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Hurricanes- a violent, tropical cyclonic storm,
especially of the W North Atlantic, having wind speeds of or in excess
of 74 mph.
Hurricanes, Cyclones, and Typhoons all have the
same characteristics, but they have different names where they appear:
· Hurricanes- North Atlantic Ocean
· Cyclones- Indian Ocean
· Typhoons- Pacific Ocean
What is a Hurricane? Hurricanes,
Typhoons, and Cyclones are one of nature’s most powerful forces.
They are all tropical storms whose winds reach around 74 miles per hour
or even more. Their wind blows in a spiral direction around a relatively
calm area known as “The Eye”. The eye is usually 20 to 30
miles wide. The most violent activity takes place in the area immediately
around the eye, called “The Eyewall”. As the hurricane approaches,
the sky begins to darken, and the wind gets stronger. As it nears lands,
it may bring torrential rain, storm surges, and very high winds. One
hurricane
can last for more than 2 weeks in open waters. The heavy rain brought
by a hurricane not only threatens coastal areas, but it also hits areas
hundreds of miles inland. In some cases, flooding occurs days after a
storm actually hits shore.
Months when it occurs include: August and September
are the peak months during hurricane season. Hurricane season is between
June 1st and November 30th.
The name Hurricane
was applied to migratory tropical cyclones. They originate over oceans
in certain regions near the equator,
and particularly to those arising in the West Indian region, including
the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. In the North Pacific and
Philippines
area are “typhoons” while in the Indian and South Pacific
Ocean are “cyclones.”
Why are Hurricanes named?
Ever since 1953 the Tropical Prediction Center created a list of names
for each hurricane. When a tropical storm develops close to land, it is
given the next name on the list. They often alternate between male and
female names. This helps meteorologist keep track of tropical storms incase
there is more then one active.
Saffir- Simpson Hurricane Scale
The Saffir- Simpson Hurricane Scale was created in 1969 by Herbert Saffir,
an engineer, and Dr. Bob Simpson, A director of the National Hurricane
Center. The Saffir- Simpson Scale was created so that every hurricane
would be classified in a specific category.
| Category |
Winds |
Effects |
| One |
74-95 mph |
No real damage to building structures. Damage
primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Also,
some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage
|
| Two |
96-110 mph |
Some roofing material, door, and window damage
to buildings. Considerable damage to vegetation, mobile homes, and
piers. Coastal and low-lying escape routes flood 2-4 hours before
arrival of center. Small craft in unprotected anchorages break moorings.
|
| Three |
111-130 mph |
Some structural damage to small residences
and utility buildings with a minor amount of curtainwall failures.
Mobile homes are destroyed. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller
structures with larger structures damaged by floating debris. Terrain
continuously lower than 5 feet ASL may be flooded inland 8 miles or
more.
|
| Four |
131-155 mph |
More extensive curtainwall failures with some
complete roof structure failure on small residences. Major erosion
of beach. Major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore.
Terrain continuously lower than 10 feet ASL may be flooded requiring
massive evacuation of residential areas inland as far as 6 miles.
|
| Five |
greater than 155 mph |
Complete roof failure on many residences and
industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility
buildings blown over or away. Major damage to lower floors of all
structures located less than 15 feet ASL and within 500 yards of the
shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within
5 to 10 miles of the shoreline may be required.
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(NOAA Miami Regional Library At the National Hurricane
Center. NOAA Miami Regional Library. 1 Feb. 2004.)
Safety Tips:
Outdoor Safety Tips:
- Leave low-lying
areas.
- Moor your boat
securely or evacuate it.
- Protect your windows with boards, shutters, or tape.
- If at the Beach,
watch for waves coming inland.
- Secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
- Fuel your car.
- Save several days' water supply.
- Stay at home
if it is sturdy and on high ground.
- Leave mobile homes
for more substantial shelter.
- Stay indoors during a hurricane.
Indoor Safety:
- Listen for
storm advisories and warnings on the radio
- Check your supplies,
camping equipment, and emergency cooking equipment.
- If in a public
building, get away from glass
- If driving or
riding in a car, get out, and seek cover under a freeway overpass,
doorway or
stairwell.
- Avoid power lines,
trees, buildings and windows.
After the Hurricane
Safety Tips :
- Avoid driving
if possible. If driving is necessary, drive with caution.
- Stay away from riverbanks and streams.
- Beware of loose or dangling electrical wires.
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Photo courtesy of http://www.weatherstock.com
Photo courtesy of http://www.weatherstock.com
Photo courtesy of http://www.weatherstock.com
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