Source: Jon Darren @jondarren

Hurricanes, winds that cause great damage

In the most of cases, a hurricane originates in the tropics and from there it begins to expand its diameter and speed. These cyclones begin when a series of electrical storms move over warm waters. The hot air combines with the heat from the surface of the ocean and begins to rise, which produces a low pressure on the sea surface. Over time a tropical depression can turn into a tropical storm and finally in a hurricane. The part that distinguishes the hurricane is the eye, a center of calm winds, surrounded by a wall of intense winds and storms that produce large bands of precipitation. The place of arrival of the hurricanes is very variable, but the 85% starts is in an area near the African island of Cape Verde. To establish the speed of a hurricane, “hurricane-hunting” planes are used, which by means of a risky maneuver are introduced into the eye to obtain the measurements.

What is the challenge of hurricane hunters aircraft?

Composición: SGK-Planet

Will there be a category 6 for hurricanes?

At the beginning of 2018, appeared in several media a news reporting that the scientific community is discussing adding category 6 to the Saffir-Simpson scale. According to some scientists, the current scale does not reflect the increase in the intensity, power and duration of some global cyclones. During a conference in New Zealand, the specialists considered the idea of adding category six to the current scale, also foreseeing an increase in the severity of tropical cyclones due to the oceans warming and climate change. The proposition of category 6 has not yet been accepted because some scientists are opposed to it, arguing that it would rather complicate the simplicity and understanding of the issue.

Is there any connection between hurricanes and global warming?

There is no evidence on a relationship between hurricanes and global warming. So far, no evidence has been found to support this relationship. Every time an extraordinary phenomenon occurs that is thought to be related to climate change, some precedent comes to light, often happened 50, 100 or more years ago, when global warming, the main factor of climate modification, was not a issue. However, with Hurricane Irma (Sep-2017), a novel event occurred. For the first time a cyclone acquired category 5 in the Atlantic Ocean, before reaching the Caribbean. As if this were not enough, the phenomenon was repeated the same month with Hurricane Maria. This pair of category 5 hurricanes in the Atlantic is unprecedented and has raised suspicions about global warming and its relationship to intensify cyclonic systems.

Something unprecedented happened with two hurricanes

Tropical Disturbance > Tropical Depression  > Tropical Storm > Hurricane

In general, a hurricane originates in the tropics and from there it begins to expand its diameter and speed. These cyclones begin when a series of electrical storms travel over warm waters. The hot air combines with the heat of the ocean’s surface and begins to rise. Which produces a low pressure on the marine surface.

The winds that circulate in opposite directions make the storm begin to turn. The rise of warm air affects the high pressure in the high areas of the atmosphere, causing the pressure to decrease. The air rises faster and faster, attracts more warm air from the surface of the sea and absorbs more cold and dry air from above, pushing it down. In its desplacement over the water it is nourished by a greater amount of humidity and heat, increasing its speed.

Over time the tropical depression turns into a tropical storm and finally a hurricane, whose visible signal is the eye, a center of calm winds, surrounded by a wall of intense winds and storms that produce large bands of precipitation.

Preventions for before, during and after hurricanes

Note: At the end of the Magazine, you will find a list of “Preventions for before, during and after the hurricanes”. It is very important to consider it, especially if you are in an area under the threat of a storm or hurricane.

Are we facing a wake-up call from Mother Earth?

The natural phenomenon of cyclones has been repeated year after year under a more or less stable pattern. This regularity is observed and measured for decades. What can we think when the pattern of behavior breaks? This happened twice in 2017. Should not this be seen as a sign of climate change? Because it is undoubtedly a major change in the hurricane cycle, a cycle related to climate.

Irma and Maria two hurricanes
that got out of the script

Cape Verde, the incubator of cyclones

Differences between hurricanes, typhoons and tornadoes

How the names of hurricanes are chosen

Source: Info7.mx

Three devastating hurricanes

Mitch /  Oct – Nov 1998

Source: LaPrensa.hn

Katrina /  Aug –  Sep 2005

Soursce: Antena 3

Jeanne  /  Sep 2004

Source: blog.fundacionmontemadrid.es

Is someone watching us through the great eye of the hurricane?

Source: El País

Preventions for before, during and after hurricanes

Official hurricane season:
Starts on June 1 of each year / Ends on November 30

BEFORE THE STORM OR HURRICANE ARRIVES

• Determine the evacuation routes.

• Identify the official places of refuge.

• Check your emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators, and battery-operated equipment, such as cell phones and your NOAA All Hazards Radio.

• Buy non-perishable food and clean water.

• Buy wooden panels or other material to protect your home.

• Prune the trees and shrubs so that the branches do not fly towards your house.

• Clean clogged rain gutters and drains.

• Decide where to move your boat.

• Check your insurance policy.

• Find hotels that accept pets on their evacuation route.

IF YOU LOCATED IN AREA UNDER WARNING
OF STORM OR HURRICANE

• Frequently listen to the radio, TV or NOAA All Hazards Radio for official bulletins about the course of the storm. (Digital media, social networks, etc.)

• Fill the gas tank and inspect your vehicle.

• Inspect and make sure your mobile home is well anchored to the ground, but DO NOT stay in a mobile home or prefabricated house.

• Make sure you have extra cash on hand.

• Prepare to cover all windows and doors with panels or other protective materials.

• Check batteries and store canned food, first aid items, drinking water and medications.

• Bring lightweight items, such as trash cans, garden tools, toys, and lawn furniture.

• Close the blinds and install the security panels.

• Follow the instructions issued by the official authorities. Evacuate immediately if ordered.

• Stay with friends or family in a hotel on the ground floor away from the coast or in a designated public shelter that is outside the flood zone.

• DO NOT stay in a mobile home or prefabricated house.

• Notify your neighbors or members of your family who live outside the area under notice about your evacuation plans.

• If possible, take your pets with you, but remember that most shelter centers do not allow pets other than assistance for people with disabilities. Identify hotels that allow pets along their evacuation route.

AFTER THE STORM OR HURRICANE

• Keep listening to radio, TV or NOAA All Hazards Radio (Digital media, social networks, etc.)

• Wait until the evacuation zone is declared safe before returning.

• Be aware of closed roads. If you encounter a barricade or flooded street: Turn around, do not choke!

• Stay on firm and dry ground. Moving water with a depth of only 6 inches can cause it to slip. Water that does not move could be charged with electricity from downed wires.

• If you use a generator, avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Avoid traversing weak bridges and damaged roads.

• Once you return to your home, check the damage to your gas, water and electricity appliances.

• Use a flashlight to inspect the damage. Never use candles or other items of fire inside the house.

• Wear appropriate footwear to prevent cutting your feet with sharp debris.

• Do not drink or prepare food with water from the battery until official authorities say it is safe.

• Avoid electrocution by walking in areas near fallen cables or poles.

Source: Official list of suggestions that the National Hurricane Center offers to know how to deal with a tropical storm or a hurricane. (Taken from Unuvisión.com)