Hurricanes
Created | Updated Jun 18, 2003
Every year from June 1st- November 30th, an average of six hirricanes form in the Atlantic ocean, Gulf of Mexico,and the Carribbean Sea.Hurrincanes are one of nature's largest mass destruction systems in the world. The rain bought by hurricanes can no only threaten coastal areas, but they also lash areas hundreds of miles inland. In some cases flooding occurs days after a storm actually hits the shore.
FORMATION OF HURRICANES:
Hurricanes are born over tropical oceans when the water is warmer than about 80 degrees. They start in areas of disturbed weathers. Mobs of clouds and falling pressure are spinned by the colriolis force. Once they mature into hurricanes, they can remain constant for days.
HURRICANSE LIFE CYCLE:
Tropical strom/ Tropical wave: unorganize mass of thunderstorms, organized wind circulation.
Tropical Depresson: has evidence of closed wind circulation around center with sustained winds from 23-39 mph.
Tropical Storm: maximum sustained winds are from 40-74 mph, the storm is usually named once it reaches tropical strom strength.
Hurricane: maximum sustained winds that exceed 74 mph. Hurrincanes are classified into to catogories based on the strength of the wind.
HURRICANE CATEGORIES:
Category One: winds from 74 to 95 mph
Category Two: winds from 96 to 110 mph
Category Three: winds from 111 to 130 mph
Category Four: winds from 131 to 155 mph
Category Five: winds greater than 155 mph
HURRICAN SUVIVAL TIPS:
(Before Hurrincane)
Stay tuned to weather forecastsa and possible warnings
Gather items for your safety kits
Stock up on water, batteries, and non-perishable foods
Bring in or down loose out door objects
Prepare your house (tape up all windows)
Check on ederly who may need assistance
Listen to county and state officials regarding evacuations and shelter locations
(During Hurricane)
Stay indoors away form windows
Stay tuned to radio for weather bulletins
Use flash lights as source of light
Candles can become a fire hazard
Listen to local autjorities
(After Hurrincane)
Listen to local officials
Stay clear of downed power lines, trees, debris
Do not drive across flooded roadways
Stay clear from moving water, especially near rivers, streams, and drainage systems
HURRICANE DAMAGES:
Hurricane Year Cost of damages
Andrew 1992 $34.3 billion
Hugo 1989 $10.9 billion
Agnes 1972 $8.4 billion
Besty 1965 $8.4 billion
Camille 1969 $6.8 billion
Dianne 1955 $5.4 billion
Frederic 1979 $4.9 billion
New England 1938 $4.7 billion
Floyd 1999 $4.6 billion
Fran 1996 $3.6 billion
