Florida is infamous for its warm weather, beaches, sun, and hurricanes that it gets struck by often. A beautiful place like Florida faces so much destruction, but why is it? Why Florida? What makes Florida a home for hurricanes?
The warmer climate of Florida is what causes the massive and excessive hurricanes in this state. Florida is a tropical region, and the ocean water is warm. This, paired with the area’s warm environment, makes it the perfect ground for hurricanes.
Hurricanes are often predicted before they occur and can be mitigated. Let us understand why this happens and then go through some precautionary measures that must be taken to stay safe in such a calamity.
What Is A Hurricane?
A revolving low-pressure weather system is called a tropical cyclone, and cyclones with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph are called hurricanes or tropical storms. Hurricanes originate in the ocean; they usually occur in tropical or subtropical waters, specifically the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, or the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Hurricanes have organized thunderstorms, rain, and strong winds. The possibility of property damage increases with the hurricane category. The Saffir-Simpson scale measures the intensity of a hurricane. These rotating systems have a vacuum in the center and suck in everything in their way.
Why Do Hurricanes Occur?
A complex process takes place before the air turns into hurricanes. Hurricanes occur when warm, humid air rises and forms a tropical wave in the ocean, and then low-pressure air moves towards the moisture-rich air resulting in large clouds and thunderstorms. This process continues until an organized system of clouds and thunderstorms forms a hurricane. This system proceeds to move toward the land. It carries with it rain and strong winds.
Why Do Hurricanes Occur In Florida?
Florida is known to be prone to hurricanes during a six-month period that stretches from June to November every year.
Geographical Location
Florida lies in a region called “hurricane alley.” Florida borders the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. During the six-month era, the water in the ocean warms up quite a bit. This leads to the formation of tropical waves, which then become hurricanes as they reach land.
Weather
The weather and climate of Florida are warm and humid. During six months, the weather is the hottest. This weather also supports the formation of tropical waves, aiding the occurrence of hurricanes.
How Often Does Florida Get Hurricanes?
Florida is known to be hit by hurricanes once every three years. These hurricanes may occur in any region of Florida. Northwest Florida received the highest number of hurricanes, although no coastal area of Florida has been safe. Each region has been hit by a storm at least once.
How Are Hurricanes Predicted?
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) tracks and forecasts hurricanes. The NHC and other such centers forecast hurricanes’ size, intensity, and structure. The chances of a hurricane occurring are detected. They use satellites, ships, and radars to collect the necessary information.
This data is collected from when the storm is still in the ocean. The readings are taken once again as it reaches the coast or land. These are more accurate and provide insight into the damage’s extent and the hurricane’s speed. Warning signals and measures to be taken are announced based on these forecasts.
What Measures Should Be Taken Before A Hurricane?
There are many ways to prepare for the devastation caused by hurricanes, a few of which are listed below.
Education
Hurricanes have become an integrated part of life in Florida. If you have recently moved to Florida, your responsibility is to educate yourself as much as you can about hurricanes. You should know when they occur, how devastating the impacts are and how to best cope with these.
Emergency Tools
You should always have an emergency kit in your living space, especially when there is a hurricane warning. This can include food, water, medicines, personal items, documents, and everything else you think is essential and cannot be lost. This emergency kit helps if you need to evacuate in a rush or if you need things close to you when staying in a protected area.
Secure Windows And Doors
When living in an area at a high risk of a hurricane, you must secure your windows and doors. These should be sturdy and strong enough to withstand harsh winds. They should also be able to keep the water outside and must not have leaks.
Stay Vigilant
It will help if you keep checking your phone, radio, and TV. Stay tuned to any recent updates about the hurricane warning that has been issued. Staying in the loop helps with quick planning.
Keep Indoors
It may often seem calm outside, but we have all heard the phrase “the calm before the storm.” You may want to remind yourself of this and stay indoors. Do not leave the space you are in and wait for instructions from the relevant authorities.
What To Do When A Hurricane Is Happening?
While there is a low likelihood of you getting stuck in a hurricane, as evacuation should be your first move, you can still take precautions to survive a storm.
- Find shelter under a hard surface: Find the nearest table or countertop
- Use the emergency kit: Your emergency kit should have enough food and water in it to last a day or two
- Shut down your power: This is crucial to avoid any incidents of short circuits or electrocution
- Stay indoors: Going outdoors is not a good idea
- Stay away from doors and windows: These may open, and water could begin pouring in.
The Florida Climate Center provides online resources and updates. Stay tuned to such websites, the TV, or the radio.
Final Thoughts
Living in Florida may be dangerous; the beaches and weather come with a price in the form of hurricanes. However, it can be a manageable challenge if one is well-prepared. Be updated on any news on hurricanes and be proactive with evacuation and preparation for the storm. The authorities and administration can be accommodating; make sure to cooperate as much as possible!