Hurricane Seasons: Past and Present

     Arlene, Bret, Cindy, Don, Emily...are just a few of the names we will see stirring up in the Atlantic Ocean this Hurricane Season, which started June 1st and will last until November 30th. The season is usually most active from August to October, with the peak from early- to mid-September.

     Experts of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimate that this season will be another active one, surpassing the average of 15 tropical storms and 8 hurricanes, which includes 4 major hurricanes (Category 3 intensity and above on the Saffir-Simpson Scale).

This year's predictions include 12 to 18 named tropical storms, of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes with 3-6 at major strength.

According to a study by experts at Colorado State University earlier this year, chances of a major hurricane pounding U.S. shores this year stand at 72%, well above the average of 52%.
There is also a 61% chance that a major hurricane will make landfall in the Caribbean, according to the experts.

With a total of 12 hurricanes,
the 2010 season left
hundreds dead in floods
and mudslides in Central America and the
Caribbean, where they destroyed homes and infrastructure and
devastated crops.

Among the worst of the year
was Hurricane Tomas, a
late-season cyclone that churned over the eastern Caribbean island of St. Lucia before battering Haiti and drenching Costa Rica. At least 57 people were killed.

The season was particularly ruthless in Central America, which experienced its worst rainy season in 50 years, with floods and mudslides that killed over 300 people, mainly in Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador.

Note: Although June is not in the active portion of the "Hurricane cone", it can still be dangerous. Here's an explanation why... http://www.weather.com/outlook/weather-news/news/articles/tropics-june-does-it-matter_2011-05-31?page=2

What is a Hurricane?

Hurricanes are part of a family of weather systems known as “tropical cyclones.” A hurricane begins its life as a disorganized system which forms over warm, tropical waters in the Atlantic (or Pacific) Ocean.

When the storm system becomes more organized, it is classified as a “tropical depression,” and given a number by the National Hurricane Center (in Miami, Florida). If the winds in a tropical depression grow in intensity (strength) to 40 miles per hour, it is re-classified as a “tropical storm,” and it receives a name.

When winds in the storm reach 75 miles per hour, it is upgraded to a hurricane. 

The winds of a hurricane are structured around a central “eye”, which is an area that is free of clouds and remain relatively calm. Around this “eye” area, storm clouds wrap in a counter-clockwise motion. This “eye wall” of clouds, wind and rain, is the most destructive part of the storm. In fact, it is the eye wall that creates the eye, since the rapid spinning clouds in the wall reduce the pressure in the eye and draws out any clouds that may be there.

How do hurricanes form?

Hurricanes gather heat and energy through contact with warm ocean waters of 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.7 degrees Celsius) or warmer. Evaporation from the seawater increases their power.

When hurricanes come onto land, the heavy rain, strong winds and large waves can damage buildings, trees and cars -- among other objects.

Saffir-Simpson Scale:

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is a rating system based on the hurricane's intensity. Numbered 1 to 5, it is used to give an estimate of the potential property damage and flooding expected from a hurricane landfall. 

Wind speed and storm surge (depth of water damage from coastline) are the main factors in the scale.

What is the Weather?

     Weather is what is happening in the atmosphere now, at any place on Earth’s surface. It includes the temperature, precipitation (rain), wind and clouds, among other components. A weather forecast is a prediction of weather conditions over a particular area.

     We study the weather to help people plan what to wear, when to travel, and when it is safe to be outdoors. Weather forecasts prepare the public for severe weather, such as a hurricane or tornado. Weather is also important for pilots before, during, and after flights. Sometimes an accurate forecast may mean the difference between life and death.

Climate, on the other hand, is quite different than weather. It is the common, average weather conditions at a particular place
over a long period of time (for example, about 30 years).
We learn about different climates around the world -- such
as the hot and dry climate of deserts, or the extremely frigid and dry climate of the Antarctic. 

Weather has a profound effect on our lives and we always can discover new things about the different types of weather -- which include: 

- The Sun: the main source of energy that drives the weather, providing light and heat. We get seasons because the Earth revolves around the sun.

- Clouds: a fundamental part of our weather; they are made up of billions of water and ice particles floating in the sky that often-times produce rain, snow, hail or sleet. Fog is a cloud that is on ground level.

- Rain: a very important type of precipitation that falls from the clouds, as it provides water to drink, to wash our cars, and water the grass. Rain also keeps large bodies of water (rivers, lakes, etc.) at a stable level, thus protecting the animals and fish that live in these environments. 

- Severe weather: has the potential to harm us and the environment via floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, and blizzards -- to name a few.