Wind Storms and Cyclones

A windstorm is just a storm with high winds or violent but with little or no rain.

The main effects of tropical cyclones include heavy rain, strong wind, large storm surges at landfall, and tornadoes. The destruction from a tropical cyclone depends mainly on its intensity, its size, and its location.

Severe tropical cyclones are responsible for large number of causalities and considerable damage to property and agricultural crop. The destruction is confined to the coastal districts and the maximum destruction being within 100 km from the centre of the cyclone and on the right side of the storm track. Principal dangers from cyclones are: (i) very strong winds, (ii) torrential rain, and (iii) high storm tides.

In case cyclone approaches our village or town, we can help our neighbours in following way :

• We should not ignore the warnings issued by the meteorological department through TV, radio, or newspapers.
• We should make necessary arrangements to shift the essential household goods, domestic animals and vehicles, etc. to safer places;
• Avoid driving on roads through standing water, as floods may have damaged the roads; and keep ready the phone numbers of all emergency services like police, fire brigade, and medical centres.

• Do not drink water, that could be contaminated. Always store drinking water for emergencies.
• Do not touch wet switches and fallen power lines.
• Do not go out just for the sake of fun.
• Do not pressurise the rescue force by making undue demands
• Cooperate and help your neighbours and friends

With help of satellites and radars, Cyclone alert or Cyclone watch is issued 48 hours in advance of any expected storm and a Cyclone warning is issued 24 hrs in advance. The message is broadcast every hour or half hour when a cyclone is nearer the coast. We should not ignore the warnings issued by the meteorological department through TV, radio, or newspapers.We should make necessary arrangements to shift the essential household goods, domestic animals and vehicles, etc. to safer places.

We can find the wind direction using a Wind Vane or Weather Vane or Weather Cock. It consists of a flat metallic sheet generally cut into shape of a cock or arrow which is mounted on disk and free to move around a axial shaft and point in the direction of wind . They are typically used as an architectural ornament to the highest point of a building. Alsowe can find the direction of light wind using smoke from incense sticks. The direction of smoke will indicate the wind direction.