Storm Hazards Flashcards
What are tropical storms? (Mention 2 things)
- Large, rotating low-pressure systems that form over warm ocean waters (27°C+).
- Known as hurricanes (Atlantic), typhoons (Pacific), and cyclones (Indian Ocean).
What are the 4 key conditions for tropical storm formation?
- Sea surface temperature of at least 27°C.
- Low wind shear to allow the storm to strengthen.
- Coriolis effect (only forms between 5-30° latitude).
- Deep ocean water to supply moisture.
What are the 3 key features of a tropical storm?
- Eye: Calm, low-pressure centre.
- Eyewall: Strongest winds and heaviest rainfall.
- Rainbands: Outer spiral arms bringing heavy rain and winds.
What are the 3 primary hazards of tropical storms?
- High winds (120+ km/h) cause structural damage.
- Storm surges flood coastal areas.
- Heavy rainfall leads to flash floods and landslides.
What are the 3 secondary hazards of tropical storms?
- Contaminated water supplies increase disease risk.
- Economic damage from business closures and infrastructure loss.
- Food shortages due to crop destruction.
When and where did Hurricane Katrina strike? (Mention 2 things)
- August 2005, Category 5 hurricane.
- Made landfall in Louisiana and Mississippi, USA.
What were the 3 primary impacts of Hurricane Katrina?
- 1,800 deaths and $125 billion in damages.
- 80% of New Orleans flooded due to levee failures.
- Wind speeds of 280 km/h destroyed homes and infrastructure.
What were the 3 secondary impacts of Hurricane Katrina?
- Looting and civil unrest in New Orleans.
- Mass displacement, with over 1 million people evacuated.
- Oil spills from damaged refineries polluted waterways.
How did the US respond to Hurricane Katrina? (Mention 3 things)
- FEMA criticised for slow response.
- $50 billion in federal aid provided.
- Levees and flood defences were strengthened.
When and where did Typhoon Haiyan occur? (Mention 2 things)
- November 2013, Category 5 typhoon.
- Hit the Philippines, particularly Tacloban City.
What were the 3 primary impacts of Typhoon Haiyan?
- 6,300 deaths and over 4 million displaced.
- 5m storm surge caused widespread flooding.
- Strong winds (315 km/h) destroyed homes and power lines.
What were the 3 secondary impacts of Typhoon Haiyan?
- Food shortages and outbreaks of disease due to contaminated water.
- $14 billion in damages impacted the economy.
- Infrastructure collapse slowed emergency aid.
How did the Philippines respond to Typhoon Haiyan? (Mention 3 things)
- UN launched a $300 million aid appeal.
- Evacuation centres set up for displaced people.
- Stronger storm shelters were built for future resilience.
How can we predict and monitor tropical storms? (Mention 3 things
- Satellite tracking provides early warnings.
- Aircraft reconnaissance measures storm intensity.
- Computer models forecast storm paths.
What are the 3 mitigation strategies for tropical storms?
- Improved flood defences (e.g., levees, seawalls).
- Evacuation plans and drills.
- Stronger building regulations in storm-prone areas.
