Hurricanes

Student’s Name

Institutional Affiliation

Hurricanes

A hurricane can be described as an activity that is accompanied by thunder and lightning and usually occurs in the coastal region, which could be attributed to the exposure to large masses of water (NASA, 2019). Therefore, that explains the fact that some areas are susceptible to hurricanes than others, irrespective of the level of preparedness involved. Hurricanes are caused by warm, moist air that forms over waters in the oceans near the equator (NASA, 2019). The warm air, in the long run, moves upward from the surface, causing an area of lower air pressure below. Once this process is experienced repeatedly, it causes the warm air to pile, they manifest as winds that spin towards the shore and the surroundings, thus causing a hurricane. On the one hand, hurricanes can be destroyed by strong upper-level winds, which interfere with the structure of the storms, thus displacing the warm temperatures that facilitate their occurrence (NASA, 2019).

Scientists have a theory that links climate change and hurricane activity, whereby warmer sea surface temperatures are likely to strengthen the speed of storm winds causing massive damages once they hit land (Denchak, 2018). Additionally, scientists say that with the rise in sea level, it is likely to cause coastal storms in the future. That is, considering that the sea level is expected to rise 1-4 feet, which will increase the possibility of hurricanes occurring (Denchak, 2018).  Due to higher global average temperatures, the patterns of tropical storms are likely to change, thus increasing the risk of experiencing damaging hurricanes (Denchak, 2018). A good example is Hurricane Sandy which caused massive damages owing to a rise in the sea level meaning that it is not just a theory but can as well be proven by previous occurrences.

Along the coast, massive losses are expected whenever a hurricane strikes because most developments are made without considering that they could be on the way of harm (Denchak, 2018). With increased population along the coast, there has been a demand to put up permanent structures to accommodate the people around that area. In that case, when hurricanes strike, they become the first victims to feel the wrath of this disaster. The fact that they occur unexpectedly means that people in this region do not have time to salvage anything.

The chief concern when assessing building permits in regards to hurricanes and South Florida would be the vulnerability of an area to hurricanes. That is considering that most properties are damaged because they are put up on harm ways. In that case, ensuring the safety of people first would be the priority. If a region has a possibility and history if being hit by a hurricane that would prompt the denial for a permit without compromise. Either way, if an individual meets all the requirements, such as putting up buildings that can withstand winds of up to 111 mph, they can be permitted (Newkirk, 2017). Additionally, applying for the necessary insurance is essential, which makes it a crucial requirement as well.

References

Denchak, M. (2018, December 3). Hurricanes and Climate Change: Everything You Need to Know. Retrieved from Nrdc.org: https://www.nrdc.org/stories/hurricanes-and-climate-change-everything-you-need-know

NASA. (2019, December 4). How Do Hurricanes Form? Retrieved from NASA: https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/hurricanes/en/

Newkirk, V. (2017, September 12). How To Build Hurricane-Proof Cities. Retrieved from The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/09/how-to-build-hurricane-proof-cities/539319/