What does storms look like

It can be up to miles across and have strong winds spiraling inward and upward at speeds of 75 to mph. Each hurricane usually lasts for over a week, moving miles per hour over the open ocean. Hurricanes gather heat and energy through contact with warm ocean waters. Evaporation from the seawater increases their power. Hurricanes rotate in a counter-clockwise direction around an "eye" in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise direction in the Southern Hemisphere. The center of the storm or "eye" is the calmest part.

It has only light winds and fair weather. When they come onto land, the heavy rain, strong winds and large waves can damage buildings, trees and cars.

Used Diesel Generators. A low pressure trough moving generally westward with the trade winds. Tropical storms can grow into hurricanes, and hurricanes can grow into stronger hurricanes.

However, only a small number of storms grow into tropical storms. Even fewer become hurricanes. Storms weaken when they moves over areas with cooler ocean water. Nor is there as much humidity in the air. Hurricanes also weaken when they travel over land. As a storm grows, it goes through a series of stages. It starts as a tropical disturbance. Then, with cyclonic circulation and faster wind speeds, it becomes a tropical depression.

If the wind keeps getting faster, it becomes a tropical storm and then a hurricane if winds are more than 74 miles per hour mph.

The classifications are based on the wind speeds in the storm, not the size of the storm. The clouds should be very large, low-lying cumulonimbus clouds. Additionally, the cumulonimbus clouds you see will begin to develop vertically at a rapid pace. Keep a careful eye out for any rotation in the clouds. Pay Attention to the Temperature — In order for severe storms and tornadoes to form, a mixture of warm, moist air at low levels have to collide with dry, relatively cold air above.

Wind shear, which is the difference in the wind speeds near the surface and about 20, feet above the ground, will slam the conditions together. If you feel the temperature drop from warm or hot to a more brisk temperature, you know the storm is approaching very quickly. Beware of Sudden Wind Changes — Be on your toes if it suddenly gets very windy or if there is an abrupt calm during or right after a thunderstorm.

Pay Attention to Precipitation Changes — Be aware of hail or heavy rain following by either dead calm or a fast, intense wind shift. Large hail can sometimes but not always precede a tornado. Refer to a Barometer — If you happen to have a barometer on hand, check it few hours. If you notice that there is a rapid drop in pressure, then a storm is approaching.

Listen Intently — As you observe the storm, try to eliminate any unnecessary sounds and listen very closely. If you hear a loud roar or an intense noise that is similar to a freight train, take shelter right away; a tornado has more than likely spawned.