Tropical Cyclone Threats
Bolivar Peninsula, TX before (top) and after (bottom) Hurricane Ike in 2008
The main weather hazards associated with tropical cyclones and hurricanes are:
- Storm surge
- Flooding from heavy rain
- High winds
- Tornadoes
This section will discuss each of the main hurricane hazards in more detail.
While more intense storms are often the most dangerous, direct impacts depend on many factors besides intensity, including where the storm strikes. A less intense storm that hits a densely populated area has the potential to cause more damage and injuries or deaths than a stronger one that goes over a rural area. For example, Hurricane Ike (2008) was a Category 2 hurricane made landfall near Galveston Bay, Texas where it caused at least 20 deaths, many of which occurred in the 15-20 ft (4.6-6 m) storm surge. An additional 64 indirect deaths occurred due to pre-existing medical conditions, electrocution, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Hurricane Frances (2004), also a Category 2 hurricane, ranks in the top 10 most damaging storms with costs in the billions of dollars.
In addition to direct impacts, hurricane hazards can have indirect adverse consequences. For example, many hurricane-related deaths and injuries result from carbon monoxide poisoning or from fires started by downed power lines or sparks from generators and candles used when the electricity fails.
A fire burns in an area of New Orleans impacted by Hurricane Katrina (2005)
Heart attacks and accidents from downed power lines, ruptured gas lines, or dealing with post-storm debris frequently occur during the clean-up phase. And depending on the industrial facilities in your area, hurricane damage might cause chemical spills that could make the disaster even worse.
An environmental specialist disposes of chemicals spilled by Hurricane Rita (2005)
Although many factors of a landfalling hurricane or tropical storm are out of our control, community planning and preparedness efforts can play a critical role in determining the magnitude of the impact on a community. Other factors that may determine the outcome include:
- Community preparedness: Effective emergency management planning efforts, open communication lines between stakeholders, and a responsive citizenry play a large role in determining how a storm impacts that community.
- Prior community mitigation efforts: For example, strong building codes that are rigorously enforced can limit the damage inflicted.
- Previous community experience with storms: A community that has not been hit by a hurricane recently may become a bit complacent about future events.
- Time of day: Evacuation orders may be more successful depending on when they are issued
- Storm behavior: Rapid intensification and/or changes in storm speed/direction prior to landfall may change your planning assumptions.