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How Do I Calculate Hurricane Data?

Hurricanes, also known as typhoons or cyclones, are tropical storms with winds over 74 miles per hour (mph). The winds build above the ocean and carry the threat of flooding and extreme damage to coastal areas. While scientists can predict hurricanes to a certain extent, knowing how to interpret the terminology and data you hear can help you better recognize the likelihood of a hurricane making landfall in your area and--in a worst-case scenario--the need to evacuate.

Things You'll Need

Computer
Emergency supply kit

Instructions

- 1
  Monitor the storm's wind speed. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that hurricanes are classified in five categories related to measurement of wind speed. These measurements are obtained before a storm makes landfall. A Category 1 storm is the weakest hurricane, with winds between 74 and 95 mph, while the strongest hurricane is a Category 5 with winds 155 mph or stronger.
- 2
  Calculate latitude and longitude. The National Weather Service and other online weather resources offer a hurricane distance calculator that can estimate the distance of a hurricane in terms of nautical miles, statute miles or kilometers. Users have the option of entering latitude and longitude coordinates in several formats, including degrees and decimal minutes.
- 3
  Evaluate the data given regarding the sides of the hurricane. According to "USA Today," the fastest winds are produced on the right side of a hurricane. Because a hurricane spins counterclockwise, the wind on the right side blows in the direction of the storm's motion. A hurricane with 200 mph winds moving at 40 mph has a combined wind of 240 mph on the right side, where the most damage is likely to occur. The heaviest rain falls on the left side of the hurricane.
- 4
  Know the difference between a hurricane watch and a warning. A hurricane watch signals merely the possibility of a hurricane, while a hurricane warning indicates a hurricane is expected. When a warning is issued, you may be directed by local authorities to evacuate quickly.

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