Hurricane Warning

An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is formally issued 36 h in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. 

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Hurricane Warning Hurricane conditions are expected in the warning area in 24 hours or less. 

Kolbert, Elizabeth, "Storm Warnings Global Warming and Hurricanes." The New Yorker,... 

Disasters are frequently categorized based on their onset, impact, and duration. For example, earthquakes and tornadoes are rapid-onset events—short durations but with a sudden impact on communities. Hurricanes and volcanic eruptions have a sudden impact on a community however, frequently advance warnings are issued enabling planners to implement evacuation and early response plans. A bioterrorism attack may be... 

Establishment of early warning systems (e.g., using satellite data about an approaching hurricane for public service announcements). 

Since earliest prehistory, much of human life, technology, and culture have been defined by our constant struggle against the forces of nature. Because weather-related events are ubiquitous and can occur without warning, humans have had little recourse but to prepare to respond to the wrath of the environment in which they live. Environmental devastation caused by natural hazards of terrestrial origin (earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, tsunamis, hurricanes and other severe... 

Deaths and injuries from hurricanes occur because victims fail to evacuate the affected area or take shelter, do not take precautions in securing their property, and do not follow guidelines on food and water safety or injury prevention during recovery (FEMA, 2006Q Nurses need to be familiar with the commonly used definitions for severe weather watches and storm warnings in order to assist with timely evacuation or finding shelter for affected populations (see Table 17.3 and Case Study 17.1). 

Hurricanes predominantly effect the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of North America. These weather systems can also occur in other regions of the world where they may be identified by other names such as typhoons or tropical cyclones. Hurricanes that effect North America are spawned over the western Atlantic Ocean and usually develop between July and September. These weather systems are very powerful and can affect the weather pattern for hundreds of miles (kilometers) from the center of the storm. The National Weather Service can usually provide a 2-3 day warning to those areas in the expected path of a hurricane. 

The NWS issues warnings when hurricanes appear to be a threat to the US mainland, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Hawaii, and the Pacific Territories. As soon as conditions intensify to the tropical storm level even thongh thousands of miles from the mainland, the storm receives a name, and the Weather Service begins issning advisories. The advisories are issued every 3 h, or less, as it nears. Location, wind intensity, speed, and direction are given. As a hurricane moves toward the mainland, hurricane watch notices are issued. 

Hurricane Floyd (Figs. 17 and 18) in 1999 caused extensive damage in North (Carolina. Because its track was along the southeast coast of the United State, the exact landfall position was a challenge to forecast. With the aid of hourly water vapor imagery from the GOES satellite, improvements in earlier warnings can be made. 

A firm s investment in protection reflects risk/reward tradeoff that is based on the cost of protecting an asset, the potential loss if the asset is damaged, and the vulnerability of the asset. While the firm must assess the cost of protection and potential loss, the goverimient can help with information on vulnerability and risk assessment. For example, companies look to the National Hurricane Center (NHS) as a source of information on natural hazard indications, warnings, and threat assessments. The firm can then figure out how much to invest in protecting certain assets. Models can help in quantifying the benefits in terms of reduction in lost lives, social disruption, and financial loss (Chakravarty 2011). A cost-benefit analysis of different options can identify the best set of options. 

Probably one of the most interesting aspects comes from observation of tropical cyclones (hurricanes and typhoons). They are detected at their birth and followed step by step. Speeds, directions, and intensity are immediately evaluated and the coasts likely to be struck are warned in time. Material damage has not been minimized, but I believe the number of victims has been considerably reduced, thanks to the satellites. 

Listen for tornado, hurricane, and other severe weather warnings issued by the National Weather Service. 

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