Wednesday 7 April 2021

Hurricanes

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are a large rotating storm with high speed winds that form over warm waters in tropical areas. Hurricanes have sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hour and an area of low air pressure in the centre called the eye.


Here are some facts about Hurricanes. Hurricanes are giant tropical storms that produce heavy rainfall and super strong winds. Most hurricanes occur harmlessly out at sea. However, when they move towards land they can be  incredibly dangerous and cause serious damage. The strong spiraling winds of a hurricane can reach up to speeds of up to 320 km per hour , strong enough to rip up entire trees and buildings. Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters near the equator. The warm, moist air above the ocean waters near the equator. The warm, moist air above the ocean surfaces rises, causing air from surrounding areas to be “sucked” in. This “new” air then becomes warm and moist and rises, too, beginning a continuous cycle that forms clouds. The clouds then rotate with the spin of the earth. If there is enough warm water to feed the storm, a hurricane forms.


Hurricane Wilma is the strongest known hurricane at the moment,in the atlantic. Reaching an intensity of 882 m bar in October 2005. These are the top five deadliest hurricanes ever recorded. 1 Cheniere caminada, 2 Sea islands Hurricane, 3 Hurricane Katrina, 4 Okeechobee hurricane and 5 Hurricane Maria. Hurricane Katrina caused the most damage in 2005 which cost 160 billion dollars to replace things that were wrecked. Not in the top 5 but equally devastating was Hurricane Mitch, It caused 11,374 deaths which is the most deaths any Hurricane has recorded. The weirdest hurricane names are Isaias,Beulah,Flora,FiFi,Hilda,Hortense,Zhorzh,Cristobal,Bertha and Gonzalo.


The worst Hurricane recorded was Galveston on which lasted from the 27th of August 1900 to 15th of September 1900!! The Hurricane that was recorded least harmful was tropical storm Marco which lasted from 20th of August 2020 to 26th of August 2020.


How can you survive a Hurricane ?

Stay inside and keep away from all windows,skylights and glass doors. Go to a safe area such as a interior room, closet or downstairs bathroom. Never go to outside the protection of your home or shelter before there is a confirmation that the storm has passed you area.


How is a Hurricane Created?

Hurricanes only form over really warm ocean water of 80f/26d or warmer. The atmosphere (the air) must cool off very quickly the higher you go. Also, the wind must be blowing in the same direction and at the same speed to force air upward from the ocean surface. Winds flow outward above the storm allowing the air below to rise. Hurricanes typically form between 5 to 15 degrees latitude north and south of the equator. The Coriolis force is needed to create the spin in the hurricane and it becomes too weak near the equator so Hurricanes can never form there.


I hope you learnt something. If you have any questions comment them below.


Hurricanes | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration