Hurricanes

Hurricane Assessment

In the past, there was no effective way to predict and assess an oncoming hurricane. People who lived in potential danger zones were often not aware of upcoming storms until they were too close to make the proper preparations. These days, however, we have the technology and tools to watch for storms that are forming and assess how powerful and potentially dangerous they may be.

Satellites

Weather satellites are devoted to studying and analyzing the planet's atmosphere, and they can pick up the first indications of a tropical storm. They collect data in a digital format and then transmit the information to receivers back on Earth. This data is collected in the form of digital imagery, and an updated image is generally sent every 30 minutes. The data is then studied and used to forecast weather conditions.

Image analysis

Groups like the Tropical Prediction Center (formerly known as The National Hurricane Center) analyze these satellite images and use them to predict the size and scope of hurricanes and other tropical storms. By constantly monitoring the incoming data, they can see how a storm is developing, how big it is becoming and where it might be moving to.

Hurricane hunters

After a hurricane has been discovered, there are a group of people known as hurricane hunters who actually go out to the storms and follow their progress from close by. They use remote controlled equipment that will fly directly into the center of a hurricane to take measurements and and provide data that will help them better understand how fast the winds are blowing, whether or not the storm is dissipating and which direction it is continuing to move in.

Advanced warnings

Modern storm tracking technology and daring hurricane hunters have enabled the public to know well in advance when a storm is expected in their area. After scientists have studied the storm and its behavior, they will commonly make one of two announcements:

• Hurricane Watch. This indicates the high probability that a hurricane will hit a particular area, usually within 36 hours.
• Hurricane Warning. This warning is issued once it is determined that a hurricane will be in a specific area in the next 24 hours.

These warnings allow people to prepare for the storm, and evacuate their homes if necessary. The ability to plan in advance will help to protect the citizens of communities that are in a danger zone, and save lives.

The time of year that is referred to as "Hurricane Season" starts in June and goes through November. Anyone who lives in an area that is subject to these dangerous storms should watch for warnings, and be prepared for their own safety.