1b.2 DM - Prepping for Katrina Flashcards
Why do we use satellites to prepare for tropical storms?
To monitor rainfall intensity
To interpret direction of the hurricane.
To measure size of the tropical storm.
How do we measure the intensity of tropical storms?
Saffir-Simpson Scale
How do we measure the Saffir-Simpson scale?
Recorded wind speeds
What do GIS storm tracks show that helps with preparations for a tropical storm?
Wind speed intensity The speed that the storm is moving The likely track the storm will take (based on historical data) Where coastal areas are Helps predict the path of the storm
Why does knowing the wind speed intensity help preparations for tropical storms?
Measures can be put in place to evacuate people
particularly those that live in buildings that can’t withstand that wind speed
Why does knowing the speed of the storm’s movement help preparations for tropical storms?
Populations can be given accurate predictions of when the storm will impact them.
Why does knowing historical storm tracks help preparations for tropical storms?
It can help identify which areas will potentially be affected - then measures can be put in place to protect them.
Why does predicting the path of the storm help preparations for tropical storms?
You know which areas to evacuate.
How can weather forecasting help prepare for tropical storms?
Measure atmospheric pressure – low pressure (air rising means the ocean is being dragged up
Measure wind speed
Either use buoys in the ocean or fly a plane through the storm
How do evacuation warning systems work?
Computer models estimate the tracks and likely points of landfall
TV broadcasts help warn people
Move people to higher ground to escape storm surge flooding
Provide shelter and emergency accommodation if people can’t move
How do you prepare for the threat of storm surges?
Flood barriers / levees (river walls)
Prep emergency services
Train people on how to survive (emergency packs / battery lights)
How do satellites help prepare for tropical storms?
Look for clouds – distinctive storm clouds, and then how they move
Look for cloud rotation and the eye
Look for rain…
What physical geography reasons make it hard to prepare for tropical storms?
Increasingly high storm surges
Stronger storms (Hurricane Irma was the most powerful in 2017)
More frequent storms – e.g. 2017 (Harvey, Irma, XXX)
What human geography / social reasons make it hard to prepare for tropical storms?
Engineers might not repair levees or upgrade them for changing environments
African-American communities are often poorer – buses to evacuate were left to flood, and can’t afford insurance (health and personal)
What makes the impacts of tropical storms so challenging to respond to?
Floodwater become toxic with raw sewage, dead plants, animals and people
Police failed to prevent looting, and in some cases joined in
