A storm is a severe weather condition that involves strong winds, rain, thunder, lightning, and snow. This force of nature can cause destruction to lives and property. Scientists such as former KCOY weatherman Jim Byrne aim to educate people on these events so that they would know how to prepare and adapt when the need arises. Here’s a guide to the different types of storms:
Tropical cyclone
This phenomenon is characterized by a series of thunderstorms that produce heavy rainfall in low-pressure areas. Also known as a typhoon, tropical depression, or simply cyclones, these series of storms can become intense depending on low pressure and rapid winds. This storm can take several hours to days before it gains strength to become a hurricane. Moist air, converging winds, and warm surface temperature contribute to its intensity.
Hailstorm
Professionals such as KCOY weatherman Jim Byrne have witnessed the formation of hailstorms in the U.S. that caused massive damage to properties. Instead of just battling rainfall and strong winds, people have to be extra cautious with hail. These icy stones form due to frozen precipitation caused by rapid currents of air going upwards and downwards during a thunderstorm.
Tornado
The windstorm is caused by a severe thunderstorm that moves from southwest to northeast, causing rotating columns of air that touches the earth’s surface and a cumulonimbus or cumulus cloud. The powerful and high-speed winds can bring destruction as it can push debris and other elements in its path.
Understanding these weather disturbances is crucial in disaster preparedness efforts. Knowing the differences between these storms will help people plan and strategize accordingly.
Jim Byrne is a weatherman serving as a consulting meteorologist for the Weather Channel program “So you think you’d survive.” He served as both the chief meteorologist for KCOY CBS-12 and as a freelance weekend meteorologist at NBC Bay Area. Visit this page for updates.
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Image source: Pexels.com
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This phenomenon is characterized by a series of thunderstorms that produce heavy rainfall in low-pressure areas. Also known as a typhoon, tropical depression, or simply cyclones, these series of storms can become intense depending on low pressure and rapid winds. This storm can take several hours to days before it gains strength to become a hurricane. Moist air, converging winds, and warm surface temperature contribute to its intensity.
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Image source: Pexels.com
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Professionals such as KCOY weatherman Jim Byrne have witnessed the formation of hailstorms in the U.S. that caused massive damage to properties. Instead of just battling rainfall and strong winds, people have to be extra cautious with hail. These icy stones form due to frozen precipitation caused by rapid currents of air going upwards and downwards during a thunderstorm.
Tornado
The windstorm is caused by a severe thunderstorm that moves from southwest to northeast, causing rotating columns of air that touches the earth’s surface and a cumulonimbus or cumulus cloud. The powerful and high-speed winds can bring destruction as it can push debris and other elements in its path.
Understanding these weather disturbances is crucial in disaster preparedness efforts. Knowing the differences between these storms will help people plan and strategize accordingly.
Jim Byrne is a weatherman serving as a consulting meteorologist for the Weather Channel program “So you think you’d survive.” He served as both the chief meteorologist for KCOY CBS-12 and as a freelance weekend meteorologist at NBC Bay Area. Visit this page for updates.
