Cyclone Ashoba facts for kids

Cyclone Ashoba was a weather event that formed in the Bay of Bengal. This large body of water is located near Andaman. The cyclone began about 1,400 kilometers (or about 870 miles) away from the city of Visakhapatnam in India.

When Cyclone Ashoba first formed, weather experts thought it might affect the coast of Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu is a state on the southeastern coast of India. Later, the cyclone was expected to travel across the Arabian Sea. It was predicted to reach the coast of Oman around June 11, 2014.

What is a Cyclone?

A cyclone is a powerful type of storm. It forms over warm ocean waters. These storms are also known as hurricanes or typhoons in different parts of the world. They all mean the same thing: a rotating storm system. Cyclones bring very strong winds and heavy rainfall.

How Do Cyclones Form?

Cyclones need specific conditions to form. First, the ocean water must be warm, usually above 26.5 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit). This warm water provides energy for the storm. Second, the air above the ocean needs to be moist. Third, there must be low wind shear. This means winds at different heights should not blow in too many different directions.

When these conditions are met, warm, moist air rises from the ocean surface. As it rises, it cools and forms clouds. More air rushes in to replace the rising air. Because the Earth spins, this incoming air starts to swirl. This swirling motion creates the rotating storm. The center of the cyclone is called the "eye." The eye is usually a calm and clear area.

Where Do Cyclones Happen?

Cyclones form in tropical regions around the world. The Bay of Bengal, where Cyclone Ashoba formed, is a common area for these storms. Other places include the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Arabian Sea. The name of the storm changes depending on where it forms. For example, they are called hurricanes in the Atlantic and typhoons in the Pacific.

Impact of Cyclones

Cyclones can have a big impact on coastal areas. Their strong winds can damage buildings and trees. Heavy rain can cause widespread flooding. Storm surges are also a major danger. A storm surge is a rise in sea level caused by the storm's winds pushing water towards the shore. This can flood low-lying coastal areas.

Governments and weather agencies track cyclones carefully. They issue warnings to people in the path of the storm. This helps people prepare and evacuate if needed. Preparing for a cyclone can save lives and reduce damage.