Lecture on Hurricanes

Introduction

• Topic: Hurricanes (Also humorously referred to as "Pete Petersons")
• General name for these storms: Tropical Cyclones

Names Based on Location

• Hurricanes: Atlantic or Eastern Pacific
• Typhoons: Northwestern Pacific
• Cyclones: South Pacific and Indian Ocean

Rotation

• Northern Hemisphere: Counterclockwise
• Southern Hemisphere: Clockwise

Hurricane Seasons

• Atlantic: June through November
• Eastern Pacific: Mid-May through November
• Northwestern Pacific: Year-round, peak in late August
• Southwestern Pacific: November to April
• Indian Ocean: April to December (Northern) & October to May (Southern)

Measurement of Hurricanes

• Categories based on wind speed:
  • Category 1: 74-95 mph
  • Category 2: 96-110 mph
  • Category 3: 111-129 mph
  • Category 4: 130-156 mph
  • Category 5: 157+ mph
• Size: Average hurricane spans 100 miles in diameter
• Height: Around 50,000 feet

Hurricane Structure

• Eye: Center of the hurricane, characterized by low pressure and calm winds
• Eye Wall: Surrounds the eye, has heaviest precipitation and strongest winds

Impact

• Cause over $100 billion in damages annually
• Example: Hurricane Sandy, 2012
  • Impacted Union Beach, New Jersey
  • Estimated $75 billion in damages
  • Long-term impacts on housing and infrastructure

Safety Measures

• Evacuation: Key safety strategy
• Follow instructions from authorities

Formation of Hurricanes

• Form over warm waters near the equator
• Warm air rises, creating low pressure beneath
• Surrounding air moves in to fill low-pressure area, becoming warm and moist
• Continuous cycle creates clouds and wind
• Rotation begins, fueled by ocean heat and water vapor