Identify Extreme Weather

Most days the weather is ordinary — a bit warm, a bit cool, maybe some rain. But sometimes weather becomes extreme, meaning it is unusually powerful or dangerous. Scientists and weather forecasters study extreme weather so we can stay safe.

Tornado

• A rapidly spinning column of air that reaches from a thunderstorm cloud down to the ground.
• Can destroy buildings and trees in its path.
• Safety: go to the lowest floor of a building, away from windows.

Hurricane

• A huge spinning storm that forms over warm ocean water, with a calm center called the eye.
• Brings extremely strong winds, heavy rain, and dangerous flooding along coastlines.
• Safety: if your family is told to leave (evacuate), go with your grown-ups to a safe place far from the coast.

Blizzard

• A severe winter snowstorm with very heavy snow, strong winds, and very low temperatures.
• Blowing snow makes it almost impossible to see — a condition called a whiteout.
• Safety: stay indoors, keep warm, and avoid driving.

Thunderstorm, Drought, and Flood

• Thunderstorm — heavy rain, lightning, and thunder. Lightning can strike trees and buildings. Stay indoors and away from tall objects.
• Drought — a long period with little or no rain, causing crops to fail and water supplies to dry up.
• Flood — water overflows onto land that is normally dry, usually after very heavy rain or when a storm pushes ocean water onto land. Never walk or drive through floodwater.