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LESSON 5

The Weather

STORM

A storm produces very high waves, possibly 9 metres high. The waves have long overhanging crests. Large patches of foam are blown in dense white streaks along the direction of the wind. The surface of the sea takes on a white appearance. The 'tumbling' of the sea becomes heavy and shock-like. Visibility is also affected.


	This is what the sea looks like this if there is a storm.

Storms are not often experienced inland. When they are, trees can be uprooted. Buildings and other structures can also be damaged.

The speed of the wind is between 48 and 55 knots.

Remember that a knot is one nautical mile (nm) per hour.

A nautical mile is the traditional way of measuring distances at sea. It is equal to
1,852 metres. The word nautical (like the word maritme) means ‘to do with the
sea or ships’.

A storm is called Wind Force 10 on the Beaufort Wind Force Scale. We will
learn about this in another lesson. Sailors use this scale to describe the force of the wind.

Click below to learn more about storms

Listen to the Weather Forecast
	Listen to this sample weather forecast describing the conditions and the temperature for the sea area.

Was there a storm in your area?

You will not experience a storm on land very often. Ask your patents or other adults if there was ever a storm in the area.

Follow the Fleet LIVE

On the other hand sailors can often experience stormy conditions. Choose a ship and find out where it is. Then check whether the Captain has written about any storms in his reports . . . click here now to Follow the Fleet LIVE.

Quiz