280 likes | 465 Views
Hurricanes. What is a Hurricane?. A Hurricane Is. A violent area of low pressure forming in the tropical Atlantic Ocean from June to November. Peak Months. August and September are Peak Months Western Pacific Ocean Storms are Typhoons
E N D
A Hurricane Is . . . A violent area of low pressure forming in the tropical Atlantic Ocean from June to November.
Peak Months • August and September are Peak Months • Western Pacific Ocean Storms are Typhoons • Coastal Storms may have same wind speeds but are not classified as hurricanes because occur in December through March
Anatomy of a Hurricane • Eye – Center of the storm • Strongest winds are located on the eye wall • Could be 20 – 40 miles wide • Most severe damage • Inside the eye weather can be nice
About Hurricanes • Hurricane Rotate in an counterclockwise rotation • The strongest winds are located in the upper right quadrant of the storm • Storm surge is the greatest in the upper right quadrant • Upper left quadrant blows water out to sea
Risks Posed by Hurricane and Coastal Storms Intense winds and rain can: • Damage or destroy structures. • Lift and move unstable structures and objects. • Damage utility lines. • Be accompanied by tornadoes. • Cause coastal erosion. • Cause floods. • Threaten lives.
Warning vs Watches • Watches – Conditions are expected within 36 hrs. • Warning – Conditions are expected with 24 hrs.
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale • Five categories of storms • Measures wind speed • Includes expected barometric pressure and storm surge
Saffir-Simpson Scale Category Wind SpeedSurge • Category 1 74 – 95 MPH 4-5 Ft. • Category 2 96 – 110 MPH 6-8 Ft. • Category 3 111 – 130 MPH 9-12 Ft. • Category 4 131 – 155 MPH 13-18 Ft. • Category 5 155 + 18 +
Hurricane Statistics Nearly 100 million Americans are at risk: • 14 million live in the zone where winds over 125 mph have been recorded. • More than 6 million live in storm surge areas.
Hurricanes • Hurricane Deaths are decreasing due to early warning • Property Damage is increasing
Hurricanes • Greatest Likelihood of striking Gulf Coast and Southeastern seaboard • Have hit NJ, NY and New England as well • Approx. 10 “storm strength” weather disturbances per year • Half grow into Hurricanes • Two Likely to hit US each year
Question • After a Hurricane Watch has been issued what should you do? (36 Hours)
Preparing for a Hurricane/Coastal Storm • Know your risk and evacuation routes. • Develop a plan. • Secure needed supplies. • Flood proof property. • Secure mobile homes and outdoor items.
Hurricanes • Many people do not realize the risk of a hurricane because they do not live in a coastal area
Question • After a Hurricane Warning has been issued what should you do? (24 Hours)
Before a Hurricane • Board up all windows and glass doors. • Check batteries & other supplies. • Stock up on nonperishable food. • Listen to EAS. • Emergency Alert System
Before a Hurricane • Evacuate if advised to do so!!
Question • What should you do during a hurricane?
During a Hurricane • If not advised to evacuate, stay indoors. • Go to Safe Room • Shelter – in – Place • Have supplies near you! • Be aware of the “eye.” • Be alert for tornadoes.
Question? • What precautions should you take after a hurricane or tropical storm?
After a Hurricane or Coastal Storm • Do not reenter the area until it is safe. • Use a flashlight to inspect for damage (don’t turn on light or power if there’s been damage). • Stay away from downed power lines. • Turn off utilities, if necessary. • Reserve telephones for emergencies. • Listen to EAS.