No Two Hurricanes Are Alike
This video is a part of Animated Atmosphere, a suite of short videos produced by the UCAR Center for Science Education with FableVision Studios.
Did you know that a strong hurricane isn’t necessarily large in size? Hurricanes are called strong when they have high winds. The Saffir Simpson categories of hurricanes are based only on wind speeds. But there is more to hurricanes than wind speeds. There are other ways to describe hurricanes - for example, by the amount of rain and flooding they cause. When there is a hurricane or tropical storm heading towards the coast, get to know all about it to learn what hazards it could cause.
Transcript
You've probably heard that no two snowflakes are alike,
but did you know hurricanes are just as unique?
Hurricanes can be big or small, fast or slow.
Their wind speeds and rainfall amounts can be extremely high, or relatively low.
Hurricanes can range in size, with wind speeds between 74 and 200 miles per hour.
The typical hurricane brings 6 to 12 inches of rainfall,
but some produce much more.
In 2017, hurricane Harvey dumped 60 inches of rain on Southeast Texas.
Typically a Hurricane travels 15-20 miles per hour,
but can travel at speeds up to 60 miles per hour.
If it stalls in one area, it can bring torrential rains.
Some hurricanes follow a fairly straight course, while others loop and wobble along the path.
Whatever its shape, size, or speed, hurricanes are a force of nature.
Be sure to keep your eye on the weather, and stay safe.