Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, and Hurricanes
Different names for Hurricanes
Hurricane – Atlantic Ocean and
eastern Pacific Ocean
Typhoon – Western Pacific Ocean
Cyclone – Indian Ocean or off the
coast of Australia
Where is it likely to form?
Tornado – Tornadoes often form in
“Tornado Alley,” an area of the
Central Plains between the Rocky
Mountains and the Mississippi
River.
Hurricane – A hurricane forms over
warm waters, including the Pacific
Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Indian
Ocean.
What causes it to form?
Tornado – One way a tornado forms
is when moist, warm air meets cool,
dry air head on.
Hurricane – A hurricane forms
when warm, moist air rises over
tropical waters and wind speeds
reach beyond 118 kph (73 mph).
How big is it?
Tornado – The diameter is usually
between 100 and 600 m; some are a
few meters wide; others are more
than 1600 m (1 mile) wide.
Hurricane – It is usually 550km
(342 miles) in diameter.
How fast does it move?
Tornado – Some stand nearly still;
others move faster than 100 kph (62
mph)
Hurricane – A hurricane can move
at speeds of 8 to 24 kph (5 to 15
mph).
How fast do its winds rotate?
Tornado – Its winds can move up to
350 kph (217 mph).
Hurricane – A hurricane’s wind
speeds can range from 119 to 250
kph (74 to 155 mph) or more.
With what scale can you measure
its damage?
Tornado – The Fujita Scale
Hurricane – The Saffir/Simpson
Hurricane Scale