Public Storm Simulator Reproduces Category II Hurricane

As climate change makes weather more extreme, a public storm simulator has been launched in Nordborg, Denmark, to help raise awareness of the extreme weather conditions.

(Photo: sethink/Pixabay)
Lightning Storm

Beat the Storm

Two simulators in "Beat the Storm" let users experience hurricanes up to category II, with winds of more than 100 mph (160 km/h). The simulators' project manager, Troels Nim Andersen, said that Beat the Storm engages people of all ages and gives them the chance to experience senses that can't be experienced in any other way.

By directly allowing participants to feel the strong winds of a Category II storm, the Beat the Storm activity aims to increase public awareness of climate-driven extreme weather.

The program, appropriate for those between the ages of 5 and 80, informs participants of the dangers and repercussions of hurricane travel. Participants must navigate a wind tunnel while facing progressively stronger winds to press a button at the opposite end.

According to Daily Mail, visitors can be placed in cities, mountains, forests, or deserts using special effects while attempting to become as aerodynamic as possible. Along with learning about physics, wind energy, and aerodynamics, they can also learn about the science of storms.

Storm Adventures Ltd., whose creator competes in wind sports disciplines, including Wingsuit Skydiving, created the attraction.

Ingus Augstkalns, the founder of Beat the Storm, said that they plan to build 100+ storm simulators across the world to allow visitors of science and entertainment centers, amusement parks, and other places to experience wind, starting from a breeze of 22 mph (35 km/h) for kids, up to a category II hurricane.

Climate Change Danger

According to research, more tropical cyclones will likely hit populated mid-latitude cities like Beijing, New York, and Tokyo as temperatures rise. Additionally, researchers discovered that climate change increased the likelihood of the record-breaking rains that triggered flooding in Germany and Belgium in July by up to nine times.

The World Meteorological Association also published a critical United In Science global climate report in September. It was shown that the world is witnessing dangerously high global temperatures and heatwaves, droughts, and floods caused by the climate.

Tom Knutson, a senior scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, claims that while storm frequency may not increase with a warmer environment, those that occur have a higher probability of intensifying.

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Dangers of a Strong Storm

Cities and villages along the coast may sustain severe damage when a hurricane makes landfall. Hurricanes also have an impact on the natural surroundings along the coast. Sand from the beach is moved about in large quantities. The tremendous flow of ocean water can carry even massive stones, and sand from the beach moves in large quantities. Strong gusts can topple trees, and low-lying areas frequently flood. The extent of the destruction is determined by the storm's intensity and the area it affects.

According to UCAR, A storm's approach to the coast can result in a 20-30 foot rise in sea level. Ocean water is pushed toward the land by storm winds. The storm's low pressure also makes it possible for the water level to rise gradually. When the water reaches the coast, it begins to build up and has nowhere to go but land. Low-lying areas and coastal towns may be submerged by the surging water, also known as a storm surge.