Storms in California

4/13/2021 (Permalink)

Hurricanes tend to get the most coverage, they are actually only one of ten common storm types in the United States. Other storms include tornadoes, floods, snow storms, hail storm, thunderstorms, lightning storms, tropical storms, ice storms and Derecho storms.

Have you heard of a Derecho storm before? They occur when many large storms create a single giant storm –one that can reach speeds of 58 miles per hour and cover 250 miles.

Because hurricanes cause so much damage, it’s important to be knowledgeable about them even if they aren’t common to California.

The winds that accompany hurricanes are connected to all types of damage. In many cases, the wind is strong enough to form tornadoes. Wind speed can often range between 74 - 155 miles per hour, more than strong enough to cause severe wreckage. Even the sturdiest of structures, like trees, are in danger from wind this strong. Storm winds are powerful enough to hoist up and fling debris of all sizes, causing further destruction.

Storm Surge Damage

Have you heard of a supposed “wall of water” caused by hurricanes? This so-called wall is actually called storm surge. As hurricanes rage toward land, the winds push water with it and disrupt the normal tide flow. So much water is pushed toward the shore that it amasses high above predicted tide levels and then surges onto shore and farther inland. As the water surges inland, it has nowhere to drain and thus causes flooding. Storm surge creates strong currents and carries heavy weight, causing damage wherever it goes.

Flood Damage

As mentioned, storm surge is the primary reason for flooding events during a hurricane. But storm surge happens mainly on the coast. Hurricanes can cause floods as far out as 100 miles from landfall. Hurricanes are so powerful that they affect other weather systems, creating excess precipitation in areas that aren’t prepared. Because the excess rainwater cannot drain, floods occur.

Storm damage, whether caused by hurricanes or flood or otherwise, can be very serious and