Background info:

Hurricanes are a powerful, swirling storm that begins over a warm sea. When winds exceed 38 MPH a tropical storm has developed. The winds of a hurricane swirl around a calm central zone called the eye.

What causes this weather:

Hurricanes often form over oceans. Water vapor is the "fuel" for the hurricanes because it releases the "latent heat of condensation" when it condenses to form clouds and rain, warming the surrounding air. (This heat energy was absorbed by the water vapor when it was evaporated from the warm ocean surface, cooling the ocean in the process.)

The EyE

The eye is the calmest part of the hurricane. It is a roughly circular hole in the center of the hurricane. The eye is 20 to 40 miles wide. The eye wall is made up of towering thunderstorms. In the eye there are light winds clear skies. In weaker storms there is less of a eye because there isn't any eye walls.

How long they last

A small hurricane might be 100 miles across while a large one could be more than 300 miles wide. Some hurricanes have lasted only a few hours as a hurricane (they were weaker tropical storms and depressions before and after being hurricanes) while a few have lasted more than two weeks

How to predict hurrIcanes

Hurricanes form of the oceans. Scientists can often predict the size of the storm, were it will hit land, and how strong it is. NASA uses satellite radars to locate the storm.

A lot of times they compare it to other hurricanes that have formed in that area. They track its movement to find were it will hit land. The right side is always the strongest part of the hurricane. They have to be precise to see what part of the storm is hitting were. Depending on the size and the speed they can predict the strength.

Before a storm

To prepare for a hurricane you want to:

1. Know all evacuation routes if you live close to the coast.

2. Make sure your home meets building codes for withstanding hurricanes, and they have storm shutters.

3. Have proper tools, supplies, and a first aid kit.

4. Have lots of stored and backup food

5. Have plenty of batteries and flashlights.

During a storm

During a storm you want to:

1. Stay in a safe sturdy structure. (If you go outside in a hurricane you will be severely injured or killed)

2. Stay away from windows and doors.

3. Find a safe room within the structure. (Closet, small room, low level, etc.)

4. You might want to stay low under something like a table

5. Turn of all elictricity in case of flooding.

AFter a storm

After a Hurricane you want to:

1. Make sure hurricane has completely passed

2. Stay alert for extended rainfall

3. Return home when officials say it's safe

4. Avoid all hazards like floods

5. Only drive if necessary

The end

Citations:

Nasa.gov

World book online

The village elementary library

The Wikipedia

Google