Though the eye is by far the calmest part of the storm, with no wind at the center and typically clear skies, on the ocean it is possibly the most hazardous area. In the center of the eye, however, the waves converge from all directions, creating erratic crests that can build on each other to become rogue waves.
The first US named hurricane (unofficially named) was George, which hit in 1947. The next one given a name was Hurricane Bess (named for the First Lady of the USA, Bess Truman, in 1949).
Hurricanes begin as tropical storms over the warm moist waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans near the equator. When a hurricane crosses land or cooler waters, it loses its source of power, and its wind gradually slow until they are no longer of hurricane force--less than 74 miles per hour.
Though only tropical cyclones have structures officially termed "eyes", there are other weather systems that can exhibit eye-like features.
These resources serve to prepare IHEs for a variety of natural disasters, including winter storms, floods, tornados, hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, or any combination thereof.
Although humans can sometimes influence natural disasters (for example when poor levee design results in a flood), other disasters that are directly generated by humans, such as oil and toxic material spills, pollution, massive automobile or train wrecks, airplane crashes, and human induced explosions, are considered
Hurricanes are one of nature's most powerful storms. They produce strong winds, storm surge flooding, and heavy rainfall that can lead to inland flooding, tornadoes, and rip currents.
The six main categories of hazards are:
- Biological. Biological hazards include viruses, bacteria, insects, animals, etc., that can cause adverse health impacts.
- Chemical. Chemical hazards are hazardous substances that can cause harm.
- Physical.
- Safety.
- Ergonomic.
- Psychosocial.
When we look at control measures we often refer to the hierarchy of control measures.
- Eliminate the hazard.
- Substitute the hazard with a lesser risk.
- Isolate the hazard.
- Use engineering controls.
- Use administrative controls.
- Use personal protective equipment.
Typhoon is a destructive weather system with strong destructive power, and its harmfulness mainly has three aspects: One is the risk of high winds. The maximum wind force near the typhoon center is above level 8, which can cause severe damage. The second is rainstorm disaster.
According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory, thunderstorms can cause damage due to high winds, flash flooding from rain and from lightning strikes. Strong thunderstorms can also spawn tornadoes, which can cause massive destruction to personal and business property.
4 Types of Damage Caused by Hurricanes
- #1 Strong Winds. Windy days are typically refreshing, especially in the summer heat, but strong, hurricane winds can result in extensive damage.
- #2 Storm Surge. Storm surges are the deadliest result of hurricanes.
- #3 Flooding.
- #4 Tornadoes.
Storm Surge: The Deadliest Threat
Roughly half of all U.S. deaths from tropical cyclones are due to the storm surge, the rise in water levels from the tropical cyclone's winds piling water toward the coast just before and during landfall.
