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Previous Issues > October 2005 > Special Feature > Hurricanes Hit Hard
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 Special Feature
Hurricanes Hit Hard
 In September, television screens and newspapers were filled with images of destruction from Hurricane Katrina which devastated parts of Louisiana and Mississippi. And throughout the month, other tropical storms -- potential hurricanes -- were popping up in the Carribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. It's hurricane season, so we thought you'd like to learn a little bit more from the National Weather Service about these powerful storms.
Hurricane Basics
A hurricane is a severe tropical storm, that forms in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, or in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Hurricanes need warm tropical oceans, moisture, and light winds above them. If the right conditions last long enough, a hurricane can produce violent winds, incredible waves, torrential rains, and floods.
Hurricanes rotate in a counterclockwise direction around an "eye." Hurricanes have winds at least 74 miles per hour. There are on average six Atlantic hurricanes each year; over a three-year period, approximately five hurricanes strike the United States coastline from Texas to Maine.
When hurricanes move onto land, the heavy rain, strong winds and heavy waves can damage buildings, trees and cars. The heavy waves are called a storm surge. Storm surge is very dangerous and a major reason why you MUST stay away from the ocean during a hurricane warning or hurricane.
Is a Hurricane a Cyclone?
A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone which is a generic term for a low pressure system that generally forms in the tropics. The cyclone is accompanied by thunderstorms and, in the Northern Hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the earth's surface. Tropical cyclones are classified as follows:
Tropical Depression: An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds* of 38 mph (33 kt**) or less
Tropical Storm: An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph (34-63 kt)
Hurricane: An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 kt) or higher
Sustained winds: A one-minute average wind measured at about 33 ft (10 meters) above the surface.
* 1 knot = 1 nautical mile per hour or 1.15 statute miles per hour. Abbreviated as "kt."
Hurricanes are categorized according to the strength of their winds, using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. A Category 1 storm has the lowest wind speeds, while a Category 5 hurricane has the strongest. These are relative terms, because lower category storms can sometimes inflict greater damage than higher category storms, depending on where they strike and the particular hazards they bring. In fact, tropical storms can also produce significant damage and loss of life, mainly due to flooding.
Who Names a Hurricane?
When the the winds from these storms reach 39 mph (34 kts), the cyclones are given names. Years ago, an international committee developed names for Atlantic cyclones. In 1979, a six-year rotating list of Atlantic storm names was adopted -- alternating between male and female hurricane names. Storm names are used to facilitate geographic referencing, for warning services, for legal issues, and to reduce confusion when two or more tropical cyclones occur at the same time. Through a vote of the World Meteorological Organization Region IV Subcommittee, Atlantic cyclone names are usually retired when hurricanes result in substantial damage or death, or for other special circumstances.
Watch vs. Warning -- Know the Difference
- A Hurricane Watch issued for your part of the coast indicates the possibility that you could experience hurricane conditions within 36 hours. This watch should trigger your family's disaster plan, and protective measures should be initiated, especially those actions that require extra time such as securing a boat, leaving a barrier island, etc.
- A Hurricane Warning issued for your part of the coast indicates that sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 24 hours or less. Once this warning has been issued, your family should be in the process of completing protective actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm.
Provided by The National Weather Service. The National Weather Service is a component of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA is an Operating Unit of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Basic Hurricane Safety Actions
- Talk to your parents and come up with an emergency plan. Know if you live in an evacuation area. Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind. Have a written plan.
- At the beginning of hurricane season (June 1), check the supplies for your disaster supply kit, replace batteries and use food stocks on a rotating basis.
- During hurricane season, monitor the tropics.
- Monitor NOAA Weather Radio. It is an excellent official source for real-time weather information and warnings.
- If a storm threatens, heed the advice from local authorities. Evacuate if ordered to do so.
- Execute your family plan. Have a plan for your pets too!
Hurricane Relief Efforts
If you want to help in the relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Katrina, look for opportunities at your local grocery store, church or school. You can also contact The American Red Cross (1-800-2298191 or www.redcross.org) or The Salvation Army (1-800-SAL-ARMY or www.salvationarmyusa.org). The animals need help too. To find out more, contact The Humane Society at www.hsus.org or1-800-HUMANE1.
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