Scientists: Warmer Ocean Means More CAT 4, CAT 5 Hurricanes

After an all day hurricane conference on the tip of Texas (in McAllen), I was too tired to move, so I watched a NOVA program on hurricanes.

I learned that even a 1/2 degree increase in the ocean temperature adds enough fuel to generate more CAT 4, CAT 5 storms. This year the Atlantic Ocean waters, the breeding grounds of our hurricanes, are the hottest on record.

Second, hurricane activity goes through cycles. It varies from a "slow" cycle lasting 15-20 years to an active one that also lasts 15-20 years.

Starting in 1995 we entered an "active" cycle -- which will last for the next 10 to 15 years according to the experts. Combined with warmed oceans we could be in for some major pounding from future storms. Consider this: IKE was only a Category 2!

Our building codes will need to be upgraded big time.\! Time to "Armor Your Glass" - the weakest link of any building.