Storms

• What hazards do storms form

  High winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges/coastal flooding, river flooding, landslides,
• High winds


  Over 300km/hr due to the pressure difference between the eye of the storm and the surrounding air, meaning air rushes in from the surrounding areas.

  The wind speeds determine the strength of the storm.
• What can high wind speeds cause

  Uprooted trees, cars and debris which can be carried long distances and thrown into buildings.
• Heavy rainfall


  Result of the huge amount of evaporation which forms towering cumulonimbus clouds and torrential rain. Where hurricanes hit mountainous coastlines even heavier rain may form due to relief rainfall. Heavy rainfall can lead to flooding.
• Example of heavy rainfall

  In 1966 over 1000mm of rain fell in 12 during tropical storm Denise.
• Storm surge/coastal flooding


  A storm surge is a change in sea level that is caused by a storm, they can lead to extensive flooding and are dangerous for people living in many coastal areas.
• Give an example of a storm surge

  When hurricane Katrina approached the US coast in 2005, it generate a storm surge of more than 8m in some areas, which led to widespread flooding.
• Cause of storm surge

  Main cause is high winds pushing the seawater towards the coast, leading to it piling up.
• River flooding


  Heavy downpours from heavy rainfall can increase river discharge suddenly and cause rivers to burst their banks, flooding the surrounding areas.
• Landslides


  The water from heavy rainfall infiltrates into soil and rock causing it to be saturated, heavy and lubricated, increasing the risk of a landslide.