Severe Weather Events Gallery Walk PDF

# Severe Weather Events Gallery Walk ## Tornado - Tornadoes are incredibly powerful and often frightening phenomena. - They're most likely to happen in a region known as "Tornado Alley", which covers parts of the United States like Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. - Tornadoes can also occur in other p...

# Severe Weather Events Gallery Walk ## Tornado - Tornadoes are incredibly powerful and often frightening phenomena. - They're most likely to happen in a region known as "Tornado Alley", which covers parts of the United States like Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. - Tornadoes can also occur in other parts of the world. - They form when unique weather conditions come together during a big thunderstorm. - Warm, moist air collides with cool, dry air. - They can create a spinning motion that leads to a tornado. ### Dangers of Tornadoes - The dangers of tornadoes are numerous and serious. - Their strong winds can destroy buildings, uproot trees, and send objects flying like missiles. - People and animals are at risk of getting hurt, and it's often difficult to predict exactly where a tornado will strike. - This unpredictability makes it challenging to prepare and stay safe. - Tornadoes can also disrupt power and transportation systems, causing ongoing problems even after they've passed. - Being well-informed and having a safety plan in place is crucial to minimize the risks associated with these destructive natural events. ### Staying Safe - Staying safe during a tornado requires knowing what to do and being prepared. - When a tornado warning is issued or the sky looks ominous with dark clouds, it's a sign that a tornado might be coming. - Seeking shelter in a sturdy building's basement or an interior room without windows is a smart move. - If you're caught outside or in a vehicle, finding a low-lying area like a ditch is better than being in an open space. - Understanding the power of tornadoes and having a plan can make a significant difference in staying out of harm's way. ### Interesting Facts - Tornadoes can spin in different directions depending on whether they form in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere. - Tornadoes can create “debris balls”, picking up and swirling all sorts of objects within the funnel, making them even more dangerous. ## Blizzard - Blizzards are intense winter storms that can be both beautiful and dangerous. - They're most likely to happen in places with cold climates, like northern parts of the United States and Canada, as well as in countries like Russia and Scandinavia. - Blizzards are born from a combination of strong winds and heavy snowfall. - When winds reach at least 35 miles per hour and visibility drops due to all the snow swirling around, that's when a blizzard begins to take shape. ### Dangers of Blizzards - The weather conditions that lead to blizzards can create serious hazards. - The strong winds can create massive snowdrifts that block roads, making travel extremely difficult or even impossible. - The low visibility during a blizzard can make it hard to see anything, including important landmarks and road signs. - This makes driving and even walking very risky. - The cold temperatures during blizzards can also pose a threat, as they can lead to frostbite or hypothermia if people aren't properly dressed and sheltered. ### Staying Safe - During a blizzard, it's crucial to stay safe and warm. - If you're at home, it's a good idea to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. - If you need to go outside, make sure you're dressed in warm layers and wear a hat and gloves to prevent frostbite. - If you're driving and a blizzard hits, it's best to pull over to a safe spot and wait until conditions improve. - Blizzards might be stunning to watch from indoors, but they're not to be taken lightly – understanding the risks and knowing how to respond can keep you and others out of harm’s way. ### Interesting Facts - The "Great Blizzard of 1888" in the northeastern United States dropped up to 50 inches of snow and inspired advancements in communication and weather forecasting. - Blizzards can lead to "whiteout" conditions, where snow blowing around creates a total loss of visibility, making it feel like you're inside a snow globe. ## Hurricane - Hurricanes are massive and powerful storms that can be both fascinating and very dangerous. - They usually form over warm ocean waters near the equator, like in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific Ocean. - These places provide the heat and moisture that hurricanes need to grow. - When warm, moist air rises from the ocean's surface, it cools down and forms clouds. - As more air gets sucked in, a cycle of swirling winds begins, creating the hurricane's distinctive spiral shape. ### Dangers of Hurricanes - The weather conditions that lead to hurricanes can be really risky. - The strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surges can cause widespread damage. - Storm surges are like giant walls of water that get pushed onto land by the hurricane's strong winds. - These can cause flooding, destroy buildings, and cause flash floods and landslides. - Hurricanes can knock out power lines, damage roads, and disrupt daily life for a long time. ### Staying Safe - When a hurricane is on the way, it's important to be prepared and stay safe. - Pay attention to weather forecasts and any evacuation orders from local authorities. - If you live in a hurricane-prone area, have an emergency kit ready with essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and batteries. - If you're told to evacuate, do so to a safer place. - Hurricanes can be pretty amazing to learn about, but respecting their power and knowing how to stay safe are key to handling their impact. ### Interesting Facts - Hurricanes are also known as cyclones or typhoons, depending on where they occur in the world. - Hurricanes are given names to help with communication and tracking, and the names are rotated every six years unless a storm is particularly destructive, then its name is retired. ## Ice Storm - Ice storms are a unique and hazardous weather phenomenon that can transform the world into a glittering, frozen wonderland – but they also come with serious risks. - They often occur in places where the air is super cold and there's a layer of warm air above. - This can happen in parts of the United States, Canada, and other places with cold climates. - When raindrops freeze on contact with cold surfaces like trees, power lines, and roads, they create a thick layer of ice, covering everything in a sparkling, yet treacherous, glaze. ### Dangers of Ice Storms - The dangers of ice storms are quite significant. - The weight of the ice can bring down power lines and tree branches, causing widespread power outages and blocking roads. - Walking and driving become extremely hazardous as sidewalks and streets become slippery ice rinks. - Buildings can also get damaged due to the weight of the ice accumulating on roofs. - Additionally, ice storms can disrupt daily life, closing schools and businesses, and making it difficult for emergency services to reach people in need. ### Staying Safe - Staying safe during an ice storm involves being prepared and taking precautions. - Keep a supply of warm clothing, blankets, flashlights, and non-perishable food handy in case of power outages. - Avoid unnecessary travel during an ice storm, and if you must go out, walk carefully on salted paths. - If you encounter a downed power line, never touch it and report it to authorities. - Ice storms might create a magical frozen world, but being aware of the dangers and knowing how to stay safe are essential in handling their challenges. ### Interesting Facts - The weight of accumulated ice can cause trees and power lines to snap under the pressure, leading to widespread power outages. - The sound of ice-covered trees chiming like delicate wind chimes is a unique feature of ice storms, adding an eerie and enchanting quality to the frozen landscape. ## Flood - Floods are natural disasters that can be both powerful and destructive. - They can happen in various places, but they're most likely in areas near rivers, lakes, and coasts. - Heavy rainfall, melting snow, or even hurricanes can cause rivers and other bodies of water to overflow their banks, leading to flooding. - When the ground becomes too saturated or the water can't drain away fast enough, it can lead to widespread flooding that affects homes, roads, and entire communities. ### Dangers of Floods - The weather conditions that lead to floods can create a lot of problems. - The heavy rain or melting snow can quickly turn small streams into raging rivers. - Floodwaters can wash away cars, damage buildings, and ruin crops. - The dangers of floods go beyond the immediate destruction – they can also lead to health hazards. - Contaminated floodwaters can carry bacteria and pollutants, posing a risk to people's health. - Additionally, the swift currents of floodwaters can make it extremely dangerous for people caught in them, and people might get stuck in their homes without food, water, or a way to escape. ### Staying Safe - To stay safe during a flood, it's important to be prepared and take quick action. - Listen to weather forecasts and alerts, and if you're told to evacuate, follow those instructions. - If flooding is likely in your area, move important belongings to higher ground and have an emergency kit ready. - Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, as it's hard to tell how deep they are and currents can be powerful. - Being aware of the risks and having a plan can help you and your family stay safe when faced with the challenges of a flood. ### Interesting Facts - Floodwaters can carry dangerous debris and contaminants, making them a health hazard to humans and animals alike. - Floods have shaped civilizations throughout history, with fertile floodplains often providing valuable agricultural land while also posing risks of destruction. ## Wildfires - Wildfires are intense and dangerous fires that can quickly spread and cause significant damage. - They are most likely to occur in places with dry climates and a lot of vegetation, like forests and grasslands. - Some areas prone to wildfires include parts of the western United States, Australia, and the Mediterranean region. - Wildfires often start due to a combination of factors like lightning strikes, human activities, and dry conditions. ### Dangers of Wildfires - The weather needed to produce wildfires includes hot temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds. - When it's really hot and there hasn't been much rain, plants and trees can dry out and become fuel for fires. - Strong winds can carry embers from one place to another, causing fires to spread rapidly. - Once a wildfire starts, it can grow quickly and become difficult to control. - They can destroy homes, wildlife habitats, and natural resources. - The smoke from wildfires can also harm the air quality, making it difficult to breathe for people and animals. - Firefighters work hard to control and put out wildfires, but these fires can still cause a lot of damage and sometimes even result in loss of life. - It's important to be aware of the risks of wildfires and to follow any evacuation orders or safety guidelines given by authorities to stay safe during these challenging events. ### Interesting Facts - Some plants have adapted to survive wildfires; certain pinecones, for example, release seeds when exposed to fire's heat. - Wildfires can generate their own weather, creating fire whirls, also known as "fire tornadoes", which can toss debris and flames into the air. ## Dust Storm - Dust storms are incredible natural events that happen when strong winds blow loose soil and sand into the air, creating a giant wall of swirling dust. - They are most likely to occur in dry and arid places like deserts. - Some areas prone to dust storms include the Sahara Desert in Africa, the Arabian Desert in the Middle East, and the southwestern United States. - Dust storms usually occur in regions where there isn't much vegetation to hold the soil in place. ### Dangers of Dust Storms - To produce a dust storm, certain weather conditions are needed. - First, the ground needs to be dry and the soil loose. - Then, strong winds, often associated with thunderstorms or other weather systems, pick up the loose soil and carry it into the air. - Once the dust is airborne, it can travel great distances, creating low visibility and coating everything in its path with a layer of fine particles. - They can reduce visibility, making it difficult for drivers to see the road, which can lead to accidents. - The fine particles in the air can also irritate the eyes and respiratory system, making it hard to breathe. - In some cases, large dust storms can cause disruptions to transportation, power lines, and communication networks. - To stay safe during a dust storm, it's important to stay indoors if possible, close windows and doors to prevent dust from getting inside, and avoid driving if visibility is low. - Being aware of the risks and taking appropriate precautions can help you stay safe when faced with a dust storm. ### Interesting Facts - Dust storms can travel thousands of miles, carrying fine particles from deserts to other regions. - Some of the dust particles carried by storms can have far-reaching effects, influencing air quality, climate, and even ocean ecosystems when they settle out of the atmosphere. ## Severe Thunderstorm - Severe thunderstorms are intense and powerful storms that can bring a mix of lightning, strong winds, heavy rain, and even hail. - They can happen in many parts of the world, but they are more common in areas with warm and humid climates. - Places like the central United States, parts of Europe, and certain tropical regions often experience severe thunderstorms. - These storms form when warm, moist air from the ground rises and meets cooler, dry air higher up in the atmosphere. ### Dangers of Severe Thunderstorms - For a severe thunderstorm to form, a few things need to come together. - First, there should be a lot of warm and moist air near the ground. - Second, there needs to be a mechanism to lift that warm air up, like a cold front or a mountain range. - When the warm air rises, it cools down and forms towering clouds. - Inside these clouds, there are strong updrafts and downdrafts, which can create lightning, heavy rain, and sometimes even tornadoes. - Lightning from these storms can strike the ground, causing fires or injuring people. - The strong winds can knock down trees, power lines, and even buildings. - Heavy rain from these storms can lead to flash floods, which can wash away cars and damage homes. - Large hail, which are balls of ice that form inside thunderstorms, can also cause damage to cars, homes, and crops. - To stay safe during a severe thunderstorm, it's important to stay indoors, away from windows, and avoid using electrical devices. - Understanding the risks and being prepared can help you stay safe when faced with a severe thunderstorm. ### Interesting Facts - Lightning in thunderstorms can be hotter than the surface of the sun, reaching temperatures of about 30,000 degrees Celsius (54,000 degrees Fahrenheit). - Thunderstorms get their energy from the warmth of the Earth's surface, which causes warm air to rise and create storm clouds. ## Hail Storm - Hail storms are fascinating yet potentially damaging weather events that can be quite surprising. - They are most likely to happen in places where thunderstorms are common, like parts of the United States, Europe, and certain tropical regions. - Hail storms are a result of strong updrafts in thunderstorms that carry raindrops high into the cold upper parts of the atmosphere. - There, the raindrops freeze into ice and can grow larger as they're lifted and dropped repeatedly by the storm's powerful winds. ### Dangers of Hail Storms - To produce hail, a thunderstorm needs a few key ingredients. - First, there should be an updraft, which is a strong upward movement of air. - Second, the air needs to be cold enough at high altitudes to freeze the raindrops into ice. - Finally, the updrafts need to be powerful enough to keep the hailstones moving up and down through the storm cloud, allowing them to gather layers of ice. - Hailstones can vary in size from small pellets to larger, golf ball-sized chunks. - When these chunks of ice fall from the sky, they can damage roofs, windows, cars, and even crops. - People caught outside during a hail storm can be at risk of getting hurt by the falling hailstones. - Additionally, hail storms often occur within severe thunderstorms, which can bring lightning, strong winds, and heavy rain, adding to the dangers. - Being prepared and finding shelter indoors when a hail storm is approaching is the best way to stay safe and avoid the potential hazards they bring. ### Interesting Facts - Hailstones can come in various sizes, from tiny pellets to golf ball-sized chunks or even larger. - The largest recorded hailstone, found in Vivian, South Dakota, in 2010, was a whopping 8 inches in diameter and weighed nearly 2 pounds. ## Severe Weather Events Gallery Walk - The table includes 8 columns - The first column is titled “Severe Event” - The second column is titled “Common Locations” - The third column is titled “Event Description” - The fourth column is titled “Weather Needed to Produce Event” - The fifth column is titled “Dangers of Event” - The table is empty, and participants are expected to fill it in using the information provided in the previous sections.