Hazard of your choice - Lab Report Example

While the centre of the storm is the calmest with light winds, the further parts of the storm are very violent. When this comes to land, it leads to heavy rains, large waves and strong winds that can damage property, land, buildings, trees, cars and result into heavy flooding leading to loss of animals and human life. The magnitudes of the impacts of hurricanes can be understood from the meteorologists “Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.” In this scale, the magnitude of hurricane is categorized in a scale of 1-5, however, this scale do not address the impacts of such magnitudes.

According to Kislow (21), category one consists of winds ranging from 74-95 mph and result into minor damages to property, falling debris, limited flying and minor injuries to people and animals. Category 2 consists of winds ranging from 96 to 110 which have potential to result into heavy property damage. According to Kislow (21), this category of hurricanes consist of winds with high velocities which carry debris thus poses threat to animals, humans and significant damage to apartment buildings, mobile homes, shopping centers and result into extensive power outages.

Category 3 consists of heavy winds of approximately 111 to 130 mph and can result into extensive property damage. This category of hurricane has potential of destroying even well built homes, cause extensive inland flooding and damage to electricity and water sources and lines. Category 4 hurricane consists of winds ranging from 131 to 155 mph and can cause serious catastrophic damage to humans, property and animals. As stated by Vecchi et al (5341), it can cause significant catastrophic damage to apartments, frame homes, as well as shopping centers and include long term water shortages and power outages of up to few months.

Category five consists of winds that ranges from 131 to 155 mph and can course complete destruction to property, apartments, trees, shopping malls, and land. It is also important