In order to encourage the targeted retrieval of space-based information and data by disaster risk reduction practitioners, content on the Portal is systematically enriched with metadata. For instance, data sources are marked up with data about their file type, satellite/sensor and spatial coverage and whether they relate to the disaster risk management or emergency response phase. The tool features a range of filters that draw on the metadata, thereby allowing users to narrow down their search, for example, filtering available GIS software by hazard type. This ensures that users efficiently find the content that is most relevant to them. At the same time, the Portal encourages the discovery of resources related to those accessed by the user, by providing links to them on the same page. This allows for contextualisation and highlights links between resources from different areas that other platforms may display in an isolated fashion. A dynamic glossary, which means that terms in... read more
Severe Storm
Definition
Storms are generally classified as a meteorological hazard, caused by short-lived, micro- to meso-scale extreme weather and atmospheric conditions that last from minutes to days (EM-DAT).
Facts and figures
There are several different types of storms distinguished by the strength and characteristics of atmospheric disturbances:
- Convective/local storm: A type of meteorological hazard generated by the heating of air and the availability of moist and unstable air masses. Convective storms range from localized thunderstorms (with heavy rain and/or hail, lightning, high winds, tornadoes) to meso-scale, multi-day events.
- Sandstorm, dust storm: Strong winds carry particles of sand aloft, but generally confined to less than 50 feet (15 metres), especially common in arid and semi-arid environments. A dust storm is also characterised by strong winds but carries smaller particles of dust rather than sand over an extensive area.
- Tornado: A violently rotating column of air that reaches the ground or open water (waterspout).
- Lightning: A high-voltage, visible electrical discharge produced by a thunderstorm and followed by the sound of thunder.
- Winter storm, blizzard: A low pressure system in winter months with significant accumulations of snow, freezing rain, sleet or ice. A blizzard is a severe snow storm with winds exceeding 35 mph (56 km/h) for three or more hours, producing reduced visibility (less than .25 mile (400 m).
- Orographic storm (strong wind): Differences in air pressure resulting in the horizontal motion of air. The greater the difference in pressure, the stronger the wind. Wind moves from high pressure toward low pressure.
- Extratropical storm: A type of low-pressure cyclonic system in the middle and high latitudes (also called mid-latitude cyclone) that primarily gets its energy from the horizontal temperature contrasts (fronts) in the atmosphere.
- Tropical storms: A tropical cyclone originates over tropical or subtropical waters. It is characterised by a warm-core, non-frontal synoptic-scale cyclone with a low pressure centre, spiral rainbands and strong winds. Depending on their location, tropical cyclones are referred to as hurricanes (Atlantic, Northeast Pacific), typhoons (Northwest Pacific), or cyclones (South Pacific and Indian Ocean) (UNDRR, Sendai Framework).
Further information
Related content on the Knowledge Portal
GP-STAR factsheet
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CEMS is coordinated by the European Commission (joint coordination between the Directorate Generals ECHO, JRC, GROW). Activation requests are... read more
Noticias
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) has activated the International Charter “Space and Major Disasters” for Typhoon Bebinca in Viet Nam, which is expected to make landfall on 17 August. UNOOSA activated the Charter on behalf of the Vietnam Disaster Management Authority.
Meteorologists have forecasted wind speeds up to 90 kph and up to 300mm of rain in the coming days due to the typhoon, bringing the potential for severe flooding and landslides. More than 500,000 people, including soldiers, police officers and civilian volunteers, have been mobilized by Viet Nam’s ministry of defence in order to help civilians in storm-affected areas. Border and coast guards from Quang Ninh down to Quang Binh Province have already ordered mass evacuations of those living in the coastal regions.
The Charter activation will aid disaster managers in Viet Nam to fully assess the impact of the typhoon and the extent of the floods, as well... read more
