How can the effects of tropical storms be reduced?

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  • Created by: ccoatesx
  • Created on: 24-09-17 06:55
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  • How can the effects of tropical storms be reduced?
    • Prediction
      • Weather data is fed into supercomputers which run models.
        • These models predict the path and intensity of tropical storms.
      • Supercomputers can give five days' warning
        • A more accurate location within 400 kilometres
      • The National Hurricane Centre in Florida predicts the storms path and intensity
        • for up to seven days using a 'track cone'
          • The cone shape allows for error with the unpredictable behaviour of tropical storms.
            • Especially when it hit lands.
            • Around 70 per cent of tropical storms occur within the predicted cone.
      • National Hurricane Centres issue early warnings
        • This is so people have time to prepare to evacuate.
          • Some may not bother.
          • Evacuation is costly and time-consuming, particularly if the path of the tropical storm doesn't pass the area.
    • Planning
      • American National Hurricane PreparednessWeek in May
        • Aims to  encourage people to plan what they need to have and do in the event of a tropical storm
      • Preparing disaster supply kits
      • Having fuel in vehicles
      • Knowing where official evacuation shelters are
      • Storing loose objects
      • Planning with family what to do
    • Monitoring
      • Satellites
        • There is a classic cloud pattern associated with tropical storms that satellites monitor.
        • It was discovered that rainclouds that reach approx. 16km in altitude are more likely to indicated that a tropical storm will intensify within 24 hours,
        • The Global Precipitation Measurement satellite was launched in 2004.
          • It monitors precipitation every three hours.
          • Between latitudes 65 degrees north and south of the Equator to identify high altitude rainclouds.
      • Aircraft
        • A plane first flew purposely into a hurricane in 1943
          • To make observations
        • Now specially equipped aircraft frequently fly into tropical storms
          • At 10,000 feet to collect air pressure, rainfall and wind speed data.
          • They release sensors which send measurements every second by radio back to the aircraft.
      • NASA measures weather patterns across the Atlantic
        • Using two unmanned aircraft called Global Hawk drones
          • With on-board radar and microwaves to help scientists understand more about the formation of tropical storms.
    • Protection
      • Buildings have areas of weakness that can be reinforced to reduce damage by forces winds of tropical storms
        • Mitigation
      • Install hurricane straps (galvanised metal) between the roof and walls.
      • Install storm shutters on windows
      • Install an emergency generator
      • Tie down windburn objects e.g. garden furniture
      • Reinforce garage doors
      • Remove trees close to buildings

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