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A hurricane is a huge storm that  forms on water.Evaporation from the ocean increases its strength.Hurricanes turn counter clockwise around the eye of the hurricane.Sometimes a hurricane might go on land and destroy houses and trees.The eye is the calmest part of the hurricane. When they come onto land, the heavy rain, strong winds and large waves can damage buildings, trees and cars.If it goes on land it gets weaker. To protect yourself from a hurricane leave low lying areas,Protect windows with plywood boards, or storm shutters,secure outside objects,make sure you have plenty of food and water,have several days supply of food and water for each family member,and If called to evacuate, do so immediately.

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Centuries ago European explorers learned the indigenous word hurakan, signifying evil spirits and weather gods, to describe the storms that battered their ships in the Caribbean. Today, "hurricane" is one of three names for giant, spiraling tropical storms with winds of at least 74 miles (119 kilometers) an hour.

Called hurricanes when they develop over the North Atlantic, central North Pacific, and eastern North Pacific, these rotating storms are known as cyclones when they form over the South Pacific and Indian Ocean, and typhoons when they develop in the Northwest Pacific. ( Learn more about National Geographic's role in the history of storm mapping.)

Whatever the moniker, tropical cyclones can annihilate coastal areas and cause massive death tolls. Rated on the five-point Saffir-Simpson scale based on wind speed, hurricanes are considered major when they reach Category 3. A Category 5 storm can deliver wind speeds of more than 157 miles (253 km) an hour.

The Atlantic Ocean's hurricane season peaks from mid-August to late October and averages five to six hurricanes per year. While cyclones on the northern Indian Ocean typically form between April and December, with peak storm activity around May and November.

How are hurricanes formed?

Hurricanes begin as tropical disturbances in warm ocean waters with surface temperatures of at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.5 degrees Celsius). Those low-pressure systems are fed by energy from warm seas.

A storm with wind speeds of 38 miles (61 km) an hour or less is classified as a tropical depression. It becomes a tropical storm-and is given a name, according to conventions determined by the World Meteorological Organization -when its sustained wind speeds top 39 miles (63 km) an hour.

Hurricanes are enormous heat engines that deliver energy on a staggering scale. They draw heat from warm, moist ocean air and release it through condensation of water vapor in thunderstorms.

Hurricanes spin around a low-pressure center known as the eye. Sinking air makes this 20- to 40-mile-wide (32- to 64-kilometer-wide) area notoriously calm. But the eye is surrounded by a circular "eye wall" that contains the storm's strongest winds and rain.

Hurricane dangers

Hurricanes bring destruction ashore in many different ways. When a hurricane makes landfall, it often produces a devastating storm surge -ocean water pushed ashore by wind-that can reach 20 feet (6 meters) high and move several miles inland.

Storm surges and flooding are the two most dangerous aspects of hurricanes, accounting for three-quarters of deaths from Atlantic tropical cyclones, according to a 2014 study. A third of the deaths from Hurricane Katrina, which made landfall off the coast of Louisiana in 2005 and killed approximately 1,200 people, were caused by drowning. Katrina is also the costliest hurricane on record, with damage totaling $125 billion.

A hurricane's high winds are destructive and may spawn tornadoes. Torrential rains cause further damage via flooding and landslides, which may occur many miles inland.

Although extremely potent storms have formed in the Atlantic, the most powerful tropical cyclones on record have formed in the Pacific, which gives storms more room to grow before they make landfall. Hurricane Patricia, which formed in the eastern Pacific off Guatemala in 2015, had the strongest winds recorded, at 215 miles (346 km) an hour. The strongest Atlantic storm was Wilma in 2005, with winds of 183 miles (294 km) an hour.

The best defense against a hurricane is an accurate forecast that gives people time to get out of the way. The National Hurricane Center issues hurricane watches for possible storms within 48 hours and hurricane warnings for expected storms within 36 hours.

Hurricanes and climate change

Climate change may be driving more frequent, more intense extreme weather, and that includes hurricanes. The 2018 hurricane season was one of the most active on record, with 22 major hurricanes in the Northern Hemisphere in under three months, and 2017 also saw seriously devastating Atlantic storms. While a number of factors determine a hurricane's strength and impact, warmer temperatures in certain locations play an important role. In the Atlantic, warming in the Arctic could drive future hurricane tracks farther west, making a U.S. landfall more likely.

Hurricane Harvey, which dropped a record-breaking 51.8 inches of rain on southeastern Texas in 2017, was fueled by surface waters in the Gulf of Mexico that were 2 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than three decades before. A warmer atmosphere can also furnish more water vapor for making rain, as evaporation increases and warm air holds more vapor than cold.

Warming temperatures can also slow tropical cyclones, which can be a problem if their progression over land is extended, potentially increasing storm surges, rainfall, and exposure to high winds.

Potential trends make it more important than ever to be prepared for coming storms and to address the root causes of climate change, scientists say. ( Learn more about solutions here.)

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Here's how hurricanes form-and why they're so destructive

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Centuries ago European explorers learned the indigenous word hurakan, signifying evil spirits and weather gods, to describe the storms that battered their ships in the Caribbean. Today, "hurricane" is one of three names for giant, spiraling tropical storms with winds of at least 74 miles (119 kilometers) an hour.

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Blizzards are dangerous winter storms with heavy wind and blowing snow. To be called a blizzard,it needs to have lots of falling snow or blowing snow,winds at the speed of 35 mph or higher, how far you can see clearly, of 1/4 mile or less.They are more powerful and dangerous than a snow storm. You might hear swoosh noises and you will feel very cold. To protect yourself from a blizzard you need to stock up on food and water,stay indoors if you can,listen to the radio for updates about the blizzard,and watch out for frostbite.

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If you have witnessed or experienced chilled winds of snow blowing with a very strong force and high speed (35 miles per hour or more), then you have a firsthand account of a snow blizzard. Blizzards have three aspects: very low pressures, freezing temperatures and high wind speeds. All these aspects adversely affect human, animal and plant life.

About the Author

Nida Rasheed has been writing for online businesses since 2008. She specializes in topics such as health, fitness, pet care, travel and home improvement. Rasheed studied social sciences at Lahore University of Management Sciences.

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The Effects of Blizzards on Humans & Other Living Things on the Earth

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If you have witnessed or experienced chilled winds of snow blowing with a very strong force and high speed (35 miles per hour or more), then you have a firsthand account of a snow blizzard. Blizzards have three aspects: very low pressures, freezing temperatures and high wind speeds.

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Floods form when heavy rains occur in a area.When it is raining a dam can overflow and a flood could form.Floods are very dangerous,it is so powerful that it can carry a car,tree,a person,or even a house. To protect yourself from a flood go somewhere high and avoid places that are flooded.If your in your house and water rises in your home go to your attic or your roof. Do not try to walk across flooded areas or drive in a flooded area.Flash floods are floods do to heavy rain.

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A Flash Flood Emergency has been issued by the National Weather Service for the Houston Metro area after torrential rain hammered parts of the city over the last 24 hours. The emergency will remain in effect until at least 1pm local time today.

Heavy rain is also falling in other areas of Texas and flash flood watches are in place over the next 12 to 24 hours for Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth, Tyler-Longview and Texarkana, but Houston has been hardest hit.

City of Houston's Office of Emergency Management said:

"Flash flooding is already occurring. This is a very dangerous situation."

Over 12 inches of rain in 24 hours has been recorded in at least 6 different locations around Houston since yesterday, 17 April. National Weather Service say that flooding has been reported in over 70 locations in the Houston Metro area.

Overflowing Bayous

The City of Houston's Office of Emergency Management said via Twitter

"Almost all of our Bayous are out of their banks somewhere..."

NWS service report that several rivers in South East Texas are at major flood stage at 5 locations including Little River near Rockdale, Cypress Creek near Hockley and Westfield, White Oak Bayou at Houston, Peech Creek near Splendora and West Fork San Jacinto River near Humble.

Flood Rescues

Emergency teams have carried out over 600 water rescue responses and 115 high water rescues in the last 24 hours. Houston Fire Department say that many of the problems have been in the north of the city. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said:

"This is a dangerous situation and I do not want our employees trying to get to work. All Houstonians need to stay off the roads. Do not go out until conditions improve".

Several shelters have been opened for those displaced by the floods.

City at a Standstill

Around 45,000 people are without power in the City of Houston. Bus and rail services have been suspended and schools closed.

Mayor Sylvester Turner has cancelled his State of the City that was scheduled for today and has instructed all non-essential City employees to stay home. In addition, municipal courts have also been closed.

Around 200 flights have been cancelled from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. The heavy rain has flooded roads near the airport, hindering access.

For emergency information for the Houston metro area, see City of Houston Emergency Information here or via Twitter here.

Social Media

Rain totals across SE Texas...so far. #houwx #bcswx pic.twitter.com/4NNgKtwRkq

- NWSHouston (@NWSHouston) April 18, 2016

955 AM Axis of heaviest rainfall pushing to coast now. Flash/bayou flood issues expected to continue into PM hours. pic.twitter.com/VHoFWbrhpO

- NWSHouston (@NWSHouston) April 18, 2016

#KHOUtraffic High Water: Here's Braes Bayou at Hwy 288 and Mac Gregor. 288 is closed both ways. #KHOU11 pic.twitter.com/1Y2Ooduyrj

- Darby Douglas (@DarbyKHOU) April 18, 2016

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Texas - Flash Flood Emergency in Houston After 12 Inches of Rain in 24 Hours

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A Flash Flood Emergency has been issued by the National Weather Service for the Houston Metro area after torrential rain hammered parts of the city over the last 24 hours. The emergency will remain in effect until at least 1pm local time today.

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A thunder storm is a cumulonimbus cloud that has lightning and thunder. To make a thunderstorm there needs to be moisture in the air,unstable air ,and lift.There are different types of thunderstorms.Thunderstorms happen mostly in the summer and spring. One type of storm is called a multi-cell thunderstorm.A multi-cell thunderstorm is a garden variety thunderstorm.Thunderstorms might look cool but they are very dangerous.If there is a thunderstorm you might hear loud boom noises. To protect yourself from a thunderstorm you need to seek shelter fast also turn off all the electricity.

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The action of warm air rising up and cold air sinking down is a key factor in the formation of thunderstorms. When warm, humid air that is saturated with moisture is forced to rise quickly due to high temperatures, thunderstorms begin to form. The puffy clouds in the sky, known as cumulus clouds, form the same way thunderstorms do. When warm, humid air rises, it begins to expand and cool. This warm air eventually cools to the point that the moisture forms water droplets, and it releases heat into the surrounding atmosphere. This released heat, in turn, causes the rising air mass to increase the rate at which it rises. As the upward movement continues, more moisture is condensed from the air mass, and the droplets come together to form what is known as a rain cloud. Depending on the conditions in the atmosphere, this rain cloud continues to rise as high as 6 to 9 miles into the air. As the cloud grows, more and more moisture condenses and clings to the droplets. The droplets produce small amounts of friction by rubbing or bumping into each other. The result of this friction is lightning and thunder. The droplets continue to grow as long as they can be supported by the updrafts occurring. Once the droplets become too heavy to be supported by the updrafts, they fall from the cloud in the form of rain.
Learn more about Storms

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The action of warm air rising up and cold air sinking down is a key factor in the formation of thunderstorms. When warm, humid air that is saturated with moisture is forced to rise quickly due to high temperatures, thunderstorms begin to form.

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A tornado is a dangerous rotating cloud that extends to a thunderstorm to the ground.If you want to protect yourself from a tornado you should go in your basement or a storm cellar.If you have neither one in your house go in a room with no windows.Tornadoes destroy mostly everything in there path.Tornadoes look funnel shaped.They can come in different colors like brown,black,blueand grey.

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A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm and comes into contact with the ground. In an average year about 1,000 tornadoes are reported nationwide. Tornado intensity is measured by the enhanced Fujita (EF) scale. The scale rates tornadoes on a scale of 0 through 5, based on the amount and type of wind damage.
In Michigan, tornadoes occur most frequently from April until July between 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The average tornado is grounded less than 10 minutes and travels about five (5) miles, extreme cases have been known to be grounded for an hour and travel more than 100 miles. Michigan averages 16 tornadoes each year.

Learn the Warning Signs Tornadoes can strike with little warning, though meteorologists are now better able to predict the signs a twister is coming. Even a few minutes warning provides an opportunity for those in harm's way to seek shelter. In communities with a history of tornado activity, there may be a warning siren and/or a digital messaging system to alert residents that they should seek proper shelter immediately.

Other signs of tornadoes are:

Dark greenish skies

Large Hail

Dark, rotating, low-altitude cloud

Loud roar, like a train

Know the Difference Between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning
A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. Be alert to changes in the weather, account for all family members, and listen to local radio and TV stations for updated storm information. Move cars inside and keep car and house keys with you. If time permits, move lawn furniture and equipment inside to minimize flying debris. If a tornado siren sounds, stay inside and take cover.

A tornado warning means a tornado has actually been spotted or is indicated on weather radar in your area. This means danger is imminent and you may only have seconds to take cover.

Seek Shelter When a Tornado Has Been Sighted. Do not try to outrun a tornado. Stay calm but move quickly to the safest place possible. Here are some suggestions:

At Home: The safest place to be is underground. Basements are usually the most protected area, but if this is not an option take cover in central part of the house away from windows: a bathroom, closet, interior hallway, or under a heavy piece of furniture.

In an Office Building: Go directly to an enclosed, windowless area in the center of the building-away from glass and on the lowest floor possible-and crouch down and cover your head. Interior stairwells are usually good places to take shelter and, if they are not crowded, allow you to get to a lower level quickly. Stay off elevators, you could get trapped if the power is lost.

At School: Follow the staff instructions and go to an interior hall or room in an orderly way as directed. Crouch low, head down, and protect the back of your head with your arms. Stay away from windows and large open rooms like gyms and auditoriums.

In a Car or Truck: Abandon the vehicle and seek shelter in sturdy structure. If you are in open country, seek shelter in the nearest ditch. Lie flat, face-down on low ground, protecting the back of your head with your arms. Get as far away from trees and cars as you can.

Mobile Home: Get out! Even if the home is tied down, you are probably safer outside.
After a Tornado

Stay in your shelter until after the storm is over or emergency personnel have arrived.

Check the people around you for injuries. Carefully begin first aid or seek help if necessary.

When you go outside, watch out for downed power lines and stay away from any puddle with wires in them.

Do not use matches or lighters-there may be leaking gas pipes or fuel tanks nearby.

Insurance Coverage for Tornado Damage. Damage caused by tornadoes is covered under standard homeowners and business insurance policies, as well as the optional comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. If you sustain tornado damage contact your insurance agent or company representative as soon as possible. Let your insurance company know the extent of the damage. After tornadoes and other disasters, insurance companies will reach out to those with the worst losses first. If you have vacated the premises, make sure your insurance representative knows where and how to contact you.

Standard homeowners and renters insurance policies also provide coverage for additional living expenses (ALE) in the event your home is destroyed or made unlivable because of the tornado. ALE covers hotel bills, restaurant meals and other expenses, over and above your customary living expenses, incurred while your home is being rebuilt, so keep receipts and talk to your insurance professional if you have any questions about this or any other part of your insurance policy.

Michigan's Tornado Alleys: Do you live in one? Tornado Safety Flyer

source: Insurance Information Institute http://www.iii.org/articles/tornado-safety.html

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Be Prepared for Michigan Tornado Season.

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A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm and comes into contact with the ground. In an average year about 1,000 tornadoes are reported nationwide. Tornado intensity is measured by the enhanced Fujita (EF) scale.