We are often apprehensive about hurricanes because of the destruction that its heavy rains, strong winds, and large waves can bring to our neighborhood and community. But what, exactly, is a hurricane?

A hurricane is a huge storm which is commonly characterized by strong gusts of winds spiraling in an inward-upward direction. Its speed ranges from 75 to 200 mph. It typically moves over the open ocean for over a week. It targets the warm ocean waters because this is where it usually gathers heat and energy, while evaporation from seawater causes it to increase its power.

The hurricane has a so-called “eye” or the center of the storm. This is the part of a hurricane where it rotates in a counter-clockwise direction. It is also the calmest part of a hurricane because it only has light winds and a fair weather.

There are several stages before the occurrence of a hurricane is justified: a Tropical Wave, a Tropical Disturbance, and a Tropical Cyclone.

Tropical Wave
This is a low pressure trough in a westward direction. It is characterized with the presence of trade winds

Tropical Disturbance
These are a series of thunderstorms that usually occurs in the tropics. These are often accompanied by heavy rains and strong winds

Tropical Cyclone
The term tropical cyclone is a general term used to refer to a low pressure movement that is formed in the tropic waters. Tropical depressions, like tropical storms and hurricanes, are forms of tropical cyclones.

The term hurricane is merely used on a geographical difference. A hurricane is labeled as a hurricane when it is found in the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, or the Eastern Pacific Ocean. It is called a typhoon if it is situated in the Western Pacific Ocean. Meanwhile, it is referred to as a cyclone if it is found in the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, or in Australia.

The occurrence of hurricanes now is said to be more pervasive than before because of the global warming phenomenon. True enough, more and more families and business ventures are being affected by hurricanes.
While we may not directly have the ability to put an end to the occurrence of hurricanes, the importance of knowing basic things about hurricanes remain, especially because it affects our lives greatly.

Posted in Tornadoes & Hurricanes

The lastest news regarding the scientific debate about how, and whether global warming will affect the world’s most violent storms, is that there will be stronger storms - dust devils and water spouts, tornadoes and hurricanes. Or at least this is what us predicted by a team from the University of Michigan.

In the Swedish Journal Tellus A, the University of Michigan team of well-respected and well-credentialed scientists, improves on the predictions of computer models which stimulate the effects of climate change. Their predictions state that for every 3.6 degrees F the Earth’s surface temperature warms, the intensity of of these storms could increase by a few percent.

Nilton Renno lead author of the team said that “It shows us that climate change could lead to increases in how efficient convective vortices are and how much energy they transform into wind. Fueled by warmer and moister air, there will be stronger and deeper storms in the future that reach higher into the atmosphere.”

Last May, NOAA suggested that the hurricanes in the Atlantic will grow stronger but will occur less often due to global warming. However, contrary to NOAA’s suggestion, a prominent hurricanes researcher - who had previously supported NOAA’s suggestion - is now second-guessing some of his own ideas.

In 2007, there were fewer hurricanes than expected, though there were rapidly intensifying cyclones in the Atlantic Basin. The World Meteorological Organization also retired three killer storm names - Dean, Felix and Noel.

Early predictions for 2008 are for an above-average year filled with frequent storms and intense hurricanes. Storm season officially starts June 1. The second named storm of the season became its first major hurricane - Hurricane Bertha.

To date, 2008 tornado activity remains above average. Tornadoes have killed more people than any other year since 1998 and is on track to be the deadliest ever recorded. (source:http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/hurricanes-global-warming-47070903?src=rss)

Posted in Tornadoes & Hurricanes

Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. They are created by powerful thunderstorms.

Tornadoes are characterized by their funnel shape,extending to the ground with whirling winds that can reach 300 miles per hour. The tornadoes path of damage can go for over a mile wide and 50 miles long.

Tornadoes sometimes develop so fast that there’s usually very little time for advance warning.

Here are some markers. Before a tornado strikes, the wind may decrease or even die down. The air may become very still. Before the funnel shape of the tornado can be seen, a cloud of debris can pinpoint the location of the tornado. Tornadoes usually happen near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. You can typically see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado. Some tornadoes are clearly visible, meaning you can really see the funnel shape of swirling air and debris. Some tornadoes on the other hand are obscured buy low hanging clouds.

Other important facts about tornadoes:

Tornadoes generally move Southwest to Northeast. But they are known to move in any direction.

Tornadoes have an average forward speed of 30 MPH, but their speeds vary from fixed to 70 MPH.

Tropical storms and hurricanes can come with tornadoes as they make their way to land.

Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.

In the United States, reports of tornadoes are most often from east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer.

In the Southern States, the peak tornado season is between March to May. Up north, the peak season is from late spring through early summer.

Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3-9 pm. But tornadoes can occur any time.

Posted in Tornadoes & Hurricanes