| Before: |
Using information gathered from the television news, the newspaper, or the web sites of National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Hurricane Center, gather information on the paths of the past few storms to threaten South Florida. Using this information, and current information gathered from the news media, predict the possible path of the storm as it approaches Florida. What factors did you base this prediction on? |
During: |
Listen to media reports on the television or radio. Using the Saffir-Simpson Scale below, graph the strength of the hurricane as it approaches, makes landfall, and travels out of South Florida.
| Category |
Winds (MPH) |
Storm Surge (Feet) |
Damage |
| 1 |
74-95 |
4'-5' |
Minimal |
| 2 |
96-110 |
6'-8' |
Moderate |
| 3 |
111-130 |
9'-12' |
Extensive |
| 4 |
131-155 |
13'-18' |
Extreme |
| 5 |
155+ |
18' |
Catastrophic |
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| After: |
Record the number and species of trees damaged or destroyed in your neighborhood by the hurricane. Based on your observations, identify the species of trees that seem more likely to be damaged by hurricane winds. Why are these trees more likely to sustain damage? What species of trees are less likely to be damaged? Why? Are trees native to South Florida better suited to withstand hurricanes?
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