From a scientific point of view, hurricanes are amazing to behold. They are raw and powerful in all their destructive glory. But when you pair 100-mile-per-hour winds and the raging seas with humanity’s construction in the form of buildings and roads, they don’t hold up too well. In 1937, a surprise hurricane hit New England and killed more than 600 people. Needless to say, it helps to know when a hurricane approaches Richmond, VA so seniors can prepare well in advance.
How Is It Possible to Predict Hurricanes?
With the latest technological facilities around, you might be surprised to learn that in the earliest days of hurricane prediction, pilots literally flew toward the storm to learn more about it! The men serving in the Army Air Corps learned that the hurricane air temperature changes from the edge of the storm moving to the interior. They were also able to learn the trajectory of the storm. With their efforts, when the hurricane struck New England in 1944, they were able to warn the residents and the death toll of 50 was considerably less. Thus hurricane predictions can help save countless lives.
Even today, there is an operation unit that provides surveillance of tropical storms and hurricanes all over the world and delivers that information to the World Meteorological Association. Data-gathering tools such as the ‘dropwindsondes’ i.e., parachuted cylinders, measure temperature, pressure, wind formation and humidity at regular intervals. These along with NASA satellites and ocean buoys provide a fairly comprehensive account of hurricanes. Once the numbers are obtained, computer models churn the likelihood of a storm.
How Far In Advance Will You Know?
Since 2003, predictions of hurricanes in the US have been delivered as far back as 120, 96, 72, 48 and even 12 hours prior. However, at 120 hours, the margin of error for when a storm actually hits can be 350 miles off. This can impede evacuation efforts. By 24 hours, however, it becomes 100 miles.
What Should You Do Before A Hurricane?
The most important thing is to ensure your safety. If the meteorological association advises you to evacuate then you should plan safe places to go to, how you’ll get there and where you’ll stay, This is especially important if you don’t have your own vehicle and need to use public transport as these can become packed quickly.
Alternatively, you may be advised to shelter safely. In this case, you should be prepared to live without electricity, gas, water and even your phone for a few days. Ensure that you’ve stocked up on enough food and medication. Do keep your personal and financial documents safe. It is best that you know basic first aid and CPR skills to help your neighborhood and community too.
What Should You Do During A Hurricane?
It is important to follow the right evacuation route and be up-to-date with the right paths. Remember that your usual route might be blocked temporarily. If you’re staying at home, go to your storm shelter or an interior room. Do stay away from glass windows and if possible, move to higher ground.