¡ Huracanes! by Gail Gibbons

What is a hurricane? In these times of extreme weather, Gail Gibbons’ informative introduction to hurricanes, recently updated, answers that question and also provides practical safety tips.

Imagine a force that can toss ships around like toys and throw them onto land, destroy bridges, produce waves up to four meters high, and change the shape of the coast. Hurricanes can do all that with their strong winds and torrential rains.

In this revised edition, endorsed by meteorology experts and recently translated, Gail Gibbons explains to readers how hurricanes form and are classified, what safety measures should be taken, and the constantly evolving technology that helps us predict the behavior of these powerful storms.

The update includes definitions of new terms related to hurricanes, updated information about wind speeds that define hurricane categories, tips on how to prepare for this type of natural disaster, and much more. As this type of severe weather has become increasingly frequent and intense, “Hurricanes!” is the best introduction for children to this important and current topic.

With its simple and colorful illustrations and informative diagrams, Gail Gibbons’ non-fiction books are considered “must-haves in any collection” (Kirkus Reviews). They present complex subjects in a clear and accessible manner for young readers who are starting to explore the world.

“The Force and Destruction of Hurricanes”

The winds are howling, the rain is pouring down, and violent waves crash onto the shore. A dangerous spinning storm has formed over tropical waters – it is a hurricane. Derived from the ancient Mayan god of the big winds, hurricanes are massive spinning storms that wreak havoc on the land they encounter.

Hurricanes begin their formation over warm tropical waters, where the evaporation of warm water rises into the atmosphere. As the warm moist air spins upward, it creates a draft that sucks up more moisture, fueling the cyclone-like movement. When the water temperature reaches a certain threshold, the cycle of increasing intensity continues, causing the winds to grow stronger.

The rising air creates cumulonimbus clouds, which hold immense amounts of water. These clouds continue to build up as more moisture rises, causing the spinning of the air to accelerate. When condensation occurs, rain starts to fall. Once the wind speed reaches 74 miles per hour (119.1 kilometers per hour), the storm is classified as a hurricane.

Most hurricanes range from 100 miles (160.9 kilometers) to 300 miles (482.8 kilometers) wide. At the center of a hurricane lies the eye, which is calm and clear. It can be anywhere from 10 to 20 miles (16.1 to 32.2 kilometers) wide. The strongest winds are found in the area closest to the eye, known as the eye wall. Hurricanes mostly form over the Atlantic Ocean, north of the equator, and typically last about a week, following unpredictable courses.

“Hurricanes: Nature’s Powerful Storms”

Many cities and towns have fallen victim to the devastating power of hurricanes. Strong winds, heavy rains, and storm surges have caused extensive damage throughout history. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, developed in 1972, ranks hurricanes from category 1 to category 5, helping meteorologists predict their potential impact.

The National Hurricane Center, located in Miami, Florida, is responsible for forecasting and tracking hurricanes. Meteorologists gather information from satellites and airplanes, which are flown directly into the storms to measure wind speeds, temperatures, air pressures, and moisture levels.

When a hurricane is approaching, storm watches and hurricane warnings are issued to inform the public about potential impact. Evacuation plans are crucial to ensure the safety of individuals and their families. By following recommended procedures and preparing for the storm, the risks associated with hurricanes can be minimized.

As nature’s powerful storms, hurricanes continue to leave their mark with their devastating force and unpredictable paths. It is essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions when facing this formidable natural phenomenon.

More interesting facts:

• Hurricanes north of the equator rotate counterclockwise, while those south of the equator rotate clockwise.
• Cyclones and typhoons are hurricane-like storms that form over the Pacific and Indian Oceans, respectively.
• The deadliest storm on record is a cyclone in Bangladesh in 1970, which claimed the lives of over 300,000 people.