Predicting and Preventing Storms
Imagine being outside on a dark cloudy afternoon in Murphysboro, Illinois and the winds are roaring by you. Then you turn around and you see this monstrous funnel racing toward you. This is what happened to a group of people when the F5 tri-state tornadoes hit them on March 18, 1925. It drove through Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana killing a staggering number of 695 people and injuring 2,027. It was one of the most devastating storms to the United States costing over $17 million (Briannica 54-55). But why were there so many deaths when some people had a 15 minute to three and a half hour warning? Our technology has come a long way since 1925, but we still have many casualties from twisters and hurricanes. We need to make a better, more comprehensive warning system to help prevent and predict future storms.
Some of the first recorded storms were back in the early civilizations namely the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Pre-Columbian, and the Orientals. They would have rituals to try to influence the weather for a good harvest. For instance the Romans had rituals to worship and praise their Gods to gain their favor so that they would not punish them (Briannica 76).
Another way that people have been trying for many of centuries to predict weather is through plants, animals, and the moon. The people would research and study their patterns to try to find a way how they would relate to the weather. For example when some animals, like horses, will act more energetic or different when a thunder storm is coming. Another example when there is a halo around the moon at night it predicts that there is going to bad weather tomorrow (Briannica 65).
Instead of using the moon and animal behavior, today we have technology to help us predict future storms such as hurricanes. Hurricanes are one of the longest and strongest storms that hit America every year. Hurricanes are one of the biggest meteorological phenomenons. Every continent has been affected by a hurricane,
Some of the first recorded storms were back in the early civilizations namely the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Pre-Columbian, and the Orientals. They would have rituals to try to influence the weather for a good harvest. For instance the Romans had rituals to worship and praise their Gods to gain their favor so that they would not punish them (Briannica 76).
Another way that people have been trying for many of centuries to predict weather is through plants, animals, and the moon. The people would research and study their patterns to try to find a way how they would relate to the weather. For example when some animals, like horses, will act more energetic or different when a thunder storm is coming. Another example when there is a halo around the moon at night it predicts that there is going to bad weather tomorrow (Briannica 65).
Instead of using the moon and animal behavior, today we have technology to help us predict future storms such as hurricanes. Hurricanes are one of the longest and strongest storms that hit America every year. Hurricanes are one of the biggest meteorological phenomenons. Every continent has been affected by a hurricane,
Cited: Borenstein, Seth. "Study Predicts More Severe U.S. Storms." Daily Journal (Franklin, IN). Aug. 30 2007: n.p. SIRS Researcher. Web. 24 Jan 2011. Briannica Illustrated Science Library: Weather and Climate. Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc., 2008. 6-95. Print. Darack, Ed. "Into the Eye." Weatherwise Vol. 59, No. 5. Sept./Oct. 2006: 46-51. SIRS Researcher. Web. 09 Feb 2011. "Is Your Community Ready When the Weather Changes?." Is Your Community Ready When the Weather Changes?. 2000: n.p. SIRS Government Reporter. Web. 09 Feb 2011. Magers, Phil. "Tornado Protections Much Improved." UPI. 30 Mar 2004: n.p. SIRS Researcher. Web. 09 Feb 2011. "Mississippi Receives $6.6 Million to Boost "Safe Room" Program." FEMA News Release. Jan. 9 2006: n.p. SIRS Government Reporter. Web. 09 Feb 2011. Treaster, Joseph B. Hurricane Force: In the Path of America 's Deadliest Storms. Boston, Massachusetts: Kingfisher, 2007. 9-109. Print.