Topic Summaries

Reducing risks of tropical storms

IGCSE > Geography > Pearson IGCSE > IGCSE Geography Topic Summaries > Responding to tropical storms > Reducing risks of tropical storms
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Weather hazards and atmospheric circulation

Hot desert ecosystems

Cold environment ecosystems

Glacial landscapes

Glacial landform processes

Energy supply

  • Prediction:
    • Satellite data: tracks early signs of cyclonic activity over warm ocean waters to identify potential storm formation days in advance.
    • Supercomputers and weather models: simulate storm paths and strength, combining historical data with current atmospheric conditions. 
    • Real-time data collection: for example, NASA uses two Global Hawk drones to monitor weather across the Atlantic.
    • Early warning systems: alert people to evacuate safely, reducing casualties and allowing for time to prepare 
  • Monitoring:
    • Real-time satellites: provide continuous visual and infrared imagery. This can detect storm movement, eye formation, cloud structure, and rainfall patterns once storms have formed.
    • Radar systems: detect storm position and rainfall intensity as storms approach land. For example, ground-based Doppler radar helps local agencies track storms hour-by-hour.
    • Weather buoys and ocean sensors: collect sea-level pressure and temperature data, providing crucial information on storm surges and cyclone development.
  • Planning: 
    • Land use zoning: governments restrict buildings from being constructed in high-risk areas (e.g. low-lying coastal zones).
    • Evacuation routes: clear evacuation routes to shelters are signposted and maintained for a safe escape during storms. 
    • Community preparedness: Red Cross educates people on the best ways to respond to tropical storms to prevent injury and loss of life.
    • Insurance and disaster funding schemes: helps communities recover financially after storm damage and receive aid to access food, water, medicine, and other essentials
  • Protection:
    • Storm-resistant building design: houses built on stilts to allow floodwater to pass underneath.
    • High sea walls and storm barriers: protect coastal areas from storm surges.
    • Levees and embankments: reduce the risk of flooding. 
    • Mangrove and wetland conservation: natural barriers absorb wave energy and reduce risks of flooding from storms and tsunamis.

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