Hurricane Notes
I.
II.
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IV.
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VII.
VIII.
Hurricanes
A. A tropical cyclone with sustained one-minute winds of at least _________ mph (64 knots), at an
elevation of 10 meters.
Hurricane Facts
a. They are tropical cyclones (low pressure areas) with sustained winds at least 64 knots (74 mph).
Strongest hurricane on record (Camille) had winds exceeding 200 mph.
b. Typically _______-___________ km in diameter (smaller than midlatitude cyclones).
c. Can be associated with heavy rains (10-20 inches!), tornadoes, and storm surges on the coast.
d. Also called typhoons and tropical cyclones
Prominent Hurricanes
a. Katrina
1. 1833 _____________
2. 125 billion in damage
3. Most destructive hurricane in U.S. history
b. 1900 Galveston Texas Hurricane
1. The ___________________Loss of Life of Any U.S. Meteorological Event (8000 died)
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Category
a. Category
Central Pressure
Winds
Storm Surge
Damage
1
≥28.94
74-95 mph
4-5 ft
See Powerpoint
2
28.5-28.91
96-110 mph
6-8 ft
3
27.91-28.47
111-130 mph 9-12 ft
4
27.17-27.88
131-155 mph 13-18 ft
5
<27.17
>155
>18 ft
Major Features
a. Eye (nearly clear)
b. Eye Wall Rainband
c. Spiral Rainbands
Hurricane Damage
a. Destruction most intense on ___________ side of cyclone (wind + storm speed)
b. The Greatest Damage and Loss of Life from Hurricanes is Near the Coast Associated with _____________
Hurricane Energy
a. Hurricanes get their energy from the warm, waters of the ________________.
b. Require the water surface to be at least ______F
c. Also need moist air through depth and weak wind shear.
d. Generally develop as a weak tropical disturbance moves over the oceans.
Hurricane Origin
a. Many Atlantic Hurricanes Begin as Tropical Waves Over ________________