Know Your Hurricane as the Season Begins
A hurricane is defined as a severe tropical storm, and forms in most of our world’s greatest oceans. It is a powerful combination of torreintial rain, winds, and waves on the sea and lakes. Hurricanes also go by the names, typhoon, severe tropical cyclone, severe cyclonic storm, and tropical cyclone depending on the region of the world.
Since hurricanes start on oceans, they pick up speed and power from the winds, moon, and seafronts. As they move closer to land, they bring with them heavy winds and the huge waves that quickly and powerfully destroy shorelines, trees, and buildings. Coastlines are obviously high-hazard areas, but many inland areas, peninsulas, and islands have ongoing hurricane threats.
If we were to take a cross-section of a hurricane, we would find that both ‘sides’ of the spiral are very warm gusts of winds, while the cyclone ‘eye’ itself is a combination of downward spiraling cold air. The ocean surface where hurricanes develop is also warm, causing the warm air to rise and condense. This general air movement of a hurricane is the reason why it ‘moves’ and doesn’t simply stay in one place.
The major hurricanes reach speeds of over 111 mph, and were originally identified by type, longitude, and latitude. Since this became difficult and cumbersome for accuracy, standard names were devised. More than 21 tropical cyclones occur within a given season, and the varieties we are most familiar with are Hurricane Katrina, Rita, and Wilma,. This year’s Atlantic hurricane names have been announced: Alberto, Beryl, Crhis, Debby, Ernesto, Florence, Gordon, Helene, Isaac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Michael, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sandy, Tony, Valerie, and William. Once the names are used, they are put into a ‘retired’ status and cannot be used for another ten years. There are currently six lists that are rotated, and these are designated by the National Hurricane Center. The names are given in alphabetical order that the hurricane appears; since there were more than 21 of the pre-designated list in 2005, the Greek alphabet had to be used. We can hope that this will not be a problem in 2006!
Although hurricane season cannot be physically escaped from all of the time, there are hurricane preparation strategies that will allow you to stay in control and get through the season as safely as possible. Do take the time to create a hurricane preparation plan and kit, and seek out shelters in your area for your next emergency or warning.
