Hurricane Frances

Hurricane Formation An Atlantic Ocean hurricane is born when sun-heated seawater evaporates into warm, moist air, or water vapor. This humid air collides with westward-moving airwaves from Africa and is pushed in our direction.

The Hurricanes that effect the United States form over the Atlantic Ocean just off the coast of Africa. They form in this area during late summer because the surface water of the ocean is warm and rising as water vapor in the air.

Fierce winds and the rotation of the Earth swirl the forming thunderclouds into a pinwheel shape. South of the equator these storms will rotate clockwise and are known as typhoons. North of the equator, a hurricane swirls counterclockwise. As it spins it sucks up more warm ocean water from below. When the winds reach 74 mph, the storm officially becomes a hurricane.

The center of the hurricane is called the ‘eye’. This area is very calm and usually spans miles in diameter. As the eye of the storm passes over land it will be perfectly calm and seem like a normal day. The eyewall of the storm surrounds the eye and is where the most fierce winds are located. As you move outwards from the eye of the storm you will pass through several rain bands.

The storm surge that is brought by the hurricane is usually the most destructive and dangerous hazard associated with the storm. This massive wall of water is generated by the hurricane’s wind and often levels everything in it’s path.

Storm Surge damages seen after hurricane Frances hit Ft. Pierce, FL.

Sand and other debris deposited by the storm surge in Central Florida Hutchinson Island

Categorizing Hurricanes Hurricanes are placed into categories based on the following factors: Wind Speed Storm Intensity This can be done using the Saffir-Simpson Scale Based on the storm’s category, scientisits can estimate: Storm Surge Heights Expected Flooding Expected Property Damage

Effects (Saffir-Simpson Scale) 1 Winds mph Surge 4-5 ft No real damage to building structures. Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Also, some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage 2 Winds mph Surge 6-8 ft Some roofing material, door, and window damage to buildings. Considerable damage to vegetation, mobile homes, and piers. Coastal and low-lying escape routes flood 2-4 hours before arrival of center. Small craft in unprotected anchorages break moorings. 3 Winds mph Surge 9-12 ft Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings with a minor amount of curtainwall failures. Mobile homes are destroyed. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures with larger structures damaged by floating debris. Terrain continuously lower than 5 feet ASL may be flooded inland 8 miles or more. 4 Winds mph Surge ft More extensive curtainwall failures with some complete roof structure failure on small residences. Major erosion of beach. Major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore. Terrain continuously lower than 10 feet ASL may be flooded requiring massive evacuation of residential areas inland as far as 6 miles. 5 Winds over 155 mph Surge over 18 ft Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. Major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 feet ASL and within 500 yards of the shoreline.Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5 to 10 miles of the shoreline may be required.

Projected Path of Frances September 2, :00 PM The path of an approaching hurricane can be predicted using computer generated models. These models often change on a daily/hourly basis

Florida Tells 2.5 Million Residents To Flee Hurricane 86% of Florida Population was predicted to be affected These predictions are used to alert the public and safely evacuate the people that may be in danger.

Governor issued order for all costal communities to evacuate

Friday September 3, 2004 towns closed: waiting, streets empty. Frances stalls in Bahamas.

Friday September 3, 2004 Bahamas Atlantis Hotel Bahamian International Airport

Saturday September 4, 2004 Frances arrives in Florida Fort Pierce Brevard County Malabar Cocoa Beach Orlando

September 5, 2004 First views of East and Central Florida Damage Jensen Beach

September 5, 2004 First views of East and Central Florida Damage Vero Beach

September 5, 2004 First views of East and Central Florida Damage Palm Beach County

September 5, 2004 First views of East and Central Florida Damage Stuart

September 6, 2004 First views of East and Central Florida Damage Brevard County, east of Orlando

September 6, 2004 First views of East and Central Florida Damage Orange County, Orlando

September 6, 2004 First views of North West Central Florida Damage Lake County North West of Orlando

September 6, 2004 First views of Tampa, St Petersburg area

September 6, 2004 Francis Leaves Florida’s West Coast

60 of 67 Counties of Florida directly affected by Hurricane Frances. Estimated % of Citrus Industry destroyed after two hurricanes in three weeks

Now Florida faces another Chapter of 2004 Hurricane Season

Floridians are trying to decide to fly away or stick it out.