Intense hurricane Ike

08 Sep 2008 02:37:00 GMT
Source: Tropical Storm Risk
Mark Saunders
Website: http://www.tropicalstormrisk.com

Intense hurricane Ike struck the Bahamas at about 21:00 GMT on 7 September. Data supplied by the US National Hurricane Center suggest that the point of landfall was near 21.1 N, 74.6 W. Ike brought 1-minute maximum sustained winds to the region of around 194 km/h (120 mph). Wind gusts in the area may have been considerably higher.

According to the Saffir-Simpson damage scale the potential property damage and flooding from a storm of Ike's strength (category 3) at landfall includes:

Storm surge generally 2.7-3.7 metres (9-12 feet) above normal.
Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings with a minor amount of curtainwall failures.
Damage to shrubbery and trees with foliage blown off trees and large trees blown down.
Mobile homes and poorly constructed signs are destroyed.
Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the centre of the storm.
Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures with larger structures damaged by battering from floating debris.
Terrain continuously lower than 1.5 metres (5 feet) above mean sea level may be flooded inland 13 km (8 miles) or more.
Evacuation of low-lying residences within several blocks of the shoreline may be required.

There is also the potential for flooding further inland due to heavy rain.

The information above is provided for guidance only and should not be used to make life or death decisions or decisions relating to property. Anyone in the region who is concerned for their personal safety or property should contact their official national weather agency or warning centre for advice.

This alert is provided by Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) which is sponsored by Benfield, Royal & SunAlliance, Crawford & Company and University College London (UCL). TSR acknowledges the support of the UK Met Office.