Download the entire blog for free!

Hurricanes

What is a Hurricane

A hurricane is a large, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms featuring a clearly defined circulation pattern. It is a type of tropical cyclone, a general term for low-pressure systems that form in the tropics and can produce strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges. Hurricanes are characterized by their strong winds and heavy rains, and they can cause significant damage to coastal and inland areas.

How Do Hurricanes Form

Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters, typically when sea surface temperatures exceed 26.5°C (80°F). The process involves several stages:

  • Tropical Disturbance: A cluster of thunderstorms over warm waters.

  • Tropical Depression: As the system organizes and winds begin to circulate, it develops into a tropical depression.

  • Tropical Storm: When wind speeds reach 39 mph (63 km/h), the system is classified as a tropical storm and is given a name.

  • Hurricane: When wind speeds exceed 74 mph (119 km/h), the storm is classified as a hurricane.

Structure of a Hurricane

A hurricane has a distinctive structure:

  • Eye: The calm, clear center of the hurricane where air descends and winds are light.

  • Eyewall: A ring of intense thunderstorms surrounding the eye, where the strongest winds and heaviest rains occur.

  • Rainbands: Outer bands of showers and thunderstorms spiraling outward from the eyewall, producing heavy rain and gusty winds, including tornadoes.

Categories of Hurricanes

Hurricanes are categorized by the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which classifies storms into five categories based on their sustained wind speeds:

  • Category 1: Winds of 74-95 mph (119-153 km/h). Minimal damage.

  • Category 2: Winds of 96-110 mph (154-177 km/h). Moderate damage.

  • Category 3: Winds of 111-129 mph (178-208 km/h). Extensive damage.

  • Category 4: Winds of 130-156 mph (209-251 km/h). Catastrophic damage.

  • Category 5: Winds exceeding 157 mph (252 km/h). Severe and catastrophic damage.

Impacts of Hurricanes

Hurricanes can cause a range of impacts, including:

  • Storm Surge: Abnormal rise in sea level caused by strong winds pushing water towards the shore, leading to aggressive flooding as high as nearly 30 feet.

  • Heavy Rainfall: Intense rainfall can lead to flash flooding and river flooding, moving heavy objects including vehicles, dumpsters, and shattering windows.

  • Strong Winds: Can cause damage to buildings, trees, and power lines. Winds carry debris which piercing buildings, vehicles, etc.

  • Tornadoes: Hurricanes can spawn tornadoes, which causing additional damage. Where a tornado ends is often the most dangerous due to the amount of debris carried.

Preparing for a Hurricane

  • Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts and updates from local authorities. This includes NOAA weather radios, HAM radios tuned to local services, etc.

  • Emergency Kit: Prep an emergency kit with items such as water, food, meds, hygiene products, illumination, chargers, commo devices, self defense tools, signaling, etc.

  • Evacuation Plan: Know your evacuation routes and have a SOP in place for family and pets. You should have at least 2 routes, preferably 4, one for each cardinal direction.

  • Secure Property: Protect windows with shutters/plywood, and secure outdoor items that could become projectiles. Securing the outside of your windows is preferred to keep pressure outside. Sandbags will assist with keeping flood waters out as well as potentially redirecting flood waters.

  • Insurance: Account for your property with images and videos for insurance purposes. Be sure to have accurate estimates of your property.

Hurricane Tracking

  • Meteorological Tools: Hurricanes are tracked using a combination of satellite imagery, weather radar, weather balloons, and reconnaissance aircraft (Hurricane Hunters). These tools provide real-time data on the storm's position, intensity, and movement.

  • Forecast Models: Numerical weather prediction models are used to forecast hurricane paths and intensities. These models assimilate data from various sources to predict how a hurricane will evolve over time.

  • Alerts and Warnings: National meteorological agencies, such as the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in the United States, issue alerts and warnings based on tracking data to inform the public and authorities.

Characteristics of the Gulf of Mexico

  • Warm Waters: The Gulf of Mexico is characterized by warm sea surface temperatures, typically between 80°F (27°C) and 88°F (31°C) during hurricane season. Warm waters provide ample heat and moisture, which can intensify hurricanes.

  • Shallow Depth: The Gulf’s relatively shallow depth compared to the open ocean can lead to quicker warming of the water, further fueling hurricane intensification.

Hurricane Behavior

  • Intensification: When a hurricane enters the Gulf of Mexico, the warm waters can lead to intensification. This means that a storm can strengthen significantly in a short period of time.

  • Rapid Intensification: Due to the combination of warm water and favorable atmospheric conditions, hurricanes can experience rapid intensification in the Gulf, sometimes increasing several categories on the Saffir-Simpson scale in a matter of hours or days.

  • Steering Currents: The Gulf of Mexico can be influenced by various steering currents and high-pressure systems that can affect the storm’s path. This can lead to unpredictable changes in direction and speed.

After a Hurricane

  • Safety First: Avoid downed power lines and stay away from floodwaters. Dangerous animals, glass, shredded metal, etc. can be present in flood waters which pose several risks. Be aware of mold and black mold where flood waters are present. Fungal infections can develop in the lungs after inhaling enough mold spores which can cause several breathing complications.

  • Follow Instructions: Adhere to advice from local authorities regarding re-entry and recovery efforts. Allow EMS and contractors to secure the area.

  • Document Damage: Take photographs for insurance purposes of the damage and compare them to the photos taken prior to the damage.

The Worst Hurricane in History

The worst hurricane in world history, in terms of its impact on human life, economic damage, and overall devastation, is widely considered to be Hurricane Haiyan, also known as Yolanda in the Philippines. Here is a detailed overview of this catastrophic event:

Hurricane Haiyan (Yolanda)

1. Date and Location:

  • Date: November 3-11, 2013

  • Location: The hurricane struck the Philippines, particularly affecting the Visayas region, including the city of Tacloban and surrounding areas. It also impacted parts of Vietnam and other areas of Southeast Asia.

2. Intensity and Characteristics:

  • Category: Hurricane Haiyan was a Category 5 super typhoon on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, the highest category, indicating extremely dangerous winds and severe damage.

  • Wind Speeds: Haiyan had sustained winds of approximately 195 mph (315 km/h) with gusts reaching up to 235 mph (378 km/h), making it one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded at landfall.

  • Storm Surge: The storm surge associated with Haiyan was catastrophic, reaching heights of up to 20 feet (6 meters) in some areas, leading to widespread flooding and destruction.

3. Casualties and Damage:

  • Casualties: The death toll from Hurricane Haiyan is estimated to be between 6,000 and 10,000 people, with many more injured. The storm's impact was particularly severe due to the combination of high winds, flooding, and storm surge.

  • Displacement: Over 4 million people were displaced from their homes as a result of the hurricane, creating a massive humanitarian crisis.

  • Property Damage: Haiyan caused extensive damage, destroying or severely damaging tens of thousands of homes, buildings, and infrastructure. The total economic damage is estimated to be around $5.8 billion USD.

4. Impact on Communities:

  • Tacloban City: Tacloban City, one of the hardest-hit areas, experienced widespread devastation, with entire neighborhoods flattened and significant loss of life.

  • Humanitarian Crisis: The storm led to shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies, complicating rescue and recovery efforts. International aid and relief efforts were crucial in addressing the immediate needs of affected communities.

5. Response and Recovery:

  • International Aid: The international community responded with a substantial humanitarian aid effort, providing emergency relief, supplies, and financial support for recovery and rebuilding.

  • Rebuilding Efforts: Recovery from Hurricane Haiyan has been ongoing, with efforts focused on rebuilding infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods. The disaster highlighted the need for improved disaster preparedness and resilience measures in vulnerable areas.

6. Historical Significance:

  • Impact on Tropical Cyclone Records: Haiyan is one of the strongest storms ever recorded in terms of wind speed and storm surge. Its impact on the Philippines and neighboring countries underscores the increasing severity of extreme weather events linked to climate change.

  • Lessons Learned: The response to Hurricane Haiyan led to significant lessons in disaster management, emergency preparedness, and international cooperation, influencing how future natural disasters are handled.

Conclusion

Hurricanes are powerful natural events that can have serious consequences. Understanding their formation, structure, and potential impacts can help you prepare and respond effectively. Stay informed, follow safety guidelines, and take precautions to protect yourself and your property.

For more detailed information, refer to resources provided by the National Hurricane Center or local emergency management agencies.