HURRICANE BERYL APPROACHES JAMAICA

Why in the news?

  • Hurricane Beryl is moving towards Jamaica, prompting warnings of dangerous winds and storm surge.
  • The storm has already caused seven fatalities and significant destruction.

What is a Hurricane?

  • A powerful tropical storm with strong winds, heavy rainfall, and low atmospheric pressure.
  • Known as hurricanes in the Atlantic and eastern North Pacific, typhoons in the northwestern Pacific, and cyclones in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean.

Key Characteristics of Hurricanes

  • Low-Pressure Center
    • Defined by a central eye, calm and clear, surrounded by intense thunderstorms (eyewall).
  • Strong Winds
    • Winds reach at least 74 mph (119 km/h) or higher.
  • Heavy Rainfall
    • Causes flooding, landslides, and storm surges.
Source: KBK 
Formation and Categories

Formation

  • Develop over warm ocean waters (above 26°C or 79°F).
  • Warm, moist air rises, creating low pressure, and releases heat, fueling the storm.

Categories

  • Classified on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale from Category 1 (weakest) to Category 5 (strongest).

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/cyclone-michaung/