderstorms moving over tropical ocean waters.
Thunderstorms form in areas of low pressure.
Near the equator, warm ocean water provides the energy that can turn a low-pressure center into a violent storm.
As long as a hurricane stays above warm water, it can grow bigger and more powerful.
Hurricanes Can Cause Extensive Damage: A hurricane can pound a coast with huge waves and sweep the land with strong winds and heavy rains. When a hurricane moves into a coastal area, it pushes a huge mass of ocean water known as a storm surge. A storm surge can be the most destructive and deadliest part of a hurricane that causes flooding.
How can you prepare for a hurricane? Plan Ahead – Have a storm supply kit that contains a battery-operated radio, batteries, flashlights, candles, rain jackets, tarps, blankets, bottled water, canned food, and medicines. Listen to safety announcements. Plan a safety route. A safety route is a planned path to a safe place.
Listen for storm updates: During severe weather, it is important to listen to local radio or TV stations. Severe weather updates will let you know the location of the storm. It is
