Outrageous Hurricane Conditions

Hurricane conditions are not uncommon in the Caribbean, especially during hurricane season. However, hurricanes are not always destructive; they can also bring about some amazing changes in the environment. Hurricanes can cause severe damage to homes, businesses, and even entire islands. But what happens after the storm? What happens to the land, water, and wildlife? How does the island recover? These questions are answered below.

After a hurricane, the first thing that occurs is flooding. Water levels rise rapidly and may remain high for several days. Flooding causes damage to property and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, buildings, and electrical systems. In addition, floodwaters often carry debris and trash away from the area. Debris can block drains and sewers, causing sewage backup and contamination of drinking water supplies.   When flood waters recede, the ground becomes saturated with water. As the water evaporates, the soil dries out and begins to crack. If the soil cracks, it can become unstable and lead to landslides. Landslides can destroy roads, bridges, and buildings, and can contaminate nearby groundwater.  Once the flood waters have subsided, the wind picks up again and continues to blow until the storm passes. Wind speeds can reach 100 miles per hour (mph) or higher. Winds can tear down trees, power poles, and roofs, and can knock over houses and other structures. Trees and branches can fall onto cars, blocking roadways and damaging vehicles.

Rainfall is also common after a hurricane. Heavy rainfall can wash away topsoil and expose bare earth. Bare earth absorbs moisture more easily than topsoil, making it susceptible to erosion. Erosion can take place anywhere, but is most likely to occur along riverbanks, beaches, and coastal areas.  After the rain stops, the air temperature drops dramatically. Temperatures can drop 20 degrees Fahrenheit (F), or more, in just a few hours. This sudden change in temperature can kill crops and animals. Animals can freeze to death if temperatures drop below freezing. Crops can die due to lack of sunlight and cold temperatures.   A major concern following a hurricane is the potential for saltwater intrusion. Saltwater intrusion occurs when seawater enters freshwater aquifers. Seawater contains saltier water than fresh water, and therefore, it tends to dissolve the freshwater. This can cause serious problems for freshwater ecosystems.