Severe Weather Hits United States

Transcript

This year has seen many parts of the United States impacted by severe weather, including historically low temperatures across much of the country.

In the Southeast, severe winter storms also brought record-breaking rainfall, which resulted in widespread, catastrophic flooding.

Kentucky was one of the worst-hit states, with some areas getting as much as eight inches of rain in a single weekend. This caused rivers and streams to overflow, covering the surrounding land in water.

Floods that happen very quickly, within 3 to 6 hours of heavy rainfall, are known as flash floods. As well as damaging homes in several states, floodwater covered roads, so boats had to be used to bring people to safety.

In severe weather events like these, forecasting can be hugely important. Meteorologists track storms closely, using data from radar and satellites to predict heavy rainfall. While hydrologists, who study water movement and distribution, monitor river levels and work out which areas of land are most at risk of flooding.

Communities can then be warned, and emergency responders put on standby. This isn’t the first time the Southeastern United States has endured catastrophic flooding, and it won’t be the last, as severe weather events become more common due to climate change.

This makes accurate forecasting even more important, as we prepare for whatever the weather has in store.

Thanks for watching this week’s Twig Science Reporter.

Teaching overview

Learning points

Many parts of the United States have been impacted by severe winter weather.
Kentucky was one of the worst-hit states, with heavy rainfall leading to catastrophic flooding.
Meteorologists and hydrologists use data to forecast severe weather and flooding risks.

Curriculum keywords

weather
meteorologist
flash floods

Spark a discussion

How has severe winter weather affected the United States?
What is a flash flood?
Why is forecasting severe weather and flood risks important?

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Severe Weather Hits United States

Transcript

Teaching overview

Learning points

Curriculum keywords

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Spark a discussion

Classroom Resources

Video Viewing Guide

Make Your Own Science Episode

Language and Literacy Activities

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