Forces of Nature , Hurricane Facts , Storm Surges & More

Heavy rains and storm surges are common characteristics of a hurricane, which can cause a lot of damage to the land and community it strikes. In this article, you will learn more about the size and strength of hurricanes, as well as facts that deal with the amount of water that can drench a location. You will also encounter some of the speeds that the winds of hurricanes can reach.

During the lifespan of a hurricane, the size and strength of this force of nature can last anywhere between one day and a couple of weeks.

When a hurricane is positioned over open waters, it does little more than cause dangerous circumstances for those who are out on the water in a boat. However, when the hurricane makes contact with land , it brings with it extremely high winds, torrential downpours, tornados and deadly storm surges.

The winds of a hurricane that are between 74 and 160 miles per hour rates can extend inland for hundreds of miles. If you take a look at the average hurricane , you will find that it can drop more than 2.4 trillion gallons of rain in a single day.

The heavy rains of a hurricane can cause flash flooding, regular floods, and landslides that infiltrate regions beyond the actual area that it attacks.

Storm surges are also a part of a hurricane and are considered one of the most dangerous parts of a hurricane. However, many people confuse this force of nature with giant waves (also known as tsunamis) , a storm that can rise beyond sea level.

When a storm surge comes to the sea, the winds associated with a hurricane spiral in such a way that drives water in , sucking it towards the center of the hurricane, which is called the ‘eye.’ As the hurricane nears the shore, the storm surge intensifies. Once ashore, the surge also follows and severe flooding is the results. Those who live in coastal communities suffer the worst of its effects.

Storm surges can reach 20 feet tall at their highest numbers and can extend for nearly 100 miles. Many people underestimate the role that water plays with hurricanes, but it is a rather deadly force. Out of ten deaths attributed to hurricanes, nine of them have been at the hands of a storm surge.

The power behind a hurricane is created by a blend of heavy rains, strong winds, and storm surges. Widespread destruction usually follows.

When winds go beyond 74 miles per hour , tiles fly off of roofs, boats suffer damage, trees fall over, cars can flip over, and telephone poles falter. The speed of the winds can send an assortment of objects (like outdoor furniture, mailboxes, and bikes) into the air to cause further damage.

Storm surges are strong enough to erode beach land, wash out roads, and take out railroads. In the process, homes, businesses, and marinas suffer. Piers crumble.