1. The Science of hurricanes

2. Highlights Atlantic storms start as weather disturbances in Africa
moves over the ocean where the heat from the water fuels the storm
Water temp needs to be at least 80 degrees
Rotation of the earth causes storm to start spinning
As it spins it becomes more compact and more powerful
Most storms die out fairly quickly
Few storms become tropical storms and even fewer become hurricanes
Storms lose energy as it goes over land

3. Facts about hurricanes
Storms get names after they develop into tropical depressions
Names are determined ahead of the season
Names are re-used for other seasons
Alphabetical order, male-female every other
For devastating and deadly hurricanes, names are retired

4. Trade winds determine the path of a hurricane

5. Computer models predict where the hurricane will go
Cone of uncertainty
Probability of the hurricane striking any part within the cone
Harder to predict many days into the future

6. Models improve over time
Become more accurate
Better able to make predictions
Every storm improves the model
Same data is collected for every storm
What is this an example of?
repetition

7. Scientific design
Various research entities conduct their own models using the same data
All the models are compiled to create cone of uncertainty
What is this an example of?
replication

8. What other data are collected?
Rainfall
Storm surge
Inland Flooding
Wind speeds
Coastal flooding
erosion

9. Common terminology
Tropical Storm Watch: Tropical storm conditions are possible in the area.
Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible in the area. Watches are issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm force winds.
Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions are expected in the area.
Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected in the area. Warnings are issued 36 hours in advance of tropical storm force winds.

10. Common terminology
Eye: Clear, sometimes well-defined center of the storm with calmer conditions.
Eye Wall: Surrounding the eye, contains some of the most severe weather of the storm with the highest wind speed and largest precipitation.
Rain Bands: Bands coming off the cyclone that produce severe weather conditions such as heavy rain, wind and tornadoes.
Storm Surge: An often underestimated and deadly result of ocean water swelling as a result of a landfalling storm, and quickly flooding coastal and sometimes areas further inland.

11. Saffir-simpson scale

12. How does this help us? preparation Evacuations
Securing valuables and pets
Early warning system for the vulnerable
Put away loose items outside

13. Where do you find information on storms?
Local news
National hurricane center -
Twitter - p%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

14. Hurricane Matthew: what we know
Made landfall in Haiti this morning
U.s. landfall still uncertain
Maximum sustained winds: 145 mph
Hurricane-force winds: Up to 40 miles from the center
tropical-storm-force winds: up to 185 miles.

15. What to expect Loss of electricity (possibly for days)
Possible loss of water
Down power lines (don’t go out after the storm!)
Possible evacuation

16. Florida is really good at hurricanes
Don’t panic!
Florida is really good at hurricanes
Emphasis on how deadly hurricanes can be are mostly meant for people who insist on “riding out” the storm

17. Science and hurricanes
Collect data Create models Make predictions Plan for emergencies