What is a storm?
Q: What is a storm?
A: A storm is a violent meteorological phenomenon in which there is heavy rain, and wind due to moisture in the air. Hail and Lightning are also common in storms. More rarely, Tornadoes can occur in storms. Hurricanes, typhoons, and tornadoes are often called storms too but they have special names because they are very strong.
Q: Who studies storms?
A: Storms are studied by scientists called meteorologists.
Q: How did shipping forecasts start?
A: The idea of shipping forecasts started with a concern to save ships from unexpected storms in the North Atlantic.
Q: What type of weather is associated with a storm?
A: A storm is associated with severe weather and may be marked by strong wind, thunder, lightning and heavy precipitation such as ice.
Q: What are some varieties of storms?
A: There are many varieties and names for storms including icestorms, blizzards, snowstorms, ocean-storms, firestorms etc.
Q: Where do thunderstorms develop frequently?
A: Thunderstorms develop frequently in hot humid tropical areas like Mexico.
Q: How do lightning and sound form during thunderstorms?
A: During thunderstorms the rising temperatures produce strong upward rising winds which carry water droplets upwards where they freeze before falling down again. The swift movement of the falling water droplets along with the rising air create lighting and sound.
