In some parts of the United States and the world, hurricanes are a common occurrence. In fact, residents of these areas often have preparations in place to combat the damage that can happen because of a hurricane. However, what many people wonder about hurricanes is whether or not they are connected to rain – and does it always rain during a hurricane?
Hurricanes are often accompanied by rain because a hurricane is a type of storm. Since hurricanes often originate from large rain storms, rainfall is expected. However, not all hurricanes have rain storms following them inland. While the degree of rainfall can vary, almost all hurricanes have some element of a rainstorm accompanying them.
The fall of rain and a hurricane emerging can be almost synonymous with each other, but is there more to this relationship? Read this article to get in-depth information on why hurricanes can come with rain, what the expected degree of rainfall is when a hurricane is involved, and what homeowners need to know to prepare for the level of rainfall.
Why Do Hurricanes Come With Rain?
Where there are hurricanes, there is almost always rain involved. While this may seem like common sense, it is worthwhile to question why this happens. The answer actually lies in understanding how a hurricane or a tropical cyclone is actually formed.
Different hurricanes originate from different causes. In some cases, they can be the result of a series of thunderstorms, while in others, they may be caused by what is known as a tropical wave. These waves are a disturbance in the form of an inverted trough, which means they have relatively low pressure throughout them.
However, no matter what causes a hurricane, there are a few conditions that need to be met in order to create a tropical cyclone. For example, the ocean water will need to be warm, the atmosphere will need to be unstable, the air moist, and the wind must be relatively uniform with height. These conditions lead to a massive thunderstorm, from which the hurricane originates.
As you can see, a thunderstorm is a quintessential starting point for hurricanes and therefore carries through to the actual disaster itself. The rain is always a part of the hurricane as it begins, but in some cases, it may not travel with the hurricane as it crashes on land.
How Much Rain Is Expected With Hurricanes?
The amount of rain and water damage that comes with hurricanes is difficult to predict, as these storms can take on a life of their own. However, studies show that the amount of rain that falls with a hurricane is on the rise. A team of experts found that the impact of climate change means that there is a greater chance that future hurricanes will have even higher rainfall.
But what is the average? When it comes to hurricanes, the average rainfall expected is about 0.6 inches per 414-mile radius. However, there is no guarantee this will be the case with each one – in fact, the most rain recorded in American history hit in 1956 with Hurricane amelia. The devastating hurricane dropped a whopping 48 inches of rainfall.
Here is a video explaining why rainfall can increase with hurricanes:
What causes heavier hurricane rainfall?
The impact of devastating rain like this can be widespread. The biggest risk is the creation of a flash flood, which can cause serious damage and pose a major risk to the lives of humans and animals in the area. Water damage can also create long-term problems for homeowners and business owners, who will need to repair buildings if the water remains in the area.
What Can You Do To Prepare For Rain During A Hurricane?
It can be easy to forget that water damage is one of the most expensive repair projects that can impact a homeowner. After all, it doesn’t seem like much. However, when a hurricane hits, the extent of water damage can be so severe that it can cost up to $100,000 for a complete repair.
For those that own homes or property in hurricane-prone areas, it is important to plan in advance and prepare for the damage that rainfall can cause. There are a few considerations that need to be made to minimize the possible impact and reduce the chances of damage.
For example, one of the most important ways to safeguard your home is to reinforce any gaps in the walls, open spaces, doors, and windows. This will allow you to reduce the risk of rainwater entering the home and causing water damage. For example, using materials such as hurricane shutters, reinforced doors, and high-impact windows can reduce this risk.
If you have items outside the home, make sure to bring them inside or anchor them with strongholds. While this may not seem related to water damage, the greater the chance that items can fly and hit your home, the more the risk of water entering. Ultimately, reinforcing the home, so there are no openings can be an effective way to reduce the entry of water.
Cleaning your gutter and removing debris is just as important. When debris is stuck inside the gutter system, water will flow out and enter your home. Debris can also cause other damage, such as bursting pipes, which will create extensive water damage.
Finally, one of the most important ways to prepare for hurricane season and avoid water damage is to reinforce your basement. Since water easily trickles down to spaces like the basement, make sure to insulate and waterproof the area. While this can be a costly venture, it is a long-term investment that can help you avoid large-scale water damage repair fees.
Final Thoughts
Rain is an expected part of the impact of a hurricane. While this may not seem as scary as the high winds and flying debris of a hurricane, the impact can be much more costly and long-lasting. So, if you are living close to a hurricane-prone area, make sure to invest and prepare beforehand!