Hurricane Isaac (2012) facts for kids
Hurricane Isaac was a powerful tropical cyclone that formed in the Atlantic Ocean in August 2012. It caused damage and sadly led to the deaths of nearly two dozen people, mostly in Hispaniola. The storm also moved across Cuba and Haiti. On August 28, Isaac grew stronger and became a Category 1 hurricane. It made landfall near the southeastern tip of Louisiana later that day.
How Hurricane Isaac Formed
Hurricane Isaac started as a "tropical wave." This is like a ripple in the atmosphere that can grow into a storm. This wave moved off the coast of Africa on August 15, 2012.
Isaac didn't become a "tropical depression" until August 21. A tropical depression is the first stage of a tropical cyclone. It has organized thunderstorms and a clear center of low pressure.
On the very same day, Isaac quickly grew into a "tropical storm." This happened after special planes called Hurricane Hunters flew into the storm. They found winds blowing faster than 50 miles per hour (80 km/h).
Tropical Storm Isaac then traveled past the Lesser Antilles islands on August 22.
Isaac's Journey and Landfalls
On August 25, the storm made its first "landfall" in Haiti. At this point, its winds were blowing at about 70 miles per hour (110 km/h).
Later that same day, Isaac made its second landfall. This time, it hit Cuba with winds around 60 to 65 miles per hour (97 to 105 km/h).
Isaac quickly moved away from Cuba and headed towards the Florida Keys on August 26. Even though it didn't make a direct landfall there, it brought very heavy rain to the Keys.
Finally, on August 28, Isaac became a full-fledged hurricane. It was a Category 1 hurricane with winds of 80 miles per hour (130 km/h) when it made landfall in Louisiana.
After hitting land, Hurricane Isaac moved further inland. It then slowly lost its strength and disappeared.
Images for kids
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Visible satellite image during early morning August 29 of Isaac as it slowly moves over the northern Gulf of Mexico.
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Tropical Storm Isaac approaching the eastern Caribbean on August 22
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Tropical Storm Isaac approaching the Florida Keys on August 26
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Three years later, the MV Jireh remained grounded on a beach of Mona Island, Puerto Rico as a result of Tropical Storm Isaac (2012)
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Waves from Tropical Storm Isaac battering the coast of the Dominican Republic.
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Storm total rainfall from Isaac, August 25-September 3, 2012
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New Orleans experienced hurricane-force winds, but escaped the major flooding suffered by some other parts of southeast Louisiana.
See also
In Spanish: Huracán Isaac para niños
