Lab 6: Atmospheric Disturbances

Instructions

In this lab, we will simulate a real-world hurricane emergency response by taking on the roles of different agencies involved in hurricane prediction, disaster response, and recovery efforts. Through data analysis and scenario-based decision-making, we will assess the risks posed by an approaching hurricane, coordinate emergency response actions, and develop short-term and long-term recovery strategies.

After completing this lab you will be able to:

• Analyze hurricane data to predict storm paths and assess risks.
• Develop emergency response and evacuation plans.
• Create short-term and long-term recovery strategies.
• Evaluate social and economic impacts on vulnerable communities.
• Communicate findings through updates and briefings.

Tools and materials used:

• Mobile phone, tablet, or computer.

Instructions

1. Complete the lab assignment

• Review the instructions and begin answering the questions. The questions are embedded within the instructions for reference and will also appear when you start the untimed quiz. Your progress is saved, allowing you to continue your work at any time.
• You will be provided with a digital handout. You may download the fillable PDF file by . I suggest opening it in , which allows you to fill in the blanks. Most modern PDF readers should also work. Alternatively, you can print the handout and complete it by hand.

2. Take and submit a photo as proof of your lab work

• Take a photo of your handwritten notes, a drawing, or a screenshot of your work to document your lab progress.

Part 1 – Hurricane Forecasting and Risk Assessment

At this initial stage you are receiving general briefing and will wait for the state of emergency to be announced. Currently a tropical cyclone named Phoenix is being formed around Jamaica and is heading towards the Yucatan Peninsula.

Briefing Updates:

October 7 Formation

• A tropical depression forms west of the Lesser Antilles (Figure 1) October 9 Tropical Storm Status
• Sea surface temperature of the Gulf of Mexico is ideal for tropical cyclone passage (Figure 2).
• The tropical cyclone system strengthens and is officially named Tropical Storm Phoenix. October 10 Hurricane Intensifies
• The tropical cyclone Phoenix reaches hurricane strength as it passes Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula (Figure 3). Step 1.1. Role Assignment
• Pick a role from the following ones:
  • Environmental Hazard Analyst (Orange): Hazard Prediction and Risk Assessment
  • Disaster Response Specialist (Red): Emergency Response and Rescue Operations
  • Recovery Coordinator (Green): Infrastructure and Community Recovery
• Review the provided materials and conduct further research as if you were preparing for a formal meeting.

Step 1.2. Agency Selection

• Select an agency within your assigned role and prepare a brief introduction explaining that agencys part in hurricane emergencies. The list of agencies is not limited to the following examples:

Environmental Hazard Analysts

• • National Hurricane Center (NHC): studies hurricane tracks and provides forecasts
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): collects weather and ocean data and monitors storms and hurricanes
  • U.S. Geological Survey (USGS): monitors flooding, coastal erosion, and storm impacts
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): uses satellite imagery to study storm development
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Mitigation Division: assesses disaster risks and promotes hazard planning

Disaster Response Specialists

• • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Response Division: coordinates disaster relief efforts
  • U.S. Coast Guard (USCG): conducts search and rescue operations
  • State National Guard: assists with evacuations, security, and disaster response
  • American Red Cross: provides emergency shelters, medical aid, and relief supplies
  • Local Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs): direct county and city-level emergency responses

Recovery Coordinators

• • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Recovery Division: provides rebuilding grants and hazard mitigation planning
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE): repairs levees, roads, and other critical infrastructure damaged by storms, as well as conducts emergency operations such as flood control, debris removal, and temporary housing support
  • Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): assists with housing recovery and urban planning to ensure resilient infrastructure and equitable redevelopment in disaster-stricken areas
  • Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance: provides financial relief for businesses through low-interest disaster loans
  • Economic Development Administration (EDA): supports long-term economic recovery efforts by funding infrastructure projects, business revitalization programs, and workforce development initiatives
  • Public Utility and Transportation Departments: restore power, water, and transportation system after hurricanes to ensure communities regain access to critical utilities

• Each participant will complete Lab 6 Worksheet 1 with the corresponding role and agency information.

Step 1.3. Develop Hurricane Scenarios and Identify Areas of Interest

• Create a Hurricane Tracking Chart (Lab 6 Worksheet 2) with three possible paths the storm might take based on the Sea Surface Temperature map (Figure 2) and Hurricane Satellite Image (Figure 3).
• Use the expertise of your role to identify general areas of importance at the current scale and mark the most vulnerable areas with red ink.

Part 2 – Hurricane Emergency Preparedness

At this stage, you will be briefed on the latest developments. It becomes clearer where the hurricane is expected to make landfall. Now that we have this information, we can focus on a more specific area.

Briefing Updates:

October 12 Tampa Bay Prepares

• Officials begin hurricane preparations as Phoenix moves closer.

October 13 Category 2 Hurricane Near Yucatn

• A Hurricane Watch is issued for West Florida. Tampa Bay is in the direct path.

October 14 Hurricane Warning Issued for Tampa Bay

• Winds and coastal impacts begin at midnight
• A forecast indicates that Hurricane Phoenix is expected to reach the Florida coastline around 11 AM on October 15th (Figure 4). Step 2.1. Role Tasks During This Stage
• Choose a task based on your assigned role and collect relevant information about the hypothetical hurricane developments:

Environmental Hazard Analysts

• • Monitor storm formation and track its development using satellite data
  • Issue early warnings and advisories to the public and emergency agencies
  • Model storm surge, flooding, and wind damage scenarios
  • Provide risk assessments to help local governments plan evacuations
  • Communicate expected impacts to policymakers, businesses, and residents.

Disaster Response Specialists

• • Coordinate emergency response plans and mobilize response teams
  • Set up emergency shelters and establish supply distribution points
  • Prepare search and rescue teams with necessary equipment
  • Deploy communication tools to warn residents and guide evacuations
  • Stockpile emergency supplies like food, water, fuel, and medical aid

Recovery Coordinators

• • Develop and enforce zoning laws to prevent construction in high-risk areas
  • Design and strengthen infrastructure to withstand extreme weather conditions
  • Plan and maintain evacuation routes and emergency transportation systems
  • Coordinate with businesses to prepare for economic resilience post-disaster
  • Educate communities on disaster preparedness and risk mitigation

Step 2.2. Pinpoint Impact Zones

• Determine the top 10 most at-risk cities, find their current population and report finding on Lab 6 Worksheet 3.
• Prioritize cities based on flood risk, storm surge, wind intensity, and population density.

Step 2.3. Create Vulnerability Assessments

• Identify the three most vulnerable counties based on your role’s specific focus. Mark these locations on the Lab 6 Worksheet 4 map.
• Consider economic disparities, population demographics, and infrastructure conditions.

Step 2.4. Develop Response Strategies

• Prepare how you and other teammates of your role would react once the storm makes landfall.
• Start creating a 5-minute Workgroup Presentation (PowerPoint or Google Slides) aimed at a diverse audience with different roles. Include maps, graphs, and key statistics to support your main points.

Part 3 – Aftermath and Recovery Planning

At this stage, the hurricane has already passed, and we are now assessing the damages using field data. This includes evaluating infrastructure damage, identifying affected communities, and collecting information on power outages, flooding, and debris. Teams will document findings through field surveys and damage reports.

Briefing Updates:

October 15 Landfall and Devastation

• Here is the timeline of events:
  • 6 AM: Phoenix intensifies rapidly
  • 11 AM: Winds reach 160 mph as the 45-mile-wide eye enters Tampa Bay
  • 12 PM: Landfall at Indian Rocks Beach, bringing a 11-foot storm surge
  • 3 PM: structural damage from extreme winds and flying debris and high-rise windows shattered
  • 5 PM: Hurricane moves inland to Hernando County with 130 mph winds
  • 7 PM: at this point Tampa Bay experiences 10 consecutive hours of hurricane-force winds
  • Midnight: Phoenix exits Floridas east coast near St. Augustine
• After the hurricane makes landfall, a rapid damage assessment map is released (Figure 5), highlighting the extent of devastation by area. October 16 Emergency Response
• Here are some current statistics corresponding to a day after the event for each county:
  • Citrus County:
    – 25% of structures without electricity
    – 22.7% of businesses affected, mostly moderate damage
  • Hernando County:
    – 49% of structures impacted, and 49% without power
    – 50% of businesses affected, mostly severe damage
  • Hillsborough County:
    – 90% of structures without power
    – 61.4% of businesses affected, most completely destroyed
  • Manatee County:
    – 75% of structures without electricity
    – 26.8% of businesses affected, mostly moderate damage
  • Pasco County:
    – 100% of structures without power
    – 52.7% of businesses totally destroyed
  • Pinellas County:
    – 100% of structures without power
    – 72.7% of businesses affected, most completely destroyed Step 3.1. Role Tasks During This Stage
  • Choose one task from the list below based on your assigned role, and use the internet to gather relevant information on what could be performed in an emergency situation:

  Environmental Hazard Analysts

• • Assess storm damage using aerial surveys, satellite imagery, and field data
  • Update forecasting models based on real-world impacts
  • Study environmental effects, such as coastal erosion and contamination
  • Identify long-term climate trends and recommend mitigation strategies
  • Support rebuilding efforts with new hazard maps and improved zoning recommendations

Disaster Response Specialists

• • Conduct search and rescue operations in flooded and devastated areas
  • Provide emergency medical assistance and evacuate critically affected populations
  • Restore law and order by preventing looting and maintaining public safety
  • Clear roads, remove debris, and establish temporary transportation routes
  • Distribute aid such as food, clean water, and medical supplies

Recovery Coordinators

• • Assess damage to roads, bridges, utilities, and public buildings
  • Lead rebuilding efforts with more resilient infrastructure and urban planning
  • Support housing and business recovery through grants and policy adjustments
  • Oversee economic recovery programs to aid affected businesses and workers
  • Update city planning strategies based on new hazard data and storm impacts

3.2. Plan Collaboration Between Roles

• Describe how the three roles would communicate and make decisions during rescue, medical aid, and recovery efforts. Consider how they would share information and support each other. Would this happen in person, over Zoom, by phone, or another way? Think about any challenges, like limited internet access in the field.
• Add a slide to your Workgroup Presentation summarizing your thoughts on team collaboration during emergency situations.

3.3. Future Prevention and Outreach

• Reflect on creating outreach and educational materials, such as brochures, posters, or digital content, to raise awareness, and plan to develop a brief hurricane preparedness guide. You will describe your ideas in one of the follow-up questions.

Conclusion and Final Discussion

• Add a final slide to your Workgroup Presentation that includes your findings and action plan, along with a reflection on what worked well, potential challenges a group might face when addressing this topic, and how you can improve your own preparedness for future hurricanes.

The Quiz:

1. What role did you pick?
Environmental Hazard Analyst
Disaster Response Specialish
Recovery Coordinator
2. What agency did you select? Briefly summarize the role it would play in a hurricane emergency.
3. What role does real-time data play in making critical decisions during a hurricane emergency?
4. How might communication breakdowns impact emergency response efforts, and what strategies can be used to mitigate this risk?
5. What challenges might arise when predicting a hurricanes path, and how can agencies address them?
6. How do agencies balance public safety with economic and political considerations when issuing evacuation orders?
7. What lessons can be learned from past hurricanes to improve emergency response and recovery efforts in the future?
8. What are the most significant logistical challenges in distributing emergency supplies after a hurricane?
9. What policies could be implemented to enhance disaster preparedness for low-income and marginalized communities?
10. What ideas do you have in mind for creating outreach and educational materials to raise awareness about hurricane preparedness, such as brochures, posters, videos, or social media content?
11. Upload the photo you took as proof of your completed lab work, which can be your handwritten notes, a drawing, or a screenshot of your work.
12. Upload your recorded five-minute presentation where you share your results.

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