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NASA image of Hurricane Isabel on September 15, 2003.
Typical lengt of a Hurricane Season for the Atlantic and the Pacific as well as their associated peak times of the season. (NOAA)
All hurricane basincs around the world where hurricanes form.
The beginning stages as to how a hurricane begins to form. (JetStream Online)
Hurricane Characteristics
Hurricane Characteristics
Hurricanes come in the form of many names, but the universal term are tropical cyclones. They are warm-core areas of low-pressure systems that form over the warm waters of the ocean; very different from midlatitude cyclones as there are no fronts attached to the storm system. Here are some basic characteristics you should know:
WHEN. It depends on the ocean basin, but typically hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.
WHERE. They typically form in the following ocean basins:
North Atlantic
Eastern and Central North Pacific
Western North Pacific (Typhoon Basin)
North Indian Ocean
South Indian and Southwest Pacific
HOW. Hurricanes need the following ingredients in order for them to form:
Warm waters of at least greater than 26.5 C (80 F) to at least 50 meters in depth.
Abundant moisture
Low vertical wind shear (opposite of tornadoes)
A pre-existing disturbance (such as a tropical wave; remnant outflow boundary or front, etc.)
Enough Coriolis Force (to produce the rotation, which is why they don't form exactly at the equator).
STRUCTURE. A hurricane is typically made up of three parts:
The eye: This is center of the hurricane with descending air causing calm, clear conditions.
The eyewall: This is where the most intense, tall thunderstorms are located where the right-front quadrant is the most severe.
Spiral Bands: The outer bands of a hurricane with scattered thunderstorms.
The structure of a hurricane (JetStream Online).
CLASSIFICATION. Typically, hurricanes are rated by the Saffir-Simpson Scale, which categorizes hurricanes on a scale from a category 1 hurricane to a category 5 hurricane. Keep in mind, there are also wind speeds prior for Tropical Depressions and Tropical Storms. Furthermore, this scale does not take into account all other damages like storm surge and inland flooding. It only takes into account soley on the wind speed, which hurricanes are known for many of their destructive hazards other than wind speed.
How hurricanes are categorized on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.
Hurricane Alerts
Hurricane Alerts
The National Hurricane Center issues tropical outlooks a week out in advance to issue areas of probabilities that are likely for a tropical storm to form. Once a cyclone forms, they issue a cone of uncertainty in tracking and forecasting the direction the storm is heading. Keep in mind, that with these cone of uncertainties, impacts may exceed outside the cone as hurricanes can become massive storms with the highest wind speeds near its center, but still feel tropical storm force winds on its outer bands and create ripples and waves throughout the ocean; even if it's distant.
Tropical Storm Watch
Tropical Storm Watch
Tropical Storm Warning
Tropical Storm Warning
Hurricane Watch
Hurricane Watch
Hurricane Warning
Hurricane Warning
Storm Surge Watch
Storm Surge Watch
Storm Surge Warning
Storm Surge Warning
For more information, click the image down below to take you to the National Hurricane Center homepage.
Hurricane Hazards
Hurricane Hazards
While hurricanes are categorized by their wind speed, there are so many other hazards that come along with these dangerous cyclones that pose a much greater threat. The five hazards are as follows:
STORM SURGE: Storm surge takes into account three things: Whether there is high or low tides, the pushing from water underneath the ocean, and wind speeds generating waves at the surface of the ocean. This hazard is the deadliest amongst hurricanes not only from flooding inundation, but also intrusion of freshwater supply.
DAMAGING WINDS: Hurricanes are categorized by wind speeds and range anywhere from 38 mph or less as a tropical depression, 39 to 73 mph as a tropical storm, and hurricane force winds being above 74 mph going up to over 157 mph as a category 5 hurricane. Keep in mind these wind speeds are sustained and does not factor in wind gusts.
INLAND FLOODING: Not only do you have to worry about flooding inundation from storm surge, but hurricanes bring heavy, tropical rains that also cause further flooding. Tropical moisture can contain a lot more water vapor and depending on the speed and movement of the system, can dump several inches to several feet of rain.
TORNADOES: Not many are familiar with tornadoes forming in hurricanes, but it is quite common. They typically form in the right-front quadrant of the hurricane where the strongest wind speeds are and don't form normally until a hurricane makes landfall. The added friction at the surface slows the surface winds and creates wind shear for tornadoes to form. They can also form on the outer bands of a hurricane.
RIP CURRENTS: A rip current is a powerful, narrow channel of fast-moving water that flows directly away from the shore, often cutting through breaking waves, and can quickly pull swimmers out to sea.
Hurricane Safety
Hurricane Safety
Hurricanes come with several hazards and when you factor them all at once, it can cause a major disruption to the protection of life and property. This is why it is important to educate yourself on the hazards, stay informed, and stay alert before, during, and after a hurricane makes landfall. It's always best to be prepared than not prepared at all.
Before A Hurricane
Before A Hurricane
KNOW YOUR EVACUATION ZONE. If you live near the Gulf or Atlantic Coasts, then it is best to find out if you are located in an evacuation zone. Call your local government or emergency management office for further information.
HAVE AN EMERENCY FAMILY PLAN. Discuss with your family on how to contact each other, in case cell service is down, where you're going to in case of a hurricane, and what you will do in case of an emergency.
GATHER EMERGENCY SUPPLIES. Put together a supply kit with non-perishable food, water, hygiene essentials, extra clothes and blankets, pet food, flashlights with batteries, back-up generators, etc. Find out more at www.ready.gov/kit.
REVIEW HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE. Make sure to review your insurance policy to ensure your home has adequate coverage. If it does not cover flooding, look into flood insurance.
UNDERSTAND FORECAST PRODUCTS. Take the time to understand what the NWS forecast products mean created from the National Hurricane Center. For further information, click the button below:
During A Hurricane
During A Hurricane
SECURE YOUR HOME. Cover all windows by using storm shutters, or board them up with 5/8 inch exterior grade plywood. Buy hurricane supplies before hurricane season.
STAY WEATHER AWARE. Check your local TV meteorologist news station, local NWS website for alert information, and have your NOAA Weather Radio handy in case if power goes out.
FOLLOW LOCAL OFFICIALS. If there is an evacuation order, follow it!
IF NOT ORDERED TO EVACUATE:
GO TO A SMALL INTERIOR ROOM. Like tornadoes, keep as many walls between you as possible. Do not shelter in a basement as it could quickly flood. Stay at a higher-level of your home.
STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.
IN THE EYE OF THE STORM. Don't be fooled for when conditions calm down. It just means you are in the eye of the storm. There is still another half to go!
After A Hurricane
After A Hurricane
STAY INFORMED. Stay tuned to your local TV news stations if applicable, NOAA Weather Radio, or updates from local officials for the latest updates. Do not return home unless it is said to do so by local government or emergency manager officials.
STAY ALERT. If you must drive or go out, be careful of any washed out bridges or roadways that may be flooded. Stay away from any fallen electrical wires and flood waters that contain electrical wires. That is how you get electricuted! Be aware that any bridges, trees, or infrastructure may be weakened and could fall.
THE AFTERMATH. Be careful when assessing the damage around your home as there could be loose powerlines, gas leaks, and structural damage that could collapse at anytime.
For further information, click on the link below! It will take you to a complete series of videos for hurricane hazards and safety on my facebook page.
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