HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL HAZARDS

Typhoons
What is a Typhoon?
● A typhoon is a violent, rotating storm that forms over warm tropical ocean
waters. It is distinguished by high winds, torrential rains, and low air pressure.
Typhoons may wreak havoc on coastal areas and are frequently
accompanied by storm surges and flooding.

How are they formed?

● Typhoons, also known as hurricanes or cyclones in different parts of the
world, are enormous, violent storms that occur over warm ocean waters near
the equator. Here's a quick rundown of how they form:
● Warm Ocean Water: In order for a typhoon to occur, the ocean water
temperature must be higher than 26.5 degrees Celsius (approximately 80
degrees Fahrenheit). The water's heat causes humidity in the air above it.
● Evaporation and Condensation: Warm, moist air travels upward, leaving less
air near the surface, resulting in low pressure at the water's surface. As wet
air rises, it cools and condenses, resulting in clouds and rain.
● Circulation of Wind: Due to Earth's rotation (the Coriolis Effect), air begins
rotating around the low pressure, creating a cyclonic effect. In the Northern
hemisphere, wind circulation is counterclockwise, and clockwise in the
Southern hemisphere.
● Formation of Storm: As more heat and water vapor is transferred from the
ocean to the air, winds within the system become stronger, creating a
feedback loop that fuels the typhoon.
● Eye of the Storm: Once the winds reach a certain speed, the storm is officially
classified as a typhoon. The center of the storm, known as the eye, is calm
with clear skies because the strong wind and rain rotate around it.

Interesting Facts about Typhoons.

● The energy release in a typical mature typhoon is equivalent to about half the
world’s electrical generating capacity. This immense power comes from the
condensation of warm, moist air rising in the storm, releasing heat and driving
intense wind and rainfall.
● The typhoon season in the Pacific Ocean typically runs from May 15 to
November 30.
● The center of the typhoon, known as the eye, is surprisingly calm compared
to the surrounding areas. The most dangerous part of the typhoon is the wall
of the eye, where winds are strongest.

What to do before a typhoon:

■ Prepared an emergency kit containing food, water, medicines,
flashlights, extra batteries for radios, and crucial documents.
■ Keep a close eye on weather forecasts and obey any official warnings
or evacuation instructions.
 ■ To avoid water damage, secure your home by boarding up windows,
securing loose objects outside, and transferring valuables to higher
spots if possible.

What to do during a typhoon:

■ Stay inside and avoid windows, skylights, and glass doors due to risk
of breaking.
■ If you are in a flood-prone area and water levels are rising, move to
higher ground immediately.
■ Regularly monitor emergency updates through TV, radio, phone, or
social media.

What to do after a typhoon:

■ Wait until local authorities say it’s safe before going outside. Avoid
flooded areas as they may carry electrical current or hide dangerous
debris.
■ Check your home for any potential damage carefully—the structure
could be weakened.
■ Report any gas leaks, electrical faults or water contamination to
respective utilities.
■ Restock your emergency kit for future emergencies.

Tsunamis
What is a Tsunami?
● A tsunami is a series of large ocean waves typically caused by large
undersea disturbances, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or
landslides. These disturbances displace a significant volume of water,
triggering a series of powerful waves that can travel across vast distances in
the ocean. When these waves approach shallow waters near the coastline,
their speed decreases, but their height increases dramatically, sometimes
resulting in destructive flooding and damage.

How are they formed?

● Tsunamis are formed by underwater disturbances like earthquakes, volcanic
eruptions, or landslides. When these events occur, large amounts of water
are displaced, creating powerful waves that travel across the ocean. These
waves can reach great heights and move at high speeds, causing devastating
damage when they reach coastal areas.

Interesting Facts about Tsunamis.

● Tsunamis can move at enormous speeds in the open ocean, reaching speeds
of 500 miles (or 800 km) per hour, which is nearly as fast as a commercial jet.
This velocity is caused by the depth of the water mixed with the enormous
energy imparted into the waves by seismic activity. However, once they
approach shallow waters near shore, they slow down and drastically grow in
height, resulting in the destructive force we associate with tsunamis.
 ● A tsunami is not simply a single wave, but a sequence of waves known as a
"wave train." The destructive impact of a tsunami derives from the succession
of waves, not just one.
● In Japan, ancient stones known as "Tsunami Stones" can be found along the
coastlines. These stones carry warnings about high water levels from
centuries-old tsunamis, marking where it is safe to build houses.
● The deadliest recorded tsunami was on December 26, 2004, in the Indian
Ocean, triggered by a massive undersea earthquake. It resulted in the death
of over 230,000 people across 14 countries.

What to do before a tsunami:

■ If you live near the coast, understand your risk and know the highest
points of your local area.
■ Create an emergency kit having essential items like water, food,
medicines, etc. Establish a family communication plan.
■ Identify evacuation routes. Plan how to get to a safe place, the fastest
route, and the time it would take.

What to do during a tsunami:

■ If you get a tsunami warning, or if you feel a strong and prolonged
earthquake, evacuate immediately. Go by foot if possible to avoid
traffic.
■ Immediately move to higher ground or further inland. Aim for at least
100 ft above sea level or 2 miles inland.

What to do after a tsunami:

■ Wait for local authorities to deem the area safe before returning.
■ Seek out any necessary emotional, medical, or financial assistance.
■ Be cautious of potential hazards like damaged buildings,
contaminated water, and downed power lines when returning home.

Flood/Flash Floods

What is a Flood/Flash Floods?

● A flood is a natural calamity caused by a big amount of water overflowing
over typically dry ground. It can be triggered by severe rainfall, quick
snowmelt, or dam or levee failure. A flash flood is a type of flood that occurs
quickly and without warning, frequently as a result of heavy rainfall in a short
period of time. Floods and flash floods can both be catastrophic, causing
damage to homes and infrastructure and putting lives in danger.

How are they formed?

● A flood is a natural calamity caused by a big amount of water overflowing
over typically dry ground. It can be triggered by severe rainfall, quick
snowmelt, or dam or levee failure. A flash flood is a type of flood that occurs
quickly and without warning, frequently as a result of heavy rainfall in a short
period of time. Floods and flash floods can both be catastrophic, causing
damage to homes and infrastructure and putting lives in danger.
Interesting Facts about Flood/Flash Floods.
● In the United States, flash floods are the leading cause of weather-related mortality.
When there is little to no warning time, this sort of flood emerges within six hours of
the direct cause, such as severe rain. Flash floods are notable for their enormous
energy and speed, which can uproot trees, roll boulders, smash structures, and tear
out new channels, resulting in substantial damage and loss of life and property.
● A flood is defined as an overflow of a considerable amount of water beyond its
normal bounds that submerges territory that is not normally submerged in water.
Flash floods are high-volume, short-duration local floods.
● Because of their rapid nature and fast-moving water, flash floods are highly
dangerous. A flash flood can happen within minutes or hours of heavy rain.

What to do before a flood:

■ Make an emergency kit and a plan for family communication.
■ Avoid constructing on a floodplain.
■ If your home is prone to floods, raise the furnace, water heater, and
electric panel.
■ Build barriers to prevent flooding from entering your property if
possible.
■ Check to see if your house insurance policy covers flooding.
■ Keep up to date on weather forecasts.

What to do during a flood:

■ Be aware that flash flooding can occur without warning, so move to
higher grounds immediately.
■ Listen to the radio or television for information and instructions.
■ If it is safe, and you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances.
■ Do not walk through moving water. Even a small amount of fast-
moving water can sweep you off your feet.
■ Do not drive into flooded areas. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

What to do after a flood:

■ Listen for news updates to know when it’s safe to go back home.
■ When returning home, be aware of potential hidden dangers like sharp
objects, contaminated water, or exposed electrical wires.
■ Take pictures of flood damage for insurance claims.
■ Consider seeking professional help for cleanup to ensure all water
damage and potential mold issues are addressed.
■ Restock your emergency kit for the next event.

References:

What is the difference between a hurricane and a typhoon? (n.d.).

https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/cyclone.html
Cockburn, C. (2022, September 27). How are typhoons formed? A step-by-step guide. The
Globe and Mail. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/explainer-how-are-typhoons-
formed/article15373372/

Tropical cyclone facts. (2023, January 27). Met Office.

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/weather/tropical-cyclones/facts#:~:text=A%20mature
%20 hurricane%20or%20 typhoon,maintaining%20the%20 deep%20 cumulonimbus%20
clouds.

What is a tsunami? (n.d.). https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/tsunami.html

Tsunamis. (n.d.). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/ocean-coasts/tsunamis#:~:text=A%20
tsunami%20is%20a%20 series,sometimes%20 crossing%20 entire%20ocean%20 basins.

Tsunamis. (n.d.-b). Red Cross Canada. https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/emergencies-

and-disasters-in-canada/types-of-emergencies/tsunamis-1
NOAA’s National Weather Service. (n.d.). Flood and flash flood definitions.
https://www.weather.gov/mrx/flood_and_flash#:~:text=Definitions%20of%20Flood%20and
%20Flash%20Flood&text=Ponding%20of%20water%20at%20or,generally%20less%20than
%206%20hours.
NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory. (n.d.). Flood Basics.
https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/floods/#:~:text=Flash%20 floods%20 occur
%20when%20 heavy,a%20short%20 amount%20of%20time.
PuroClean Editorial Team. (2023, June 16). Flash Flood Facts: 10 Must-Know Facts.
PuroClean. https://www.puroclean.com/blog/facts-about-flash-floods/
What To Do Before, During, and After a Flood | Patterson, CA - Official Website. (n.d.).
https://www.ci.patterson.ca.us/488/What-To-Do-Before-During-and-After-a-
Flo#:~:text=Before%20a%20 Flood,has%20a%20 high%20 flood%20risk.