As one of the most powerful storms on Earth, a Category 4 hurricane can cause catastrophic damage to coastal areas. But how big are the waves in a Category 4 hurricane at sea?
The size of the waves in a Category 4 hurricane depends on several factors, including the storm’s wind speed, wave period, and fetch. Generally speaking, waves in a Category 4 hurricane can reach heights of up to 20 feet (6 meters). However, some waves may be even larger than this. In extreme cases, wave heights can reach up to 30 feet (9 meters).
The wind speed of a Category 4 hurricane is typically between 130 and 156 mph (209 and 251 km/h). This strong wind creates large swells that travel long distances across the ocean. The longer the distance these swells travel (known as “fetch”), the larger they become. The wave period is also important; this is the amount of time it takes for two successive wave crests to pass a fixed point. Longer periods mean larger waves.
The size of waves in a Category 4 hurricane can also vary depending on its location and direction. For example, if the storm is located near an island or coastline, it may create higher waves due to its proximity to land. Additionally, if the storm is moving in an offshore direction from land, it will create larger swells than if it were moving towards land.
In addition to creating large swells at sea, Category 4 hurricanes can also cause significant damage when they make landfall. The strong winds associated with these storms can cause extensive flooding and destruction of property along coastlines. It’s important for people living in coastal areas to be aware of their risk for hurricanes and take steps to protect themselves and their property before a storm arrives.