. It is early August and an intense cluster of thunderstorms is located near the

Question

. It is early August and an intense cluster of thunderstorms is located near the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean Sea. This cluster is moving northwest into the Yucatan Channel. It is then expected to enter the Gulf of Mexico and move north, crossing the Gulf coast between New Orleans, LA and Mobile, AL. Once it crosses the coast, long-range computer forecasts indicate a track into the southern Appalachian Mountains and a return to the sea along the Delaware/New Jersey coast. Sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico are around 83°F and there is weak vertical wind shear in the area. a. Assess the potential for intensification of this cluster to hurricane strength. Explain your conclusion. b. What potential for damage does this storm pose for the United States? Construct a table indicating all kinds of potential damage (wind strength, storm surge, etc.) and likely locations (hint: be sure to assess New Orleans and Mobile separately). c. What organization would you consult for additional and continuing information on this storm?

Explanation / Answer

a.For a storm to become hurricane there are certain conditions to be fulfilled like continuous supply of moisture and the sea surface temperature should be minimum 27 degree C or 80.6 degree Fahrenheit. Another condition is there should be weak vertical wind shear and presence of weak tropical disturbances. Since the temperature of the sea water is 83 degree Fahrenheit and the presence of weak tropical disturbances in the atmosphere in the form of thunderstorms. So there is potential of these clusters of storms to become hurricane.

b.The wind velocity in a hurricane is greater than 119 km/hr. This high wind velocity wind will cause a great damage to the New Orleans and the Mobile since these are situated near the coast of Gulf of Mexico from which these storm enters. It will greatly damage the buildings, trees and other infrastructures like telecommununications, power and water supply. The sea level will rise because of the hurricane upto several meters and this is known as storm surge. This storm surge cause the flooding of the low lying areas situated near the coasts. Usually torrential rain occurs in a hurricane which also causes landslides, flooding in the area. There will be losses of life and the property due to this.

c.For additional information related to storms you consult National weather service which forecasts weather, warns about hazardous weather conditions to organisations and the general public for their safety, protection and for general information.

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