Hurricane or Tropical Storm Damage
A hurricane is a rapidly spinning, highly increasing in speed, rapidly rotating cloud system with a warm, moist surface which exists around the center. Hurricanes do not form for some time in advance or even on land. A hurricane can have a central pressure of ten inches of water but hurricanes usually have an outer pressure of about four to five inches. Hurricane named after Christopher Columbus is the only one so far to make an impact on the U.S. Hurricane or Tropical Storm is the name given to a hurricane that meets these criteria.
A tropical storm is a rapidly evolving, highly increasing in speed, rapidly rotating cloud system with a warm, moist surface that exists around the center. These storms form when a warm, moist surface remains over a warm, dry surface that is warmed by upper level heating. Hurricanes do not form for some time in advance or even on land. Hurricane or Tropical Storm is the name given to a hurricane that meets these criteria. The strongest Atlantic hurricane to hit the U.S. was the 2021 typhoon which had winds of more than 160 miles per hour. Hurricane Wilma, the most powerful tropical storm to hit the Caribbean was the only female hurricane to make landfall in recorded history.
Hurricane or Tropical Storms are often classified as being Atlantic or Coastal according to where the storm touches or passes through the Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern or Western Pacific Ocean. Hurricane or Tropical Storms may affect land in the United States and some parts of Mexico, but they are generally rare. The only natural disaster which has been linked to hurricanes in the United States is the flooding of Lake Huron causing a huge flood which closed much of the North East. Hurricanes and tropical cyclones occur most frequently in the warmer tropical waters of the South and Central America as well as in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Eastern Caribbean Sea.
Hurricane or Tropical Storms can have strong vertical winds which cause large surface waves known as Tropical Storm Fronts. These usually move inland into the central Caribbean Ocean and Eastern Caribbean Sea. Hurricane or Tropical Storms which become a Super Cell may have wind speeds of over 100 miles an hour and can be as far away as the western tip of South America. Hurricane or Tropical Storms which enter or re-enter the Eastern or Western Pacific Ocean usually weaken as they move inland and become a tropical depression. In these situations, low pressure can develop which limits the ability of the storm to generate significant rainfall.
Hurricane or Tropical Storms that form near the coastline usually produce large amounts of rainfall. This extra rainfall usually occurs in the early stages of the storm. As the storm grows, it can produce rapid intensification which brings a burst of warm moist air into the tropical region. This warm moist air is often associated with tropical rain showers. The rain showers may not necessarily end in storms but they do move into the hurricane zone sometimes quickly causing devastating rain.
Hurricane or Tropical Storms which occur further inland usually cause more damage than those which occur along the coast. Coastal area usually experiences much less wind, rain, and snow and has a far lower humidity. Coastal areas are at much higher risk of being devastated by hurricanes during a given season due to the close proximity of the shore and the potential for coastal areas to be along the Gulf or Atlantic Ocean. Coastal areas also experience higher temperatures during a hurricane season which makes hurricanes stronger and causes more rapid intensification.
When a hurricane or tropical storm makes its way through the United States, it can bring a great deal of devastation. Heavy rains can cause flooding and mudslides, which may end up taking hundreds of lives. Large amounts of rainfall can cause beach erosion and flooding, damaging coastal areas severely. Hurricane or tropical storm activity may also lead to power outages, fallen trees and other forms of catastrophic damage. In rare cases, the high winds that cause tropical storms may blow debris which are caught offshore into coastal areas and cause catastrophic damage.
Coastal flooding during a hurricane or tropical storm can cause life-threatening risks and losses for homeowners. Water is key in preventing damage as it can easily drain away a standing flood zone. In the case of hurricanes, rising tides combined with heavy rains can cause seawater levels to rise causing flooding and mudslides. Homes in flood zones should be abandoned or moved to higher ground. In the case of extremely large rains, homes should be evacuted and all persons directed away from the affected area. All necessary preparations should be made in advance to prevent any further damage from tropical storms and hurricanes.
