UNIT 2 - Hurricanes

Question 1

Bulletin/Advisory

Answer 1

A friendly note from the Meteorological Service to inform the public that there is a cyclone or potential cyclone brewing nearby which could or could not affect the island.

Question 2

Watch

Answer 2

Issued when there is the possibility that the island could experience hurricane or storm conditions within 36 hours.

Question 3

Warning

Answer 3

• Issued when hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours

Question 4

Hurricane definition

Answer 4

A tropical cyclone is the generic term used by the World Meteorological Organization to define weather systems in which winds exceed 34 knots or 63 km/h

Question 5

Hurricanes need four conditions

Answer 5

1. A warm sea temperatures in excess of 28oC
2. High relative humidity
3. Atmospheric instability
4. A location of at least 4 – 5 latitude degrees from the equator

Question 6

Phases of a hurricane

Answer 6

Tropical disturbance
Tropical depression
Tropical storm
Hurricane

Question 7

Tropical disturbance

Answer 7

A weather system which gives rise to a specific area of cloudiness w/ embedded showers and thunderstorms

Question 8

Tropical depression

Answer 8

Definite counter-clockwise wind circulation w/ maximum sustained winds of less than 38 mph (61 km/h)

Question 9

Tropical storm

Answer 9

A tropical cyclone system with maximum sustained surface winds greater than 38 mph, but less than 74 mph

Question 10

Hurricane

Answer 10

A tropical cyclone with wind speeds greater than 74 mph.

The weather system is now better organized and the eye is well defined.

Question 11

Category 1

Answer 11

74-95 mph

Storm surge 4 – 5 feet above normal

• Damage is minimal
• Shrubbery
• Trees
• Foliage

Question 12

Category 2

Answer 12

96-110

Storm surge 6 – 8 feet

Damage is moderate
• Considerable damage to shrubbery and tree foliage
• Trees down
• Some damage to roof, windows and doors

Question 13

Category 3

Answer 13

111-130

Storm surge 9 – 12 feet

Damage is extensive

• Foliage torn from trees
• Large trees down
• Some damage to roofs, windows and doors
• Structural damage to small buildings

Question 14

Category 4

Answer 14

131 - 155 mph

Storm surge over 13-18

Damage is extreme
• Shrubs and trees blown down
• Extensive damage to roofs, windows and doors
• Complete structural damage to small buildings

Question 15

Category 5

Answer 15

155 + mph

Over 18 surge

• Damage is catastrophic
• Trees down
• Severe damage to roofs, windows and doors
• Extensive damage to buildings
• Death and injury