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Danger & Power of Hurricanes
One of the most dramatic, damaging and potentially damaging weather
events that occur in this country is a hurricane. Fortunately, there are
measures that can be taken by individuals and communities before a
hurricane strikes to reduce vulnerability to hurricane hazards.
During a hurricane, homes, businesses, public buildings, roads and power
lines may be damaged or destroyed by high winds and floodwaters. Debris
can break windows and doors. Roads and bridges can be washed away by
flash flooding or blocked by debris.
The force of wind alone can cause tremendous devastation, toppling trees
and power lines and undermining weak areas of buildings.
These storms cost our nation millions, if not billions, of dollars in
damage annually.
But there are ways to offset such destruction. Simple construction
measures, such as placing storm shutters over exposed glass or
installing hurricane straps on roofs, have proved effective in lessening
damage when hurricanes strike.
Communities can reduce vulnerability to hurricanes by adopting and
enforcing building codes for wind and flood resistance. Sound land-use
planning also can ensure that structures are not built in high-hazard
areas.
A goal of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/FEMA is to help
prevent future damage from disasters by providing information as well as
direct, hands-on help when needed. Building disaster-resistant
communities is an achievable goal. It requires action by individuals,
businesses and local governments. Working together, we can reduce the
number of lives, property and businesses lost the next time a hurricane
strikes.
THE POWER OF HURRICANES
Walls torn from concrete buildings, 15-foot trees ripped from the earth,
20-foot waves crashing to shore. The power of hurricanes is awesome.
Hurricanes can spawn tornadoes. Floods and flash floods are generated by
torrential rains that accompany hurricanes. Even more dangerous is the
storm surge -- a dome of ocean water that, at its peak, can be 25 feet
high and 50-100 miles wide. The surge can devastate coastal communities
as it sweeps ashore.
A hurricane is a tropical weather system with winds that have reached a
sustained speed of 74 mph or more. Hurricane winds blow in a large
spiral around a relatively calm center, known as the "eye." The eye is
generally 20-30 miles wide, and the storm may extend outward from it for
400 miles.
As a hurricane approaches, the sky darkens and winds strengthen. As it
nears land, it can bring torrential rains, high winds and storm surges.
A hurricane can stretch the entire length of the eastern seaboard. The
74-160 mph winds can extend inland for hundreds of miles.
See Also:
Preparation & Safety (Before & After the Storm)
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