with these scales that are used to measure the power of a storm, how do you know that storms can't get worse

Question

if global warming is effecting the atmosphere dramatically, then who is to say that a storm ain't gonna happen. Scales can't predict nature if no one understands the potential of all these storm making materials. if fire smoke can combine with nature and cause firestorms, who is to say that no stronger storms can really occur.

Answer 1

Romona, Good question. Current scales such as the Fujita scale for tornadoes and the Saffir-Simpson scale for hurricanes are based on historical data and the existing range of winds with these storms. However, one of the anticipated results of global warming is expected to be more storms and possibly more severe storms. As a result we may have to add categories to the existing scales. It seems unlikely to me that this will be necessary for some while, but we will have to wait and see what the future brings.

Answer 2

The scales are based on empirical observations of the wind velocities accompanying hurricanes up to the point at which the scales were instituted.

On the theoretical level, and owing to the increased ocean warming, I predicted increased severity of hurricanes some years ago. Sent a warning around in February of 2005, six months before Katrina/Rita. Not heeded by anyone.

I believe we have not seen the worst yet. Florida needs renewed determination to adopt better construction methods.....the case is urgent!!!!

Tried to help a bit with my blog: Nunitak's Weather and Housing Blog, http://360.yahoo.com/ki_te_moana. Much construction money still applied in the wrong, old methods. ALL previous blogs, started in January 2006, still apply.

As for the tornadoes, the ones that accompany hurricanes are not as ferocious owing to the other heat exchange methods of the hurricane.

But a 'stand-alone' tornado in OK, TX and along the so-called Tornado Alley can sometimes be extremely powerful. Let us hope we do not see any of these stronger than F5.

An F5 is already an 'end-of-the-world' scenario for those caught in the path.

I do think 'Tornado Alley' will be shifting about in the near future, and we will see tornadoes in new places including further east and further north to an unprecedented degree.

In fact, I would recommend good tornado insurance and attention to wind-proofing and improving your house in any vulnerable area. In the worst areas, completely new construction methods are indicated for new housing construction.

It is the responsibility of the states and counties to institute these new practices. If they are done correctly, housing could actually be CHEAPER than the current methods.

See my blog for some ideas: http://360.yahoo.com/ki_te_moana
(go to previous articles beginning January 2006)

Sometimes houses built using the traditional methods have an added concrete vault at the center. That is all that is left if there is a direct hit by a big tornado, but at least lives have been saved for the people who managed to take shelter in the vault.

Answer 3

Basically, until a stronger storm has actually been documented, no one is going to change the scale. But you are right, global warming will cause stronger and more storms. BTW, which scale are you talking about?

Answer 4

A image voltaic eclipse takes position at the same time as the Moon passes between the Earth and sunlight and the Moon's shadow crosses the Earth Lunar eclipses are both finished or partial, depending upon even if the Moon strikes thoroughly into the Earth's shadow or no longer. Lunar eclipses are continually probability-free to view. wish THIS helps some! :D

Answer 5

Huricanes range from Catagory 1 thru 5. I read they anticipate adding Catagory 6. These scales are logrythmic, in other words, Cat. 2 is 10 times Cat. 1, etc.