Hurricane Hanna (2020) facts for kids
| Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS/NWS) | |
Hurricane Hanna near peak intensity on July 25
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| Formed | July23, 2020 |
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| Dissipated | July 27, 2020 |
| Highest winds | 1-minute sustained: 90 mph (150 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 973 mbar (hPa); 28.73 inHg |
| Damage | $875 million (2020 USD) |
| Areas affected | Hispaniola, Bahamas,:Cuba, Gulf coast of United States, Mexico |
| Part of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season | |
Hurricane Hanna was a powerful tropical cyclone that hit parts of Texas and Mexico in July 2020. It was the first hurricane of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season to make landfall in Texas.
Hanna became a hurricane on July 25, 2020, and struck Texas as a strong Category 1 hurricane. It brought heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surges to the coast.
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What is a Hurricane?
A hurricane is a huge, spinning storm that forms over warm ocean waters. It has very strong winds and heavy rain. Hurricanes are also known as typhoons or cyclones in other parts of the world. They get their energy from warm, moist air over the ocean.
How Hurricanes Form
Hurricanes start as tropical depressions, which are areas of low pressure with thunderstorms. If the conditions are right, these can grow stronger into tropical storms. When winds reach 74 miles per hour (119 km/h), the storm becomes a hurricane. Hurricanes are given names to help people track them.
Hanna's Journey and Strength
Hurricane Hanna began as a tropical wave in the Atlantic Ocean on July 20, 2020. It slowly moved west and became a tropical depression on July 23. The storm then moved into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, which helped it get much stronger.
On July 25, Hanna officially became a hurricane. Its winds reached about 90 miles per hour (145 km/h). This made it a strong Category 1 hurricane, almost a Category 2, on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. This scale helps us understand how strong a hurricane is based on its wind speed.
Where Hanna Made Landfall
Hanna made its first landfall on Padre Island, Texas, on July 25. Padre Island is a long, narrow island off the coast of Texas. After that, it made a second landfall in Kenedy County, Texas. The storm then moved inland, weakening as it went. It finally broke apart over northern Mexico on July 27.
Impact and Damages
Hurricane Hanna caused a lot of damage, especially in South Texas. The storm brought heavy rainfall, which led to widespread flooding. Many streets and homes were flooded, and some areas lost power.
Damage in Texas
In Corpus Christi, Texas, a city on the coast, Hanna caused significant damage. Strong winds knocked down trees and power lines. Some buildings had their roofs torn off. The storm surge, which is a rise in sea level caused by the storm, flooded coastal areas. This made it dangerous for people living near the ocean.
The total damage from Hurricane Hanna in the United States was estimated to be around $875 million. Sadly, there were also 5 deaths linked to the storm.
Impact in Mexico
After leaving Texas, Hanna moved into northern Mexico. It continued to bring heavy rain and strong winds there. This caused more flooding and mudslides in some areas. Many homes were damaged, and roads became impassable. People in Mexico also had to deal with power outages.
Staying Safe During Hurricanes
Hurricanes can be very dangerous. It is important to know what to do if one is coming.
- Listen to warnings: Always pay attention to weather alerts from official sources.
- Have a plan: Talk with your family about what you will do if a hurricane threatens your area. This includes where you will go if you need to leave your home.
- Prepare a kit: Have an emergency kit ready with water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, flashlights, and batteries.
- Stay indoors: If a hurricane is happening, stay inside a safe building away from windows.
By being prepared, people can stay much safer during these powerful storms.
Images for kids
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Tropical Storm Hanna intensifying over the Gulf of Mexico on July 24
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The Texas National Guard unloading supplies before Hurricane Hanna.
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Hurricane Hanna making its second landfall in Texas as viewed from weather radar
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Damage from Hurricane Hanna in Corpus Christi, Texas during the storm.
See also
In Spanish: Huracán Hanna (2020) para niños
