Severe Weather and Storms

Grenada experiences various degrees of severe stormy weather due to its' tropical climate, which consists of a wet and dry season. Thunderstorms make up about 11 percent of the precipitation on the island and are more common in the warmer season. This is because, to form, thunderstorms require moisture and unstable warm air that can rise rapidly. Sea breezes and the mountainous terrain of the island contribute to the rising of warm air which is present during the warm season. The air then forms into towering cumulus clouds. As the storm matures it can produce hail, rain, lighting, wind and even tornadoes. 

Retrieved from https://weatherspark.com/averages/33721/St-George-s-Grenada-Grenada
Graphs showing the percentages of type of precipitation in Grenada during different seasons. Top: Warm season. Bottom: Cold Season.

On the more extreme end, Grenada experiences hurricanes. This is partially due to Grenada's latitude of 12 degrees north, which puts it in the "Hurricane Alley". The five factors needed for the formation of a hurricane are a strong Coriolis Effect, high sea surface temperature, few changes in wind speed and direction, lots of water vapor, and convergence. At 12 degrees north, the Coriolis Effect is strong enough for a hurricane. Grenada's average water temperature stays fairly warm year round, ranging from about 79 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The water's temperature begins to increase in June and is warmest in October, which corresponds with the Hurricane season that lasts from June to November. The warm water releases latent heat which fuels the hurricane. Water vapor comes from the tropical ocean surrounding Grenada. A hurricane can form when those factors are combined with a lack of wind shear and convergence.

Retrieved from http://www.standard.co.uk/news/standard-pictures/hurricane-ivan-7322515.html?action=gallery&ino=1
Image of Hurricane Ivan.

Hurricanes are destructive partially due to the tornadoes and strong winds, but storm surges are the most devastating. High winds create an abnormal rise in sea level that results in flooding. This contributes to property damage and death. In 2004, Hurricane Ivan killed 39 people and devastated 85% of the island, including wildlife and property. Due to this, Grenada's economy also suffered.

Retrieved from http://www.oocities.org/hurricanene/hurricaneivan.htm
Image showing some of the destruction post Hurricane Ivan.

Photo taken in December 2013 during my cruise to the Caribbean. This is Grenada almost ten years after the very devastating Hurricane Ivan. Most of the destruction has been repaired except for a few building like the church seen on the left.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Alley
http://www.worldtravelguide.net/grenada/weather-climate-geography
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Grenada
https://weatherspark.com/averages/33721/St-George-s-Grenada-Grenada
http://www.un.org/events/tenstories/06/story.asp?storyID=1700 - hurricanes
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trade_wind
http://www.weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine-fahrenheit,Grenada,Grenada
http://gocaribbean.about.com/od/beforeyougo/f/FAQCaribbeanhurricanes.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Ivan