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The Weather Page
THE WEATHER CHANNEL
- MEXICO MEXICO WEATHER MAP CNN INTERACTIVE-MEXICO USA TODAY WEATHER-MEXICO A) WEATHER MAP MEXICO HURRICANE CENTER Mexico has extensive coastlines on the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean, and the Gulf of California or Sea of Cortez. Every summer there is a chance that a hurricane (huracan in Spanish) originating on the Atlantic Ocean may reach either the Caribbean or the Gulf of Mexico. On the Pacific Ocean hurricanes are known as cyclones (ciclon in Spanish.) The following links provide useful information on tropical cyclones worldwide. We have linked to the particular pages pertaining to Mexico. These sites will be extremely busy during a hurricane, cyclone or tropical storm. Data supplied may not be accurate. Do not rely on it for life or death decisions. TROPICAL
STORMS WORLDWIDE THE NATIONAL HURRICANE
CENTER HURRICANE FACTS
AND FIGURES HURRICANE ALERT! What is a Hurricane? A hurricane is a large, rotating storm with strong winds blowing at speeds of 74 miles an hour (120 km/h) or more around a relatively calm center called the eye. It blows counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. The whole storm system may be some 5 to 6 miles (8 to 10 km) high and 300 to 600 miles (500 to 900 km) wide and moves forward, like an immense spinning top, at speeds about 12 miles an hour (20 km/h). These storms also called tropical cyclones and typhoons in certain regions of the world, can dominate the atmosphere and earth's surface over tens of thousands of square miles. Starting in certain seasons at low latitudes in tropical oceans near the equator, these hurricane systems usually move forward in a westerly direction parallel to the equator. They pick up speed as they develop and gradually swing toward the poles. Some hurricanes continue traveling toward the west; others recurve and move back toward the east before they die out. Because of their considerable size and intensity, and because they last for several days or even weeks, hurricanes cause extensive damage with their heavy winds, rains, floods, high waves, and tides. When a Storm Becomes a Hurricane Generally known as Hurricanes, the Tropical Cyclones include Tropical Depressions, Tropical Storms, Hurricanes and Cyclones. They originate when the tropical waters of the World's oceans begin to warm up. An area of thunderstorms moving across warm tropical waters may begin to spin due to the earth's rotation and may evolve into strong winds of counter-clockwise rotation (in the Northern Hemisphere). if the winds increase and the storms remain organized, a tropical depression, tropical storm, hurricane or cyclone may form. TROPICAL
DEPRESSION TROPICAL
STORM HURRICANE
AND CYCLONE Saffir-Simpson
Scale of intensity Early Warning TROPICAL CYCLONE ADVISORY - When you hear the first tropical cyclone advisory, listen for future messages. This early warning system will prepare you for a hurricane strike well in advance of the issuance of watches and warnings. HURRICANE WATCH - When your area is covered by a hurricane watch, continue normal activities, staying tuned to radio or television for all National Weather Service advisories. A hurricane watch means potential danger within 24 hours. Plan your time now. HURRICANE WARNING - if the danger materializes, a hurricane warning will be issued. This means that the storm has a great likelihood of directly affecting your area. Heed calls to evacuate if necessary. Leave low-lying areas that may be swept by high tides or a storm surge. Leave mobile homes for more substantial shelter. If evacuation is not required, take shelter and stay there. Hurricane Safety Rules · Every year from May
through November, recheck your supply of nonperishable foods, and
other equipment you will need in an emergency situation. Emergency Supplies Always keep a stock of emergency supplies sufficient to meet your household's needs for at least a week. The most important items to keep on hand are water (preferably in plastic bottles of other sturider containers); canned or sealed package foods which do not require refrigeration or heat for cooking; any medicine needed for family members. A complete first-aid kit; blankets or sleeping bags; flashlights or lanterns (with extra batteries or other fuel); a battery powered radio (again, extra batteries); and perhaps a covered container to use as an emergency toilet. Also, you may want to equip your home or business with a dependable standby generator. A freezer without power should keep food in satisfactory condition up to 36 hours if it is kept closed. Wrapping a freezer in blankets will help insulate it. Open refrigerator and freezers only when necessary. After the Hurricane has Passed If a hurricane forces you into a public shelter, remain there until informed by local officials that it is safe to return to your home. Keep tuned in to your local radio station for advice and instruction about emergency medical aid, food and housing availability, and other forms of assitance. Do not drive unless it is absolutely necessary. Slay away from river banks, bayous and streams until all potential flooding is past. Origin of the Word Hurricane The word hurricane comes from the Spanish word 'huracan, which originated from Hurakan, a god of the Quiche Maya of Guatemala. According to the Popol Vuh, the Sacred Book of the Quiche Maya, Hurakan -the God- was present at the creation. The Caribs of the West Indies adopted the name "huracan" to designate natural destructive phenomena and the name was later incorporated into modern language. Popol Vuh, The Sacred Book of the Ancient Quiche Maya Book One "This is an account of how all was in suspense, all calm, in silence; all motionless, still, and the expanse of the sky was empty. The surface on the earth had not appeared. There was only the calm sea and the great expanse of the sky. There was nothing standing; only the calm water, the placid sea, alone end tranquil. Nothing existed." "There was immobility and silence in the darkness, in the night. Only the Creator, the Maker, Tepeu, Gucumalz, the Forefathers, were in the water surrounded with light. They were hidden under green and blue feathers, and were therefore called Gucumatz. By nature they were great sages and great thinkers. In this manner the sky existed and also the Heart of Heaven -Hurakan- which is the name of God and thus he is called." "The Popol Vuh, is, indeed, the Sacred Book of the Quiche Indians, a branch of the ancient Maya race, and contains and account of the cosmogony mythology, traditions and history of this native American people, who were the most powerful nation of the Guatemala highlands in pre-Conquest times. The Popol Vuh is beyond any shadow of doubt the most distinguished example of native American literature that has survived the passing of centuries." Sylvanus G Morley. Taken from the original transcription of Adrian Recins and translated into English by Delia Goetz and by Sylvanus G. Morley. Copyright © by the University of Oklahoma Press.
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