What You Need to Know About Hurricanes WEATHER

BY KYLE HU

Wee-woo, wee-woo. A deafening alarm pierces the air. Have you ever wondered what this means? This alarm means that a hurricane is here. You should take action immediately.

WHAT IS A HURRICANE?

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a government agency specializing in science, a hurricane is another name for a tropical cyclone, which forms over warm waters.

Hurricanes form when low-pressure air causes the hot and humid air from the ocean to rise up in a spiraling shape. As the air rises, it releases heat, therefore cooling down. As it cools, it turns into clouds and storms. The cycle repeats, making the spiral faster and creating what is called a hurricane.

Hurricanes are classified into five categories according to wind speed as we can see from the images below. Category 3 and above are known as major hurricanes, which can cause severe wind damage and significant loss of life.

According to the National Weather Service, Houston has a rich history of Hurricane hits, including 1900 Galveston hurricane, Tropical Storm Claudette (1979), Tropical Storm Allison (2001), Hurricane Ike (2008), Hurricane Harvey (2017), Tropical Storm Imelda (2019).

1. Check if your house is located in a risky area and the nearest public shield is around you.

2. Understand the forecast information and print out an evacuation route when you have to leave home in a hurricane.

3. Always have an emergency supply at home, such as food, water, medicine, phone chargers, and flashlights with extra batteries.

WHAT TO DO IN A HURRICANE?

When a hurricane happens, stay tuned by checking Twitter or the websites of your local National Weather Service office.

“People should leave town (evacuate) to get away if they are at risk of serious damage or injury. For example, if they live in a surge zone (where seawater surges inland), or live in a mobile home with high winds expected, they would need to leave,” says Dan Reilly, an expert in the National Weather Service Houston/Galveston forecast office who issues forecasts and warnings for the weather.

“It is important (that) every family understands their risk to the various hazards that come with hurricanes: high winds, flooding rains, storm surge flooding.”

So, as the hurricane season is approaching, act today, and begin preparing for the potential hurricanes in 2023.

PREPARATION FOR HURRICANE SEASON

Hurricane season is from the start of June to the end of November. September is when most hurricanes form. It is important to prepare du- ring hurricane season, which is right around the corner.

We thank Dan Reilly for being available for this interview. Mr. Reilly also provided us with an information guide for hurricanes at: www.weather.gov/hgx/HGX_Hurricane_Guide_2023.