Transcript Hurricane - Beaches Watch

Beaches
Communities
Hurricane
Preparedness Training
“Spring of 2006”
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General Information
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Hurricanes are devastating powerhouses of
wind, rain, and surf.
 Wind gust can reach 200 mph.
 Can bring 6 to 12 inches of rainfall.
 Storm surge can lift the ocean 15-24 feet or more
above main sea level, with additional wave action.
 Tornadoes are likely.
 Loss of power and communication abilities likely.
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Formation of a Hurricane
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The ingredients for a
hurricane include a pre-existing
weather disturbance, warm
tropical oceans, moisture, and
relatively light winds aloft.
A hurricane is a type of tropical
cyclone, which is a generic term
for a low pressure system that
generally forms in the tropics. The
cyclone is accompanied by
thunderstorms and, in the
Northern Hemisphere, a
counterclockwise circulation of
winds near the earth's surface.
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Hurricane Formation
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The process by which a tropical
cyclone forms and subsequently
strengthens into a hurricane
depends on at least three
conditions shown in the figure
below
A pre-existing disturbance with
thunderstorms.
Warm (at least 80ºF) ocean
temperatures to a depth of about
150 feet.
Light upper level winds that do
not change much in direction and
speed throughout the depth of the
atmosphere (low wind shear).
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Hurricane Anatomy
The main parts of a hurricane (shown below) are the rainbands on its outer edges,
the eye, and the eyewall. Air spirals in toward the center in a counter-clockwise
pattern, and out the top in the opposite direction. In the very center of the storm, air
sinks, forming the cloud-free eye.
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Hurricane Terminology
Tropical Depression: An organized system of clouds
and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and
maximum sustained winds* of 38 mph (33 knt**) or
less
Tropical Storm: An organized system of strong
thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and
maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph (34-63 knt)
Hurricane: An intense tropical weather system of strong
thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation
and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knt) or
higher
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Continued Hurricane
Information
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Just as many factors contribute to the birth of a
hurricane, there are many reasons why a hurricane
begins to decay. Wind shear can tear the hurricane
apart. Moving over cooler water or drier areas can
lead to weakening as well. Landfall typically shuts off
the hurricane's main moisture source, and the surface
circulation can be reduced by friction when it passes
over land.
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Hurricane: Terminology
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Tropical Storm Watch: An alert given when a tropical storm ( wind
speeds of 39-73 mph) poses a threat to a specific area within 36 hours.
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Tropical Storm Warning: An alert given when a tropical storm poses a
threat to a specific coastal area within 24 hours.
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Hurricane Watch: An announcement for specific coastal areas that
hurricane conditions are possible within 36 hours.
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Hurricane Warning: A warning that sustained winds of 74 mph or
higher associated with a hurricane are expected in a specified coastal area
within 24 hours or less.
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Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
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The scale below categorizes storms based on sustained
wind speeds.
Cat storm
Category 1:
Category 2:
Category 3:
Category 4:
Category 5:
Winds
Surge (FT)
74-95 MPH
4-5
96-110 MPH
6-8
111-130 MPH
9-12
131-155 MPH
13-19
Greater than155 MPH 19+
Example
Irene 1999
Floyd 1999
Alicia 1993
Hugo 1989
Andrew 1992
Surge Indicator Poles, located in each community indicate the maximum
expected surge per category. Cat-1 red, Cat -2 orange, Cat-3 yellow,
Cat-4 green, and Cat-5 purple.
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Hurricane: Storms Surge
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Storm surge is simply water that is pushed toward the shore by
the force of the winds swirling around the storm. This
advancing surge combines with the normal tides to create the
hurricane storm tide.
In addition, wind driven waves are superimposed on the storm
tide. This rise in water level can cause severe flooding in
coastal areas, particularly when the storm tide coincides with
the normal high tides. Because much of the Atlantic coastline
is less than 10 feet above mean sea level, the danger from
storm tides is tremendous. Waves may reach 20 feet.
The level of surge in a particular area is also determined by the
slope of the continental shelf. A shallow slope such as the our
area, allows a greater surge to inundate coastal communities.,
although large breaking waves can still present major
problems.
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Hurricane: Storm Surge
 During Katrina, debris line was recorded at 12 ft. 5 miles inland.
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Hurricane: Flooding Problems
Typically 6-12 inches of rainfall produced.
 Drowning is the #1 cause of deaths related to
hurricanes.
 59% of children killed by hurricanes
drowned in freshwater flooding.
 23% of all victims drowned while trying to
abandon their vehicles.
 Will be a significant inland problem.
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Flooding from Hurricane Frances
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Hurricane: Tornadoes
Most hurricanes produce tornadoes. They occur in
thunderstorms embedded in the rain-bands.
Weak
Moderate
Strong
less 110 MPH
110-205 MPH
205 MPH+
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Category 1 & 2
(Minimal to moderate damage)
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Possible outcomes
 Wind damage
• Substandard structures
• Signs, trees, power lines
 Significant damage
• Pier
• Marina & boats
• Waterfront property
• Flooding
• Structural damage to
homes and businesses
• Barrier islands
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Category 3, 4, & 5
(Extensive/catastrophic damage)
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Possible outcomes
 Many complete building failures and marinas/boats
destroyed.
 Failure of communications (Telephone, cell phones,
radios).
 Extensive damage to city infrastructure (power, water,
sewer).
 Bridges destroyed.
 Severe flooding.
 Roadways covered with sand, washed out and not passable.
 Potential loss of life.
 Disruption of government services.
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CHARLEY:
Landfall August 13th, Cat 4-138 MPH,
Punta Gorda
Claimed 22 lives, $6.8 Billion US damages
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JEANNE:
Landfall Sept 25th, Cat 3-120 MPH, south end of
Hutchinson Island in Martin County
Claimed 6 deaths in Florida $6.2 Billion US damages
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Hurricane Jeanne, Local Damage
(Tropical force winds)
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FRANCES:
Landfall Sept 5th, Cat 2-105 MPH, north of
Stuart in Martin County
Claimed 15 lives $2.5 Billion US damages
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Hurricane Frances Local Damage
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Hurricane Frances Damage Locally
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Hurricane Frances
Category 2
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Hurricane Frances
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Hurricane Frances Flooding
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Hurricane Frances, Aftermath
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Hurricane IVAN: Sept 16th, Cat 3-130 MPH, landfall
near Gulf Shores, Alabama and Escambia County
Florida. Claimed 60 lives, largest hurricane of the 2004
season.
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The 2005 Hurricane Season
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28 named storms
15 hurricanes, 7 landfalls , 104 Billion damage, 1400
lives lost.
3 cat 5 storms Katrina, Rita, and Wilma
Hurricane Katrina was the costliest (80 billion), and
one of the deadliest hurricanes in American history
(over 1300 lives lost). It was the eleventh named
storm, fifth hurricane, third major hurricane, and
second Category 5 hurricane of the 2005 Atlantic
hurricane season, and was the sixth-strongest Atlantic
hurricane ever recorded.
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Wilma in Honduras, 2005
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Hurricane Wilma in the Keys 2005
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Hurricane Katrina 2005
Chalmette, LA
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What Can We Expect in 2006
“Dr. William Gray”
The 2006 Atlantic hurricane season will be much
more active than the average 1950-2000 season. We
estimate that 2006 will have about 9 hurricanes
(average is 5.9), 17 named storms (average is 9.6).
 Do not expect as many US landfalls.
 No El Nino conditions likely, El Nina conditions
may exist.
 We are in a period of heightened hurricane activity
for next few years. (Increased Atlantic water temp,
little El-Nino activity).
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A Beach Community after a major
hurricane….. Prepare
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What damage could we expect from a Cat-3
hurricane force winds (115+ MPH), flooding,
wave action, and possible tornadoes.
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Preparing Your Home
Ensure you have ample insurance/flood/mold.
 Utilize shutters (metal or plywood) to protect
against flying debris.
 Secure all outside objects.
 Unplug all electrical equipment. Store
equipment elevated and covered with plastic.
 Inventory property and photograph.
 Use cautions with generators (CO and
electrical issues.)
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Boats Owners Preparation
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For trailerable boats:
- Take them with you if possible.
- Secure all equipment and tarps.
- Secure the boat if possible.
Boats at a marina: (Do not stay aboard…)
- If possible move to a sheltered area (gunk hole) and secure
with multiple anchors.
- If left at the dock , strip all equipment and anything that
might blow, secure with multiple lines and pad (fenders).
- Leave room for the tidal variations 5-10 ft if not a floating
dock.
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Pets and Hurricanes
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Most public emergency shelters do not allow pets because of
health and safety regulations. Animals who assist people with
disabilities are usually the only animals allowed in shelters.
This year there will be several shelters allowing pets in Duval
County.
- Take pets with you if possible.
- Find a safe pet refuge ahead of time.
- Take supply of food/water/ collar
with ID .
- Make a list of Vets and meds, first
and kit , and recent photos.
- If you have to leave them, have
food, water, and an escape route for
them.
- Have a suitable travel container.
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Sample Evacuation Kit
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Prepare for a 3-4 day stay. Make plans to go somewhere….
Radio, flashlight, batteries.
First aid supplies and sanitation supplies.
Medications and baby supplies.
Bottled water.
Clothing.
Bedding.
Food, non perishable.
Extra money.
Pets and supplies.
Copy of important papers and documents
Re-entry pass (Residents can pick up at city hall)
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General Population Evacuation
The Mayor’s of Duval County announce the evacuation.
 All citizens should seek shelter well inland.
• Shelter information will be announced over radio and
TV broadcasts. The telephone book has a detailed
section on evacuation.
• Special needs Transportation available .
• Have a destination, stay out of flood zone.
• There are no shelters for pets.
• Take evacuation kit with you and fill up fuel tank on
vehicle.
• Ensure your house is secure and shuttered if possible.
• Plan you route, however law enforcement may have to
re-direct traffic to keep it flowing.
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Special Needs Population
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Special needs is defined as those with special medical
needs( dependent on medical care, electricity for support
equipment, chronic condition, or contagious condition that
requires isolation) or those that need transportation to a
shelter.
Residents of nursing homes or elderly housing facilities
should check with their facility about evacuation plans.
Register each year in the spring with Co/Jax EOC, 3 ways.
- Telephone EOC @ 630-2472
- On-line at www.coj.net
- At City Hall ( Pick up a Special Needs form)
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After a Hurricane: What Then?
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Listen to media (radio and TV) for information on re-entry.
Realize it will be a slow process. Be patient.
Emergency operations will be coordinated with each city
through the Beach Complex to Co/Jax EOC.
Power will usually be out. And may take days to restore. City
Government will be trying to get water, sewer, and power
restored.
The first priority will be damage assessment and search
and rescue operations.
Debris will be everywhere. Each city has plans for debris
removal.
Curfew’s may be necessary.
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Re-Entry Process
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May be days before residents
are allowed back due to safety.
Re-entry Checkpoint:
• Residents must show a valid
re-entry pass.
• Business managers/owners
will be allowed back into
the beach area but should
have a pass.
• Law enforcement will
coordinate re-entry
operations.
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Local Recovery Efforts
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For a major event, the County will be divided into four
sections utilizing the NIMS management system and ICS. The
beach cities are in the Beach Complex.
Each beach city is responsible for directing their own recovery
efforts, however it will be coordinated through the Beach
Complex to Co/Jax EOC to utilize County, State and Federal
assistance/resources.
After a initial damage assessment, search/rescue efforts will be
the first priority, while at the same time restoration of power,
water, and sewer services.
Debris management will also be initiated early on to clear
major roadways.
Recovery will be a slow process….
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FEMA: What can they do?
 Federal Emergency Management Association may provide
assistance to victims of a disaster.
- Low interest loans.
- Those who become unemployed may receive
unemployment benefits.
- Temporary housing.
- Special Grants.
- Disaster recovery centers for assistance.
- For Public Assistance offer several mitigation grants.
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Questions/Information
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We have members from each beach communities, the
Co/Jax EOC, and a State Insurance representative to
try and answer any of your questions.
There is also hand out material that will give you
more detailed information..
There is a lot of hurricane preparation information on
the web that will assist you in making early
preparations.
Preparations is the key.
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