Hurricanes Typhoons and Cyclones

A tropical cyclone is a meteorological hazard characterized by a rotating storm system that forms over warm ocean waters. It can produce extreme winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, and flooding, leading to significant damage to infrastructure, ecosystems, and human life. Tropical cyclones are classified into different categories based on their intensity, with hurricanes and typhoons being specific types that occur in different regions of the world. Their impacts can be devastating, especially in coastal areas.

The strongest winds in a hurricane occur near the eye wall, which is the ring of thunderstorms surrounding the calm center known as the eye. This area features the most intense rain and wind, often exceeding 100 mph. As one moves outward from the eye wall, wind speeds generally decrease. The hurricane's structure contributes to this gradient, with the highest winds concentrated closest to the center.

Hurricanes rotate due to the Coriolis effect, which is caused by the Earth's rotation. In the Northern Hemisphere, this effect causes moving air to be deflected to the right, leading to a counterclockwise rotation around low-pressure systems like hurricanes. Conversely, in the Southern Hemisphere, the Coriolis effect causes air to deflect to the left, resulting in a clockwise rotation. Therefore, hurricanes rotate to the left in the Southern Hemisphere and to the right in the Northern Hemisphere.

PAGASA regularly monitors tropical cyclones within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) to provide timely and accurate weather forecasts and warnings, ensuring public safety. By tracking these systems, they can assess potential impacts on communities, agriculture, and infrastructure. This monitoring helps facilitate effective disaster preparedness and response measures, minimizing the risks associated with severe weather events. Additionally, it supports the coordination of emergency services and informs the public about necessary precautions.

Hurricanes typically affect the East Coast of the United States during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. The peak months for hurricane activity are usually August and September, when ocean temperatures are warmest, providing the necessary energy for storm development. However, hurricanes can form outside these months, though it is less common.

Hurricane Harvey, which struck Texas in August 2017, resulted in approximately 30,000 people being rescued and around 17,000 individuals seeking shelter in emergency facilities. The storm caused significant flooding and devastation, leading to injuries for countless residents, although exact numbers vary. Official reports estimate that over 100 people lost their lives due to the hurricane and its aftermath.

Hurricane Irma officially dissipated on September 12, 2017. After causing significant destruction in the Caribbean and the southeastern United States, it was downgraded to a tropical storm on September 11, 2017, before losing its tropical characteristics the following day.

Hurricanes are caused by a combination of warm ocean waters, moist air, and atmospheric conditions. When sea surface temperatures rise above 26.5 degrees Celsius (about 80 degrees Fahrenheit), they provide energy to the storm. This warm, moist air rises and creates low pressure at the surface, leading to the formation of thunderstorms. As these thunderstorms organize and strengthen, they can develop into a hurricane if conditions remain favorable.

Preparing for an earthquake is generally easier because earthquakes strike suddenly and without warning, allowing individuals to focus on immediate safety measures, such as securing heavy furniture and creating emergency kits in advance. In contrast, hurricanes provide advance notice, which can lead to overwhelming information and a longer preparation period, making it challenging to prioritize actions effectively. Moreover, the wide-ranging impact of hurricanes often requires more extensive planning for evacuations and resource management, complicating the preparation process.

A category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale can produce a storm surge ranging from 9 to 12 feet above normal tide levels. This surge can lead to severe coastal flooding, inundating low-lying areas and causing significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and ecosystems. The impact of such a storm surge can be devastating, particularly in populated coastal regions, leading to evacuation orders and emergency response efforts. The combination of high winds and flooding can result in catastrophic conditions for affected communities.

During the summer months, Florida's coastline is vulnerable to erosion due to hurricanes, which can bring strong winds and storm surges that drastically reshape the shore. The intense wave action and flooding can wash away sand and alter beach profiles, leading to significant loss of land. Additionally, repeated storm events can hinder the natural replenishment of beaches, making recovery more challenging. Efforts such as beach nourishment and protective barriers are often implemented to mitigate these impacts.

A Category 5 hurricane has sustained winds of 157 mph (252 km/h) or higher and typically features a central pressure of 920 millibars or lower. The exact millibar reading can vary, but it generally falls in the range of 900 to 920 millibars. This low pressure is what contributes to the hurricane's intense wind speeds and destructive potential.

Hurricanes can cause extensive damage to the built environment through high winds, which can tear off roofs, shatter windows, and topple structures. Flooding, often exacerbated by storm surges, can inundate buildings, leading to water damage, mold growth, and structural compromise. Additionally, flying debris can impact buildings and infrastructure, while power outages and infrastructure failures can disrupt services and safety. The cumulative effects can result in long-term economic and social challenges for affected communities.

As of my last update in October 2023, there has never been a hurricane named Carter in the Atlantic hurricane naming system. Hurricane names are reused every six years unless a storm is so deadly or costly that its name is retired. The lists of names are predetermined and maintained by the World Meteorological Organization.

Cyclones in the South Pacific typically occur from November to April, with the peak season generally between January and March. During these months, warmer ocean temperatures provide the necessary energy for cyclone formation. While cyclones can occur outside of this window, the likelihood significantly decreases.

The impact of tropical cyclones is more severe in developing countries due to their limited infrastructure, inadequate disaster preparedness, and fewer resources for recovery. Many of these nations have densely populated coastal areas with informal housing that are highly vulnerable to flooding and wind damage. Additionally, economic constraints hinder effective response and rebuilding efforts, exacerbating the long-term effects of such disasters on communities and economies. Finally, a lack of access to technology and early warning systems further increases the risks faced by these populations.

Science plays a crucial role in understanding and predicting cyclones through advanced meteorological models and satellite technology. By analyzing atmospheric conditions, scientists can forecast cyclone formation, track their paths, and estimate their intensity, which aids in early warning systems. This information helps communities prepare for potential impacts, minimizing loss of life and property damage. Additionally, scientific research into cyclone behavior contributes to improved building codes and disaster response strategies.

Cyclones are primarily caused by the following factors:

1. Warm Ocean Waters: Cyclones typically form over warm ocean waters (at least 26.5°C), which provide the necessary heat and moisture.
2. Atmospheric Disturbances: Low-pressure systems or disturbances in the atmosphere can initiate cyclone formation.
3. Humidity in the Atmosphere: High humidity in the lower and mid-levels of the atmosphere is essential for cloud formation and cyclone development.
4. Coriolis Effect: The rotation of the Earth helps in the development of the cyclone’s spin, influencing its direction and intensity.

The response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 was widely criticized for being inadequate and poorly coordinated. Federal, state, and local agencies faced significant challenges, including slow evacuation efforts and a lack of resources for affected communities. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was particularly scrutinized for its delayed response and inability to provide timely assistance. While some improvements have been made in disaster preparedness since then, many argue that the lessons learned from Katrina have not been fully implemented in subsequent responses to disasters.

A tropical depression typically moves at speeds ranging from 5 to 15 miles per hour (8 to 24 kilometers per hour). The movement can vary due to surrounding weather patterns and atmospheric conditions. As it interacts with other systems, its speed may increase or decrease. The forward motion is essential in predicting its potential impact on land and surrounding areas.

Hurricane Sandy was named using the established naming conventions of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which assigns names to tropical storms and hurricanes from pre-determined lists. Each storm is given a name to facilitate communication and awareness, making it easier for the public and the media to follow its progress and impact. The name "Sandy" was part of a rotating list of names for the Atlantic hurricane season, and it was chosen because it is a common name in the English-speaking world.

Hurricane Harvey, which struck Texas in August 2017, resulted in at least 107 confirmed fatalities. The storm caused catastrophic flooding, particularly in the Houston area, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life. Many of the deaths were attributed to drowning and related incidents during the severe weather conditions. The disaster prompted a significant emergency response and recovery effort.

Tropical Storm Sendong, known as Washi in the Philippines, entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on December 14, 2011. It made landfall in the country a day later, leading to widespread flooding and devastation, particularly in the Mindanao region. The storm was notable for its rapid intensification and the severe impact it had on the affected areas.

Tahiti, located in French Polynesia, is generally less prone to hurricanes compared to other regions in the Pacific. However, it can experience tropical cyclones, particularly from November to April, which is the cyclone season. While these storms can bring heavy rain and strong winds, hurricanes of significant intensity are rare in Tahiti itself. Overall, its geographic location offers some protection from the most severe storms.

Georgia can experience tropical storms and hurricanes, particularly along its coastal regions, as these systems can track up the East Coast of the United States. However, tsunamis are extremely rare in Georgia due to its location on the Atlantic Ocean, where large tectonic activity is less common. While the state is more prone to the effects of hurricanes, the impact is usually less severe inland compared to coastal areas. Overall, the state's vulnerability mainly lies with tropical storms and hurricanes rather than tsunamis.