Hurricane Hanna made landfall in Texas recently, bringing with it strong winds and life-threatening storm surges. This tropical cyclone has reached wind speeds of up to 90 mph and is expected to produce heavy rain that could potentially result in flash flooding and minor to moderate river flooding in southern Texas and northeastern Mexico.
The Naming of Tropical Cyclones
In the West Indian islands located in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, tropical cyclones such as Hurricane Hanna are referred to as hurricanes. This term applies to the same weather phenomena that occur in the Atlantic Ocean and the northeastern Pacific Ocean.
Expectation of an “Above-Normal” Hurricane Season This Year
Forecasters predict an “above-normal” hurricane season for the United States this year. This prediction links to various factors including warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures present in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds and an enhanced west African monsoon are also viewed as contributing factors.
Hurricane Formation
Hurricanes typically form over warm ocean waters near the equator. They usually occur between 5 to 15 degrees latitude north and south of the equator. The formation of these destructive weather events largely depends on the temperature of the water they form over. Hence, warmer oceans provide a more conducive environment for hurricane development.
Hurricane Hanna’s Classification
Hurricane Hanna was classified as a Category 1 storm on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale (SSHWS). This scale rates hurricanes on a level from 1 to 5 based on their sustained wind speed. Hurricane Hanna reached wind speeds of up to 90mph, hence its classification as a Category 1 storm.
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
The SSHWS estimates potential property damage a hurricane could cause based on its sustained wind speed. It is an essential tool used to assess the potential impact and danger of a hurricane. With Hurricane Hanna’s classification as a Category 1 storm, it falls on the lower end of the scale, suggesting that while it may cause property damage, the potential devastation is less than storms classified at higher categories on the SSHWS.
Hurricane Hanna’s Impact
While the full extent of the impact from Hurricane Hanna is yet unknown, it is expected to produce significant rainfall across southern Texas and northeastern Mexico. This heavy rainfall has the potential to lead to flash flooding and isolated minor to moderate river flooding. As with all hurricanes, the potential for life-threatening conditions and significant property damage exists, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and appropriate safety precautions.
The recent landfall of Hurricane Hanna serves as a reminder of the destructive power of these weather events and the need for adequate preparation and response strategies, particularly in regions prone to such occurrences. The annual hurricane season holds significant implications for those residing in susceptible areas and highlights the larger conversation around global weather patterns and climate change.