The Shadow
During certain times of the year, residents of various areas of the world contend with some of the most violent storms imaginable. Depending on where they touch down, these storms may be known as typhoons, cyclones or hurricanes. Many people spend the days or hours preceding the arrival of a potential hurricane making emergency plans rather than thinking about the elements that came together to cause a hurricane to occur. However, prior to the start of Atlantic hurricane season, which this year runs from June 1 to November 30, individuals may want to learn more about hurricane science so they can get a better grasp on these powerful storms.
The National Ocean Service says hurricanes derive their energy from warm, tropical waters. Hurricanes form over the ocean, often beginning as a tropical wave. This is a low pressure area that moves through the tropics’ moisture-rich areas, potentially enhancing thunderstorm and rain activity. As this type of weather system moves westward, warm ocean air rises into the storm, forming an area of low pressure underneath; which only causes more air to rush in. The air rises and cools, forming clouds and thunderstorms. This process continues as cumulonimbus clouds get larger and wind speeds pick up. As the system rotates faster and faster, an eye forms in the center of the storm with very low air pressure. Hurricanes that form north of the equator spin counterclockwise, while those south of the equator spin clockwise, according to NASA. Should storm winds reach 39 miles per hour, the storm is called a “tropical storm.”
When wind speeds reach 74 miles per hour, the storm is considered a hurricane or tropical cyclone. A hurricane continues only if it has ample “fuel” by way of warm water rising vapor. That is why hurricanes can be quite large over the ocean. Once a hurricane makes landfall, it will run out of steam eventually. It can take a matter of days for a hurricane to form if the temperature is warm and there is a lot of water vapor rising from the ocean. The organization American Oceans says hurricanes have formed in one to two days in a small number of cases. Meteorologists track many factors to determine if a hurricane is likely to occur. An air pressure drop in addition to the right warm temperature and moist air from the sea are notable signs. Sea levels will start to rise before a hurricane forms as well. While strong winds can cause significant damage, the aftereffects of a hurricane, such as storm surge and heavy rains, also can cause serious issues. That’s why scientists carefully monitor weather systems, utilizing satellites in an effort to predict when these storms will form.
