Hurricanes

At a glance..

Why talk about hurricanes? There are no other storms like hurricanes on Earth. Views of hurricanes from satellites located thousands of miles above the Earth show how these powerful, tightly coiled weather systems are unique.

The details..

Hurricanes are unique weather systems that can cause significant damage and loss of life. This book aims to educate readers about the nature of these storms, including their formation and characteristics.

The book explains that each year an average of 10 tropical storms develop over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea or Gulf of Mexico, with six becoming hurricanes. Of those five will strike the United States coastline every three years; two being major hurricanes (category 3 or higher). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Tropical Prediction Center works alongside other federal agencies in a huge warning effort to minimize fatalities caused by these natural disasters.

The book describes what happens during a hurricane as it approaches land: torrential rains, high winds uprooting trees and causing power outages followed by storm surges which can be devastating for coastal communities. Most deaths due to tropical cyclones are flood-related rather than from high winds themselves.

To help people prepare for such events this guide encourages developing a family disaster plan specific to your community's risk level from hurricanes. Additionally contacting local emergency management offices or planning/zoning offices is recommended if you live in areas at risk from flooding during heavy rains.