JIM TEDDER: Atlantic hurricanes often form far out at sea. Many begin as small storms off the west coast of Africa. As they move across the water, they move in a circle. They receive energy as they travel over warm water that has a temperature of at least twenty-six degrees Centigrade.
Scientists say a hurricane is like an engine that uses warm, wet air for fuel. Some hurricanes run out of warm water and fall apart at sea. Others continue to circle, getting stronger, and causing winds of nearly two hundred kilometers an hour as they hit land.
KATHERINE COLE: Powerful storms have always been a part of the history of the Outer Banks. In fifteen eighty-six, the first English settlers in America were frightened by a terrible storm that lasted four days. Their leader, Sir Francis Drake, saw the hurricane destroy a number of his ships. In eighteen forty-six, a huge storm washed completely over the land and formed inlets … large openings between the sea and the sound.
Hurricanes have been known to hit the Outer Banks from May to December. But most of them arrive in August, September, and October. There is an old saying about the Outer Banks. “If you don’t like the weather, just wait ten minutes.”
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This SCIENCE IN THE NEWS was written by Jim Tedder and June Simms, who was also our producer. I’m Katherine Cole.
JIM TEDDER: And I’m Jim Tedder. Listen again next week for more news about science in Special English on the Voice of America.
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