2. What is a hurricane?
Violent
cyclonic storm
that develops
in the tropical
region
Wind speeds
are > 74 mph Source: http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/
Newsroom/NewImages/images.php3?img_id=680
3. Rotation and Pressure
In which direction does a hurricane
rotate?
COUNTERCLOCKWISE
Is the atmospheric pressure inside the
hurricane high or low?
LOW
5. What is the role of the
National Weather Service
during hurricane season?
Provides weather information,
such as data from satellites
Responsible for issuing watches
and warnings to the media and
general public
6. Watch vs. Warning
What is the difference between a
Hurricane Watch and a Hurricane
Warning?
Watch – Tropical storm poses a threat to
coastal areas within 36 hours
Warning - Tropical storm conditions are
expected in a coastal area within 24 hours
7. What conditions must be present
for a hurricane to develop?
Warm ocean temperatures
(>80˚ F) up to 60m deep
Little to no wind shear
(change in wind direction
as you go higher into the
atmosphere)
Low pressure system at
least 5˚ North or South of
Equator
Rotation caused by winds
Source: http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.
gov/oa/reports/fran/fran.html
8. What is the major source of
energy fueling a hurricane?
Heat Energy evaporating from
the ocean surface
Source: http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gh)/guides/mtr/hyd/evap.rxml
10. Another look at the Structure
Source: http://hurricanes.noaa.gov/prepare/structure.htm
11. Comparison of Terms
Tropical Disturbance
Group of thunderstorms in the tropics that are
present for at least 24 hours
Tropical Wave
lack of circulation, winds <25 mph in every
direction
Tropical Depression
closed circulation but disorganized, winds at least
25 mph.
12. Comparison of Terms
Tropical Storm
Shower and thunderstorm moves over closed
circulation, winds greater than 39 mph
Hurricane
Eye is developed, winds > 74 mph
17. What is a storm surge?
Large wall or dome of
water that rushes into
the coastline as a
result of a hurricane
making landfall
To the right are the
areas affected by high
storm surges
Souce: http://www.wkrg.com/hurricanecenter/surge/SE.jpg
18. What destroys a hurricane?
Strong vertical winds
Cold water
Movement over land
Friction
Lack of moisture
19. What are the five costliest
hurricanes in the United States?
1. Hurricane Katrina – 2005 (105 billion)
2. Hurricane Andrew – 1992 (45 billion)
3. Hurricane Ike – 2008 (27 billion)
4. Hurricane Wilma – 2005 (20 Billion)
5. Hurricane Ivan – 2004 (19 billion)
20. Explain why the majority of the
costliest storms are relatively recent
Damage is a
result of
development
There are more
developed
areas and
possessions
than in the past
Source: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/1992andrew.html
21. What are the five deadliest
hurricanes in the United States?
1. Galveston – 1900 (8,000)
2. Southeast Florida – 1928 (2,500)
3. Katrina – 2005 (1200)
4. Chenier Caminanda – 1893 (1100 –
1400)
5. Sea Islands – 1893 (1000-2000)
22. Explain why the deadliest storms
were mostly longer ago.
Lack of weather instruments to predict and
track storms
People were not warned of the incoming
danger
Source: http://www.1900storm.com/photographs/photo10.html
Results of the Galveston Hurricane
