WeatherEye

Answer Key, Hurricane Lesson

Press Release
Office of the Mayor

Hurricane Opal is rapidly approaching our area. I have been reviewing the situation and have come to a decision regarding forced vs. voluntary evacuations.

  • My decision is:
    Subjective answer. Could be graded on writing style.


  • The "storm surge" is a major worry for us. In case you do not know, here is what a storm surge is.

    • Storm Surge: A rise in sea level accompanying a hurricane or other intense storm.

    The storm surge height is the difference between the observed level of the sea surface and the level that would have occurred in the absence of the cyclone. In other words, a 12 foot storm surge means the sea has risen up 12 feet above where it normally would be.

  • One reason the storm surge is a problem is that we are on a "barrier island." Let me explain why barrier islands are hit hardest by the storm.

    • Barrier islands lie offshore from mainland areas. These islands of sand absorb the pounding of waves, keeping the mainland's coast from being hit as hard.

    During a large storm, such as a hurricane, the waves push the island's sand around. The storm moves the sand, dunes break down and the beach changes slightly. The sand covers roads and flows into houses.

  • Finally, here are a few facts you may find useful:
    1. The center of a hurricane is called the  EYE.
    2. Before becoming a hurricane, a system must first become a
      TROPICAL storm.
    3. Opal formed south of us, near the country of MEXICO.
    4. A hurricane causes most of it's death and destruction with WATER.
    5. Opal gained strength as it crossed the GULF of Mexico.
    6. Barrier islands are made of SAND.
    7. The winds at the very center of a hurricane are LIGHT/CALM.

    This has been a difficult choice. I wish everyone the best of luck, and we can only hope that the storm spares our city.

    The Mayor.

    Click here to go to the "Handle the Hurricane" lesson.

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