Storm: General Overview Of A Hurricane

A hurricane is a storm with violent wind and often originated from tropical storms. Canada and the United States are countries that are often subject to destructive hurricanes, mostly in Category 5. This assignment mainly focuses on the hurricanes that occurred in North America.

To begin, forty percent of total hurricanes occurred in the U.S. hit Florida. Texas or Florida are the most affected areas by hurricanes. Hurricane’s season lasts typically from June 1 up to November 30 (with most storms at the end of the season) in Florida which initiate in the Caribbean Sea or the Gulf of Mexico. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a total of 117 hurricanes has been recorded in Florida. While in Canada, Nova Scotia and nearby areas average one hurricane every three years. New Brunswick, Newfound land, Labrador and Prince Edward Island are the most affected areas by hurricanes. According to the Canadian Hurricane Centre, each year the number of storms reaching Canada has been rising since 2000, causing landfall in the subsequent year.

In the United States hurricanes per year caused an average of 60 injuries and nationwide 17 deaths from the past four decades. In addition to these hurricanes hitting the U.S. cause a total of $862 billion damage with an average cost of $21.6 billion per hurricane. On the other hand, these storms killed approximately 15000 people and were responsible for $2 billion of property damage. Simultaneously, hurricanes have several societal impacts that include unavailability of drinking water, food, and power supply to residents of affected areas. Roads get obstructed due to fallen trees and landslides. People face a problem commuting from one place to another place. Hurricanes originate flooding and people suffer from injuries as well as the loss of life.

In September 2017, a Category 5 hurricane named Maria destroyed Dominica, Santa Croix, and Puerto Rico. Losses estimated more than $ 91.61 billion (2017 USD) by this deadliest hurricane. This hurricane originated from a tropical wave on September 16. It approached the Island arc due to highly favorable atmospheric conditions that supported this storm to become explosive. On September 18, the category 5 strength of hurricane caused landfall in Dominica. The speed of winds and pressure was 280 km/h and 26.81 Hg respectively. Eyewall gets replaced by September 20, when the strength of hurricane was category 4 that struck Puerto Rice. on September 28, Maria moved gradually toward North, converting itself into a tropical storm. Then it accelerated toward open Atlantic and dissipated by October 2. No computer model was able to predict hurricane because Maria was reached to a category 5 within 24 hours. The total number of fatalities in this hurricane was 3,059 and Maria damaged roofs of around 98% of buildings and houses. The areas affected by Maria were Dominica, U.S. Virgin island, Puerto Rice, islands of Haiti, Turks and Caicos, The Bahamas, Southeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic states.

Before the hurricane approaches, adequate plans have been put in place to deal with worse situations. Under residency programs, physical addresses and emergency telephone numbers of residents and faculty members listing to ease the interaction with authorities and transport to the hospitals. At least 2 groups have to stay In hospitals giving 8-12 hours of duty for coverage during emergencies under a strict schedule. Cars were transferred to safer areas so that parking lots can be evaluated. After the hurricane, the Salvation army helped people by sending containers of food, water, and vital supplies to the areas of damage. Moreover, financial support was provided to the people who lost their property. The residency program gave Psychological and spiritual support and lectures, where they taught how to cope with storms and its aftermath?

Two recommendations to get better prepared for future hazards: Hurricanes bring rain, wind, waves and storm surge and often occur in the coastal areas where 40% of U.S. population lives who face a significant loss of life. So one can begin preparing by shifting development away from coastal areas. Moreover, there should be an advance preparedness plan by each family like an emergency kit and emergency evacuating plans, communicating sources, etc. Authorities should organize classes that provide lectures about awareness and preparedness strategies to reduce the impacts of such hazards. Adequate warning systems should be there to inform about the upcoming disaster. Media is the best medium for this.