Hurricane Hermine facts for kids

Hurricane Hermine was a strong tropical cyclone that happened in August and September 2016. It caused problems for many states, from Florida all the way up to New England.

The storm first hit Florida on September 1st, near a place called the Big Bend region. When Hermine made landfall (meaning it crossed from the ocean onto land), its winds were blowing at 80 miles per hour. After Florida, the storm also moved over Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

Hermine was expected to keep moving north, affecting areas from Virginia to Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Sadly, the storm caused some serious problems, and some people lost their lives.

What is a Hurricane?

A hurricane is a very powerful type of storm that forms over warm ocean waters. It's also known as a tropical cyclone. These storms have strong winds that spin around a calm center called the "eye." Hurricanes bring heavy rain, strong winds, and can cause big waves and storm surge (when ocean water is pushed onto land). They are given names to help people track them and remember them.

Hermine's Journey

Hurricane Hermine started as a tropical wave, which is like a disturbance in the atmosphere. It grew stronger as it moved over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. By September 1st, it had become a hurricane, reaching what's called Category 1 strength. This means its winds were between 74 and 95 miles per hour.

When Hermine hit Florida, it was the first hurricane to make landfall there in 11 years! It brought a lot of rain and strong winds, causing trees to fall and power to go out for many homes and businesses.

Moving North

After hitting Florida, Hermine weakened into a tropical storm as it moved over land. But it still brought a lot of rain and strong winds to other states like Georgia and the Carolinas. People in these areas had to prepare for flooding and power outages.

As Hermine moved up the East Coast, it changed into what's called a "post-tropical cyclone." Even though it wasn't a hurricane anymore, it still caused rough seas, strong winds, and heavy rain in places like Virginia, Maryland, and New England. This showed that even after a hurricane weakens, it can still be dangerous.

Impact and Aftermath

Hermine caused a lot of damage, especially in Florida. Many trees were knocked down, blocking roads and hitting houses. Power lines were also damaged, leaving thousands of people without electricity.

Coastal areas experienced flooding from the heavy rain and storm surge. People had to use sandbags to try and protect their homes and businesses from the rising water. Emergency workers helped clear roads and restore power after the storm passed.

Images for kids

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  A rainstorm on the edge of Hermine, shortly after the hurricane achieved Category 1 status.

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  Workers preparing sandbags ahead of Hermine in North Charleston, South Carolina

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  Infrared satellite loop of Hermine making landfall in Florida on September 2

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  Radar image of Hurricane Hermine about 40 minutes after landfall

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  Damage to a church in Tallahassee, Florida

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  A tree fallen on a house in Valdosta, Georgia

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  Hurricane Hermine wind history as a tropical cyclone

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  Post-Tropical Cyclone Hermine southeast of New England on September 5

See also

In Spanish: Huracán Hermine para niños