Saturday, August 27, 2011

What Causes Hurricanes?

Pre-conditions for hurricanes

Several ingredients must be met for the air to form a hurricane. There are about seven atmospheric conditions which, if met, can cause a hurricane to form. Pre-existing disturbance, warm ocean water, low atmospheric stability, sufficient Coriolis force, moist environment, the upper atmosphere and divergence are important factors for hurricane formation. These conditions are described in more detail in another article by Rich Johnson called How do hurricanes form? These factors are important in this huge amount of heat energy is transported from the tropics northward to higher latitudes. A hurricane is a large engine, where large amounts of heat are produced from the process of latent heat of condensation. This occurs, water vapor evaporates from the ocean surface and condenses into cloud droplets.

Mechanisms leading to the formation of hurricanes

If all the boundary conditions are met, the formation of hurricanes becomes possible. There are different types of atmospheric disturbances, which can cause a hurricane to develop. The most common mechanism of development of hurricanes is the monsoon through. This is a continuation of the Inter-Tropical Convergence cyclone that developed into a spin. ITCZ is a zone of low pressure created by the convergence of the North-east and south-east trade winds. This "wind trade" does not include a selection means to initiate the formation of a hurricane. Hurricanes are caused mainly by the monsoon six of seven hurricane formation of the river in the world. North Atlantic basin is the exception.

In the north basin hurricanes in the Atlantic, the waves of the east are the main cause of the formation of hurricanes. These waves or troughs of low pressure formed over North Africa, then move off the African coast in the Atlantic. Sometimes, a squall line or African WADL act like a wave from the east and cause a hurricane to form.

Another cause of hurricane formation is the grave of the upper tropical troposphere (Tutt). The low altitude is cold in nature in relation to their environment. A typical low pressure center that forms a hurricane starts to lower levels and warm relationship with their environment. If a TUTT low remains over warm ocean waters for several days, sometimes slowly heated and has tropical characteristics. At this point the low "built" on the bottom surface of the upper atmosphere. The "cold" low pressure system becomes a "hot" and starts a tropical development.

Another cause of hurricane development is a stand before the tropical waters. Inherently, a front has a cyclonic spin associated with it. If the upper winds are favorable for low wind shear, could be showers and storms are becoming more and cause a hurricane to form.

Finally, the mesoscale convective system, or MCS can sometimes be the cause of tropical cyclone development. These organized groups of storms can move away from the continental landmass and drift over warm waters. If they already contain a small group vortex, this can make the area even more favorable to the development of tropical cyclones. Again, by far, the waves due east over the Atlantic Ocean hurricanes formed. Research has shown about 60% of the hurricanes, and 85% of major hurricanes in the form of waves in the east. Otherwise, most hurricanes caused by the monsoon through the round the world.

The Five Most Costly Hurricanes In U.S. History

In this article I will give a brief overview of the five most costly hurricanes and devistating seen in the United States.

First Hurricane Katrina (LA, MI, AL) 2005 Category 5, estimated $ 76 billion damage

Who could forget the deadly and destructive storms in American history took place in the 2005 hurricane season? This was flooded up to 80% of large coastal cities, and died in 1604 people making it one of the deadliest in history .. This category 5 storm hit Louisiana and consists of more damage.

2. (FL, LA) 1992, a Category 5 damage estimated $ 45 billion

Another grave was Hurricane Andrew, which began with the removal of South Florida and raging through the Miami area Andrew, made its way across Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, where it fed the hot water before hitting Louisiana with renewed strength. After Katrina, the second from complete destruction. Fortunately, the death toll was relatively low because of the damage it causes.

3rd Hurricane Charley (SW FL) 2004 Category 4 damage estimated $ 15.4 billion

The third major natural disaster, when it comes to hurricanes Charley, who went ashore in Florida, August 13, 2004, just north of Fort Myers with winds of up to 150 mph. Charley was the second tropical storm to hit Florida the day Tropical Storm Bonnie struck the northern enclave, near Apalachicola. Storm loosely followed the path of Interstate-4 before leaving the country near Daytona Beach. The storm then moved up the East Coast of the United States before departure. Ten died in the United States were attributed to Charley.

4. Hurricane Ivan (AL, FL NW) 2004 Category 3 damage estimated $ 17.7 billion

Other hurricane that took the life of about 92 people, and the winds blowing at a speed of 130 km / h is Ivan, who made his first Landfall near Gulf Shores, Alabama, and moved northeast through the southern United States. Ivan then looped around and came back through Florida to cross the Gulf of Mexico for the second time and moved it to hit Louisiana and Texas. Although its way through Florida, the storm caused several tornadoes tore off a large number of cities with each other and resulted in 14 deaths.

5. Hurricane Hugo (SC, NC) 1989 Class 2, estimated damage $ 15.6 billion

September 21, 1989, was another unfortunate day in the history of hurricanes, which began making landfall in South Carolina and moving in a northerly direction to the raging across North Carolina, Hugo was the One of the most destructive in the file. Around 70-100 people had died in the storm and the actual number can not be determined because there were several mass graves dug on St. Croix and accurate records were not kept. Hardest hit were the coastal areas of South Carolina.

Tips For Taking Vacation In The Caribbean During Hurricane Season

Official Caribbean hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. It 's rare to see a large storm in June or November and hurricanes of greater magnitude than in August and October, while the peak season is usually in the month of September.

The advantage is that prices are lower in the Caribbean during this time and resorts are less crowded. So what to do if you want to get away during hurricane season?

Buy travel insurance

You must purchase a trip cancellation insurance before the storm is announced, or is considered a pre-existing condition, so always purchase insurance the same day you book your trip to be sure. Most travel insurance policies cover a journey interrupted by a hurricane when forced to arrive late or leave early for your trip, but you will be reimbursed for the days allocated to the airport or resort reopens. Usually be reimbursed for the days they are forced to stay at a resort during a hurricane, but be sure to always read the fine print of your policy to make sure you know what is really covered.

Try to avoid storms

Follow online weather sites for hurricane season. Some good sites include:

The National Weather Service - National Hurricane Center

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Hurricane and storm tracking Atlantic and Pacific oceans

http://hurricane.terrapin.com

Hurricane News and Information

http://www.hurricanetrack.com

Weather.com Tropical Storm Center

http://www.weather.com/newscenter/tropical/

Choose your place now
When planning a trip to the Caribbean during hurricane season is good to know that hurricanes are less likely the further south you go. The islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and St. Vincent, including the islands below them, are less affected by the hurricanes. However, as discovered in Grenada in 2004 with Hurricane Ivan, never say never and keep in mind that hurricanes are unpredictable.

Go on a cruise

The good thing about cruises is that they can usually sail around the worst of the storm. And ships of today are extremely safe, with the advanced weather tracking available today, the weather, something they can avoid it. The disadvantage is that the cruise line always reserves the right to redirect port calls and change the path for time-related causes, and therefore you can not get to visit places that you had hoped.

Choose Resort, which offers a "Hurricane Guarantee"

Recently, several of the largest resorts and resort chains, began to introduce a "hurricane guarantee," offering customers their money for the days lost due to bad weather. For example, in the unlikely event of hurricane force winds (as defined by the National Weather Service US) directly affected Sandals or Beaches Resorts while you are a guest, discontinue use of all planned activities, Sandals or Beaches Resorts will offer free replacement vacation to be taken at any Sandals or Beaches Resort of your choice. http://www.best-family-beach-vacations.com/caribbean-hurricane-season.html Go to several stations that offer hurricane guarantees.

Do your best

If you get a vacation during a hurricane, trying to make the best of it is the only thing you can do. As long as there is no danger, relax and concentrate on other activities.


Prepare your boat for a hurricane!

When it comes to what should be done by boat owners in cases where there is a hurricane approaches, each port has different rules. Following Katrina and Wilma, boat owners prepare their boats in a sense are the laws that are required by states. In light of this information, some of them contradictory, which things are more important than a boat owner should know to protect themselves and their boat during a hurricane?

Provides most of the tips are the basic rules, and most experts agree with them. First, plan what you will do when a hurricane is approaching. Your contract with your marina must be checked and any additional rules in your state. You should also check with your insurance company of the boat to see if they have rules that may affect your coverage. During low season, make a dry run to ensure that you understand how much time is needed to prepare or move your boat.

Try to get a hurricane on your boat is not safe. There is a persistent myth that being on a boat in open water is safer than being on earth during a hurricane, but the facts do not confirm this. Ships carrying inland, or even the wells are high winds and tides. His boat is not worth risking your life.

If possible, move the boat because it is the best way to prevent damage. However, the organization of interior storage space is well ahead of time what would be needed. In addition, many boat owners are unaware that the bridges are often blocked, before a hurricane to facilitate the evacuation of people from low lying areas. This increases the importance of their boat when a hurricane warning for the area.

Fleet plans are what you need to move in some areas such as the number of boats in a short time. Information squad will be made before the hurricane in the local office of emergency management. If joining the convoy is what you do, you need to properly maintain and fuel the boat.

There are some things you can do to minimize the damage if the boat is in motion is not possible. Cause damage when flying around with mobile elements, such as electronics, rowing, beach umbrellas, etc., and should be removed from the boat. Make sure that all the remaining elements have been properly set down. You can protect your boat in good time to acquire the cable and other accessories, such as before the storm, these items can be scarce.

Hurricane Irene 2011

Hurricane Irene is the Atlantic hurricane that caused extensive damage in the Caribbean before landfall in North Carolina. It is currently threatening the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions of the United States and Atlantic Canada. The ninth and the first named storm of the hurricane cyclone, and much of the 2011 season, becoming a well-defined Irene Atlantic tropical wave, which showed signs of organization east of the Lesser Antilles. And 'developed an atmospheric convection and a closed cyclonic circulation at the center, prompting the National Hurricane Center to launch a public consultation is a tropical cyclone late 20 August. The following appeared convective organization, passed the Leeward Islands, and 21 August, she moved close to Saint Croix. The next day, Irene was Landfall near Puerto Rico, where strong winds and intermittent streams caused significant damage to property.

The storm strengthened through the Bahamas, becoming a major hurricane, when and extensive damage to the islands. Curving to the north, skirted past the Florida Irene's outer bands of tropical storm-force winds to produce. Made landfall in the Outer Banks of North Carolina this morning, August 27. The full path, Irene has caused widespread destruction and at least seven deaths, the loss of money can be as high as U.S. $ 3100000000 preliminary estimates.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Hurricane Shutters Protect Your Home

Westhampton is a town on Long Island, New York. It is a coastal area, and is known for its beautiful beaches. The climate is humid subtropical climate, and because of its location, subject to hurricanes and tropical storms during the hurricane season. Most people think that because the region was hit by storms in recent years, they are safe and do not need to prepare for the storm, but it is far from the truth.

The total cost of the last major hurricane to strike directly at Westhampton, in terms of lives lost or disrupted, homes destroyed or damaged, and the economic impact was staggering. The total damage on Long Island, New York. The estimated total damage by the hurricane:

- 700 dead, 708 injured

- 4500 houses, cottages, farms destroyed, 15,000 damaged

- 26 000 cars destroyed

- 20,000 miles of electric power and telephone lines cut

- 1700 dead animals, killing about 750,000 chickens

- $ 2.61 million fishing vessels, equipment, platforms and ground facilities damaged or destroyed

- Destroyed crops had an estimated cost of $ 2 million

More than 50 people were killed in Long Island during the hurricane, and 29 of those lives were lost in Westhampton. The total cost of the storm on Long Island was estimated at $ 6.2 million in prizes this year. The total cost of the storm in the Northeast hurricane of 1938 would be the place in the top ten costliest storms of all time. Westhampton was the most affected of all the communities of Long Island. And he struck again when the next big storm a direct impact on the island. If you have a house Westhampton, it is advisable to prepare your home for the storm, and one of the best protection during a lightning storm is to install hurricane shutters.

Hurricane shutters:

- I am the missile tested to withstand the impact of debris thrown at high speed during the storm.

- Are tested to withstand winds of up to 150 kilometers per hour.

- To protect the pressure changes that occur during a storm. When windows or doors are broken, the sudden pressure changes can make a terrible loss. Hurricane shutters can protect against pressure surges.

- Protects the tornado will be hurricanes and tropical storms. Shutters are one of the best protection against these remnants of the devastating storm.

- Can be closed in a few minutes, when a storm is coming. Hurricane shutters can be closed permanently, all at home in a few minutes, close to your home and make sure you are as safe as possible.

Main Effects Of The Hurricane In New York

What would happen if a major hurricane (Category 3 or stronger) blasted through to the New York metropolitan area? Well, look at the facts. On Long Island alone, there are over 7 million people. The area is only a few meters above the sea level and a moderate storm surge of 14 feet would flood all the islands of external bank, and the immediate coastline. According to slush, a Category 4 hurricane would put JFK submerged in 20 feet of sea water, drowning all major tunnels and send water into the system so as. While damaging winds that have the potential to cause significant damage and loss of life from the shear number of glass of all buildings in the area. Imagine a 145 MPH wind in downtown Manhattan at Times Square, while being torn sandwiched between the narrow streets. Meanwhile, major bridges in the region is necessary to close earlier than the structures are large enough to be affected by hurricane winds earlier in the surface.

So how do people even be able to evacuate? The answer is that it would not be capable. We all know what traffic is like a baseball game after the Mets or Yankees. Traffic is horrible and barely moving for hours. Now add in the panic and at least triple the volume of vehicles leaving the area. The evacuation time for a total of three days would be easy. The fact is alarming is that the jet stream could catch one of these storms and the speed of the storm on the coast in less than 48 hours, as the Express 1938 in Long Island.

The consequences of a major hurricane in this area would be worse than what was experienced in New Orleans. Increased trade would be closed for weeks at a time. Airports will be stalled. Wall Street will be closed for the week as well. Such an effect, it would literally have a global impact on the economy. Moreover, it would cost to clean up the mess and rocket sky and the repair would be in the insurance industry to take another huge success. In short, a major hurricane in the area of ​​New York is one of the worst natural disasters in this country could see.

The good news is that such an event is difficult to obtain. The storm impact is expected in New York with the angle of the right to produce these effects. In addition, it is possible to weaken the storm significantly cooler waters and throughout the region. Even the jet stream itself that could be pulled up very quickly in a hurricane area usually ends up sending the sea through the storm approaching cold front or trough. So even if this kind of disaster would be devastating, I would not want to pack up and leave the area.