Storms Overview

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary related to different types of storms, their characteristics, and safety measures.

Thunderstorm

A small storm often accompanied by heavy precipitation, frequent thunder, and lightning.

Cumulonimbus Clouds

Large clouds known as thunderheads where thunderstorms form.

Updrafts

Strong upward winds found within thunderheads.

Downdrafts

Strong downward winds often occurring with thunderstorms.

Lightning

A sudden spark or electrical discharge between parts of a cloud, between clouds, or between a cloud and the ground.

Thunder

The sound produced when lightning heats the air around it rapidly, causing an explosion.

Severe Thunderstorm

Conditions are favorable for thunderstorms; be prepared to move indoors.

Tornado

A rapidly swirling, funnel-shaped cloud that reaches down from a storm cloud to touch Earth's surface.

Tornado Alley

A region in the United States where tornadoes are most commonly formed.

Hurricane

A tropical cyclone that has winds of 119 km/h (74 mph) or more.

Storm Surge

A dome of water that sweeps across the coast during a hurricane.

Lake Effect Snow

Heavy snow caused when cold air moves over warmer lake water, picking up moisture.

Flash Flood

A sudden, rapid flooding that occurs shortly after a storm.

Tornado Watch

Conditions are favorable for tornadoes.

Tornado Warning

Tornadoes have been seen in the sky or on radar.