Storms

Storms are natural phenomena characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, thunder, lightning, and sometimes hail. They can occur in various forms, including thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards.

Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms are localized storms that are often accompanied by heavy rain, thunder, and lightning. They are caused by the rapid upward movement of warm, moist air, which cools and condenses to form cumulonimbus clouds. Thunderstorms can also lead to the development of tornadoes in some cases.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are powerful tropical cyclones characterized by strong winds and heavy rainfall. They form over warm ocean waters and can cause significant damage to coastal areas. The strength of hurricanes is categorized using the Saffir-Simpson scale, which ranges from Category 1 (weakest) to Category 5 (strongest).

Tornadoes

Tornadoes are rapidly rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. They are often referred to as twisters and can cause extreme destruction in their path. Tornadoes are categorized using the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale, which assesses their intensity based on the damage they cause.

Blizzards

Blizzards are severe snowstorms characterized by strong winds, low temperatures, and reduced visibility. They can result in snowdrifts and can be particularly dangerous for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. Blizzards are often accompanied by blowing and drifting snow, which can make roads impassable.

Study Guide

1. What are the main characteristics of storms?
2. How do thunderstorms form?
3. What is the Saffir-Simpson scale, and how is it used to categorize hurricanes?
4. What are tornadoes, and how are they categorized?
5. What are blizzards, and what are their main hazards?