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Hurricanes

by poonam bisht
Hurricane Map
Hurricane Map showing how hurricanes formed.

What is a Hurricane

A hurricane is a tropical cyclone with sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hour (119 kilometers per hour) that occurs in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, or eastern Pacific Ocean. Hurricanes are powerful storms that can cause significant damage to coastal areas through strong winds, heavy rain, storm surges, and flooding.

They form over warm ocean waters when there is enough moisture and unstable atmospheric conditions, and can last for several days as they move across the ocean or make landfall.

When is Hurricane Season

June 1, 2023 – November 30, 2023

The official hurricane season in the Atlantic basin (which includes the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico) runs from June 1st to November 30th. This is when the conditions in the region are most favorable for the formation and intensification of tropical storms and hurricanes. However, it’s important to note that hurricanes can and do occur outside of this time frame, although it’s less common. For example, the first named storm of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, Tropical Storm Ana, formed on May 22nd, a few days before the official start of the season.

How do Hurricanes Form

Hurricanes, also known as tropical cyclones, form over warm ocean waters in the tropics when several atmospheric conditions come together:

  1. Warm Ocean Waters: Hurricanes require warm water temperatures of at least 80°F (27°C) to form and strengthen. Warm ocean waters provide the energy that drives the storm’s convection and evaporation process.
  2. Low Atmospheric Pressure: Low atmospheric pressure at the surface helps create the conditions for the storm to form. The warm air over the ocean rises, and as it does so, it cools, causing water vapor to condense into clouds.
  3. High Humidity: High humidity in the lower to mid-levels of the atmosphere is necessary to maintain the storm’s strength and organization.
  4. Weak Vertical Wind Shear: Vertical wind shear, or changes in wind speed and direction with height, can disrupt the formation and maintenance of a hurricane. Weak vertical wind shear is needed for a hurricane to form and remain intact.

As the storm intensifies, it begins to rotate around a low-pressure center known as the eye. The storm’s winds can reach speeds of over 74 miles per hour (119 kilometers per hour), and the storm can generate huge waves and storm surges, which can cause significant damage to coastal areas.

How are Hurricanes Named

Hurricanes are named by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for coordinating and standardizing global meteorological activities.

Hurricane Categories

Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their maximum sustained wind speed according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. The categories are as follows:

  • Category 1 – Wind speed 74-95 miles per hour (119-153 kilometers per hour)
  • Category 2 – Wind speed 96-110 miles per hour (154-177 kilometers per hour)
  • Category 3 – Wind speed 111-129 miles per hour (178-208 kilometers per hour)
  • Category 4 – Wind speed 130-156 miles per hour (209-251 kilometers per hour)
  • Category 5 – Wind speed 157 miles per hour (252 kilometers per hour) or higher

How to Prepare for a Hurricane

Preparing for a hurricane involves several steps to ensure your safety and protect your property. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

  1. Stay informed: Stay informed about weather conditions and any warnings or alerts issued by local authorities. You can also sign up for emergency alerts from your local government or National Weather Service.
  2. Evacuation plan: Develop an evacuation plan that includes a designated meeting place and a communication plan with family members. Identify evacuation routes and follow the instructions of local authorities if they issue an evacuation order.
  3. Emergency kit: Prepare an emergency kit that includes essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, first aid supplies, a flashlight, batteries, and a battery-powered radio.
  4. Protect your property: Secure loose outdoor items such as patio furniture, potted plants, and trash cans. If you live in an area prone to flooding, consider purchasing flood insurance.
  5. Reinforce windows and doors: If you live in a hurricane-prone area, consider installing storm shutters or plywood over windows and doors to protect against high winds.
  6. Backup power: Consider purchasing a generator or other backup power source in case of power outages.
  7. Have a plan for pets: Make sure you have a plan in place for your pets, including food, water, and any necessary medications.
  8. Check in with neighbors: Check in with your neighbors, especially those who may need assistance such as the elderly or those with disabilities.

Worst Hurricanes in US History

The United States has experienced several devastating hurricanes throughout its history. Here are some of the worst hurricanes in US history, ranked by the number of fatalities:

Biggest Hurricane Ever

The biggest hurricane ever recorded is actually difficult to determine because hurricanes can cover a large area and can have multiple measurements such as diameter, wind speed, and central pressure. However, one of the largest hurricanes ever recorded was Hurricane Sandy in 2012. While not the strongest hurricane, Hurricane Sandy was an enormous storm that spanned over 1,100 miles (1,770 km) and impacted several US states and parts of the Caribbean. The storm surge from Hurricane Sandy was responsible for significant flooding and damage in New York City and along the New Jersey coastline.

Facts About Hurricanes

Below are some of the facts about Hurricanes:

  • Hurricanes are also known as typhoons or cyclones, depending on the region in which they occur.
  • Hurricanes are classified based on their wind speed, using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which ranges from category 1 to category 5.
  • The eye of a hurricane is the calm center of the storm, surrounded by the eyewall, which contains the strongest winds and heaviest rainfall.

  • Hurricane Ivan (2 Sept 2004 – 25 Sept 2004)

    by Vishal Kumar

    Hurricane Ivan was a powerful hurricane that caused significant damage in the Caribbean and the southeastern United States in 2004. The hurricane was the ninth named storm, the sixth hurricane and the fourth major hurricane of the active 2004 Atlantic hurricane season.

  • Hurricane Katrina (23 Aug 2005 – 31 Aug 2005)

    by Vishal Kumar

    Hurricane Katrina (23 Aug 2005 – 31 Aug 2005) was one of the most devastating hurricanes to ever hit the United States. It made landfall on August 29, 2005, near New Orleans, Louisiana, and caused widespread destruction and loss of life.

  • Hurricane Maria (16 Sept 2017 – 2 Oct 2017)

    by Vishal Kumar

    Hurricane Maria was a catastrophic hurricane that struck the Caribbean in September 2017. The storm exposed longstanding vulnerabilities in Puerto Rico’s infrastructure and highlighted the need for greater investment in disaster preparedness and response. The recovery and rebuilding process has been ongoing since the storm, with many challenges still facing the affected communities.

  • Hurricane Matthew (28 Sept 2016 – 10 Oct 2016)

    by Vishal Kumar

    Hurricane Matthew was a powerful and deadly hurricane that formed in the Atlantic Ocean in September 2016. It was the 13th named storm, fifth hurricane, and second major hurricane of the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season. In addition to the loss of life and damage to infrastructure, Hurricane Matthew also caused significant disruption to travel and business operations in many areas, particularly along the southeastern United States coast.

  • Hurricane Michael (6 Oct 2018 – 16 Oct 2018)

    by Vishal Kumar

    Hurricane Michael was formed in the Caribbean Sea in early October 2018. It was one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit the continental United States in recorded history, causing widespread destruction and claiming dozens of lives. Despite the storm’s severity, communities in the affected region have been working to recover and rebuild in the years since the storm.

  • Hurricane Mitch (22 Oct 1998 – 9 Nov 1998)

    by Vishal Kumar

    Hurricane Mitch was a catastrophic hurricane that devastated Central America in late October 1998. It was the 13th named storm and ninth hurricane of the 1998 Atlantic hurricane season, and the most powerful hurricane of that season.

  • Hurricane Sandy (22 Oct 2012 – 2 Nov 2012)

    by Vishal Kumar

    Hurricane Sandy was a massive, destructive hurricane that hit the eastern coast of the United States in late October 2012. The storm caused significant damage in several states, particularly in the northeastern U.S.

  • Hurricane Wilma (15 Oct 2005 – 27 Oct 2005)

    by Vishal Kumar

    Hurricane Wilma was a powerful and destructive tropical cyclone that formed in the Caribbean Sea in October 2005. It was the twenty-second named storm, thirteenth hurricane, and sixth major hurricane of the extremely active 2005 Atlantic hurricane season. It was also the most intense hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic Basin.

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