During the summer, it’s time to rejoice in the sun and get outdoors for a little bit of nature. Unfortunately, here in Houston, summer also means hurricane season. Anyone who has lived here long knows that these storms are not to be taken lightly.
A hurricane may cause torrential downpours, long-lasting power outages, flood conditions, and of course, terrifying wind that downs trees and tears roofs to pieces. With this year’s hurricane season over the Atlantic, the outlook isn’t as terrible as most years.
According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the 2019 hurricane season will be relatively normal. There are between 9 and 15 named storms predicted, with four to eight potentially turning into hurricanes up to category 5. It is these that we prepare for year-round.
How Hurricanes Form in the Summer
During the summer heat, tropical cyclones out of the Gulf are increasingly more common due to the combination of the newfound warmth and the cool ocean water. These cyclones often sustain wind speeds of up to 73 mph. Once a tropical cyclone reaches wind speeds of 95 mph, the storm is upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane.
According to NASA, hurricanes form because of two key ingredients: heat and water. A hurricane starts to form over the warm water found just above the equator. Here, the ocean’s surface absorbs heat and moisture. While the hot air rises, it allows the low pressure to remain below.
The process repeats as high-pressure areas shift towards low-pressure areas over the ocean. The heat continues to rise as the pressure front moves, producing swirls in the air. After awhile, the hot air cools off and forms into powerful storm clouds that swirl and become a thunderstorm. From there, the process repeats until it escalates into a hurricane.
Preparing for This Year’s Hurricane Season
A single hurricane this summer can topple your home and ruin your plans. Being prepared can help you, your family, your home, and your business minimize the long-lasting impact of such a storm.