Hurricane Helene leaves at least 69 dead as losses of a lifetime devastate residents

Sub : Geo

Sec: Climatology

Context:

Hurricane Helene has caused massive flooding and damage to property and infrastructure in southeastern US.

What is Hurricane:

A hurricane is a powerful and destructive tropical storm characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and low atmospheric pressure.
Hurricanes are also known as cyclones or typhoons in different parts of the world.
In the Atlantic Ocean and Northeast Pacific, they are called hurricanes, while in the northwestern Pacific, they are referred to as typhoons, and in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean, they are known as cyclones.

Key characteristics of hurricanes:

Low Pressure Centre:
- Hurricanes have a well-defined centre of low atmospheric pressure, known as the eye.
- The eye is typically calm and clear, with light winds, surrounded by a ring of intense thunderstorms called the eyewall.
Strong Winds: Hurricanes are known for their powerful winds that can reach sustained speeds of at least 74 miles per hour or higher.
Heavy Rainfall: Hurricanes produce heavy rainfall, which can lead to flooding, landslides, and storm surges

Formation:

Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters when the sea surface temperature is typically above 26 degrees Celsius.
Warm, moist air rises from the ocean’s surface, creating an area of low pressure.
As the air cools and condenses, it releases heat, which fuels the storm’s development.

Categories:

Hurricanes are categorized on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale based on their maximum sustained wind speeds.
The scale ranges from Category 1 (weakest: 74-95 mph) to Category 5 (strongest: 157 mph and higher), with each category representing a higher wind speed and potential for damage.