Flying into a Hurricane

It is almost impossible to determine the intensity of a storm based on satellite photos alone. In order to get that information, some planes are designed to fly right into the eye of the storm. These planes measure temperature, moisture, air pressure, wind speed, and wind direction. When these "hurricane hunters" think the storm may reach land within 24 hours, they issue a hurricane warning. If a warning is issued, people who live near the sea are warned to evacuate. However, if a house is on high land that won't be flooded, people may choose to remain there. When a person decides to stay in their own home during a hurricane, there are safety rules they must follow:

• Use your hurricane shopping list to buy supplies.
• Store clean water in advance. City water may be contaminated.
• Board up large windows or prepare hurricane shutters.
• Pick up loose objects around the yard.
• Stay indoors until the storm has completely passed.

Have you ever flown through a bad storm? Mail us your story.

You can make a "weather plane" of your own, and pretend that it is flying inside the eye of a hurricane. Just CLICK on the button to the right. While you are having fun flying your "plane", don't forget to look for the weather conditions that you have been learning about.

Plane and Clouds	Hurricane Menu	Museum Menu

Science Learning Network / Inquiry Resources