11 Hurricane Facts for Kids | LoveToKnow The amount of energy a large hurricane releases per second is equivalent to 10 atomic bombs. However, if the hurricane is especially destructive, the name will be retired, for example, Katrina, Irma, Harvey, Florence, and Maria just to mention a few destructive hurricanes in recent years. 1. Hurricanes never combine to form one stronger storm. The scientific reason why, is because of Africas Sahara Desert dust storms and the transition of thunderstorms off the west coast of Africa (near Cape Verde). These same tropical storms are known as cyclones in the northern Indian Ocean . They usually originate between 5 and 15 degrees latitude north and south of the equator to do so. Hurricanes may originate anywhere in the Atlantic basin, from the tropical central Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico. 2. There are five different categories according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which determines the strength of the storm. According to the Library of Congress, the Tano people inhabited present-day Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Bahamas and the Virgin Islands and are said to have used the word "hurucane.". By traveling to one of these islands you are supporting the region. There are five categories of hurricanes (1-5) and their based-on wind speed. Your privacy is important to us. By August and September, the eastern Caribbean seas start to see increased activity. 7. Additionally, the water must be warm, over 80 F (27 C). The equator does not experience hurricanes. The word hurricane comes from "Huracan", the name of a Mayan god. The World Meteorological Organization now keeps track of the names of tropical storms all around the world. Facts About Hurricanes. 16 Devastating Facts about Hurricanes Fact City Hurricane Ida was the 5th costliest storm to impact the U.S. They also predict how strong it will get. HERE ARE THE NAMES YOULL SEE DURING THE 2022 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON. What exactly are hurricanes? Proudly powered by Tuto WordPress theme from, 17 Interesting Facts About Madeleine LEngle. September 23, 2022 - Tropical Storm Ian forms over the central Caribbean.September 26, 2022 - Strengthens into a hurricane.September 27, 2022 - Hurricane Ian makes landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 storm, leaving at least two people dead and the entire island without power.September 28, 2022 - Hurricane Ian makes landfall along the southwestern coast of Florida near Cayo Costa as a powerful Category 4 storm. Only about 2% of Caribbean islands are actually inhabited. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale has five categories that increase in intensity from 1 to 5. And to learn more about it, here are 25 Interesting facts about hurricanes that you probably didnt know about before reading this. The National Weather Service says the first record it has of a flight purposefully flying into a hurricane dates back to 1943 off the coast of Texas. The free FOX Weather livestream is also available 24/7 on the website and app and on your favorite streaming platform. Hurricane season peaks in September when the heaviest ones strike. Accessed: October 9, 2011. Florence Might Dump 10 TRILLION Gallons of Rain on North Carolina, Epic Disasters: The Worlds Worst Disasters, Hurricane Research Division: Frequently Asked Questions, The Startling Stats that Show the Power of Hurricane Florence, Tropical Cyclone Naming History and Retired Names, 100 Interesting Facts That Will Amaze You, San Felipe (Okeechobee Hurricane), Florida, The Long Island Express, New York and New England, Medium harm to tree branches and street and store signs, Heavy harmparts of trees and roofs damaged, Winds greater than 155 miles (249 km) an hour. Interesting facts about Grenada . Facts About Hurricanes. Accessed: October 9, 2011. 10 Interesting Facts About the Caribbean That You Never Knew Typhoon Tip (1979), which did not strike land, is considered to be the largest, with tropical storm-force winds 1,350 miles in diameter. With more than one million square miles of the Caribbean Sea, a hurricane only affects a small part of the region at any one point in time. The month of July is the one month where hurricanes are least likely to form in the south-western region due to the dominating easterly winds that make the climate drier. Hurricanes are the world's most destructive storms. Did you encounter any technical issues? 25 Interesting Facts About Typhoon, Hurricanes and Cyclones What's the difference between a Tropical Depression, Tropical Storm, and Hurricane? Hurricane Harvey is taking aim at the same general area as Hurricane Carla, the . Hurricanes have Condition that favors their formation. Since the 1970s, the National Hurricane Center has used a scale developed by Herbert Saffir, an engineer, and Robert Simpson, a meteorologist, to rate hurricanes. 10 Facts About The Caribbean Region | Caribbean & Co. Every year, hurricanes strike, and two or three hurricanes may be active at the same time. 11 Facts About Hurricane Sandy | DoSomething.org Curacao is outside the hurricane belt. 5 important facts about hurricanes (in the Caribbean) The first Haitian victim is a fisherman from Saint Jean de Sud whose body was found Sunday according to the Haiti Civil Protection Agency. Here are 21 facts you should know about Puerto Rico. All flights have been cancelled flights to Jamaica and Haiti already. Hurricanes that form in the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean happens between June 1st and November 30th each year. Hurricane Andrew (1992) ripped an 80-foot steel beam weighing several tons off a building and flung it more than a block away. September 6, 2022 - Strengthens into a hurricane.September 10, 2022 - Downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone. Hurricane Sandy (2012) Facts for Kids It was the first Category 5 hurricane to hit Cuba since 1937, when Ernest Hemingway was an occasional resident of the island. Here are 8 fast facts you should know about Matthews position now: 1: Hurricane Matthew is on track to hit Haiti. During the Galveston hurricane of 1900, nuns used ropes to tie themselves to rows of children in orphanages, but the floodwater was too hard and fast. Here you'll find a record-breaking 400-metre-long runwayan interesting fact because it's said to be the shortest landing strip in the world. Hurricanes all arise and fade in the same way, albeit their size, severity, and duration might differ significantly. Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters near the equator The hurricanes are formed when warm and moist air above the ocean surface rises. Unique Facts About the Caribbean: Hurricane - Sheppard Software If the area is poor then the hurricane will affect the area differently than an area that is sturdy and prepared. A hurricane is a tropical cyclone with sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hour. 7: Caribbean American Congresswoman Weighs In On Matthew. Therefore, if the eye of the storm passes over your area, the storm will calm. On June 2, CSU researchers increase their forecast, calling for a well above-average 2022 season. A watch is usually issued 48 hours before the onset of tropical storm-force winds. Hurricanes are dangerous storms with spinning winds. The costliest hurricane worldwide is widely believed to be Hurricane Katrina, with overall damage estimates at over $100 billion. It hit land as a Category 3 storm with winds reaching speeds as high as 120 miles per hour. The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Hurricanes in the Southern Hemisphere spin in a clockwise direction. 4Epic Disasters: The Worlds Worst Disasters. Epic Disasters. There are usually no clouds in the eye, but just outside is what is known as the eyewall, which is the most dangerous and strongest part of the hurricane in terms of wind speeds, clouds and amount of rain. The depth of the Caribbean Sea reaches 7989 meters at its deepest point. While hurricanes may not be prominent in some of these areas, they may experience heavy rainfall during the fall months. When Is Caribbean Hurricane Season and What to Know - AFAR In the western Pacific Ocean, they're known as typhoons; in the southern Pacific and Indian Oceans, they're called cyclones. Hurricanes Occur in two regions of the pacific. Facts about hurricanes are inexhaustible, and some are unknown. The Atlantic basin, which encompasses the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the eastern North Pacific Ocean and, less commonly, the central North Pacific Ocean, is where hurricanes begin. Caribbean Facts for Kids - Kiddle Many Caribbean Islands exist south of the hurricane belt and are considered safe to travel to during the hurricane season. They occasionally make contact with the ground. Hurricanes have led to the death of around 2 million people over the last 200 years. 19 interesting facts about Jamaica There are thousands of Caribbean islands- at least 7,000 to be exact. Later in the day, Lisa makes landfall in Belize.November 5, 2022 - Lisa dissipates. Interesting Facts About Hurricanes. In Florida, at least one group has answered this call. The Caribbean region is located southeast of the Gulf of Mexico and the North American mainland and measures around 1,000 miles from north to south and over 2,500 miles from east to west. Hurricanes: Interesting Facts and F.A.Q. The word 'hurricane' has been derived from the Taino Native American word 'hurucane', which means 'bad wind spirit'. Hurricanes - Science landfall along the southwestern coast of Florida near Cayo Costa as a powerful Category 4 storm, 130 people are killed in storm-related incidents in Florida. A tropical storm is classified as a hurricane when sustained winds reach 74 miles per hour, though hurricane winds are often faster. The deadliest hurricane ever experienced is Bhola Cyclone in Bangladesh. The Caribbean region is included as part of the Atlantic hurricane season, which also impacts states in the southern United States. June and July tend to be the most active on the western side of the Gulf of Mexico. On August 25, 1979, the storm that will become Hurricane David forms near Cape Verde off the African coast in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. At this time, a number of storms and hurricanes develop near the West African coast and make their way across the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or Aruba hasn't had direct hits due to its location. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. From June till December it is hurricane season. Hurricane winds move anticlockwise around the center in the Northern Hemisphere, while they travel clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere because of the Coriolis Effect. It becomes weaker as soon as it reaches land and eventually dies. Follow the storm tracker for the path and forecasts of the latest storm. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. A tropical storm is considered a hurricane when its winds reach or exceed 74 mph (119 km/h). NASA - Five Things About Hurricanes A table showing an alphabetical list of the 2022 Atlantic tropical cyclone names as selected by the World Meteorological Organization. The current naming scheme wasnt developed until 1979, when both male and female names were added to hurricane lists that are recycled every six years. Hurricane Wilma was the most intense tropical cyclone ever recorded in terms of pressure in the Atlantic Ocean.It destroyed parts of the Yucatn Peninsula and southern Florida during October in the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season.Wilma broke several records for both strength and seasonal activity. A tropical cyclone, or hurricane, is a kind of storm that originates over tropical or subtropical oceans. Its a weather phenomenon that can cause devastating damage. These categories are ranked after the wind speed which can range from 74 miles per hour up to category 5 with winds up to 157 miles per hour or more. 11Woods, Michael and Mary B. Tropical storm conditions will remain in portions of Jamaica and along the southern coast of the Dominican Republic within the warning area tonight but the storm appears to have spared Jamaica its wrath. 10 Facts about Hurricanes! - National Geographic Kids A hurricane is a type of storm which originate in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. Even though it is thought that the indigenous people faced extinction by diseases brought by Spanish explorers, their languages, beliefs and cultures continued to live on. Hurricanes result in storm surge flooding, strong winds, and heavy rainfall that can cause inland flooding, rip currents, and tornadoes. Residents with a dog sit in the back of a truck while waiting to be rescued from rising floodwaters due to Hurricane Harvey in Spring, Texas, U.S., on Monday, Aug. 28, 2017. NOAAs Hurricane Research Division reports that 97% of all tropical cyclones happen during this time period. Most of the country live in small towns and villages and socialize a lot. 3. Hurricane Katrina made landfall off the coast of Louisiana on August 29, 2005. Bhola Cyclone in Bangladesh is the deadliest hurricane on record in 1970, and it killed between 150,000-300,000 people. Typhoon Tip, the biggest cyclone ever recorded, struck the northwest Pacific in 1979. Martin is the smallest inhabited island on Earth and it is shared by two nations. At least one person dies due to the storm. September 14, 2022 - Tropical Storm Fiona forms in the Atlantic, 625 miles east of the Leeward Islands.September 16, 2022 - Tropical Storm Fiona passes by Guadeloupe causing the death of one person. 2. Check your inbox for your latest news from us. Hurricane Felix was the southernmost land-falling Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic; surpassing Hurricane Edith of 1971. Multiple cruise lines have rerouted some trips to get out of Matthews path. Want to know more about hurricanes? In a typical calendar year, there are fewer than 21 designated tropical storms. By the end of summer, the occurrence of hurricanes tends to spread throughout most of the other parts of the region. Here are more interesting facts about hurricanes: 1. 04 Hurricane starts when warm seas rise into a . About 3,000 Caribs remain on Dominica today. Stash your trash! When is hurricane season? In contrast, Hurricane Gilberts (1988) stretched over 500 miles. On average, the Atlantic basin only produces seven of these powerful storms each year. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Storms in the Caribbean Islands were given names based on the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar saint of the day on the day the hurricane struck, such as Hurricane San Felipe. The Caribbean or Caribbean Area ( Dutch: Cariben or Caraiben, French: Carabe or more commonly Antilles; Spanish: Caribe) is a region of the Americas. There are more churches per square mile in Jamaica (1,600 in total) than in any other country in the world. The usage of names for big storms makes communication and understanding about specific hurricanes much easier for weather forecasters, researchers, emergency responders, naval officers, and the public. These storm clusters move across the Atlantic, ending up in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico or Central America. Hurricanes form when the warm, moist air above the ocean surface rises, causing . Hurricanes are powerful tropical storms (or cyclones) that occur in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Christopher Columbus discovered the island in 1498 and named it Concepcion. 2. Hurricane Irma has pounded the Caribbean, destroying homes and leaving at least 25 people dead. making it the first hurricane of the season. WATCH VS. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. The Caribbean is known for being prone to hurricanes due to its warm waters and moist air during the summer months. The storm formed as a Cape Verde-type hurricane in early September, and became the ninth named storm, the sixth hurricane, and the fourth major hurricane of the year. A Hurricane Watch means winds of 74 mph or greater are possible in the alerted area. Hurricane Facts for Kids If you liked our suggestions for 101+ frightening facts about hurricanes that will put you in a spin, then why not take a look at jungle trees or jungle habitat. 6. HOW ARE HURRICANES RATED? The right side of a hurricane in the Northern Hemisphere is often stronger in terms of winds. There are many Caribbean islands that get severely hit every year, and Abaco in the Bahamas is often cited as the hurricane capital of the world, most recently the devastating storm named Dorian. Hurricanes have what we call the eye diameter, which is typically 2040 miles (3065 km) in mostly calm weather. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. Hurricanes: Science and Society: 1988- Hurricane Gilbert At least 130 people are killed in storm-related incidents in Florida. Fact 2: The first hurricane that caused people to fly in it occurred in 1943 during World War II. 58 Extreme Facts about Hurricanes | FactRetriever.com From oceanic dead zones to pollution-linked mortality rates, get interesting pollution facts here. Water must be a certain depth for hurricanes to form, at least 200 feet (60 m). Early in the season the Gulf of Mexico experiences warming quicker than other parts of the Atlantic. September 23, 2022 - Tropical Storm Hermine forms in the Atlantic.September 25, 2022 - Weakens to a post-tropical cyclone. The official hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from 1 June to 30 November, but within that, there are variations. British and American pilots were said to be training for World War II in the Lone Star State, when the storm approached, and a crew purposefully flew into the storm. Updated The situation for children Hurricanes rob kids of the security they need to stay healthy . 20 Amazing Hurricane Facts - Our Planet The Caribbean Is the Deepest of the 7 Seas. However, during the record-breaking Atlantic storm season of 2020, when many storms with similar-sounding names (Zeta, Eta, and Theta) were active at the same time, this system caused confusion. When a tropical cyclones sustained wind speed is between 39-74 mph, it is classified as a tropical storm. At night, some areas of the city are not safe. . No hurricane is on record as ever hitting the U.S. Pacific Coast. A collection of 21 names is released every year, each starting with a different letter of the alphabet and organized alphabetically. In September 2018 many Caribbean Islands suffered devastating damage by hurricane Irma, Jose and Maria. This does not influence our choices. August was the second busiest month, with 15. Accessed: September 13, 2018. At just 87 square kilometres, the island of St. Maarten/St. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. 25 Fabulous Fun Facts About the Caribbean (Videos - PassageMaker Flooding can occur as a result of heavy rain and storm surges from a hurricane. Each storm lasts about a week and travels at 10-20 mi (16-32 km) per hour over open water. A fun fact about hurricanes is that they will spin in different directions depending on where they start due to something called the Coriolis effect. 10 Interesting Facts About Hurricanes . The Southern Hemisphere typically experiences about half the number of hurricanes as the Northern Hemisphere each year. Hurricane winds can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph) This is strong enough to rip up grown trees from the ground and destroy buildings. Curacao tends to be warmer than usual on the island during hurricane season. After Hurricane Katrina, a 20-year-old man with extensive criminal history named Jabbar Gibson stole a school bus and picked up around 70 stranded people and drove 13 hours from New Orleans to Houston, which was the first bus to Pinpointing the moment of birth Most Atlantic hurricanes start as a collection of thunderstorms off the coast of Africa. They generally start in tropical areas out at sea and can sweep inland. Hurricanes kill more people than any other type of storm. New York, NY: Grosset & Dunlap, 2010. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Hurricanes can be tracked by weather satellites and weather radar closer to land. That is also why Hurricanes are inherent to global warming and why it is such a threat. Hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons are all the same phenomenon, and the only real difference between these tropical storms is the location of where they take place. Hurricanes revolve around a ring center known as the 'eye', which is usually calm and devoid of clouds. 1-5 Interesting Facts About Hurricanes 1. 50 Interesting Facts on Hurricanes. If you prefer the summer months, then look to travel to the Southern Caribbean from July to September. 8 facts about Hurricane Harvey and other monster storms Curacaois waiting for you! Tornado Season in Arkansas: How Strong is the Storm? The eyewall, the most hazardous region of the cyclone with the fiercest winds, thickest clouds, and heaviest rain, surrounds the eye. Hurricanes are also known as cyclones or typhoons, depending on which region they occur in. Thirty-six of the 64 major hurricanes (Categories 3-5) that hit the U.S. in the 20th century struck in September. The World Meteorological Organization Hurricane Committee decided to discontinue using the Greek alphabet in March 2021 and created a substitute list. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. The boy died after storms from Matthew passed over the island. A fun filled science lesson for kids explaining many facts about hurricanes including they're formed, what causes them, the amount of damage they cause, thei. If you like this hurricane facts article, you may also find it interesting to learn do penguins fly, anddo penguins have feathers here on Kidadl. Jamaica's beauty queens have gone on to have fascinating careers, including Cindy Breakspeare, who is a singer and entrepreneur. The last hurricane that struck Curacao was in September 23, 1877. Hurricanes have killed approximately 1.9 million people worldwide over the past 200 years. According to the U.S. National Weather Service, hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June 1 through November 30 and normally peaks in August and September. Woods. Hurricane Ian could make landfall along Florida's Gulf Coast as a A Category 3 or higher is considered a major hurricane. 7. Out of all the regions, the south-eastern part has the least amount and the north-east region of the Bahamas has the most. Founding father Alexander Hamilton was born and spent part of his childhood in Charlestown, the capital of the island of Nevis in the Leeward Islands. The Netherland Antilles is another hurricane-prone place as well as Key West in Florida. 2012 Hurricane Sandy: Facts, FAQs, and how to help The duration of a hurricane can range from 12-4 hours. Vertical winds cause water and ice to rub together, causing Lightning and thunder to form. 8. People caught in the eye should remain in their shelters and, if possible, brace for the worst. And in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a teenage boy died in a landslide as he was cleaning a drain behind his house, according to Michelle Forbes, deputy director for the National Emergency Management Office. Donate What is a hurricane? 1. HOW TO BEST COVER YOUR PROPERTY AGAINST FLOODS. Hurricanes are not evenly distributed across the Caribbean Islands. The hurricane causes catastrophic flooding and at least three people are killed. Should You Visit the Caribbean Islands During Hurricane Season? At first, the tropical wave showed no signs of . Hurricanes result in storm surge flooding, strong winds, and heavy rainfall that can cause inland flooding, rip currents, and tornadoes. A hurricane is a type of storm which originate in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. The National Hurricane Center says naming hurricanes helps the communication process for identifying and relaying information about these dangerous storms. Southwests scheduled service to and from Nassau, Bahamas, through Oct. 5 may be disrupted as well, which means flights may be delayed, diverted, and/or cancelled, airline officials said in a statement. They were fierce warriors and sea-raiders with a reputation for cannibalism. Sint Maarten, Barbuda, Dominica and Puerto Rico were hit the hardest. Hurricanes. Hurricanes never form at the equator because they need the Coriolis Force, which is very weak at the equator, to spin. As soon as the hurricane reaches land it gets weaker until it dies out. Life threatening flash floods and mudslides are likely from this rainfall in southern and northwestern Haiti. A major cyclone unleashes the energy of 10 atomic bombs per second. There are more than 7,000 islands in the Caribbean. Powerful hurricanes rotate so vigorously and are capable enough to uproot whole trees and cause destruction in structures! After a six-year hiatus, names can be used again, although names of particularly catastrophic storms are withdrawn for good. When a hurricane season nears, the World Meteorological Organization creates an alphabetical list of names for tropical storms as they are identified throughout each hurricane season. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. Dec 2, 2009. Horizontal wind causes most hurricanes, which rarely have Lightning and thunder. Weather Bureau began the naming process. May 24, 2022 - The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts a 65% chance for an above-normal season, predicting that there is a 70% chance of having 14 to 21 named storms, of which six to 10 could develop into hurricanes, including three to six major hurricanes (Categories 3-5).