Lucas Beaumont
A hurricane can be described as a mega storm. Some hurricanes are able to cover a total area of 600 miles. They are made up of strong winds that flow upward and inward at the speeds of 75 -210 mph. An average hurricane is able to stand for more then a week and during this time it moves at the speed of 10-20 mph over some open ocean, and by doing so; hurricane collect energy and heat (from warm waters of oceans). This collection increases their power, and further evaporation of oceanic waters makes them even stronger. Usual hurricanes rotate in anti-clockwise direction around the center of the hurricane (which is called as eye of the hurricane). The central part of the hurricane (or eye) is the calmest part of the storm. It is made up of fair weather and light winds. When this hurricane leaves ocean and enters to the land, then it brings strong winds, large waves and heavy rain which causes great damage to the trees, cars, buildings etc.
Formation of hurricanes
Hurricane formation takes place on warm oceans (having temperature more then 80°F). In the situation of hurricane formation, initially wind starts flowing in upward direction, and as the air goes higher it starts getting cooler. Clouds formation takes place at a certain height, but further coming winds penetrates these clouds and moves outwards (above the initial storm or clouds). This outward flowing of wind brings more air from the surface of oceans and as a result cycle of hurricane begins. In this situation if light winds are flowing in appropriate direction, then they hold the clouds. This holding let hurricane to develop and grow. Hurricane formation takes place between 5 and 15 degrees latitude south and north of the equator. A force which is known as Coriolis force is essential to generate the spin of a hurricane. This force is extremely weak near the equator, so a hurricane formation can never happen near the equator.
Hurricane season
Hurricanes begin to develop in between June 1 – November 30 (this is called as Atlantic hurricane season). But most of the hurricanes strike in the fall months. One more season of the hurricanes is known as Eastern Pacific hurricane. It falls in between May 15 and November 30.
Naming of hurricanes
In the year of 1953, US bureau of Weather adopted a system of naming the hurricane according to the names of women. But in 1979, US Weather bureau prepared some lists to name a hurricane, this list include the names of men also. These days for naming of a hurricane these lists are in use. If a particularly named hurricane makes severe damage, then US bureau delete its name from the list.
Safety tips against a hurricane
Before the hurricane- After getting primary warnings for a hurricane, one should start preparation to fight it. One should fill his home with water and food that is enough for 3 or 4 days. One should not leave any light and sharp thing outside the home, because it can fly with the winds of hurricane and can strike to other homes. One should be equipped with battery-operated radio, canned food, opener (to open the cans), first aid kit, flashlight, warm cloths, bottled water etc. One should understand gas and electricity supply lines of the home, so that one can shut them down in emergency cases. Fuel tank of car should be full and one should also carry enough cash because after hurricane ATM services will collapse.
During the hurricane– During the strike of hurricane one should not leave home in any circumstances. One should not stay at mobile homes. Try to manage a closed place (sealed room) for having a shelter.
After the hurricane– Even after the hurricane one should stay at home until it is completely safe outside. One should immediately check for trapped or injured people. Stay conscious about flood announcements because floods are very common after the strike of hurricane. One should stay away from standing water because it may have electric current from damaged electricity lines.
