How can the effects of tropical storms be reduced?

Monitoring a tropical storm allows for predictions to be made which can save lives and reduced damage. The following explains some of the ways in which they monitored.

Satellites

There are classic cloud patterns associated with tropical storms that satellites monitor. In 1997, they accidentally discovered that the appearance of thing pounds which reached approximately 16 km altitude are more likely to indicate is tropical storm will intensify within 24 hours. Seven years later the global precipitation measurement satellite was launched. It monitors precipitation every three hours between latitude 65° north an south of the equator to identify the high altitude rainclouds.

Aircraft

A plane first flew purposely into Hurricane in 1943 to make observations. Now equipped aircraft frequently fly through tropical storms at 10,000 feet to collect air pressure, rainfall and wind speed data. 

NASA uses Global Hawk drones, with on-board radar and microwaves to help scientists.

All weather data is fed into supercomputers which run models to predict the path and intensity of tropical storms.

Supercomputers can now give five days' warning and a more accurate location within 400 kilometers.

The National Hurricane Center in Florida predicts a tropical storm's path and intensity for up to seven days using a 'track cone'. The cone shape allows for error with the unpredictable behavior of the tropical storm, especially when it hits land. Around 70 percent of tropical storms occur within the predicted cone.

National Hurricane Centers around the world send early warnings so people have time to prepare to evacuate - but some may not bother.

Buildings have areas of weakness which can be reinforced to reduce damage caused by the forceful winds of tropical storms. This is called mitigation.

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) advises homeowners to:

• Install hurricane straps (galvanized metal) between the roof and walls.
• Install storm shutters on windows
• Install an emergency generator
• Tie down windborne objects such as garden furniture
• Reinforce garage doors
• Remove trees close to buildings

American National Hurricane Preparedness Week in May aims to encourage people to plan what they need to have and do in the event of a tropical storm.

Advice included:

• Preparing disaster supply kits
• Having fuel in vehicles
• Knowing where official evacuation shelters are
• Storing loose objects
• Planning with family what to do