Read for the details in this passage to learn about kinds of storms and how to prepare for them.

Severe Weather

Snowstorms, lightning, and heavy winds are examples of severe weather. But the strongest storms are hurricanes and tornadoes. To keep safe in severe weather, listen for warnings and have a plan. Learning about these weather systems and how to keep safe in them is important.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are severe storms that typically start over the ocean. The winds get faster and rain clouds form. The hurricane grows, and then it moves over the land, bringing strong winds and heavy rains.

The entire storm can be hundreds of miles wide and can last days or weeks. But it always keeps moving on to new areas, until finally it gets weaker and disappears.

Do you have hurricanes where you live?

.....Hurricanes form between June and December, but they occur most often in September. They usually occur along the Atlantic Coast or in the Gulf of Mexico.

In what month do most hurricanes occur?

............................

.....In hurricane season, the weather service keeps a close watch. If a storm starts, warnings are sent out so that people in the area can go indoors or leave town, waiting for the storm to pass.

What do people have to do if there is a hurricane warning? ...........................................................

.....The hurricane also gets a name. The first storm of the year gets a person's name that starts with the letter A. The second storm gets the letter B. Each storm that year gets a name beginning with a new letter of the alphabet in order.

Tornadoes

One of the strongest windstorms of all is the tornado. It typically starts on a hot, sticky, cloudy afternoon.

The tornado forms when dry air from the north meets wet air from the south, causing dark clouds to form. The dark clouds start to change at the bottom, and a funnel-like shape forms. ..................

.....This funnel grows until it reaches the ground, and then it starts to travel, roaring as it goes. This storm is sometimes called a twister, because the winds blow in a tight circle and the funnel seems to twist around.

Why is a tornado also called a twister?

Tornadoes hit mostly in the Midwest, but they can also occur in other areas of the country. Usually tornadoes occur in the spring or the summer. The storm usually does not last long, and the funnel soon disappears or moves on. Some people stay in a storm cellar; everybody waits until the storm is over.

Where do most tornadoes occur?

Many places have some form of severe weather. To keep safe, listen to weather reports and follow advice. By using caution, people can "weather" the "weather," whether it's good or bad!

Think About It...

Look back to the passage to help you answer these questions.

1. The type of storm that is MOST LIKELY to start over the ocean is a --

    A. hurricane
    B. tornado
    C. snowstorm
    D. thunderstorm

2. A hurricane named Camille would be the _______ hurricane of the season.

    A. first
    B. second
    C. third
    D. fourth

3. According to the article, a tornado usually begins --

    A. in September.
    B. in the winter.
    C. on a humid day.
    D. on a cool morning.

Answer Key

1. A
2. C
3. C