don’t be fooled by lack of hurricane activity in atlantic basin on august 20, 2013 walter hays,...
TRANSCRIPT
DON’T BE FOOLED BY LACK OF HURRICANE ACTIVITY IN
ATLANTIC BASIN ON AUGUST 20, 2013
Walter Hays, Global Alliance for Disaster Reduction, Vienna, Virginia, USA
CHRONOLOGY OF 2013’s STORMS
• ANDREA - Tropical storm; June 5
• BARRY - Tropical storm; June 19
• CHANTAL – Tropical storm; July 7
• DORIAN – Tropical Storm; July 22
• ERIN – Tropical Storm; August 14
• FERNAND --
• GABRIELLE –
According to weather records dating back to 1851, the first
hurricane DID NOT FORM until after Aug. 20 in 48 of the 161 years, and in 25 of then, it formed on or after Sept. 1
THREE COSTLY EXAMPLES:
HURRICANE SANDY; OCT., 2012
HURRICANE; IKE, SEPT., 2008
HURRICANE ANDREW; AUGUST 26, 1992
• The number of deaths was low because of excellent forecasts and preparedness.
• Millions were safely evacuated.
• Economic losses from damaged homes and infrastructure were estimated at about 8 billion dollars.
•
• HAITI, BAHAMAS (GRAND TURK ISLAND), CUBA, AND USA (TEXAS) HIT HARD BY SURGE, WIND AND RAIN• CRUISE LINERS AFFECTED• GULF OIL PRODUCTION SHUT DOWN • OIL TANKER CRISIS AND OIL STORAGE FIRE
• The seawall in Galveston held, ...
• But, downtown Galveston and Houston became flooded ghost towns (because of the evacuation) with downed trees, debris, shattered glass, and damaged infrastructure.
• 7,500 national guards were activated by Texas Governor, Rick Perry, to help in search and rescue operations.
• An estimated three million were left without power and water.
• Restoration of power and water, would require help from throughout the Nation and take several weeks.
• Texas’ and Louisiana’s oil production—20 percent of USA’s production– and Texas’ petrochemical industries survived with only
minor problems.
•