why can category 1 tropical cyclone be more destructive than category 5 tropical cyclone
Why can category 1 tropical cyclone be more destructive than category 5 tropical cyclone?
Answer:
The severity and destructiveness of a tropical cyclone are not solely determined by its wind speed category. While category 5 cyclones have the highest wind speeds, category 1 cyclones can sometimes cause more damage for various reasons:
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Size of the Storm: Category 1 cyclones can be larger in size than category 5 cyclones, which means they can affect a broader area and cause damage over a wider region.
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Rainfall and Flooding: Category 1 cyclones may move slower and linger over an area, leading to prolonged heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding. This prolonged exposure to rain can result in significant damage to infrastructure and agriculture.
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Storm Surge: The storm surge, which is the massive dome of water pushed ashore by the cyclone, can sometimes be higher and more devastating in category 1 storms compared to category 5 storms, especially if the category 1 storm is moving slowly.
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Preparedness and Awareness: People tend to be more cautious and prepared for higher category storms, like category 5 cyclones. In contrast, the perception that a category 1 storm is less dangerous can lead to complacency and inadequate preparation, resulting in more damage and casualties.
In summary, the impact of a tropical cyclone is influenced by a combination of factors beyond wind speed alone, and category 1 cyclones can be more destructive than category 5 cyclones under certain circumstances.