Severe Weather: Home

How hot is a flash of lightning? How fast does rain fall from a cloud? What type of weather can pull a tree out of the ground? In this book, young readers will witness the raw power of different types of weather and learn how the conditions they see every day can be recorded and tracked. Filled with information perfectly suited to the abilities and interests of an early elementary audience, this colorful, fact-filled volume gives readers a chance not only to learn about weather, but also to develop their powers of observation and critical thinking. From such common weather phenomena as sunshine, rain, snow, hail, sleet, freezing cold, and wind, to the most severe forms of weather on the planet, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, monsoons, thunderstorms, squalls, and dust storms, this book makes learning about weather an exciting, extreme experience.

From the food available at the local store to the clothes we choose to wear every day, weather determines many of the major decisions we make and the actions we pursue. While we may not be able to control the weather, understanding the factors that cause a hurricane or allow us to plant certain crops, for example, can help us better prepare for both natural disasters and our daily lives. Detailed illustrations and photographs, interesting sidebars, and the topical narrative of this volume examine the conditions associated with different types of weather and the methods used to measure and forecast weather data.

Should you bring your umbrella to school today? What if there's a snowstorm? Weather forecasters gather the information that helps us stay safe, warm, and dry every day.

Thousands upon thousands of death and injuries occur every year from things that no one can control--natural disasters. Death tolls and dollars of damage are laid out in comparison charts, and paths of destruction are shown in maps. Highlighting the deadliest tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes with gritty detail, this volume is a grim reminder that sometimes all one can do is hang on and hope for the best.

In an instant, a beautiful white mountainside can become a deadly stampede of snow. Avalanche! These sudden landslides of snow, ice, and rocks can wipe out entire towns. Prepare to learn about history's most devastating avalanches.

A slight tremble shakes the room. Suddenly, a violent force rocks the house's foundation as a crack runs down the street. Earthquake! The shattering effects of these natural disasters have wreaked havoc on people around the world. From Chile to China, stand your ground and explore the worst earthquakes in history.

A little water never hurt anybody, but a lot of water can wreak havoc! Surging waves of water can sweep away cars, trees, and even entire houses. Keep your head above water while you explore the worst floods in history.

Powerful gusts and heavy rains starting in the ocean can mean only one thing: hurricane! The storm's forceful winds can uproot trees and send cars flitting through the air. From Hurricane Katrina to the Great Hurricane of 1780, stand up to the storm surges and read about the worst hurricanes in history.

As rain beats down and lightning flashes across the sky, a siren blares loudly in the distance. A tornado! With winds reaching 300 miles per hour, tornadoes leave trails of destruction in their paths. From Bangladesh to Tornado Alley, the wrath of the worst twisters has been felt all over the world.

With waves crashing down from heights of 100 feet (30 meters) or more, tsunamis are powerful forces of nature. The towering wall of water can demolish buildings and leave entire cities underwater. Climb to higher ground and explore the world's worst tsunamis.

With a violent explosion, a volcano erupts, endangering all life within miles. Ash clouds the sky and red-hot lava slides across the ground. From Mount Vesuvius to the Ring of Fire, brave the fiery landscape and learn about the worst volcanoes in history.

A wildfire roars out of control, burning everything in its path. These uncontrolled flames can strike in the blink of an eye and spread just as quickly. Put out the flames and read about the worst wildfires in history.