The Greatest Storm |
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by Tom Millwee |
...when they strike a coastal community they bring the worst possible weather conditions in three elements. For the Texas Gulf Coast, hurricane season is June through November. Hurricanes can and do cause death.
The first of those elements is storm surge. A Category Three hurricane that strikes the Upper Texas Coast with sustained winds of near 130 mph could produce a storm surge of 13 to 15 feet above sea level at Galveston Island. In Galveston Bay, the storm surge from the same intensity hurricane could be near 25 feet. A Category Five hurricane, with a sustained wind of 175 mph, could cause a storm surge at Galveston Island of near 21 feet above normal. The resulting surge in Galveston Bay could reach 35 feet. Storm surges of the magnitude described are hard to imagine, especially when related to the amount of property destroyed and the potential for great loss of life.
The second element in the triad of destruction is the power of hurricane-force winds. Devastating power can be released from three wind-generating sources. They are: sustained winds 60 mph for three to four hours, with a destructive force of a tornado with 100 mph winds; sustained winds of 120 mph for the same time period, with destructive force of a tornado with 200 mph winds; tornadoes and down-bursts with winds of equal or greater magnitude than the sustained storm winds. While the devastation caused by storm surge is limited to the immediate coastal area, hurricane wind damage can extend well beyond 100 miles inland.
The final element that makes hurricanes the greatest storms on earth is perhaps the most difficult to comprehend. It is rain of such magnitude that at times the destruction of property and potential loss of life exceeds the power of the storm surge or that of hurricane force winds.
Don't gamble with a hurricane - plan ahead. Now.
As hurricane season approaches, Texas coastal residents should take the opportunity to check their own hurricane readiness.
Two of the biggest enemies of hurricane preparedness are apathy and denial. Hurricanes and tropical storms are unpredictable and often have the potential to make landfall in Texas. Too many people make the mistake of believing that the storm will go elsewhere, and won't affect them.
Hurricanes and tropical storms can have both a direct and an indirect impact upon Texas. Indirect impacts can include unusually high tides or severe weather. Many people take unnecessary risks. Here are some simple steps that you can take now to be on the safe side.
Each storm that enters the Gulf of Mexico should represent a "wake up call" for coastal residents that the time is now to make sure they and their loved ones are prepared for disaster. It is unwise to gamble with a hurricane.
Tom Millwee is the State Coordinator for the Texas Division of Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety.
The Magazine would like to thank Jo Moss, Public Information Officer for the Division, for her assistance in preparing this feature. RLO 2A in Houston declined to participate in the development of the article. Editor
Although you will find many web sites, these three will give you a wide range of information.
National Hurricane Center. As you would expect, there are maps, some predictions, historic data, etc. (During an emergency, you'll obtain data faster by TV.)
American Red Cross. News source for disasters from many different geographic areas and direct, on-the-scene coverage of the human side + direct link to CNN.
Are you a bit more ambitious? These are three shareware programs that either provide tracking or predictive assistance. (All three are on the HAL-PC BBS.)
PS: As a state and federally qualified emergency management instructor, I can tell you from first hand observation how devastating a hurricane - even a "small" one - can be. How safe can a hurricane be if it can take a cow or truck and move it miles away? Please prepare for your and your family's safety…and live to renew your membership! Editor
E-mail me at webmaster@hal-pc.org with any comments you have and tell me what you want to see here.
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