Hurricanes are one of the most impressive and feared meteorological phenomena affecting different parts of the world, especially coastal regions. This type of storm is not only distinguished by its destructive capacity, but also by its imposing size and complexity. A hurricane can extend over hundreds of kilometers and reach wind speeds exceeding 250 km/h, causing catastrophic damage on their way.
These tropical cyclones, also known as typhoons or cyclones depending on the region, form exclusively over oceans with warm waters. Although they share similar characteristics, the term “hurricane” is used specifically for tropical cyclones that occur in the North Atlantic and the eastern Pacific. Understanding how they form, evolve, and their effects is key to preventing and mitigating the risks associated with these hurricanes. phenomena as impressive as they are dangerous.
What are hurricanes?
Hurricanes are large-scale atmospheric systems classified as tropical cyclones. These phenomena develop over warm ocean waters and are fueled by the energy provided by the evaporation of water. A hurricane doesn't just appear out of nowhere; Ideal conditions include waters with temperatures above 27 °C, high humidity and an atmosphere with low wind shear. As warm, moist air rises, massive storm clouds develop accompanied by intense winds and torrential rains.
When a storm's sustained winds reach 63 km/h, it is classified as a tropical storm. If these winds exceed 119 km/h, the storm officially becomes a hurricane. One of the most distinctive aspects of hurricanes is their Meeting structure, which includes the “eye of the hurricane” in the center, surrounded by the “eye wall,” where the most intense winds are located.
How do hurricanes form?
The formation of a hurricane begins with an atmospheric disturbance, such as a tropical wave. These waves usually originate in Africa and evolve as they move westward across the Atlantic. When they encounter favorable conditions, these waves can develop into a tropical depression, and if they continue to gain energy, into a tropical cyclone.
The process requires several crucial ingredients: water temperature above 27 °C, high humidity in the atmosphere and absence of wind shear. Low pressure allows warm, moist air to rise, causing the formation of large storm clouds. At the same time, cold air descends, creating a vortex that reinforces the storm.
Warm, moist air continues to feed the system, while the earth rotation causes the characteristic spin of hurricanes. This phenomenon, known as Coriolis effect, causes cyclones to rotate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere. Differences between hurricane, cyclone and typhoon.
The parts of a hurricane
A hurricane is made up of several distinct parts:
- The eye of the hurricane: This is the center of the storm, a surprisingly calm area with low pressure and few clouds. Its diameter usually ranges from 30 to 65 kilometers.
- The eye wall: It is the most dangerous region, with the heaviest rainfall and the strongest winds in the entire system.
- Cloud bands: These bands spiral out from the center and are laden with torrential rain and gusts of wind.
Hurricane classification
To measure the intensity of hurricanes, the following is used: Saffir-Simpson scale, which categorizes them into five levels according to wind speed:
- 1 Category: Winds of 119-153 km/h. Minor damage.
- 2 Category: Winds of 154-177 km/h. Moderate damage to structures and trees.
- 3 Category: Winds of 178-208 km/h. Significant damage to buildings and extensive flooding.
- 4 Category: Winds of 209-251 km/h. Severe damage to structures and mass evacuations.
- 5 Category: Winds of over 252 km/h. Catastrophic destruction.
Impact and associated risks
In addition to intense winds, hurricanes bring with them Torrential rains, storm surges and flooding which seriously affect coastal regions. Storm surges, in particular, are responsible for many of the deaths and structural damage by pushing large volumes of water onto the land.
Another factor that influences the severity of the impact is the geography and infrastructure of the affected region. Low-lying terrain or areas with poor drainage systems are especially vulnerable. It is therefore essential that governments and communities implement prevention and evacuation measures.
The most affected regions
Hurricanes are especially common in the North Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, and Caribbean. This is because these areas enjoy the conditions necessary for its formation for much of the year. Regions such as Mexico, the United States and the Caribbean islands are the hardest hit due to their proximity to the usual routes of tropical cyclones.
In the case of the South Atlantic Ocean, the formation of tropical cyclones is less frequent due to the lower water temperature and other inhibiting factors, such as the lack of tropical waves.
Climate change is also affecting the frequency and intensity of these storms. Warmer oceans and altered atmospheric conditions could lead to stronger and more destructive hurricanes in the future. To learn more about how this phenomenon affects different regions and what measures to take, you can consult our article on the 2017 hurricane season.
Understanding the behavior, causes, and effects of hurricanes is essential to better prepare our communities and minimize damage. Although we cannot prevent their formation, we can be ready to face them and mitigate their effects. devastating consequences.
