Forecast Storms and Safety tips

This image shows the typical paths traveled by subtropical hurricanes- green arrows around the equator. Mid-latitude cyclones are represented by black arrows. USA is affected by both from both sides.

The 2007 North Indian Ocean cyclone season:

No one can exactly predict a cylcone, when it will happen next. But once it is formed the direction and the intensity can be predicted accurately.

The next Cyclone will be officially named as : Yemyin

A tropical cyclone is a storm system fueled by the heat released when moist air rises and the water vapor in it condenses. Its circulation is counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere.

Cyclones tend to form in this Arabian sea region between April and December, with peaks in May and November.

There are two main seas in the North Indian Ocean - the Arabian Sea to the west of the Indian subcontinent, abbreviated ARB by the India Meteorological Department (IMD); and the Bay of Bengal to the east, abbreviated BOB . India Meteorological Department (IMD), and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center releases unofficial advisories. .

On average, 4-6 storms form in this area every year.

In meteorology, a tropical cyclone (also referred to as depression, storm, typhoon, or hurricane ) is a type of low pressure system which generally forms in the tropics. While they can be highly destructive, tropical cyclones are an important part of the atmospheric circulation system, which moves heat from the equatorial region toward the higher latitudes.

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Hurricane hazards come in many forms: storm surge, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding. This means it is important for your family to have a plan that includes all of these hazards. Look carefully at the safety actions associated with each type of hurricane hazard and prepare your family disaster plan accordingly. The first and most important thing anyone should do when facing a hurricane threat is to use common sense.

The intensity of hurricane is expressed in terms of categories that relate wind speeds and potential damage. Category 1 hurricane has lighter winds . A Category 4 hurricane would have winds between 131 and 155 mph and, on the average, would usually be expected to cause 100 times the damage of the Category 1 storm.

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USA Hurricane scale:
Tropical Storm - Winds 39-73 mph, Floods, flying tree tunks, debris.

Category 1 Hurricane — winds 74-95 mph No real damage to buildings. Damage to unanchored mobile items, cars, coastal flooding and minor damages.

Category 2 Hurricane — winds 96-110 mph . Damage to building roofs, doors and windows. . Flooding damages piers and small craft in unprotected moorings may break their moorings. Some trees blown down.

Category 3 Hurricane — winds 111-130 mph . Structural damage to small residences . Large trees blown down. Mobile homes and poorly built signs destroyed. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures with larger structures damaged by floating debris. Terrain may be flooded well inland.-

Category 4 Hurricane — winds 131-155 mph . Extensive failures complete roof structure failure on small residences. Major erosion of beach areas. Terrain may be flooded well inland.-

Protect all windows by installing commercial shutters or preparing 5/8 inch plywood panels.

Category 5 Hurricane — winds 156 mph and up . Complete roof failure and damage to industrial buildings. Small buildings blown over . Flooding causes major damage to lower floors of all structures near the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas be require should be complete and the personnel should be sheltered before the onset of tropical storm-force winds, not hurricane-force winds. Protect all windows by installing commercial shutters or preparing 5/8 inch plywood panels

Remember that there is little or no wind in the eye of a hurricane.

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Protect all windows by installing plywood or plastic tapes.

Protect an interior room with no windows or external doors as a “Safe Room”.

Garage doors to be barred and kept tight.

Trim trees and landscaping , so trees do not become a wind hazard.

Use landscaping materials other than gravel/rock.

Relocate to a nearby safer structure and higher land away from the sea or Wadis.

Park cars safely, donot drive.

Debris such as roofing material, and small items left outside become flying missiles in hurricanes. Extensive damage to trees, towers, water and underground utility lines and fallen poles cause considerable disruption.

High-rise buildings are highly vulnerable particularly at the higher levels since wind speed tends to increase with height. You should stay below the tenth floor, and above any floors at risk for flooding. Buildings can be very dangerous. Glass windows should be taped with cellophane tapes.