Interesting Facts and Amazing Facts about Hurricanes

Hurricanes are meteorological phenomena that form especially during the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere. Observed from satellites, they are truly spectacular, but the reality is that can cause significant damage.

If you want to know more about them, here we present you 6 interesting facts about hurricanes that will surprise you

1.- Hurricane, Mayan god

Have you ever wondered where the name "hurricane" comes from? The Mayans invented it. For them, He was the god who ruled over the winds, fire and storms.

2.- Hurricanes, impressive sources of water

These weather events can drop up to 9 trillion liters of water a dayThis underscores the importance of staying away from one; if that's not possible, you should stay indoors whenever it's safe to do so. Hurricanes are capable of flooding vast areas, causing significant disasters.

3.- Hurricanes and typhoons, are they the same?

Yes, indeed. In America and Europe we call them hurricanes, but in the western Pacific they are known as typhoons. Scientists often refer to them as tropical cyclones, which is the term used in the Indian Ocean.

4.- The eye of the hurricane, the calmest area

The center or "eye" of the hurricane is the calmest part. Therefore, even if you think the event has passed, it may actually be just an intermediate phase. The eye can measure up to 32 km, so you have to be patient and be alert.

5.- Hurricane season is ...

For a hurricane to form, it is vital that the ocean be warm, at a minimum temperature of 20ºC. Thus, Hurricane season begins in June and ends in November.

6.- The incredible force of the hurricane wind

The wind from a hurricane can blow more than 250 km/h and cause waves exceeding 5.5 meters in height, generating large-scale destruction.

More curiosities about hurricanes

Hurricanes aren't just interesting atmospheric phenomena; they're also devastating events that have shaped the history of many regions, affecting millions of people. Below, we'll explore more interesting facts and important information about hurricanes, their formation, and their effects.

7.- Hurricanes spin in different directions

Hurricanes rotate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere due to the Coriolis effect. This effect is caused by the Earth's rotation and is fundamental to the formation of these storm systems.

8.- Hurricane names

Hurricane names are assigned by the World Meteorological Organization, which uses pre-established lists of names to avoid confusion. Some storms are given specific names and are retired if they cause considerable devastation, as was the case with Hurricanes Katrina and Irma. To learn more about how names are chosen for hurricanes and other weather phenomena, you can consult this article.

9.- Rapid intensification

Hurricanes can experience rapid intensification, a phenomenon in which their wind speeds increase by more than 56 km/h in just 24 hours. This phenomenon can complicate forecasting and put communities in their path at risk.

10.- The impact of climate change

Climate change is affecting the intensity and frequency of hurricanes. Recent research suggests that rising ocean temperatures fuel these storms, making them more intense and destructive. Climate change awareness is more important than ever, especially in relation to travel planning and disaster preparedness.

11.- Water sources found in hurricanes

A hurricane can contain an immense amount of water within it, capable of causing devastating floods in the affected areas. For each hurricane, up to 9 trillion liters of water can be released, enough to flood entire cities.

Impact of hurricanes on society

Hurricanes are not only natural phenomena; they also have a significant impact on society. From public health to infrastructure, the economy, the environment, and culture, hurricanes disrupt every aspect of life. Here, we explore how these phenomena affect communities.

12.- Destruction of infrastructure

Hurricanes have the ability to destroy buildings, roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure. Storms can cause damage amounting to billions of dollars, as seen in previous disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

13.- Long-term health effects

The effects of a hurricane are not limited to the immediate aftermath of the storm. People who survive hurricanes face long-term physical and mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress, respiratory diseases and other conditions related to environmental deterioration.

14.- Preparations before a hurricane

Communities that are at risk of hurricanes should establish emergency plans and preparations that include the storage of supplies, the creation of shelters and the education of the population on what to do before, during and after a hurricane.

15.- Mangroves as natural protection

Mangroves are a natural barrier that can help protect coasts from hurricanes. These ecosystems reduce the force of the waves and prevent coastal erosion, which helps mitigate the damage that hurricanes can cause. Protecting and restoring mangroves is crucial for the resilience of coastal communities to future hurricanes.

Hurricane Technology and Monitoring

Technology has advanced significantly in hurricane prediction and monitoring, allowing meteorologists to track these storms with unprecedented accuracy.

16.- Satellites and forecasts

NASA and other agencies use satellites to observe hurricanes from space, providing crucial information about their trajectories and development. This technology helps identify storm characteristics that our eyes can't see.

17.- Prediction models

Numerical modeling allows scientists to predict hurricane behavior based on meteorological data. These simulations are essential for preparing communities for potential storm paths.

18.- Hurricane preparation and response

Communities must be prepared to respond efficiently in the face of a hurricaneThis includes evacuation plans, shelters, communication, and resource distribution to help those affected by the storm. Preparation is essential to reducing the impact of a hurricane on people's lives.

Historic hurricanes

History is full of hurricanes that have left profound marks on society. These hurricanes have not only caused material losses but have also changed the way of life of many communities.

19.- Galveston Hurricane (1900)

The Galveston hurricane is remembered as one of the deadliest in US history, causing around 12,000 deaths and becoming a reference point on the impact of natural disasters.

20.- Hurricane Katrina (2005)

Considered one of the most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history, Katrina caused multimillion-dollar damage and exposed deficiencies in infrastructure and government response to natural disasters.

Hurricane Categories

Hurricanes are classified into different categories based on their wind speeds, using the Saffir-Simpson scale, which is divided into five categories:

• 1 Category: Winds of 119-153 km/h, minimal damage.
• 2 Category: Winds of 154-177 km/h, moderate damage.
• 3 Category: Winds of 178-209 km/h, devastating damage.
• 4 Category: Winds of 210-250 km/h, catastrophic damage.
• 5 Category: Winds exceeding 250 km/h, massive damage.

Hurricane Preparedness and Safety

In the face of an imminent hurricane, it's vital to follow certain steps to ensure people's safety and reduce the impact of the phenomenon. Here are some tips:

21.- Advance planning

Families should have an emergency plan that includes escape routes, meeting points, and a stock of essential supplies.

22.- Storage of supplies

Make sure you have enough water, non-perishable food, medicines, and first aid supplies. It is also important to have flashlights, batteries and a battery-powered radio to receive updates.

23.- Safe havens

Identifying safe places to take shelter during a storm is crucial. Shelters should be in structurally sound buildings, away from the sea, and in areas with a low risk of flooding.

Hurricanes in the future

As the global climate changes, hurricane behavior could also change. Continued research in meteorology is essential to understanding how these changes may affect the future of hurricanes and their impact on communities.

24.- Innovations in prediction technology

New technologies, including mobile apps and early warning systems, are helping communities better prepare for and respond appropriately to hurricanes.

25.- The role of education

Education is key to hurricane preparedness. Communities must be provided with information on how to prepare, as well as understand the potential impact of a hurricane on their lives.