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TABLE OF CONTENTS
www.rourkepublishing.com PHOTO CREDITS: Cover, pg 7 ©Photodisc, Inc.; Title pg, pgs 12, 23 courtesy of the USCG; Pg 5 ©Megan Williamson; Pg 9 ©Fred Green; Pg 10 inset courtesy of NASA; Pgs 7 inset, 10, 14, 14 inset, 26 courtesy of NOAA/Department of Commerce; Pgs 13, 18 inset courtesy of the Department of Defense; Pg 17 inset courtesy of the Library of Congress; Pgs 17, 18, 21, 21 inset, 22, 24, 25, 28, 29 courtesy of FEMA
Title page: Hurricanes have strong winds that cause high and dangerous seas.
Hurricane Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Born in the Tropics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Tropical Storms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Editor: Robert Stengard-Olliges
Coriolis Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Cover and page design by Nicola Stratford
Hurricane Strength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Armentrout, David, 1962Hurricanes / David and Patricia Armentrout. p. cm. -- (Earth's power) Includes index. ISBN 1-60044-232-3 (hardcover) ISBN 978-1-60044-341-1 (paperback) 1. Hurricanes--Juvenile literature. I. Armentrout, Patricia, 1960- II. Title. III. Series: Armentrout, David, 1962- Earth's power.
Hurricane Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Living in Danger Zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Hurricane Katrina 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Hurricane Hunters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Further Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
QC944.2.A76 2007 551.55'2--dc22
Websites to Visit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 2006011094
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
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HURRICANE SEASON For many people, the summer season is a time to celebrate. The air is warm, the days are long, and it is the perfect time to play in the ocean waves. But summer can cause some people to become uneasy, especially those living along the The term hurricane is specific to storms that form in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Northeast Pacific Ocean and the Southeast Pacific Ocean. Tropical cyclone is the term used for storms in the Indian Ocean, while typhoon describes storms in the Northwest Pacific Ocean.
coast. Why? Summer is hurricane season. A hurricane is a huge, tropical cyclone. Cyclone is a term meteorologists use to describe a rotating windstorm.
, attract tourists Warm ocean waters
4 4
but they can also fuel hurricanes.
HURRICANE SEASON For many people, the summer season is a time to celebrate. The air is warm, the days are long, and it is the perfect time to play in the ocean waves. But summer can cause some people to become uneasy, especially those living along the The term hurricane is specific to storms that form in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Northeast Pacific Ocean and the Southeast Pacific Ocean. Tropical cyclone is the term used for storms in the Indian Ocean, while typhoon describes storms in the Northwest Pacific Ocean.
coast. Why? Summer is hurricane season. A hurricane is a huge, tropical cyclone. Cyclone is a term meteorologists use to describe a rotating windstorm.
, attract tourists Warm ocean waters
4 4
but they can also fuel hurricanes.
BORN IN THE TROPICS ten form from Thunderstorms of tall dense cloud clusters.
A hurricane does not start out as a monster storm; it forms from a tropical disturbance—a large area of organized thunderstorms. A tropical disturbance can grow into a tropical depression, or area of low pressure, with circulating winds up to 38 miles (61 km) an hour.
7
s. ng tropical thunderstorm Hurricanes grow from stro
A tropical depression forms when warm ocean water heats moist air above it and causes the air to rise. Cool, dense air moves in and replaces the warm air.
BORN IN THE TROPICS ten form from Thunderstorms of tall dense cloud clusters.
A hurricane does not start out as a monster storm; it forms from a tropical disturbance—a large area of organized thunderstorms. A tropical disturbance can grow into a tropical depression, or area of low pressure, with circulating winds up to 38 miles (61 km) an hour.
7
s. ng tropical thunderstorm Hurricanes grow from stro
A tropical depression forms when warm ocean water heats moist air above it and causes the air to rise. Cool, dense air moves in and replaces the warm air.
TROPICAL STORMS A tropical depression becomes a tropical storm when winds reach 39 miles (62 km) an hour. This is when a storm is named. Naming storms makes it easier to communicate Hurricane season for the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea is from June 1 to November 30. Hurricanes sometimes occur outside the official dates, but most form between midAugust and late October.
information between hurricane forecasters and the public, especially if more than one storm threatens an area at the same time.
winds. strong tropical t ns ai ag s nd be A palm tree
8 4
TROPICAL STORMS A tropical depression becomes a tropical storm when winds reach 39 miles (62 km) an hour. This is when a storm is named. Naming storms makes it easier to communicate Hurricane season for the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea is from June 1 to November 30. Hurricanes sometimes occur outside the official dates, but most form between midAugust and late October.
information between hurricane forecasters and the public, especially if more than one storm threatens an area at the same time.
winds. strong tropical t ns ai ag s nd be A palm tree
8 4
clone here tropical cy A Northern Hemisp spins counterclockwise.
CORIOLIS EFFECT Did you know tropical cyclones in the Northern Hemisphere spin counter-clockwise, or to the left, but spin in the opposite direction in the Southern Hemisphere? This is because the earth’s rotation has an effect on wind and air pressure. The effect is called the Coriolis effect. The Coriolis effect is greatest at the poles and zero at the equator. Without the Coriolis effect, cyclones cannot form.
one re tropical cycl he sp mi He rn he ut A So spins clockwise.
11
1780-The Great Hurricane: “The Great Hurricane” swept through the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. The powerful storm took an estimated 22,000 lives, more than in any other Atlantic hurricane.
clone here tropical cy A Northern Hemisp spins counterclockwise.
CORIOLIS EFFECT Did you know tropical cyclones in the Northern Hemisphere spin counter-clockwise, or to the left, but spin in the opposite direction in the Southern Hemisphere? This is because the earth’s rotation has an effect on wind and air pressure. The effect is called the Coriolis effect. The Coriolis effect is greatest at the poles and zero at the equator. Without the Coriolis effect, cyclones cannot form.
one re tropical cycl he sp mi He rn he ut A So spins clockwise.
11
1780-The Great Hurricane: “The Great Hurricane” swept through the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. The powerful storm took an estimated 22,000 lives, more than in any other Atlantic hurricane.
HURRICANE STRENGTH
HURRICANES NEED SPECIFIC CONDITIONS IN ORDER TO FORM
o o o o o
When a tropical storm reaches 74 miles (119 km) an hour it becomes a hurricane. If a hurricane travels away from warm waters, or over land, it loses energy and eventually weakens and dies. The U. S. National Weather Service has a list of storm names that recycles every six years. If a nation is hit by a severe hurricane, the nation can request the name to be retired. Hurricanes were first named in 1950. Sixty-seven hurricane names were retired between 1950 and 2005.
after tilts to one side An oil platform
Hurricane Dennis moved through 12 4
co. the Gulf of Mexi
A tropical disturbance Distance of at least 300 miles (483 km) from the equator Ocean water at least 80˚F (26.7˚ C) Moist air Little change in wind direction at all levels of the atmosphere
HURRICANE STRENGTH
HURRICANES NEED SPECIFIC CONDITIONS IN ORDER TO FORM
o o o o o
When a tropical storm reaches 74 miles (119 km) an hour it becomes a hurricane. If a hurricane travels away from warm waters, or over land, it loses energy and eventually weakens and dies. The U. S. National Weather Service has a list of storm names that recycles every six years. If a nation is hit by a severe hurricane, the nation can request the name to be retired. Hurricanes were first named in 1950. Sixty-seven hurricane names were retired between 1950 and 2005.
after tilts to one side An oil platform
Hurricane Dennis moved through 12 4
co. the Gulf of Mexi
A tropical disturbance Distance of at least 300 miles (483 km) from the equator Ocean water at least 80˚F (26.7˚ C) Moist air Little change in wind direction at all levels of the atmosphere
HURRICANE PARTS Hurricane winds blow debris through the air with incredible force.
A hurricane is made up of three main parts: the eye, the eyewall, and the rainbands. The eye is the somewhat calm, clear center. The eyewall is a column of clouds surrounding the eye. It has the highest sustained wind speeds. Sometimes the eyewall will become very small, allowing outer rainbands to form a second eyewall. This is known as a concentric eyewall cycle. This typically happens as a storm weakens. However, a second eyewall can steal the energy of the first and eventually replace it, allowing the hurricane to regain strength.
the wall of by a hurricane hunter, is The eyewall, photographed clouds surrounding the clear center, or eye, of a hurricane.
15
HURRICANE PARTS Hurricane winds blow debris through the air with incredible force.
A hurricane is made up of three main parts: the eye, the eyewall, and the rainbands. The eye is the somewhat calm, clear center. The eyewall is a column of clouds surrounding the eye. It has the highest sustained wind speeds. Sometimes the eyewall will become very small, allowing outer rainbands to form a second eyewall. This is known as a concentric eyewall cycle. This typically happens as a storm weakens. However, a second eyewall can steal the energy of the first and eventually replace it, allowing the hurricane to regain strength.
the wall of by a hurricane hunter, is The eyewall, photographed clouds surrounding the clear center, or eye, of a hurricane.
15
1900-Galveston, Texas: This devastating storm practically wiped Galveston off the map, leaving most of the island city in ruins and underwater. Between 8,000 and 12,000 people died.
Hurricane rainbands consist of spiraling thunderstorms. They produce heavy rains and strong winds that often spawn tornadoes. Rainbands can extend 300 miles (483 km) from the eye. Meteorologists use a hurricane rating system called the Saffir-Simpson Scale. The scale uses
A house sits atop debris deposited by the 1900 Galveston hurricane.
wind speed to describe the intensity of a storm and to help estimate potential damage.
SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE
o o o o o
Category One Hurricane:Winds 74-95 mph (119-153km/hr) Category Two Hurricane:Winds 96-110 mph (154-177 km/hr) Category Three Hurricane:Winds 111-130 mph (178-209 km/hr) Category Four Hurricane: Winds 131-155 mph (210-249 km/hr) Category Five Hurricane: Winds greater than 155 mph (249 km/hr)
ion path of destruct a es av le e an ic hurr A Category Four
16 4
as far as the eye can see.
1900-Galveston, Texas: This devastating storm practically wiped Galveston off the map, leaving most of the island city in ruins and underwater. Between 8,000 and 12,000 people died.
Hurricane rainbands consist of spiraling thunderstorms. They produce heavy rains and strong winds that often spawn tornadoes. Rainbands can extend 300 miles (483 km) from the eye. Meteorologists use a hurricane rating system called the Saffir-Simpson Scale. The scale uses
A house sits atop debris deposited by the 1900 Galveston hurricane.
wind speed to describe the intensity of a storm and to help estimate potential damage.
SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE
o o o o o
Category One Hurricane:Winds 74-95 mph (119-153km/hr) Category Two Hurricane:Winds 96-110 mph (154-177 km/hr) Category Three Hurricane:Winds 111-130 mph (178-209 km/hr) Category Four Hurricane: Winds 131-155 mph (210-249 km/hr) Category Five Hurricane: Winds greater than 155 mph (249 km/hr)
ion path of destruct a es av le e an ic hurr A Category Four
16 4
as far as the eye can see.
LIVING IN DANGER ZONES Hurricanes often flood areas leaving survivors trapped and in need of rescue.
Each year more and more people move closer to the coast. They are drawn by warm temperatures, beautiful beaches, and of course, the ocean. Unfortunately, this means many people are now living in hurricane danger zones. Hurricanes bring heavy rains that flood lowlying areas. They have fierce winds that uproot trees and damage buildings. They also produce a storm surge—a huge wall of ocean water caused by wind. As a hurricane makes landfall, the storm surge moves inland, carrying massive amounts of sand and debris. Strong hurricanes can redefine coastlines and leave total destruction in their wake.
sand rge left huge amounts of Hurricane Ivan’s storm su and debris in this Florida home. 6 4
19
LIVING IN DANGER ZONES Hurricanes often flood areas leaving survivors trapped and in need of rescue.
Each year more and more people move closer to the coast. They are drawn by warm temperatures, beautiful beaches, and of course, the ocean. Unfortunately, this means many people are now living in hurricane danger zones. Hurricanes bring heavy rains that flood lowlying areas. They have fierce winds that uproot trees and damage buildings. They also produce a storm surge—a huge wall of ocean water caused by wind. As a hurricane makes landfall, the storm surge moves inland, carrying massive amounts of sand and debris. Strong hurricanes can redefine coastlines and leave total destruction in their wake.
sand rge left huge amounts of Hurricane Ivan’s storm su and debris in this Florida home. 6 4
19
Storm prediction centers exist to issue hurricane watches and warnings, and provide information on hurricane preparedness. People living in danger zones can learn how to secure their home, put together a disaster supply kit, and learn how and where to evacuate if
Road signs clearly mark hurricane evacuation routes in coastal areas.
necessary. Evacuation shelters are located away from the 1935-Labor Day Hurricane: This storm made landfall as a Category Five hurricane in the Florida Keys. It was not a large hurricane, but it was the most intense hurricane to strike the United States. It demolished roads, bridges, and railways that linked the islands together and killed at least 423 people.
coast. They can be in churches, schools, or large auditoriums. During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Louisiana Superdome and the New Orleans convention center became emergency evacuation shelters for thousands of people displaced by the storm.
ter ek emergency shel se s nt de si re s New Orlean
20 4
prior to the landfall of hurricane Katrina.
Storm prediction centers exist to issue hurricane watches and warnings, and provide information on hurricane preparedness. People living in danger zones can learn how to secure their home, put together a disaster supply kit, and learn how and where to evacuate if
Road signs clearly mark hurricane evacuation routes in coastal areas.
necessary. Evacuation shelters are located away from the 1935-Labor Day Hurricane: This storm made landfall as a Category Five hurricane in the Florida Keys. It was not a large hurricane, but it was the most intense hurricane to strike the United States. It demolished roads, bridges, and railways that linked the islands together and killed at least 423 people.
coast. They can be in churches, schools, or large auditoriums. During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Louisiana Superdome and the New Orleans convention center became emergency evacuation shelters for thousands of people displaced by the storm.
ter ek emergency shel se s nt de si re s New Orlean
20 4
prior to the landfall of hurricane Katrina.
HURRICANE KATRINA 2005 Katrina formed near the Bahamas, and within two days gained hurricane strength and made landfall in southern Florida. Katrina moved into the Gulf of Mexico where it intensified to a Category Five hurricane. Katrina made a second landfall in Louisiana as a Category Three and then crossed Breton Sound making its final landfall in Mississippi. r ft stranded afte Two ships are le Katrina ripped through Louisiana.
nsive Mississippi suffered exte Neighborhoods in Biloxi, damage from hurricane Katrina.
23
HURRICANE KATRINA 2005 Katrina formed near the Bahamas, and within two days gained hurricane strength and made landfall in southern Florida. Katrina moved into the Gulf of Mexico where it intensified to a Category Five hurricane. Katrina made a second landfall in Louisiana as a Category Three and then crossed Breton Sound making its final landfall in Mississippi. r ft stranded afte Two ships are le Katrina ripped through Louisiana.
nsive Mississippi suffered exte Neighborhoods in Biloxi, damage from hurricane Katrina.
23
A tremendous amount of damage was done to the city of New Orleans. Katrina’s fierce winds and storm surge caused the levees separating the city from Lake Pontchartrain to breach. After the storm passed, 80 percent of New Orleans was under water. Katrina caused catastrophic damage to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama and killed more than 1,300 people. It was the costliest natural disaster to strike the United States, resulting in more than 100 billion dollars in estimated damages.
ivor is pulled A hurricane surv from floodwater.
24 4
s r water for week de un ed in ma re s New Orlean after hurricane Katrina.
A tremendous amount of damage was done to the city of New Orleans. Katrina’s fierce winds and storm surge caused the levees separating the city from Lake Pontchartrain to breach. After the storm passed, 80 percent of New Orleans was under water. Katrina caused catastrophic damage to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama and killed more than 1,300 people. It was the costliest natural disaster to strike the United States, resulting in more than 100 billion dollars in estimated damages.
ivor is pulled A hurricane surv from floodwater.
24 4
s r water for week de un ed in ma re s New Orlean after hurricane Katrina.
HURRICANE HUNTERS Can you imagine flying an airplane into some of the worst storms Mother Nature creates? That’s what hurricane hunters do. The U. S. Air Force and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operate teams of hurricane hunters. Their jobs are to fly into tropical storms. Instruments on board special aircraft take measurements and record wind speed and air pressure. Meteorologists use the data to create more accurate forecast models.
data collect weather Two NOAA aircraft using onboard radar and sensors.
27
1969-Hurricane Camille: Camille was the second most intense hurricane to strike the United States. Camille struck near the mouth of the Mississippi River. Winds were estimated at nearly 200 miles an hour. The winds and powerful storm surge caused the Mississippi River to flow backwards for a river-distance of 125 miles.
HURRICANE HUNTERS Can you imagine flying an airplane into some of the worst storms Mother Nature creates? That’s what hurricane hunters do. The U. S. Air Force and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operate teams of hurricane hunters. Their jobs are to fly into tropical storms. Instruments on board special aircraft take measurements and record wind speed and air pressure. Meteorologists use the data to create more accurate forecast models.
data collect weather Two NOAA aircraft using onboard radar and sensors.
27
1969-Hurricane Camille: Camille was the second most intense hurricane to strike the United States. Camille struck near the mouth of the Mississippi River. Winds were estimated at nearly 200 miles an hour. The winds and powerful storm surge caused the Mississippi River to flow backwards for a river-distance of 125 miles.
Even with detailed information collected by hurricane hunters, forecasters cannot pinpoint where a hurricane will strike. Hurricanes are unpredictable and unstoppable forces of nature. But with advanced computer systems, satellites, and radar, forecasters can better predict a hurricane’s path. Improved forecasting gives people more time to get out of harms way.
1992-Hurricane Andrew: After passing over the Bahamas, Andrew made landfall south of Miami as a Category Five hurricane. It caused 45 billion dollars in damages, and left an estimated 7,500 people homeless in Homestead, Florida.
icane Ivan is The path of hurr closely tracked at the National
in Miami. Hurricane Center
28 4
ructive of the most dest e on s wa ew dr An Hurricane hurricanes to hit the U.S.
Even with detailed information collected by hurricane hunters, forecasters cannot pinpoint where a hurricane will strike. Hurricanes are unpredictable and unstoppable forces of nature. But with advanced computer systems, satellites, and radar, forecasters can better predict a hurricane’s path. Improved forecasting gives people more time to get out of harms way.
1992-Hurricane Andrew: After passing over the Bahamas, Andrew made landfall south of Miami as a Category Five hurricane. It caused 45 billion dollars in damages, and left an estimated 7,500 people homeless in Homestead, Florida.
icane Ivan is The path of hurr closely tracked at the National
in Miami. Hurricane Center
28 4
ructive of the most dest e on s wa ew dr An Hurricane hurricanes to hit the U.S.
GLOSSARY
FURTHER READING
breach (BREECH) — to break through leaving an opening
Chambers, Catherine. Hurricanes. Heinemann Library, 2001.
concentric eyewall (kuhn SEN trik EYE WAWL) — two
Rotter, Charles. Hurricanes. Creative Education, 2003.
hurricane eyewalls at the same time Coriolis effect (KOR ee o less uh FEKT) — the effect of the
Demarest, Chris. Hurricane Hunters! Riders on the Storm. Margaret K. McElderry, 2006.
earth’s rotation on wind causing it to follow a curved path evacuate (ih VAK yoo ate) — to move out of an unsafe location depression (di PRESH uhn) — in weather, an area of low pressure made up of warm moist air landfall (LAND FAWL) — the point at which the eye of a hurricane first crosses land levees (LEV eez) — embankments built to prevent flooding meteorologists (MEE tee ur OL oh jists) — people who study the atmosphere which causes weather conditions tropical (TROP uh kuhl) — relating to the tropics which is the area between the Tropic of Cancer (231⁄2 degrees north of the equator) and the Tropic of Capricorn (231⁄2 degrees south of the equator) storm surge (STORM SERJ) — the rise in sea level that a hurricane or other storm brings, its number is estimated by
WEBSITES TO VISIT National Hurricane Center www.nhc.noaa.gov/ National Weather Service www.nws.noaa.gov FEMA For Kids www.fwma.gov/kids/hurr.htm Hurricane Hunters www.hurricanehunters.com
subtracting the normal high tide level from the storm tide level sustained (suh STAYND) — maintaining for a period of time without interruption or weakening 30
31
GLOSSARY
FURTHER READING
breach (BREECH) — to break through leaving an opening
Chambers, Catherine. Hurricanes. Heinemann Library, 2001.
concentric eyewall (kuhn SEN trik EYE WAWL) — two
Rotter, Charles. Hurricanes. Creative Education, 2003.
hurricane eyewalls at the same time Coriolis effect (KOR ee o less uh FEKT) — the effect of the
Demarest, Chris. Hurricane Hunters! Riders on the Storm. Margaret K. McElderry, 2006.
earth’s rotation on wind causing it to follow a curved path evacuate (ih VAK yoo ate) — to move out of an unsafe location depression (di PRESH uhn) — in weather, an area of low pressure made up of warm moist air landfall (LAND FAWL) — the point at which the eye of a hurricane first crosses land levees (LEV eez) — embankments built to prevent flooding meteorologists (MEE tee ur OL oh jists) — people who study the atmosphere which causes weather conditions tropical (TROP uh kuhl) — relating to the tropics which is the area between the Tropic of Cancer (231⁄2 degrees north of the equator) and the Tropic of Capricorn (231⁄2 degrees south of the equator) storm surge (STORM SERJ) — the rise in sea level that a hurricane or other storm brings, its number is estimated by
WEBSITES TO VISIT National Hurricane Center www.nhc.noaa.gov/ National Weather Service www.nws.noaa.gov FEMA For Kids www.fwma.gov/kids/hurr.htm Hurricane Hunters www.hurricanehunters.com
subtracting the normal high tide level from the storm tide level sustained (suh STAYND) — maintaining for a period of time without interruption or weakening 30
31
INDEX Bahamas 23 Coriolis effect 11 Equator 11 evacuation 20 hurricane conditions 12, 13 hurricane eye 15 hurricane eyewall 15 hurricane forecasters 28 hurricane hunters 27, 28 hurricane rainbands 15, 16 hurricane season 4, 8 Hurricanes Andrew 28 Camille 27 Florida Keys 20 Galveston 16 Katrina 20, 23, 24 Lesser Antilles 11
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 27 New Orleans 20, 24 Saffir-Simpson Scale 16 storm surge 19, 24 tropical depression 7, 8 tropical disturbance 7 tropical storm 8, 12 U. S. National Weather Service 12
ABOUT THE AUTHORS David and Patricia Armentrout have written many nonfiction books for young readers. They have had several books published for primary school reading. The Armentrouts live in Cincinnati, Ohio, with their two children. 32
