Terms Associated with the Hurricane Season
June 2, 2000
The official hurricane season began yesterday. Below are some of
the terms used in storm reports.
Miami: Reuters: HERE IS a glossary of some of the terms the
National Hurricane Centre uses as it tracks the 2000 Atlantic
storm season.
Hurricane/Typhoon: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum
sustained surface wind is 74 mph (119 kph) or more. The term
hurricane is used for Northern Hemisphere cyclones east of the
International Dateline to the Greenwich Meridian. The term
typhoon is used for Pacific cyclones north of the Equator west of
the International Dateline.
Hurricane Season: The part of the year when hurricanes are most
likely. The season in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico
runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.
Hurricane Warning: A warning that sustained winds 74 mph (119
kph) or higher associated with a hurricane are expected in a
specified coastal area within 24 hours. A hurricane warning can
remain in effect when dangerously high water or waves continue
even though winds may be less than hurricane force.
Hurricane Watch: An announcement of specific coastal areas where
a hurricane or an incipient hurricane condition poses a possible
threat, generally within 36 hours.
Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained
surface wind speed ranges from 39 mph (63 kph) to 73 mph (118
kph).
Tropical Storm Warning: A warning for tropical storm conditions
that are expected in a specified coastal area within 24 hours or
less.
Tropical Storm Watch: An announcement that a tropical storm poses
or tropical storm conditions pose a threat to coastal areas
generally within 36 hours.
Centre: The vertical axis or core of a tropical cyclone.
Eye: The relatively calm centre of the tropical cyclone that is
more than one half surrounded by wall cloud.
Storm Surge: An abnormal rise in sea level accompanying a
hurricane or other intense storm.
SOURCE: Jamaica Gleaner
http://dev.go-jamaica.com/gleaner/20000602/News/News1.html
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