Hurricanes and Typhoons--The Dangerous Winds: How to Prepare
Ranked #2,054 in How-To, #20,627 overall
These wind storms approach slowly - but that doesn't make them less dangerous!
Hurricane season for the US Atlantic Coast, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Carribean will be starting soon--and the winds from the seas will again be wreaking havoc.
The meteorological term for the big, nasty winds that form over the oceans and which cause massive damage whenever they encounter any forms of civilization is "closed cyclonic circulations." Whether or not global warming and the resulting climate change is causing an increase in the storms or their intensity is most likely a moot point. However, no matter the case, you should be prepared to handle these natural occurrences.
These storms are more well-known as "hurricanes" or "typhoons"--and they have other names as well--depending on where they occur:
Atlantic basin and Eastern Pacific--"hurricanes"
Western Pacific--"typhoons"
Eastern Pacific (off Central and South America)--"cordonazos"
Philippines--"baguios" or "typhoons"
Australia--"willy-willy's"
Indian Ocean--"cyclones"
In the year 1281, records in Japan noted that a typhoon destroyed an attacking Mongol invasion fleet. The storm was called "Kamikaze", which in Japanese means "Divine Wind" or "Wind of the Gods". Similarly, another storm in the early 19th century helped in destroying the Russian fleet as they were preparing to attack Japan.
No matter what they may be called, if you have been notified that a tropical depression or tropical storm or worse, a hurricane or typhoon, is lurking nearby and approaching--even if the weatherman says it's a few days away--you should TAKE STEPS TO PREPARE for potential disaster with basic emergency preparedness.
Contents at a Glance
- Know the Location of Shelters When Potentially Deadly Windstorms are Approaching!
- More Information on the Cyclone Nargis that Just Hit MyanMar (Burma)
- View of "Banana Typhoon" During Brief Lull in Storm from Our Home, Malojloj, Guam
Know the Location of Shelters When Potentially Deadly Windstorms are Approaching!
More Information on the Cyclone Nargis that Just Hit MyanMar (Burma)
- Wiki's Info on Cyclone Nargis
- The information here is about as good as it gets--very complete and almost like you are at Hurricane/Typhoon Watchers Central. Weather satellite pictures, storm track, and even the meteorological data of how the storm formed in the Indian Ocean and developed its central "eye" and how it approached the coast and moved inland.
View of "Banana Typhoon" During Brief Lull in Storm from Our Home, Malojloj, Guam
HERE'S A PLAN FOR YOU!
Things to do:
1. Prepare Disaster Plan for Family
2. Set Up Storage Area that's Easily Accessible
3. Get Supplies for the Family and Store in Storage Area
4. Make Sure Emergency Supplies Are Refreshed
5. Keep Informed About Impending Problems
Super Typhoon Yuri on Guam Video from YouTube
Super Typhoon Yuri on Guam - November 27, 1991
The Birth of a Tropical Cyclone. The Hurricane. The Typhoon. The Basics.
TROPICAL DEPRESSIONWhen an advancing cold front pushes into a region of lighter, warmer air, the warm air moves away and the resulting low atmospheric pressure creates a wind pattern having as little as a 50-mile radius that spirals into the center of the disturbance. As long as the wind of the disturbance is below 34 knots (one knot is about 1.15 miles per hour), it is called a "tropical depression."
TROPICAL STORM
The rotation of the Earth and the resulting large jet streams of winds and currents cause any atmospheric disturbances closer to the Earth's surface to generally move from the East to the West (however, it is common for storms to meander and turn back and circle around as well). As the disturbance moves across warmer tropical waters, it absorbs the underlying heat to increase its power. When the sustained winds reach between 34 and 63 knots, the disturbance with the resulting cloud, wind, and wave conditions becomes a "tropical storm".
HURRICANES and TYPHOONS
If the disturbance slows or stalls over warm water, it can absorb more heat and can intensify such that the atmospheric pressure at the center of the storm drops, the cloud and rain patterns in the storm form narrow bands, and the wind speeds increase over 64 knots. At 64 knots or greater, the disturbance has become a full-fledged hurricane or typhoon. These storms can have winds of over 150 miles per hour and have a diameter of 400 miles or more. The massive storms generate pounding rain, lightning, and thunder, destructive waves and rough ocean swells, and a phenomenon called "storm surge". Storm surge is a high water level caused by the surface of the ocean being sucked higher into the lower pressure area beneath the storm in sort of a lens-shape. When this "mound" of raised water comes ashore, particularly during a high-tide as well, the resulting higher water level and wind-driven waves can flood deeply inland. (This was one of the reasons for the flooding of much of Louisiana and Mississippi during Hurricane Katrina.)
Typhoons and Hurricanes often spawn Tornados within their main vortex!
One aspect of hurricanes and typhoons that is particularly interesting (and could be confusing) is that within these large atmospheric vortexes, the winds can generate sub-vortexes that become tornados (or if over water--waterspouts). During Typhoon Pamela on Guam a series of tornados within the main storm caused major damage to some apartment complexes and other buildings that might have survived if they had only gone through the typhoon.
Roll Call for Dean--Hurricane Dean, That Is... Carribean Hurricane!
Cyclone Nargis in MyanMar, Tornados in Colorado.... it's Blowing Out There
Our hearts go out to all the folks who just went through the nasty "Cyclone Nargis" that hit MyanMar (Burma) in May 2008. Some have estimated that more than 150,000 have been killed as a result of this storm. Also, around that same time, Typhoon Fengshen slammed into the Central Philippines, sinking a ferry that had 700 people aboard. The typhoon later headed toward Taiwan. I've added some video clips of Philippine typhoons (including Fengshen) on this Squidoo lens.
Our hearts also go out to those in Windsor, Platteville, Johnstown, and Greeley, Colorado who had their homes and families hit by the massive tornados in May/June 2008. My folks live near Loveland--and were also hunkering down in their closets, bathrooms, and basements to better protect themselves from the tornados--unlike for approaching hurricanes or typhoons, tornados do not provide much warning.
Windy Stuff!
Preparation. It Can Help You Survive!
Because these massive storms take a while to form and are usually noticed and tracked well before they start to be a hazard to humans, folks tend to get complacent about preparing for the event. Although many storms can be somewhat harmless and cause only large surfing waves and localized flooding, some can get extremely powerful in a short amount of time--and can cause extensive damage.If you wait until the winds are blowing and the rain is pelting down to get your shutters fastened and your emergency supplies gathered, you may find yourself out of time and out of luck. You should be prepared at all times--such that you won't need to run to the grocery store or hardware store to "stock up". Last-minute preparers find themselves in crowded stores with empty shelves... or, they find themselves being gouged at exhorbitant prices for things they could have purchased a few weeks before for a fraction of the cost.
Also, because the storms are slow-moving in their direction (maybe 15 to 20 miles per hour), you may be lulled into thinking that the windspeed of the storm may be likewise. Sometimes if the directional progress of the storm is slow, it means that the storm is intensifying--and may be building internal windspeed of over 100 miles per hour.
If you already have your emergency plan developed and understood by all members of your family--and you have all your emergency supplies gathered and ready to go. Use the time preceeding the wind to clean up around your yard and home. Tie down or stow any items that could be carried away by the wind (even heavy things--you'd be surprised at what 100+ winds can move). Fill your bathtubs and water containers (5-gallon containers, 1-gallon jugs, and so on) with water (useful for drinking, cooking, and cleaning) while the power is still on. Charge up all your electrical devices (you may be without power for quite a while after a big storm).
Do your research now, and you will be able to weather the storm with a lot more comfort. (Well, at least more comfort that what could be if you didn't prepare correctly!)
Don't be caught unprepared! Make a plan and get your survival gear organized and together.
Much in the same way Californians prepare for Earthquakes by having their emergency supplies organized for easy and quick access, you should also assemble your emergency materials for typhoons, hurricanes, and other potential disasters.Click here for a good plan (and a link to an emergency gear checklist)
Prepare Now Before the Rush!
FIRST--Be Sure You are at LEAST 50 FEET ABOVE SEA LEVEL if you are within 100 to 200 miles of the coast where the storm is predicted to hit! If you are not that high above sea level, evacuate farther inland and to higher ground--the flooding caused by "storm surge" can reach higher than 20 to 30 feet!
Then, here are some things you should stock up on and keep ready at all times (you may want to cycle through the foodstuffs once in a while to keep them fresh):
Canned food
Ready-to-eat packaged foods
Canned milk
Baby formula (canned/dry)
Bottled water (i-gallon of water/per person/per day for at least about 10 days)
Tarps/Canvas
Ropes
Masking tape/duct tape (for taping windows to keep them from shattering)
Storm shutters (in some places these are plywood boards bolted over windows--in other places they are aluminum/metal components of the windows)
Hand tools (for repairs after the storm)
First-Aid Kit
Flashlights (minimum--one per person)
Battery-powered portable radio (AM/FM)
Batteries
Campstove/fuel
Cooking utensils for campstove
Matches
Clean changes of clothes (at least two for each person)
Large plastic containers with lids for equipment and supplies
Pet food (if you have pets)
Chlorine bleach (for water purification after storm if needed)
Windy Stuff ... Get it before it's "Gone With the Wind" ...
How about Typhoon Karen (older folks might remember this one)? Typhoon Pamela? Typhoon Paka? Typhoon Omar?
These were events that marked your history. Sometimes the T-shirt or other item can help you with naming what you went through and finding others who had the same experience to share.
Another View of a "Banana Typhoon", Pago Bay, from the University of Guam Marine Laboratory
Close Encounters with a Storm... More information for you...
Hurricane Zone.net--the Global Source for Hurricane Information
National Hurricane Center
Central Pacific Hurricane Center
Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory FAQ
Click here to see Typhoon Yuri on Guam!
Click here to see Typhoon Omar on Guam!
Guam Surf during Typhoon Yagi
Hurricane, Typhoon, Cyclone and just plain "bad weather" Survival Gear!
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Current News On Cyclonic Storms!
Hurricanes, Typhoons, Willy-Willy's, Cordonazos--Hey, We're Watching 'Em!
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byStorm Watching?
Check out the following links...
- Tropical Storm Risk
- This cool website shows the tracks as well as things like wind intensities and levels... Check it out!
- Riding Out a Typhoon--Personal Accounts
- This website provides an account of some sailors who rode out a typhoon in 1944 between Guam and the Philippines.
- Dave's Captured Images on Goodies by CafePress!
- Here are some goodies that feature Dave's photographic images. For the good times between storms!
- FEMA's Tornado Page
- This page has resources for understanding tornados and safety precautions for those who are in tornado-prone areas. Good stuff!
- Picture and Story of the Ocean Liner Caribia Sinking During Typhoon on Guam
- This website provides an interesting story of the Cunard Cruise Ship Caribia that sank in Apra Harbor on Guam during a typhoon in August 1974. It made for spectacular photos in the local newspaper after the event.
- Listing of deadly storms--Cyclones, Hurricanes, Typhoons, WillyWillys, and So on Since 1900
- This website shows a dramatic listing of storms since 1900--where they hit, what month and year, and how many people perished.
- Supertyphoon Omar--Wiki Description
- This description has a great satellite image of the storm plus a storm-track illustration.
- List of Notable Tropical Cyclones -- A Wiki Compendium
- This website has a searchable listing of tropical cyclones--hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, and willy-willys. It provides descriptions and records for storm surge levels, wind velocities, damages, and human costs.
- The Science of Tornados
- This Squidoo lens provides great information on the science of tornados. It's a fantastic compilation of information--check it out!
The Calm Before The Storm!
Rectangle Magnet
Rectangle Magnet
Price: 4.99
Calendar Print
Calendar Print
Price: 5.99
Greeting Cards (Pk of 10)
Greeting Cards (Pk of 10)
Price: 16.99
Postcards (Package of 8)
Postcards (Package of 8)
Price: 7.99
Journal
Journal
Price: 11.99
SuperTyphoon Durian that Hit Albay in the Philippines
Aftermath of Typhoon Durian
A picture documentary on The Super Typhoon Durian which hit the Southeastern province of Albay in the Philippines.-Photographs by Luis Liwanag/WPN
The *OTHER* Dangerous Wind--or Cyclone. The TORNADO!
Although Tornados Have Been Recorded to Occur Everywhere in the World--The Continental United States Gets Most of Them!
Although I've had "personal experience" with tornados (including being caught on the ground away from any buildings as one passed over me while I was frantically trying to grab something that wasn't going to blow away), my main experience is with typhoons and hurricanes. For a good look at tornados, please see Thomas's lens here: "Tornadoes--Destructive Forces".
More Hurricanes, Typhoons, and Just Nasty Storms!
Philippines Typhoon Milenyo (Xangsane)
Philippines Typhoon Milenyo (Xangsane)
A video taken from inside Pacific Plaza Towers in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
Philippine Typhoon Milenyo sa Bucal Calamba
Philippine Typhoon Fengshen -- News Report Video
Hundreds Feared Dead in Typhoon Disaster
SelectPlusHundreds Feared Dead in Typhoon DisasterHundreds Feared Dead in Typhoon DisasterThe Associated PressRescuers fought the tail of a typhoon swamping the Philippines to reach a capsized ferry Sunday only to find a mystery, scant signs of the more than 740 passengers and crew. Only 10 wave-battered survivors are known to have made it to land,[Notes:video of upset relatives]Hundreds of people are feared dead after a ferry capsized during a typhoon in the Philippines. [Notes:still of ship]The ferry was carrying nearly 750 passengers and crew members. [Notes:map] It was travelling from Manila to Cebu when it suddenly tilted and turned belly up in just 30 minutes. [Notes:back to video of survivors]Only ten survivors are known to have made it to shore. (SOT: ARMAN BALILLO/ PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD SPOKESPERSON)WE HEARD THAT THERE ARE ALREADY CADAVERS FLOATING ON THE AREA AS REPORTED BY THE LOCAL RESIDENTS AND THE BOAT ALREADY CAPSIZED.Coast Guard divers who made it to the overturned vessel got no response when they banged on the hull with metal instruments.(NATS IN TAGALOG)A relative of a missing passenger says the ship should not have sailed, knowing the typhoon was coming. [Notes:still of typhoon]Tyhpoon Fengshen moved into the Philippines with sustained winds of 74-miles an hour and gusts up to 93 miles an hour. At least 137 people were confirmed dead nationwide. [Notes:video of rain]The storm dumped heavy rain on the capital Manila, flooding major streets and knocking out traffic lights. It also hampered efforts to reach the ferry. Officials were checking reports that a large number of survivors had made it to a nearby island. ___ ___, The Associated Press.
If You're "Blowing Through", Drop a Note While You Sail By!
NAIZA wrote...
Oh gosh! I can almost remember how terrible these past super typhoons Milenyo.. It's just sad because a lot of people are not prepared especially those living in the provinces.. A lot of people lost their homes, loved-ones and their means of living.. How I wish there's a program from the government that can help those typhoon victims in renewing their kind of living. Everyone need to be aware and educated themselves. Terrific lens! Def, a fab five!
Posted June 08, 2009
ElizabethJeanAllen wrote...
After riding out Hugo I understand the need to be prepared.
Great Lens!
5 stars and lensroll to The Water Around Us
Posted May 07, 2008
jeffwend wrote...
Nice work here, I agree with Karen, much better that lookin at this topic on Wiki. squid angel blessings
Posted May 02, 2008
ThomasC wrote...
Hi There! This is a great lens! Well done! I have featured it on this page for you Hurricanes Destructive Forces! Plus I gave you stars and a favorite!
ThomasC
Posted April 19, 2008
Karendelac wrote...
5 stars again !
Super helpful lens.
Better than looking up Wikepedia.
Good job Dave !
http://www.squidoo.com/Harland-and-Wolffs-Titanic
Posted October 20, 2007
by EditorDave
Living on Guam is what now "defines" me. It was such a dramatic difference in my life and outlook on things that there's no way I'd be the same...
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