Each year, around 14 tropical storms form in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico, according to the United States Weather Service.
Of these, seven develop into hurricanes. While many remain over the ocean, some make landfall, posing significant risks to life and property.
Hurricane Milton is expected to hit the Florida coast on Wednesday evening, leading to life-threatening impacts.
For a storm to evolve into a hurricane, it requires tropical conditions, primarily warm waters exceeding 27°C (80°F). The storm intensifies and begins to rotate due to the Coriolis effect, a result of the Earth’s rotation.
The rotation speed of the storm affects its category and potential destruction. Experts emphasize the crucial role of wind speed in determining the extent of damage caused by hurricanes.
Powerful winds can inflict severe harm on buildings and structures, often hurling debris that exacerbates the destruction.
Regions with hurricane-resistant infrastructure typically experience less damage compared to areas lacking robust building codes and regulations.
Strong winds and flying debris can disrupt vital infrastructure such as roads and emergency escape routes, isolating communities from critical resources.
Rising water levels, heavy rainfall, and storm surges can also devastate local infrastructure.
Effective city design significantly influences drainage capacity, with larger urban areas prone to flash flooding and mountainous regions at risk for landslides.
Debris carried by strong currents can cause additional destruction, turning everyday objects into hazardous projectiles.
Cities designed as ‘sponge cities’ incorporate green spaces that absorb rainfall, mitigating the effects of heavy storms.
While hurricanes are notorious for their wind, nearly 90% of hurricane-related fatalities arise from water-related hazards, including storm surges and flooding.
In coastal areas like Florida, storm surges are among the most perilous consequences of hurricanes.
The National Hurricane Center warns that Hurricane Milton could generate record storm surges of 10-15 feet, in addition to localized rainfall reaching up to 1.5 feet.
This warning follows Hurricane Helene’s historic flooding and storm surge of over 15 feet just two weeks prior.
Significant rainfall before Helene’s landfall saturated the ground, increasing the likelihood of flooding.
Helene’s enormous volume of rain and wind spread resulted in wind gusts exceeding 70 mph even hundreds of miles from the storm center.
The U.S. is equipped to recover from powerful storms more efficiently than many poorer nations, thanks to robust geographical, housing, infrastructural, and financial resources.
Preparation can significantly lessen the impact of storms, enabling communities to rebuild more rapidly post-disaster.
As Florida prepared for Milton, the state initiated its largest evacuation effort in years to ensure residents’ safety in at-risk areas.
The storm’s size necessitated widespread alerts and quick evacuations, presenting challenges, particularly in densely populated regions.
Federal and local agencies were well-prepared, facilitating the establishment of shelters and providing valuable resources.
However, socioeconomic factors complicate these efforts. Many individuals face challenges evacuating due to financial constraints, job-related worries, or familial responsibilities.
Community trust in authorities affects compliance with evacuation orders, while frequent storm exposure can lead to a false sense of safety.
For communities in developing countries, effective early warning systems must be community-driven, as lack of preparation and resources can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
Empowering local communities to take the lead in disaster preparedness can enhance their readiness and response capabilities during emergencies.
