Unit 2426: Severe Weather Phenomena

1. Introduction to Severe Weather Phenomena

• Definition of severe weather phenomena
• Types of severe weather events
• Environmental and societal impacts
• Importance of studying severe weather

2. Thunderstorms

2.1 Formation of Thunderstorms

• Atmospheric conditions required
• Stages: cumulus, mature, dissipating

2.2 Components of Thunderstorms

• Updrafts and downdrafts
• Lightning and thunder
• Precipitation types

2.3 Types of Thunderstorms

• Single-cell
• Multicell
• Supercell
• Squall lines

2.4 Associated Hazards

• Lightning
• Hail
• Strong winds and downbursts
• Tornado genesis from thunderstorms

2.5 Role in Severe Weather Development

3. Tornadoes

3.1 Formation and Development

• Mesocyclones and vortex formation
• Environmental conditions conducive to tornadoes

3.2 Classification

• Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF0 to EF5)
• Damage assessment criteria

3.3 Characteristics and Behavior

• Size, shape, and duration
• Movement and speed

3.4 Detection and Forecasting

• Doppler radar technology
• Spotter networks
• Forecasting challenges and limitations

3.5 Safety Measures

• Shelter guidelines
• Emergency response protocols

4. Hurricanes (Tropical Cyclones)

4.1 Formation and Structure

• Tropical disturbance to hurricane lifecycle
• Eye, eyewall, and rainbands

4.2 Classification

• Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (Category 1 to 5)

4.3 Tracks and Movement

• Steering currents
• Typical paths and landfall patterns

4.4 Impacts

• Storm surge
• High winds
• Heavy rainfall and flooding
• Socioeconomic and environmental consequences

4.5 Forecasting Techniques

• Satellite imagery
• Computer models
• Early warning systems

4.6 Emergency Preparedness

• Evacuation plans
• Public education
• Infrastructure resilience

5. Severe Weather Watches and Warnings

• Definitions: Watches vs Warnings
• Criteria for issuance by meteorological agencies
• Communication methods
• Public response and recommended actions

6. Floods and Flash Floods

6.1 Causes and Types

• Riverine floods
• Urban flooding
• Coastal flooding
• Flash floods

6.2 Impacts

• Damage to infrastructure
• Displacement of populations
• Environmental effects

6.3 Warning Systems

• Hydrological monitoring
• Flood forecasting

6.4 Mitigation Strategies

• Flood defenses
• Land use planning
• Emergency management

6.5 Climate Change Influence

• Increased rainfall intensity
• Sea level rise

7. Winter Weather Phenomena

7.1 Types and Formation

• Blizzards
• Ice storms
• Avalanches

7.2 Characteristics

• Snow accumulation
• Ice accretion
• Avalanche triggers

7.3 Impacts

• Transportation disruption
• Power outages
• Economic costs

7.4 Forecasting Challenges

• Predicting snow amounts
• Ice storm warnings

7.5 Safety Tips

• Winter driving
• Home preparedness

8. Heatwaves and Droughts

8.1 Causes

• Persistent high-pressure systems
• Lack of precipitation

8.2 Impacts

• Agriculture stress
• Water resource depletion
• Human health risks
• Ecosystem disruption

8.3 Adaptation Strategies

• Water conservation
• Heat action plans
• Agricultural adjustments

8.4 Climate Change Link

• Increased frequency and severity
• Long-term trends