Hurricanes, their seasons, and strategies for staying safe

Weather of Arabia - Hurricanes are among the most distinctive and influential weather phenomena on the planet, as they cause huge destruction and huge human and material losses. Understanding these powerful storms and anticipating their seasons can be vital to maintaining public safety and property. In this article, we will take an overview. On hurricanes and their seasons, we will explore the strategies and measures to be taken to prevent this powerful natural phenomenon.

What is a hurricane?

A hurricane can be considered a tropical storm when its sustained wind speed reaches between 63 and 118 kilometers per hour, and based on this criterion, a hurricane is classified as a tropical storm according to the definitions of the World Meteorological Organization.

How does a hurricane arise?

Hurricanes are considered one of the most violent weather phenomena on Earth, and according to NASA , their formation depends on only two basic components: heat and water.

Hurricanes usually originate over warm waters at the equator, where air absorbs heat and moisture from the ocean surface. This results in hot air rising to higher levels than the low-pressure area, creating eddies of air.

Once this hot air rises high enough into the atmosphere, it begins to cool and condense within the clouds, creating a vortex of air and clouds that gradually develops into a thunderstorm.

Based on this scenario, it becomes necessary to focus on controlling ocean water temperature to reduce hurricane formation, especially in the Atlantic Ocean where this phenomenon is remarkably increasing.

Hurricane force

According to a study published in the journal PNAS in May 2020 , researchers from various centers specializing in climate and ocean sciences in the United States concluded that global warming is causing an increase in the number of tropical storms and their increasing frequency. The researchers noted that global warming is also causing a phenomenon Known as "zombie storms," these storms fade temporarily, then intensify again.

For example, in 2020, I witnessed one of these storms, as Category 1 Hurricane Paulette hit Bermuda in September 2020, then developed into Category 2 before losing strength, dissipating after about 5.5 days, but that was not the end of the hurricane. , as it regained strength, and was classified as a tropical storm about 480 kilometers from the Azores, and the phenomenon of zombie storms is expected to increase more frequently as sea water temperatures rise.

Climate patterns that affect hurricanes

Jerry Bell, a specialist in major seasonal hurricanes at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Washington, D.C., points out that there are two distinct climate patterns that dominate wind and pressure patterns in the Atlantic Ocean.

The first is known as the “El Niño” or “La Niña” cycle , which is a climatic cycle that originates in the Pacific Ocean and has major impacts on the global weather condition. The La Niña cycle begins when warm water in the Pacific Ocean moves from the western side to the eastern part of the tropical region along the equator. Then it appears on the coast of South America.

The second climate pattern is known as the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), which extends over a period ranging from 25 to 40 years, and is related to rising temperatures in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the influence of the intensified African monsoon.

When does the hurricane season start in the Atlantic Ocean?

Officially, the Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1 and continues until November 30. In the eastern Pacific Ocean, hurricane season begins on May 15 and ends on November 30. However, the majority of severe storms occur between August and October in coastal areas.

During 2021, we have seen a series of storms, including, for example, Tropical Storm Ana, which struck northeastern Bermuda on May 22. As well as Tropical Storm "Belle", which appeared on June 14 southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. We did not forget Tropical Storm "Claudette", which appeared on the Gulf Coast on June 17. Hurricane Danny, which made landfall just north of Hilton Head on Richards Island in South Carolina on June 28, cannot be ignored. On July 2nd, we experienced Category 1 Hurricane Elsa in the eastern Caribbean.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted on May 20 that there is a 70% chance that this year's hurricane season will produce between 13 and 20 storms, of which approximately 6 to 10 storms will reach hurricane status, and 5 of them will develop into major hurricanes at average speed. More than 179 kilometers per hour.

To prepare and confront these dangerous storms, residents living in hurricane-prone areas should take preventive measures such as preparing an emergency kit, strengthening house structures to withstand strong winds, and following weather forecasts and official instructions provided by local and national authorities.

In this context, hurricane awareness and preparation are a vital part of maintaining personal and property safety during the Atlantic hurricane season.

Strategies to stay safe during a hurricane

The journey to staying safe during hurricane season begins with a very simple step: “Make a plan.”

This plan helps you determine your actions during the storm, such as knowing whether it is safe to stay at home, or if it is better to leave somewhere else, and directing you to the correct methods for safety. If you are in an area exposed to the storm, you must also know safe places to stay. . You should designate a specific meeting place in advance where your family members can gather, and using text messaging may be better than using cell phones; Because the phone lines were congested during the storm. Pets must be kept on a leash during the storm.

Hurricanes often cause trees to fall on property, so homeowners in hurricane-prone areas must take regular precautions to protect their property. These measures can include trimming or removing trees, ensuring rain gutters are in place and checking for any breaks, as well as checking the integrity of roofs, doors and windows, including the garage door. Some people may also choose to build "safe rooms," which are fortified rooms designed to withstand severe hurricanes.

People who live in areas prone to hurricanes should prepare by having a stock of essential emergency supplies. These supplies should include non-perishable food items and two-gallon water bottles per person per day for a minimum of 3 days.

In addition, it is also advisable for them to have a battery operated radio, a flashlight with spare batteries, a first aid kit, a whistle, a dust mask, damp towels, garbage bags and plastic ties for sanitation. A switch to stop broken pipes, maps, a can opener, and cell phone chargers can also be included in basic emergency supplies.