The Water Cycle

The Water Cycleand Severe Weather

Water CycleWater moves from the surface of the earth to

the air and then back again.Never ending process Condensatio

n

PrecipitationEvaporation

Parts of the Water CycleEvaporation

CondensationPrecipitation

EvaporationProcess by which a liquid changes into a gas

CondensationProcess by which a gas changes into a liquid

PrecipitationRainSnowSleet Hail

Rain

Liquid precipitationMost common precipitationTemp > 0˚Celsius (32˚Farhenheit)

Snow

Solid precipitationIce crystalsWater vapor turns to ice

Sleet

Solid precipitationFrozen rainIce pellets

Hail

Solid precipitationFrozen rainRound pieces of ice

Severe Storms

ThunderstormsTornadoesHurricanes

Thunderstorm

LightningStrong windsHeavy rains

Tornado

Fast-spinning spiral of windStretches from thunderstorm clouds to

groundWinds can be greater than 400 kph (250

mph)800-1000 tornadoes in U.S. per year

Hurricane

Large tropical stormWinds speeds of 119 kph (74 mph) or moreForm over warm water

Weather Safety*Severe storms are dangerous!*Watch TV or listen to radio for directions during severe weather.*Be alert for weather sirens.*Be prepared with a emergency supply kit.