Nigel Edwards

10E
May 28,2024
Geography
Hurricane
What is a Hurricane?
A hurricane is a type of storm called a tropical cyclone, which forms over tropical or
subtropical waters.

How does it form?

A hurricane forms when warm, moist air rises from the ocean surface and creates an
area of low-pressure underneath. This causes more air to rush in and rise, forming
clouds and thunderstorms. The air in the cloud’s releases heat and water, which fuels
the storm. The storm also rotates due to the Earth's rotation. A hurricane needs certain
conditions to form, such as low wind shear, sufficient distance from the equator, and
weather disturbances.

What kind of weather conditions happen when a hurricane is approaching?

When a hurricane is approaching, several distinct weather conditions occur, signaling its
imminent arrival. Here are the key indicators:
1. Increasing Wind Speeds: As the hurricane approaches, wind speeds gradually
escalate. Initially, you’ll notice stronger gusts, followed by sustained high winds.
These winds can cause significant damage to structures, trees, and power lines.
2. Darkening Skies: The sky becomes increasingly overcast as the storm
approaches. Thick cloud cover obscures sunlight, creating a gloomy atmosphere.
Rain clouds gather, and the air feels heavy.
3. Intensifying Rainfall: Rain associated with a hurricane can be torrential. Expect
heavy downpours, often accompanied by thunder and lightning. Flooding has
become a major concern, especially in low-lying areas and near rivers.
4. Rough Seas and High Waves: If you’re near the coast, watch for rough seas
and large waves. The ocean churns, and waves grow taller as the hurricane
nears. Storm surges—massive walls of water—can inundate coastal regions.
5. Barometric Pressure Drop: A drop in barometric pressure is a reliable sign of
an approaching hurricane. Barometers measure atmospheric pressure, and a
sudden decrease indicates that the storm’s center is drawing near.
6. Swirling Clouds: Look for cloud formations that resemble spirals. Hurricanes
have a distinct circular shape, with bands of clouds rotating around the eye.
These bands bring heavy rain and strong winds.
7. Tornadoes: Tornadoes often spawn from hurricanes. These smaller, intense
whirlwinds can cause localized devastation. If you hear tornado warnings, take
them seriously and seek shelter.
8. Evacuation Orders: Authorities issue evacuation orders when a hurricane poses
a significant threat. Pay attention to official announcements and follow
evacuation routes promptly if instructed to do so.
Weather conditions during a hurricane include:
 Winds: Powerful gusts tear through the air, causing damage.
 Rain: Torrential downpours flood the landscape.
 Darkness: The sky turns ominous and gloomy.
 Thunder and Lightning: Elements clash with thunder and lightning.
 Waves and Surge: Coastal areas face rising waves and storm surges.

How are hurricanes named?

Hurricanes are named after people because it is easy to identify one storm from another
and the names are easy to remember. The names are chosen by the World
Meteorological Organization (WMO).

Differentiate between hurricane watch and hurricane warning?

Hurricane conditions are sustained winds of 74 mph or higher. A hurricane warning

means that these conditions are expected somewhere within the specified area, while a
hurricane watch means that these conditions are possible. A warning is issued 36 hours
in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds (sustained winds of 39
to 73 mph), while a watch is issued 48 hours in advance. A warning advises people to
complete storm preparations and leave the threatened area if directed by local officials.
A warning can also remain in effect when dangerously high water or waves continue,
even if winds are less than hurricane force.

Why is it that more damage done by hurricanes now than in previous years?

Hurricanes are becoming more dangerous due to climate change. Although the
frequency of Atlantic hurricanes hasn’t significantly increased over the past 150 years,
their intensity and impact have risen. Factors like global warming, decreased aerosol
pollution, and longer-lasting land impacts contribute to this trend.
Table showing what to do before, during and after a hurricane.
BEFORE
Stay Informed: Keep an
eye on weather updates
and official advisories.
Know the hurricane’s
projected path, intensity,
and potential impact on
your area.
Emergency Kit: Assemble
an emergency kit with
essentials like water, non-
perishable food,
medications, flashlights,
batteries, and important
documents. Be ready to
evacuate if necessary.
Secure Your Home:
Reinforce windows, trim
trees, and secure outdoor
items. Also, plan
evacuation routes and
communicate with family
members about
emergency plans.
DURING
Watch or listen to TV or
radio for the latest weather
updates or emergency
instructions. Many city or
county websites also often
supply updates every 30
minutes or so.
Close storm shutters and
stay away from windows,
as flying glass from broken
windows could be
dangerous.
If you are outside, move to
higher ground and do not
walk, swim, or drive
through floodwater.
AFTER
Avoid walking or driving
through floodwaters. Just
six inches of moving water
can knock you over and
fast-moving water can
sweep your vehicle away.
Avoid any floodwater that
may be electrically
charged from underground
or downed power lines. In
addition, be extra vigilant
as floodwater could be
hiding dangerous debris
and areas where the
ground has washed away.
Only return home when
authorities indicate it is
safe. Be sure to keep in
touch with friends and
family so they know that
you are safe.
Effects of hurricane Gilbert

Hurricane Gilbert, which occurred during the 1988 Atlantic hurricane season, had
significant impacts in several areas:

1. Jamaica:
o The monster storm swept across the entire island, taking 45 lives.
o It destroyed hundreds of homes, infrastructure, downed trees, and
electricity poles.
o Crops and livestock were wiped out.
o Extensive flooding occurred, with storm surges reaching up to 19 feet
high.
o Rainfall exceeded 32 inches in some areas.

2. Mexico:
o Gilbert was the most intense tropical cyclone in recorded history to strike
Mexico.
o It made landfall on the Yucatán Peninsula as a Category 5 hurricane with
peak winds of 185 mph (298 km/h).
o After weakening over the Yucatán, it emerged into the Gulf of Mexico and
made landfall in mainland Mexico as a Category 3 hurricane.

3. Other areas affected:

o Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Haiti, Dominican Republic,
Central America, Yucatan Peninsula, Texas, South Central United States,
Midwestern United States, and Western Canada.
o Overall, Hurricane Gilbert caused 318 fatalities and $2.98 billion in damages
(1988 USD), making it the costliest hurricane in Jamaican history.