Hurricane Gonzalo facts for kids

Hurricane Gonzalo was a very powerful storm, known as a Category 4 hurricane. It became a big danger to Bermuda and also hit the northern Leeward Islands, where sadly, one person died. Gonzalo started forming on October 12, 2014. Just two days later, on October 14, special hurricane warnings were sent out for Bermuda because the storm was heading right towards them.

What is a Hurricane?

A hurricane is a huge, spinning storm that forms over warm ocean waters. It has strong winds and heavy rain. Hurricanes are given different categories based on how fast their winds are. A Category 4 hurricane, like Gonzalo, has very strong winds that can cause a lot of damage.

Gonzalo's Journey

Hurricane Gonzalo started in the Atlantic Ocean. It quickly grew stronger as it moved across the warm water. It first brought heavy rain and strong winds to islands in the Caribbean, including parts of the Leeward Islands. After that, it moved towards Bermuda.

Impact on Bermuda

When Hurricane Gonzalo got close to Bermuda, people there prepared for the storm. They put up boards on windows and made sure their homes were safe. The hurricane brought very strong winds and a lot of rain to the island. It knocked down trees and caused power outages for many homes. Even though it was a strong storm, Bermuda's buildings are often built to withstand hurricanes, which helped reduce some of the damage.

Beyond Bermuda

After passing Bermuda, Hurricane Gonzalo continued to move across the Atlantic Ocean. Even though it weakened, its strong winds and waves were still felt far away. Parts of Europe, like the United Kingdom and Germany, experienced strong waves and some flooding along their coasts because of the storm's energy.

Images for kids

• 

  Hurricane Gonzalo approaching Bermuda on October 17

• 

  Hurricane Gonzalo approaching Bermuda on October 17, as viewed from the International Space Station

• 

  Infrared satellite loop of Gonzalo moving over the Leeward Islands on October 13

• 

  Damage to coastal installations at Orient Beach on Saint Martin

• 

  Infrared satellite loop of Gonzalo passing through Bermuda on October 18

• 

  Downed trees in Hamilton, Bermuda after Gonzalo passed by

• 

  HMS Argyll traveled to Bermuda from the Caribbean to aid in recovery efforts.

• 

  Strong waves from Gonzalo hit the coast of the Isle of Skye, Scotland.

• 

  Flooding along the Elbe River in Hamburg-Rissen, Germany, on October 22

See also

In Spanish: Huracán Gonzalo (2014) para niños