One of the most destructive natural phenomena on Earth is hurricanes. Humongous centripetal vacuums of thunder and lightning, hurricanes are self-sustaining heat engines. Their wind speed can reach up to over 200 miles per hour, having dangerous and devastating consequences when hurricanes reach land, from extreme rainfall to storm surges. These hurricanes are a compelling way of focusing the sun’s energy into one little destructive package, but what turns a peaceful patch of the ocean into Nature’s Most Powerful storm? Let’s explore the cause of the hurricane.

What is the Cause of the Hurricane?

Several conditions need to align to turn the wave into a hurricane:

• Sea temperature of 26.5 C minimum
• Depth of 50 meters near the ocean’s surface
• There need to be converging winds forcing air to rise to and form storm clouds in the atmosphere
• Strong winds in opposing directions can tear apart a hurricane, so you need low wind shear
• There needs to be high relative humidity from the surface to the mid-levels of the atmosphere
• The storm has to be more than five degrees of latitude from the equator that’s about 200 miles

As the wind increases in altitude, its speed and direction shift due to a phenomenon known as wind shear. In hurricanes, the process of extracting heat from the ocean’s surface and converting it into rising water vapour generates winds that, in turn, draw more heat from the sea, creating a self-sustaining cycle. The hurricane essentially feeds on the ocean’s heat to fuel its power. Its rotation is driven by the Coriolis effect, which causes the storm to spin as it gathers strength from the warm waters.

Source: Coriolis Effect by NOAA

To understand this, think of a spinning playground roundabout. Imagine a ball thrown from the middle. The ball will curve to the right even if it is thrown forward. This happens on a vast scale on Earth. It is crucial to hurricane formation because the faster air moves, the stronger the Coriolis effect.

That’s how you get that typical twisted form diagnostic of a hurricane when you see it from space and once the wind speed reaches 74 miles.

So, to answer the question: What is the cause of the hurricane? Hurricanes are fueled by warm ocean water, which provides the energy needed for the storm’s development. As the warm water evaporates, it releases heat, creating a cycle of rising warm air and rotating winds due to the Earth’s rotation (Coriolis effect).

Which Hurricane Caused the Most Destruction?

Hurricane Katrina made landfall in New Orleans on August 28, 2005. The reason behind Katrina being destructive comes from the fact that it was not just an unexpected natural disaster but also a series of mishaps from the government featuring its failure to invest and protect the poorer communities and people of colour who have been susceptible to a disaster like Katrina for decades.

The tropical depression that began the origin of Katrina over the Bahamas soon transformed into a hurricane. With growing wind speeds, strength, and intensity, it began to head towards the Gulf States, and local authorities began telling their citizens to evacuate swiftly.

On August 28, many people had done so, but for a range of reasons, such as a lack of transportation, cost, illness, mobility, and personal choice, almost 100,000 people were left standard and did not evacuate as the storm hit.

Part of what left so many people frustrated about what happened during Katrina was that the majority of the damage came from not just the flooding but also the failure of appropriate infrastructure and errors in human engineering. Most of the casualties could have been avoided through proper infrastructure and support. Across the Gulf region, flood walls were breached, and massive flooding began to destroy and overflow over 50 levees(artificial walls meant to block water flow), leading to more than a hundred billion dollars in damage.

It’s estimated that almost 1,392  people have lost their lives. Most of these deaths can be traced to human error by the local authorities and the federal government’s lack of timely response.

Also Read: Waterborne Diseases And Climate Change: The Emerging Public Health Crisis

How to Survive a Hurricane?

Here’s are steps you can adopt to survive a hurricane:

Step 1: Plan

Always remember to note the names and locations of local shelters, create an active evacuation plan from both your home and workplace to said shelter, always have a viable alternative in case the worst possible scenario occurs, and keep in touch with local officials and administration in case of such an event.

Choose a designated place for family members to rendezvous in case they are separated, and keep in direct contact with an out-of-town friend who can offer help and assistance. If instructed, ensure you know how to shut off electricity, gas, and water. Make sure you apply for flood insurance.

Step 2: Supplies Needed for Hurricane Season

• A portable water filtration system
• A generator for small necessary electrical appliances
• Fire generating mechanism
• A supply of non-perishable, pre-packed food
• A flashlight and extra batteries
• A battery-powered radio

Step 3: Board up and Brace for impact

When a hurricane warning is issued or expected within 36-48 hours, to ensure the least possible damage to your property, bring in your outdoor furniture, plants, etc. Make sure you board up all your windows and doors with strong plywood or use hurricane shutters. Clear your rain gutters and use as many perishable food items as you can. Stock up on additional gas and fuel in case you’re ordered to evacuate.

Step 4: Stock Up and Switch Off

After the storm warning has been announced, stay alert and fill your bathtubs, buckets and tanks with water for extra supply. Unplug all small, unnecessary appliances and delicate appliances, as well as sensitive electronics, and turn off any large power sources.

Step 5: Avoid Mishaps

When the wind speeds up and the storm starts brewing, stay away from fragile glass, windows, and chandeliers and avoid using electronic devices. Covering your head with a mattress or a sofa is a resilient object that protects you in case of any debris. Wait to leave your safe place until local officials say it’s okay.

Step 6: Check for Damage, and Evacuate if Necessary

In case you lose connection to your power company, keep circuit breakers turned off until power is restored, and ensure you check for frayed wires or any other fire hazards. If you notice any of these hazards, try to contact your power company. Leave the house to the nearest shelter if you can smell any gas or fish as it may indicate an electrical fire .

If you choose to evacuate ahead of time don’t enter the house if it remains surrounded by floodwater as it may have caused structural damage. This open water also poses the threat of an electric shock in case of a loose power stay elsewhere until a building inspector or structural engineer checks your home.

Also Read: The Fate of Ageing Dams in the Face of Climate Change

Conclusion: What is the Cause of the Hurricane?

So, what is the cause of the hurricane? Hurricanes form when warm ocean water heats the air above it, causing the air to rise and create a cycle of warm, moist air. This energy fuels the storm’s development, while the Earth’s rotation (Coriolis effect) causes the system to spin, leading to the characteristic rotating winds.

Like any other natural disaster, hurricanes serve a higher purpose within the global ecosystem. They not only help regulate our climate by moving heat energy from the equator to disperse it across the globe to the poles, keeping the Earth’s temperature following a consistent pattern and maintaining stability. As technology has advanced, science has helped us better understand hurricanes and predict their paths. The more we learn about these complex weather phenomena, the better we can prepare for them and minimize the impact on human lives.

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