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Language Of Natural Disasters You Should Know
Vote up the natural disaster terms you've added to your vocabulary.
Natural disasters happen every day all around the world. Geographic location often determines what kind of natural disaster takes place at a specific location, but as the Earth's climate changes, this is increasingly in flux. The intensity of natural disasters is also growing, resulting in increasing attention to them when they happen.
It may be difficult to assess the threat of any natural disaster, especially when unfamiliar terminology is used. Watches, warnings, alerts, and the like are all important to know when it comes to meaning and how you should react - but they're also challenging to keep straight.
No matter where you are, knowing the language of natural disasters is useful and a potential lifesaver.
- 1
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
When hurricanes are categorized, it's done using the Saffir-Simpson scale. The categories are based on sustained wind speed and are as follows:
- Category 1: 74-95 mph
- Category 2: 96-110 mph
- Category 3: 111-129 mph (considered a major hurricane)
- Category 4: 130-156 mph (considered a major hurricane)
- Category 5: 157 mph or higher (considered a major hurricane)
- 2
Black Ice
Found on paved surfaces, black ice is translucent or glazed ice that can be especially difficult to see. As a result, it can make driving and walking even more dangerous than regular ice.
- 3
Blizzard
There are three requirements for a snowstorm to officially be dubbed a blizzard:
- It includes snow or blowing snow;
- Winds exceed 35 mph;
- Visibility is less than ¼ mile for at least three hours.
If these conditions result from snow that has already fallen, it's aptly called a “ground blizzard.”
- 4
Evacuation Order
If an evacuation order is issued, level three of an evacuation notice, individuals within an area are asked to leave by a specified day and time.
It may include additional instructions about which routes to take and where shelter is available.
- 5
Tornado Warning
A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted in a specific area and there is a risk of more tornados developing.
There is a higher level of danger under a tornado warning than a tornado watch and individuals are advised to take shelter.
It's rare, but a tornado warning can escalate to a tornado emergency if an especially violent and destructive tornado has been confirmed.
- 6
Bomb Cyclone
A bomb cyclone resembles a hurricane in many ways in that it's an intense storm that results in a massive, sudden drop in atmospheric pressure.
Also called bombogenesis, it lacks symmetry, doesn't dissipate in cold air, and intensifies more quickly than a hurricane.
