The most destructive storms on Earth, hurricanes combine unyielding winds and torrential rain. They often cause catastrophic, and sometimes deadly, flooding that devastates coastal areas. Hurricanes also have the potential to spawn tornadoes.
The massive storms gain strength when warm ocean waters fuel them. Sunlight heats the water’s surface, and evaporation draws in surrounding air. This creates a low-pressure zone that can strengthen into a tropical disturbance. The planet’s rotation causes the winds to whirl around this low-pressure area, which is referred to as the eye of the storm. Once the wind speed reaches 74 miles per hour, the storm is officially classified as a hurricane. Other names for hurricanes are tropical storms and typhoons.
Winds churn the seafloor, and the motion helps to cool deeper ocean waters. This churning robs the storm of some of its power, but when deeper, cooler waters upwell and mix with warmer surface waters, hurricanes can become stronger.
As global temperatures rise, hurricanes are getting wetter and more destructive. Rising ocean surface temperatures increase the rates at which rainfall and condensation occur, and the warmer air has more moisture. This combination contributes to the increased ferocity of recent hurricanes.
Make sure your family has a communication plan and a meeting place in case you need to evacuate during a hurricane. Know the evacuation routes in your community and check with local officials about what to do if you’re told to leave. Trim trees and shrubs near your home, and bring in outdoor furniture, garbage cans and other items that might blow away. Check with your insurance professional to ensure you have adequate coverage for your property.
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