Hobbies And Interests
Environmental Risks
Hurricanes and tornadoes pose several risks to the environment. The potential for property damage and disruption of vital, natural resources as a result of one of these storms is often very high and increases in proportion to the strength of the storm. Hurricanes and tornadoes produce winds that are strong enough to destroy whole towns. These storms can damage water treatment facilities, block roadways, destroy animal habitats and can even, in the case of hurricanes, lead to flooding.
Biological Risks
Hurricanes and tornadoes also pose great risks to living things. The most powerful tornadoes are capable of killing hundreds of people; the strongest hurricanes can kill tens of thousands. People are not only killed by the strong winds, flooding and debris, but also by fires, exposure to the elements and loss of electricity. Endangered animals and plants in national parks and forests are also killed during hurricanes and tornadoes.
Likelihood of a Storm
Several factors affect the likelihood of a tornado or hurricane. These factors include the temperature of the ocean currents, the barometric pressure in an area, the frequency of hot and cold fronts, and the region of the country. Meteorologists are able to study these factors and predict how strong these storms may become and how active the storm season may be. Hurricanes are more easily predicted than tornadoes because hurricanes form over the ocean and ocean current patterns can be measured months in advance, whereas tornadoes occur more sporadically.
Mitigating Risks
There are many ways in which people mitigate the risks created by hurricanes and tornadoes. There are highly developed warning systems and evacuation routes in existence to alert citizens of an oncoming storm and give them a way to escape. Hurricane-proof windows, reinforced doors and underground cellars also help prevent damage to people and property.