Beat the Storm – Hurricane Simulator

At the Universe Science Park in Nordborg, Denmark a new attraction, Beat the Storm,  has recently opened enabling visitors to experience the extreme winds of a category II hurricane in a safe, controlled environment.

The attraction consists of two simulators where visitors are challenged to reach their destination while battling against 100mph (160km/h) winds.

Built by Storm Adventures Ltd, a company with extensive experience in vertical wind tunnels for human fight, they have now turned the wind tunnel horizontal to construct this unique experience.

While Beat the Storm is designed to be a fun attraction for persons aged 4 to 80 years old. It’s also an educational attraction to raise awareness of extreme weather, climate change, and how to adapt to it.

If you fancy buying your own Beat the Storm attraction they’re available for $820 for a single unit or $1590 for a double unit.

Of course, this attraction only simulates the power of the wind in a category II hurricane, not the torrential rain, potential storm surge, or severe flooding for low-lying coastal areas. Also, it doesn’t simulate the flying debris that hurtles through the air. If it did simulate these conditions it wouldn’t be particularly fun.

I would be interested to know whether the attraction simulates the noise of a hurricane. In 2019 while in Tokyo, Japan I experienced Typhoon Faxai which had sustained wind speeds of 102 to 106 miles per hour (165 to 170 kilometers per hour) when it hit the city, causing $10.6b of damage.

Below is a short audio file of what I could hear while laying in my hotel bed wondering if I should go into the bathroom and lay in the bath. The audio doesn’t do the noise I was hearing any justice.

Obviously, this attraction’s main objective is to entertain. If it’s also able to educate & raise awareness of climate change that can only be good news.

In regards to what to do when in the path of a hurricane/typhoon or any storm I think the USA’s, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) have the best and simplest advice.

Run from the water, hide from the wind

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Basically, move to high ground if you’re at risk of flooding and shelter in place in a sturdy structure, away from doors and windows if you’re not.

Also, if you’re advised to evacuate, do it. No property or belongings are worth more than your life.

Take Care

Mike