Hurricanes are very powerful natural disasters. To help you mentally prepare, we’ve answered some of the most common hurricane-related questions.
Who monitors hurricanes?
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) and the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)/ National Weather Service (NWS) are the organizations responsible for monitoring hurricane activity. To learn how hurricanes form, visit NASA’s website.
Who names hurricanes?
The World Meteorological Organization is responsible for naming hurricanes each year. Since multiple hurricanes, or tropical storms, can be active at the same time, they’re given names to prevent confusion and miscommunication between meteorologists, the government, and the public.
When is hurricane season?
In the Atlantic and Caribbean, hurricane season begins on June 1st and lasts through November 30th. In the Pacific, the season begins on May 15th and ends on November 30th.
When should you expect the next hurricane?
No one truly knows when the next major hurricane will occur. The best way to be prepared is to stay on alert if you live in a hurricane-prone area. The NHC, NOAA, and NWS websites provide a great place to stay updated with the hurricane watches and other information.
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What does a hurricane feel like?
Hurricanes feel like intense rain and wind storms. The higher the category, the stronger the impact.
The weather on land doesn’t begin to show signs of a hurricane approaching until about 36 to 48 hours prior to its arrival.
Once the storm comes through, the intensity of the wind is so strong that it’s hard to remain on your feet.
As the storm passes, the rain increases, the sea level rises, and the wind blows debris in all directions. The sound of the wind may become so loud that you won’t be able to hear other people talking unless they’re screaming.
Due to the low atmospheric pressure, you can expect your body to physically feel some symptoms as well.
Why is low pressure bad in a hurricane?
Hurricanes increase in strength and wind speed when the atmospheric pressure decreases. As the pressure drops, your body may feel some interesting effects. For example, your ears will pop like when you’re on an airplane, your joints might swell, you might get a migraine, your blood pressure may change, and breathing may feel easier than usual.
How long do hurricanes last on average?
Hurricanes are fueled by warm temperatures over ocean waters. Their lifespan is correlated to their intensity, meaning that the stronger they are, the longer they can live. A hurricane that reaches the coast can last between 12 to 24 hours. It will begin to lose strength once it comes into contact with land.
Is it safe to be in the eye of a hurricane?
No. The eye is the center-point of the storm. You will notice if the eye passes over you because everything will become calm all of a sudden. You will be able to look up and see the blue sky through it. Of course, the storm will be surrounding it- this area is known as the wall.
Inside the eye, the rain and wind will come to a temporary halt. But don’t assume that you’re safe and the storm is over! Once the eye passes, you will feel the rain and wind returning to its peak intensity because the strongest point is the wall that surrounds it.
Is it safe to drink tap water during a hurricane?
No, it’s not. Due to flooding and storm surges, the tap water may become contaminated and unsafe to drink. After the storm passes, you may have a difficult time finding clean water because the city will be in disarray.
Invest in water tanks, water bottles, and water purification systems to make sure you have plenty of potable water to last you for several weeks.
Is a hotel safe during a hurricane?
It depends on your situation but it should not necessarily be considered a safe place. The structure of a hotel might be safer than a mobile home, for instance, but it’s not immune to damage. You should still expect extensive damage such as broken windows, downed power lines, and flooding.
What can you do for fun during a hurricane?
Keeping yourself busy and entertained is very important during a hurricane because it helps pass the time quickly. This is especially true if you have children. Since you won’t be able to go outside, watch movies, or play games on the internet, I recommend you keep a deck of cards, a board game, and some interesting reading material.
For more information on hurricane mitigation and safety, check out our guide here. Be sure to print out the checklist at the end of the article and keep it with your emergency supplies for future reference.
Do you have any hurricane questions that weren’t answered? If so, leave them in the comments below!
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