Understanding Hurricane Hazards
Hurricane season presents a variety of hazards to those living both on the coastline and inland. Major hazards associated with hurricanes include storm surge and storm tide, heavy rainfall and inland flooding, high winds, rip currents and tornadoes. A better understanding of these hazards will help you better understand your risk and what actions to take. Keep reading to learn more about each of these hazards from Big Bags USA®.
Storm surge and large waves produced by hurricanes pose the greatest threat to those along the coastline. "Storm Surge" is an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm's winds, while "Storm Tide" is the water level rise during a storm due to the combination of storm surge and the astronomical tide. Storm surge can reach heights well over 20 feet and can span hundreds of miles of coastline. The destructive power of storm surge can lead to loss of life, property damage and erosion. Not only does storm surge greatly affect those living on the coast, but it can travel several miles inland.
Hurricanes often produce widespread, heavy rains of more than 6 inches. That much rain in a short period of time can easily lead to major flooding. For people living inland, flooding from tropical storms is the biggest threat. Flash flooding, or a rapid rise in water levels, can occur quickly in these conditions. Longer term flooding on rivers and streams can last several days after the storm has hit. Rainfall amounts associated with a hurricane are not determined by the strength of the storm, but rather the speed, size and geographical location of the storm. The slower the storm is moving and the larger the storm, the greater the rainfall amount will be.
The winds exerted from a hurricane are strong enough to be very dangerous. Hurricane winds of 74 mph or more can easily destroy property, and debris left outside can become a flying missile. Winds can sustain hurricane strength well inland. Atlantic and Eastern Pacific hurricanes are classified into five categories according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which estimates potential property damage according to the hurricane's sustained wind speed.
The strong winds of a hurricane can create dangerous waves known as rip currents. Rip currents are channeled currents of water flowing away from shore, usually extending past the line of breaking waves. These waves can pull even the strongest swimmers away from shore. This phenomenon can occur even large distances from the storm.
Tornadoes aren't just a Midwest thing; Hurricanes can easily produce tornadoes. These tornadoes often occur in thunderstorms embedded in rain bands, well away from the center of the hurricane. However, that's not to say that they don't ever occur near the eyewall. While these types of tornadoes are usually weak and short-lived, they still pose a significant threat.
To help your community be better prepared for storm surge, rip currents and more, tell them about Big Bags USA® flood barriers. Our large polypropylene sandbags can be used in a variety of flood and water control situation, such as property protection barriers, traffic control barriers and more. Give us a call at 1-800-337-0537 to learn more!
Storm Surge & Storm Tide
Storm surge and large waves produced by hurricanes pose the greatest threat to those along the coastline. "Storm Surge" is an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm's winds, while "Storm Tide" is the water level rise during a storm due to the combination of storm surge and the astronomical tide. Storm surge can reach heights well over 20 feet and can span hundreds of miles of coastline. The destructive power of storm surge can lead to loss of life, property damage and erosion. Not only does storm surge greatly affect those living on the coast, but it can travel several miles inland.
Heavy Rainfall & Inland Flooding
Hurricanes often produce widespread, heavy rains of more than 6 inches. That much rain in a short period of time can easily lead to major flooding. For people living inland, flooding from tropical storms is the biggest threat. Flash flooding, or a rapid rise in water levels, can occur quickly in these conditions. Longer term flooding on rivers and streams can last several days after the storm has hit. Rainfall amounts associated with a hurricane are not determined by the strength of the storm, but rather the speed, size and geographical location of the storm. The slower the storm is moving and the larger the storm, the greater the rainfall amount will be.
High Winds
The winds exerted from a hurricane are strong enough to be very dangerous. Hurricane winds of 74 mph or more can easily destroy property, and debris left outside can become a flying missile. Winds can sustain hurricane strength well inland. Atlantic and Eastern Pacific hurricanes are classified into five categories according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which estimates potential property damage according to the hurricane's sustained wind speed.
Rip Currents
The strong winds of a hurricane can create dangerous waves known as rip currents. Rip currents are channeled currents of water flowing away from shore, usually extending past the line of breaking waves. These waves can pull even the strongest swimmers away from shore. This phenomenon can occur even large distances from the storm.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes aren't just a Midwest thing; Hurricanes can easily produce tornadoes. These tornadoes often occur in thunderstorms embedded in rain bands, well away from the center of the hurricane. However, that's not to say that they don't ever occur near the eyewall. While these types of tornadoes are usually weak and short-lived, they still pose a significant threat.
To help your community be better prepared for storm surge, rip currents and more, tell them about Big Bags USA® flood barriers. Our large polypropylene sandbags can be used in a variety of flood and water control situation, such as property protection barriers, traffic control barriers and more. Give us a call at 1-800-337-0537 to learn more!
MADE IN THE USA ~ 100% Manufactured in Missouri ~ BUY AMERICAN
MADE IN THE USA ~ 100% Manufactured in Missouri ~ BUY AMERICAN
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