tropical storm hurricane

• how does a tropical storm form?

  Tropical storms usually form between 5° and 30° latitude.

  • When the ocean surface waters reaches at least 27°C due to solar heating, the warm air above the water rises quickly, causing an area of very low pressure.
  • As the air rises quickly more warm moist air is drawn upwards from above the ocean creating strong winds.
  • The rising warm air spirals upward and cools. The water vapour it carries condenses and forms cumulonimbus clouds.
  • These cumulonimbus clouds form the eye wall of the storm.
• where did Hurricane Katrina form?

  On August 23, 2005, a tropical depression formed over the Bahamas
• what were the main impacts of hurricane Katrina?

  Impact on humans

  • 1,500 deaths in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida.
  • Costs of about $300 billion.
  • Thousands of homes and businesses were destroyed.
  • Thousands of jobs were lost and millions of dollars in lost tax income.
  • Agricultural production was damaged by tornadoes and flooding. Cotton and sugar cane crops were flattened.