Hurricane Beryl Rages On, Emphasising Importance Of Hurricane Prediction Technology

Hurricane Beryl took the lives of at least 7 people on the 28th of June, and is the first tropical storm to transform into a category 4 hurricane within 24 hours.

The BBC reports that forecasters expect four to seven more storms like Beryl, and the proportion of storms becoming category 4 to 5 hurricanes is likely to increase because of climate change and rising ocean temperatures.

Thanks to advancements in hurricane prediction technology, scientists and researchers can analyse cyclones to make better predictions and warn residents of potentially dangerous weather.

 

Advancing Hurricane Prediction Technology

 

There are numerous technologies helping scientists predict hurricanes, it’s expected path and the it’s severity. By making use of satellites, ships, sensors and weather balloons (which can be flown into cyclones), forecasters can identify the storm surge, ocean surface temperatures, the hurricane’s size, shape, and travelling speed.

There are two new forecast models developed by NOAA researchers set to operate this season, one is The Modular Ocean Model and will be used along with the the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System to more accurately depict the role the ocean plays in developing hurricane intensity.

The other model is SDCON, which will predict the likelihood of tropical cyclones rapidly intensifying.

According to Public Safety, researchers are also investigating how digital twins could be used to help predict hurricanes. Carrying out simulations of previous storms can help collect valuable data for predicting hurricanes.

Digital models of geographic areas that can be updated with real-time data could also help monitor weather conditions during tropical cyclones and indicate natural barriers, such as forests, which could affect a hurricane’s path.

 

The Challenges Of Hurricane Forecasting

 

Hurricane forecasting, as necessary as it is, is not void of challenges.

For years, the lack of funding has significantly held scientists back from developing and testing new advancements, and the political light of climate change has caused problems such as ill maintenance of forecasting technology, and the struggle of convincing both politicians and civilians that hurricane predictions should not be taken light-heartedly.

 

Advancements In Hurricane Protection

 

The study and science of protective measures against hurricanes has evolved in the past two decades due to a highly destructive period of hurricane activity between 1996 and 2005. Today, technology, particularly housing technology, exists to help protect our homes and ourselves from the devastating impact of hurricanes.

 

Reinforcing Gabled Roofs

 
Gables are the triangular structures at the end of a ridged roof, which can be torn off by the strong winds of hurricanes. Reinforcing these involves adding stronger beams and braces to the gable structures so that it can withstand the force of strong winds.
 

 

Creating Secondary Water Barriers In Roofs

 
The winds of hurricanes can tear off roof shingles, creating entry points for rain. Secondary water barriers are extra layers of waterproof material installed underneath the main roof shingles, so that if they are torn off the additional layer can help prevent rain from entering the house.

 

Installing Hurricane Straps And Clips

 
Hurricane straps and clips are metal devices that attach the trusses of the roof to the walls. This helps prevent the roof from being ripped off by strong winds, as they secure the roof the structure of the house.

As Hurricane Beryl continues to travel through the waters, it stresses the importance of the technological advancements scientists and researchers have been able to make in terms of hurricane predictions and protective measures.

 

Startups Helping Manage Natural Disasters

 

The impacts of natural disasters can be devastating, costing people’s lives and irreversible damage, both physically and psychologically. Luckily, there are startups that have stepped up, offering victims of natural disasters a glimmer of hope.

 

DLX

 

 

DLX provides shelters and emergency response products such as their ASAP Rapid Shelter System, providing protecting from external elements and can be setup in 60 second with just two people.

Their shelters can serve as field hospitals and relocation shelters, for example. DLX collaborates with emergency responders to ensure their products are reliant and meet the demands of crises.

 

OroraTech

 

 

Oraratech is a thermal data intelligence company on a mission to protect our environment from wildfires. They provide wildfire intelligence solutions, which include risk assessment, early detection of wildfires, real-time monitoring and damage analysis.

OraraTech’s data is captured from more than 20 satellites and they operate in 6 continents.

 

Tenevia

 

 

Tenevia develops technology that analyses and processes image algorithms that detect and measure information using the pixels from images. Tenevia also models numeric environmental processes that represents the movement of natural elements.

Tenevia offers its software,  sensors, simulators and online services so that users can access valuable environmental information.

 

World From Space

 

 

World From Space provides analysis, propose mitigations and adaptation measures and monitors results with the mission to regenerate environmental, economic, and social systems.

World From Space also provides a drought measure solution that can make assessments for cities, regions, insurance companies and farmers in the EU to predict the severity of upcoming droughts.