Dimwit’s End

From responses, given by researchers at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to frequently asked questions submitted to the agency’s Hurricane Research Division.

what is a hurricane?

A strong non-frontal synoptic scale low-pressure system over tropical or sub-tropical waters with organized convection and definite cyclonic surface wind circulation.

has there ever been an attempt or experiment to reduce the strength of a hurricane?

For a couple decades NOAA and its predecessor tried to weaken hurricanes by dropping silver iodide—a substance that serves as an effective ice nuclei—into the rainbands of the storms. Neat idea, but it had a flaw. 

why don’t we try to altering their heat balance using high altitude particles?

It would take a tremendous amount of whichever particles you choose to alter the energy balance over a wide swath of the ocean. One would hope that this would not have a terrible impact on the earth’s ecology. 

why don’t we try cooling the surface waters with icebergs?

Since hurricanes draw their energy from warm ocean water, some proposals have been put forward to tow icebergs from the arctic zones to the tropics to cool the sea surface temperatures. It would kill most of the sea life. 

why don’t we try nuking them?

This is not a good idea.

during a hurricane are you supposed to have windows open?

No.

should i put shutters over my glass doors?

Obviously.

i’m vacationing in the tropics during hurricane season. what’s my chance of getting hit by a hurricane?

Go.