Hurricanes

Related Information Hurricanes Thunderstorms & Lightning Tornadoes

Hurricanes Are The Greatest Storms On Earth

A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, the generic term for a low pressure system that forms in the tropics. Hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage to coastlines and several hundred miles inland. Winds can exceed 155 mph. Hurricanes and tropical storms can also spawn tornadoes and microbursts, create surge along the coast, and cause extensive damage due to inland flooding from trapped water.

Hurricane Facts...

• Hurricanes begin as tropical depressions (an organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with maximum sustained winds of 38 mph or less) and turn into tropical storms (an organized system of thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph) before becoming hurricanes (an intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74mph or higher).
• The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June to November with the peak season being from mid-August to late October.
• Hurricanes are classified into 5 categories based on their wind speed, central pressure, and damage potential. While Category Three and higher are considered major hurricanes, Category One and Two are still extremely dangerous and warrant your full attention.

Scale Number	Sustained Winds*	Damage	Storm Surge
1	74 - 95 mph	Minimal: Untied mobile homes, vegetation, and signs	4 - 5 ft
2	96 - 110 mph	Moderate: All mobile homes, roofs, small crafts, flooding.	6 - 8 ft
3	111 - 130 mph	Extensive: Small buildings, low-lying roads cut off.	9 - 12 ft
4	131 - 155 mph	Extreme: Roofs destroyed, trees down, roads cut off, mobile homes destroyed. Beach homes flooded.	13 - 18 ft
5	›155 mph	Catastrophic: Most buildings destroyed. Vegetation destroyed. Major roads cut off. Homes flooded.	›18 ft
*Maximum sustained winds = 1-minute average wind measured 33 feet above the surface*

• Hurricanes can produce widespread torrential rain with floods and flash flooding being the deadly and destructive result.
• Six out of ten deaths from landfall hurricanes (60%) occur from inland fresh water flooding as a result of heavy rainfalls.

Understanding Weather Reports & Alerts...

Hurricane /Tropical Storm Watch:

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning:

Short Term Watches And Warnings:

Storm Surge:

During A "Hurricane Watch" You Should:

• Listen to news broadcasts for the latest weather information.
• Gather your emergency preparedness kit and evacuation supplies.
• Prepare to cover windows and doors, and to brace garage doors.
• Prepare to secure outdoor furniture.
• Decide where you will go in case of an evacuation.
• Make plans to care for your pets.
• Fuel your car.

During A "Hurricane Warning" You Should:

• Listen to news broadcasts for the latest weather information.
• Follow instructions issued by local officials.
• Secure your home. Cover windows and patio doors, and brace garage doors. NOTE: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
• Secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, garden tools, garbage cans, grills, etc. Anchor any objects that cannot be brought inside.
• Be prepared to evacuate. Fuel your car. Remember to take your emergency preparedness kit with you. If you plan to go to a shelter, remember that pets are not allowed in shelters.
• If instructed, turn off utilities at the main valves.
• Evacuate to an inland location if (i) local authorities announce an evacuation and you live in the evacuation zone, (ii) you live in a mobile home or temporary structure or (iii) you live in a high-rise.
• When authorities order an evacuation: leave immediately, follow evacuation routes announced by officials, stay away from coastal areas, riverbanks and streams, and tell others where you are going. Do not go to a shelter until officials announce that the shelter is open.
• If you evacuate, leave early; if possible, in daylight. Notify someone outside of the warning area of your evacuation plans.
• If you are not required or are unable to evacuate, stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors. Keep curtains and blinds closed. Turn off propane tanks. If not instructed to turn off, turn the refrigerator to its coldest setting and open only when necessary.
• Do not be fooled if there is a lull, it could be the eye of the storm-winds will pick up again.
• In strong winds, follow these rules:
1. Stay inside a well-constructed building.
2. Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors.
3. Stay away from windows and doors, even if they are covered.
4. Go to a windowless interior first-floor room such as a bathroom, closet, hallway or under the stairs. Avoid going to the basement because hurricanes often cause flooding.
5. In a multiple-story building, go to the first or second floor and stay in the halls or other interior rooms away from windows.
6. Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
7. Be alert for tornadoes which are often spawned by hurricanes

After A Hurricane:

• Stay where you are if you are in a safe location until authorities say it is safe to leave. If you evacuated your community, do not return until you are told that it is safe to do so.
• Drive only when necessary. Streets will be filled with debris. Roads may have weakened and could collapse.
• Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until notified by officials that it is safe to do so.
• Stay away from moving water and downed power lines.
• Don't use candles or other open flames indoors. Use a flashlight to inspect damage.

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