What Is a Hurricane?

Hurricanes and Tropical Storms in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico usually form between June 1 and November 30 each year. This period of time is referred to as the “official Hurricane season.” A tropical weather system becomes a hurricane when its sustained winds reach 75 miles per hour. However, these storms can produce wind speeds of 200 miles per hour, as was seen with Hurricane Andrew.

Hurricanes are also known as tropical cyclones. These storms consist of a very low- pressure area 50 to 100 miles (80 to 160 kilometers) in radius, and accompanied by hurricane force winds circulating around a calm eye in the center. These atmospheric disturbances rapidly circulate masses of air in a clockwise direction in the Southern Hemisphere and counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.

How Do Hurricanes Form And Move

Hurricanes usually originate as a cluster of showers and thunderstorms in tropical waters. The process by which a disturbance forms and subsequently strengthens into a hurricane depends on many conditions. However, there are three major factors that must be met before hurricane formation. Those factors include warm water and moisture, favorable low-level winds, and light upper level winds.

A hurricane’s main source of energy comes from heat. Developing hurricanes gather heat and energy through contact with warm ocean waters. Most of the time, in the hurricane generation season, ocean water temperatures are warmer than 79?F.

Winds near the ocean surface need to rotate counter-clockwise (low pressure) in order for a cluster of storms to develop into a tropical system. This counter-clockwise flow directs winds and moisture inward to a central point. Once this moisture nears the central point, the center of a low-pressure system, it is lifted into the atmosphere to form more showers and thunderstorms. As this process repeats itself, the more energy and moisture is available; and the area of showers and thunderstorms grows and intensifies, leading to the formation of a tropical system.

The upper portion of the atmosphere is to a hurricane what a muffler is to an automobile. All of the exhaust from a car must go somewhere, so it goes through a hollow tube (muffler) into the open air. If an object is placed in the muffler or it is clogged, the car will not run properly. The same principle is true of tropical systems. All the upward moving moisture and water vapor (storm exhaust) in the center of the “low” must go somewhere. As the result, upper levels of the atmosphere act as the tropical system’s muffler. In an ideal situation for hurricane formation, light upper-level winds will allow this moisture to be “fanned out” to other parts of the storm. If there are strong winds aloft, they act as a lid to the system exhaust and the moisture has no place to go. Hence, the storm has no means to intensify and may even collapse its formation if the upper-level winds are strong enough.

In the tropics the winds usually blow from the east. This is why they are called “easterlies” or “trade winds.” As the result, hurricanes mainly approach land from the east. Ocean currents also help steer hurricanes. When hurricanes approach land the current changes direction, which is a good thing for people on the coast. The changing current steers the hurricane in a more north/south direction, but not enough in all cases for it to avoid land.

Hurricane Categories and Wind Speeds

A “Category 1” hurricane generates winds of 74-95 miles per hour. Damage is primarily limited to shrubbery, tree foliage and unanchored mobile homes. No real damage occurs to other types of structures. However, some damage can occur to poorly constructed signs. Coastal storm surge will be four to five feet above normal tides and low lying coastal roads can expect to be inundated. Small craft in exposed anchorage may be torn from moorings and minor pier damage can occur.

A “Category 2” hurricane generates winds of 96-110 miles per hour with considerable damage to shrubbery and tree foliage. Some trees will be uprooted and down. Major damage can be expected to mobile homes that are exposed and to poorly constructed signs. Some roof damage will occur. A storm surge six to eight feet above normal will be present and coastal roads and low lying inland escape routes will be blocked by rising water two to four hours before the arrival of the hurricane center. Considerable damage to piers will take place and marinas will be flooded. Small craft in unprotected anchorage will be torn from moorings and evacuation of some shoreline residences and low-lying islands will be required.

A “Category 3” hurricane is characterized by wind speeds of 111-130 miles per hour. Foliage will be stripped from trees and large trees will be blown over. Almost all poorly constructed signs will be down. Mobile homes will be destroyed, some structural damage will hit small buildings, and there will be damage to roofs, doors and windows of many structures. Storm surge will be nine to twelve feet above normal levels and there will be serious flooding at the coast, with many small structures near the coast destroyed. Battering waves and floating debris may damage larger structures near the coast. Low lying inland escape routes will be blocked by rising water three to five hours before the hurricane center arrives. Flat terrain five feet or less above sea level will be flooded inland eight miles or more. Evacuation of low-lying residences within several blocks of the shoreline will possibly be required.

A “Category 4” hurricane generates winds of 131-155 miles per hour. Shrubs and trees will be down, and all signs will be down. Extensive damage to windows and doors will occur and roofs will collapse. There will be complete destruction of mobile homes. Flat terrain ten feet or less above sea level will be flooded as far as six miles inland, and storm surge will be thirteen to eighteen feet above normal. Major erosion of beaches will occur, and flooding, waves and floating debris will cause major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore. Massive evacuation of all residences within 500 yards of shore will be possibly required, as well as single-story residences on low ground within two miles of shore.

A “Category 5” hurricane is characterized by winds greater than 155 miles per hour. Shrubs and trees are all down. There is severe and extensive destruction to glass in windows and to doors, and complete roofs collapse. Small buildings will be overturned or blown away and mobile homes will be completely destroyed, as well as some larger complete building failures. Major damage will occur to lower floors of all structures less than fifteen feet above sea level within 500 yards of shore. Low lying escape routes inland will be cut off by rising water three to five hours before the hurricane center arrives. Massive residential area evacuation will be required on low ground within five to ten miles of shore.

What Is Storm Surge

The storm surge is the most dangerous part of a hurricane. When a hurricane makes landfall, the storm surge causes the most destruction. The high water level causes flooding and also effectively brings the coast inland. Then, the pounding of the waves causes more destruction beyond flooding.

The majority of the storm surge is caused by the wind blowing in the same direction. This causes the water to pile up. In the open ocean, the water can flow away underneath the storm, which also creates a strong undersea current. When the hurricane approaches shallow water, there is no room for the water to flow under the storm, so it builds up to be the major part of the storm surge.

The smaller part of the storm surge is caused by the low pressure in the middle of the storm. The pressure in the eye is significantly lower than the surrounding atmosphere, so the atmosphere pressure causes the water in the eye to rise. In general, a 1 millibar drop in pressure creates a 1 centimeter rise in the water level.

Forecasting Hurricanes

Forecasting a hurricane’s path is a difficult job. Meteorologists don’t always have enough information on which to base a forecast. There aren’t any weather stations in the ocean, which means that there isn’t much data available. Therefore, forecasters rely on airplanes to gather more information on a hurricane, not only in the eye but also in the outer parts of the storm.

Airplanes fly outside hurricanes to measure wind and ocean currents. These are the factors that steer hurricanes. By measuring wind and water currents meteorologists can make more accurate predictions as to where a storm will go.

Different Parts Of The Hurricane

The typical hurricane has 2 or 3 and sometimes more “outer convective bands.” These bands are comprised of cells resembling ordinary thunderstorms and can be up to 300 miles from the “eye.” The outer convective bands are generally 40 to 80 miles apart and come in advance of the main “rain shield.”

The rain shield is a solid or nearly solid area of rain that typically becomes more heavy when approaching the eye. The outer edge is well defined and its distance from the eye varies greatly from storm to storm. The wind, both sustained and peak gusts, keeps increasing through the rain shield toward the storm’s eye.

“Spiral convective rings” or bands are the regions of active showers and thunderstorms that encircle the centers of tropical cyclones. They are prevalent in
intense hurricanes and curve cyclonically inwards towards the center of the storm where they appear to merge and form the “wall” of the eye.

The “eye wall” is an organized band of thunderstorms that immediately surrounds the center, or eye, of a hurricane. It’s generally around 15 miles wide and typically contains the fiercest winds and most intense rainfall.

The eye is a relatively calm center of the hurricane. The winds are light, and skies are partly cloudy or even clear. The average hurricane eye diameter is a little over 20 miles. In general, when the eye is shrinking in size, the hurricane is intensifying. During the daytime, sunny skies and a rise in temperature usually accompany the passage of the hurricane’s eye over a community. After the eye’s passage, the violent wind howls in the opposite direction to what it was right before the eye moved over and the heavy sheets of rain return.

Hurricane Safety Rules

Any time a tropical weather system threatens your area:

1. Monitor local radio broadcasts for emergency information. It is recommended that every family also have a NOAA Weather Radio.
2. Re-check all emergency supplies and equipment to be sure that you have enough supplies, and that everything is in good working order.
3. Fill your car’s fuel tank and check oil, water and battery.
4. Secure your storm window shutters, tape windows to minimize flying glass, and make any other necessary repairs.
5. Locate the main cut-off switches for electricity, water and gas. Secure LP gas tanks.
6. Secure your boat immediately.
7. Secure all essential records and documents in a safe, watertight place.
8. If you do not have a car, make arrangements with a friend, relative or neighbor to go with them to a shelter or to evacuate.
9. Be prepared to evacuate upon the recommendation or order of emergency personnel.

As soon as a Hurricane Watch is issued for any part of your area, take immediate actions to protect your life and property:

1. Closely monitor local radio for emergency instructions from local authorities, and listen for updated information from the National Hurricane Center.
2. Secure all outside objects and bring loose objects indoors.
3. Chlorinate your pool, and turn off any electrical connections to the pool. You may safely place aluminum lawn furniture in the pool.
4. Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting, and open the door only when absolutely necessary.
5. Lower any outside antennae, masts or towers. Be very careful to avoid power lines.
6. Do not use the telephone any more than necessary. Dial 911 only in emergencies.
7. Fill your bathtub and any other large containers with water for washing, cleaning, and to flush the toilets.
8. Have one gallon of water per person, per day, available to meet your drinking and cooking needs for a two-week period, or suitable emergency supplies.
9. Before leaving, contact a friend or family member in another area. Tell them where you are going, when you are leaving, and who is with you. Let them know you will be relying on them, after the hurricane, to get information to the rest of the family. Call them again later, to tell them you have reached your destination.
10. Evacuate as soon as you are ready to leave. Do not wait for further instructions.

During the Hurricane:

1. Monitor local media for emergency instruction. Rumors will be commonplace. Listen only to official statements from local emergency agencies and the National Weather Service.
2. Stay indoors. Retreat to the most protected area of your house. Stay away from doors and windows even if they are shuttered.
3. If the calm hurricane “eye” passes over your area, continue to stay indoors. Make outside emergency repairs only when absolutely necessary. In the “eye” wind and rain may subside or stop for a few minutes, or for more than one hour. Beware, however, because winds will suddenly return at great intensity from the opposite direction.
4. Turn off the interior electricity and gas. Use flashlights and battery operated lanterns for light. Avoid using candles if possible. Have a fire extinguisher ready.
5. Call 911 only for emergencies. Avoid using the telephone unless necessary.
6. Remain indoors until the “all clear” notice is given by emergency agencies, or local law enforcement. Be aware that a curfew may be imposed immediately following a major hurricane. If you are in a Shelter, do not leave until the Shelter Manager tells you it is safe to do so. Power lines will be down and roads will be impassable.

After a Hurricane:

It is likely that governmental services, utilities, and most businesses will not be operational for an extended period of time. This could mean no electricity, no water and no food supplies. Transportation will be difficult. Bridges and roads may be washed out or damaged. A dusk-to-dawn curfew may be imposed. Living through the hurricane is just the beginning of the discomfort and inconvenience. To remain safe you must:

1. Pay strict attention to instructions from emergency management and law enforcement agencies. Obey all curfews and emergency orders are issued.
2. Stay away from disaster areas. Do not sightsee.
3. If you must drive, use caution. Beware of road and bridge washouts. Remember that you treat an intersection with a broken traffic signal as if it is a four way stop.
4. Advise interested friends and relatives that you are safe.
5. Use caution when using any food from your refrigerator or ice chest. Check carefully for signs of spoilage.
6. If you arrived at a shelter on a public bus, return transportation will be provided as soon as possible.
7. Avoid all downed power lines. Assume that all downed lines have live electricity. Standing water may be electrically charged.
8. Check your electric, gas and water connections before turning them back on. Remember that gas pilot lights will have to be lighted again.
9. Report all utility problems immediately so those necessary repairs can be made as quickly as possible.

What To Bring To A Shelter?

Different jurisdictions may provide different levels of support during stays in shelters. However, the only way to insure your safety and the safety of your loved ones is to prepare as if the shelter you are going to during the hurricane provides no support. Accordingly it is recommended that you assemble the following for your protection:

1. One gallon of water per person, per day, and food supplies including non-perishable items requiring little or no cooking. These products include ready-to-eat meats, fruits, vegetables and canned juices. High-energy foods such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix, and other snack foods are good. Special dietary foods, such as diabetic, low salt, liquid diet, and baby food and formula should be assembled. Don’t forget a manual can opener, eating and drinking utensils including paper plates, and a portable ice chest with ice. Prepackaged food and water emergency supplies may require less effort to assemble and are easier to transport to and store in a shelter.
2. Clothing and bedding include one complete change of clothing with footwear. You should bring a sleeping bag, blanket and pillow, and cots for the elderly. Rain gear and sturdy shoes are important items.
3. Personal items including washcloth, small towel, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, tampons, paper towels, toilet paper, towelettes, and similar items should be available for each person.
4. Medications, clearly marked with your name, dosage, type of medication, and prescribing physician. You must be able to take all medications by yourself, as others may be unable to assist with injections. Include a First-Aid kit in a waterproof box with first-aid instruction booklet.
5. Clothes, diapers, formula, bottles, nipples, food and blankets for babies must be available.
6. Important information including name and address of doctors, name and address of nearest relative not living in the area, your personal identification and other valuable papers.
7. Miscellaneous items including games, toys, cards, battery powered radios, flashlights (no candles or lanterns), batteries, or other reasonable items of amusement such as books.
8. Finally, it is important that you bathe and eat well before you leave home for the shelter. Register immediately upon entering the shelter and obey all shelter rules. Keep the building safe and sanitary to create a sense of order. Under no circumstances should you bring pets, alcoholic beverages or weapons into the shelter.

How To Protect Against Post-Storm Fraud

June 1 through November 30 is the official hurricane season. Unfortunately, many of the scams, frauds or other consumer protection problems don’t appear until after the immediate hazards of a hurricane disaster are over. You should be aware of your rights and responsibilities before a hurricane hits to avoid becoming a victim of potential frauds.

Although many of the typical hurricane consumer scams are also common everyday, consumers are more likely to fall victim to scam artists who prey on the misfortune and emotional distress of disaster victims. It is impossible to catalog all of the consumer scams that might develop if a hurricane occurs, but some typical ones that normally follow a natural disaster include:

1. Price gouging is the practice of overcharging for essential goods. In the Wake of Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the Florida Legislature passed an anti-price gouging bill to protect consumers, once the Governor has declared a state of emergency.
2. A frequent problem after a hurricane is fly-by-night unlicensed contractors who take deposits for home repairs before starting work, or demand final payments before finishing repairs.
3. Many vehicles are damaged during a hurricane and will need repair. Consumers should understand their rights under their state’s Motor Vehicle Repair Act.
4. Unscrupulous landlords might take advantage of a disaster-caused housing shortage and raise rents or try to force out existing tenants. Also, if landlords delay returning security deposits and last month’s rent to consumers who must leave damaged apartments, this will create a hardship on those who are unexpectedly homeless.
5. Following a hurricane, consumers who need a loan quickly to rebuild a home or business might be tempted by promises of guaranteed loans. Advance fee loan scams usually ask for up-front fees ranging from $100 to $3,000.
6. After Hurricane Andrew, job scams that charged people for information on nonexistent jobs were numerous.
7. Telephone callers and door-to-door solicitors asking for donations for bogus charities promising to help victims are common after any disaster.
8. During hurricane season, consumers often find themselves rushing out to stock up on needed supplies just in case a hurricane should hit the area. Beware of price changes in staples and supplies just before and during this time period.

It is important to remember that following a disaster your normal guard may be down. After all, you have been subjected to a wide-range of conditions not normally encountered in your daily routine, such as lack of sleep. You must resist the temptation to make quick decisions in favor of giving decisions double consideration. You may already have been victimized by the hurricane. Don’t be victimized a second time by fraud.

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