Tropical Storms - Hurricane Irma Case Study

Where did Hurricane Irma hit, and how did it form, how was it strengthened?

• Formed in the Atlantic Ocean in late August 2017

• Developed from a tropical wave near the Cape Verde Islands

• High ocean temperatures and extremely low pressures over the Atlantic fuelled the storm’s intensity.

• First made landfall on 6th Sept along northern coast of Barbuda & travelled along east coast of Caribbean as cat-5 hurricane

• Reach Florida on 10th Sept as a cat-4 hurricane with sustained winds of 130mph

What was the path of Hurricane Irma?

• Moved westward across the Atlantic, hitting Leeward Islands

• Turned NW, affecting Cuba & making landfall in Florida

• Weakened as it moved inland & dissipated over SE USA

What category was Hurricane Irma? How long did it last?

• Category-5 along east coast of Caribbean, with sustained winds of 185mph, weakened slightly reaching Florida as a category-4 hurricane, sustained winds of 130mph.

• Lasted from August 30 to September 12, 2017

What preparations were made before Hurricane Irma struck?

• Evacuations: Over 6 million people evacuated from Florida - mostly those living on barrier islands or coastal areas, in mobile or sub-standard homes and in low-lying or flood-prone areas

• Emergency supplies: Food, water, and medical kits were stockpiled.

• Watches and warnings: The National Hurricane Center issued timely alerts.

• Infrastructure: Airports and schools closed; emergency shelters opened (almost 700)

• Government action: FEMA coordinated resources and deployed personnel.

How does the USA have a sophisticated forecasting system for hurricanes like Irma?

• National Hurricane Center (NHC):

  • Tracks hurricanes using satellites, aircraft, and radar.

  • Provides regular updates on hurricane paths, intensity, and potential impacts.

• Early Warning Systems:

  • Alerts issued days in advance to prepare communities.

  • Detailed forecasts include wind speeds, rainfall, and storm surge risks.

• Public Awareness:

  • Information broadcasted through TV, apps, and social media.

  • Evacuation zones and shelters mapped out for safety.

Give social primary effects of Hurricane Irma.

• More than 130 died

• Thousands injured & displaced

• On the island of Providenciales, dozens of stranded tourists were unable to leave before the storm hit.

• Due to gusts of up to 160mph, 73% of people in Florida lost power.

• On Sint Maarten 95% of all houses were damaged, 60% left uninhabitable

• One hundred prisoners escaped jail in the British Virgin Islands.

Give environmental primary effects of Hurricane Irma.

• The storm caused a 2.3m storm surge in the US, the highest recorded during the hurricane.

• Flooding occurred in over 30 rivers and creeks, leading to widespread environmental damage.

• Coastal ecosystems, coral reefs, and vegetation were damaged or destroyed by the storm surge and high winds.

Give economic primary effects of Hurricane Irma.

• Extensive flooding and power outages affecting 73% of electrical customers (7.7 million people).

• In Florida 9000 flights were cancelled

• The highest storm surge (at 2.3m) caused extensive flooding of homes and businesses

What were the social long-term impacts of Hurricane Irma?

• Thousands of residents were left homeless, particularly in the Florida Keys, where 25% of homes were destroyed, and 65% suffered major damage.

• Psychological impacts, including trauma and stress, were common due to the loss of homes, possessions, and livelihoods.

• Many communities faced prolonged disruptions to daily life as schools and workplaces took months to reopen.

What were the environmental long-term impacts of Hurricane Irma in Florida?

• Severe coastal erosion and habitat destruction affected mangroves, beaches, and wildlife.

• Flooding contaminated water supplies and damaged agricultural land, including citrus groves.

• Debris from destroyed homes, boats, and infrastructure caused pollution in waterways and coastal areas.

What were the economic long-term impacts of Hurricane Irma?

• Estimated damages in Florida alone exceeded $50 billion, requiring extensive rebuilding efforts for infrastructure and homes.

• Tourism, saw a decline due to damaged attractions, beaches, and

• Due to the significant impact of several hurricanes during 2017, insurance companies such as Lloyds of London reported an annual loss in earnings.

How did governments & military provide aid?

• FEMA deployed resources, including food, water, and medical supplies, to affected areas.

• National Guard troops were activated to assist in rescue operations, distribute aid, and maintain security.

• Power companies worked quickly to restore electricity to the 7.7 million customers who lost power - some rural areas and heavily damaged regions, such as the Florida Keys, experienced prolonged delays

How much money did former US presidents raise?

Over $31 million (£23.5 million) for victims in the US.

What were some challenges for vulnerable populations?

• Elderly and low-income residents faced greater difficulties due to limited access to evacuation transportation, shelters, and recovery resources.

• In some cases, response efforts were criticized for not adequately addressing these disparities.