What you need to know about different storm types

THE climate crisis, resulting in unprecedented weather, means we can expect to see some really devastating storms with the arrival of KZN’s wet summer season.

It’s important to take heed of the South African Weather Service’s (SAWS) warnings, and to take all necessary precautions to prevent harm or damage to property or people.

ALSO READ: 10 Online shopping tips to keep you safe

It’s also good to have some understanding about the various weather phenomena and the terminology used.

Storm Types

Single-cell thunderstorms: These are small, quick storms that usually grow and dissipate within an hour, often experienced in the afternoon on a hot day. They might have some rain and lightning.

Multi-cell storm: These are your big thunderstorms that usually last around 30 to 60 minutes, with the system often lasting several hours. You can expect hail, strong winds and flooding with multi-cell storms.

Squall line: This is a group of storms arranged in a line that are often accompanied by squalls of high wind and heavy rain. These can be hundreds of kilometres long.

Supercell: This is a very long storm that can precede a tornado. Most large and violent storms come from supercells.

Storm surges
Another storm type that coastal areas in South Africa experienced in September was a storm surge. This is where the level of the sea surface near the coast is temporarily raised, resulting in flooding along that coastal stretch. These storm surges are caused when a low-pressure system approaches the coastline from the ocean, causing the sea to bulge towards the eye of the cyclone.

Tsunami
This is a series of extremely long waves caused by a large and sudden displacement of the ocean, usually the result of an earthquake below or near the ocean floor. The most well-known tsunami event occurred on Boxing Day 2004 in Thailand, which killed more than 200 000 people.

Hurricane / cyclone
These are essentially the same weather phenomenon, which is a big storm moving in a circular pattern, bringing with it exceptionally strong wind, rain and hail. Hurricane Katrina, which was a category 5 hurricane, hit New Orleans in the United States in 2005, killing almost 2 000 people. Whether it’s called a hurricane or a cyclone depends largely on where in the world it hits.

It’s safest to keep an eye on the SAWS website – www.weathersa.co.za – and social media platforms for updates and guidance on potentially dangerous weather systems.

SOURCES:
https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/thunderstorms/types/

https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/mrgnc-mngmnt/ntrl-hzrds/tsnm-srg-en.aspx
https://springsadvertiser.co.za/171166/hurricanes-cyclones-and-tornadoes-101-know-the-difference/

HAVE YOUR SAY