A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone-the general term for all
circulating weather systems (counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere) over tropical
waters. Tropical cyclones are classified as follows:
Tropical Depression - An organized system of
clouds and thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph
(33 knots) or less.
Tropical Storm - An organized system of strong
thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph
(34-36 knots).
Hurricane - An intense tropical weather system
with a well defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or
higher. In the western Pacific, hurricanes are called "typhoons," and similar
storms in the Indian Ocean are called "cyclones."
When is hurricane Season?
Hurricane Season dates are from
June 1st thru November 30th
Categories...
The National Weather Service categorizes hurricanes by intensity on a scale of 1
to 5; which include:
CATEGORY
WIND
STORM SURGE
I
74-95 mph
4-5 ft
II
96-110 mph
6-8 ft
III
111-130 mph
9-12 ft
IV
131-155 mph
13-18 ft
V
156+ mph
19+ ft
Remember...
The coordinates of a hurricane given by the weather service is the location of the eye.
The average storm is 250 miles in diameter, thus the danger zone extends some 100 miles on
either side of the coordinates.
If a storm is projected to hit our area, maximum conditions would exist if
the storm eye crossed over us, or to the immediate south. Lesser conditions would be
expected if it crossed to the north of our area.
Be Alert for...
TORNADOES which often are spawned by hurricanes.
The calm "EYE" of the storm. After the eye
passes, the winds will change direction and quickly return to hurricane force.
Hurricane Watch...
Hurricane Warning...
HURRICANE WATCH
Hurricane conditions are a real possibility in the area.
When in a Watch Area....
Frequently listen to radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins of the
storm's progress.
Fuel and service family vehicles.
Inspect and secure mobile home tie downs.
Prepare to cover all window and door openings with shutters or other shielding
materials.
Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, and
medications.
Prepare to bring inside lawn furniture and other loose, light-weight objects, such as
garbage cans, garden tools, etc.
Have on hand an extra supply of cash.
HURRICANE WARNING
A hurricane (winds in excess of 73 mph) is expected within 24 hours in the area. Start
precautionary Measures now.
When in a Warning Area....
Closely monitor radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins.
Complete preparation activities such as putting up storm shutters, storing loose
objects, etc.
Follow instructions issued by local officials. Leave immediately if told to do so!
If evacuating, leave early (if possible, in daylight). Stay with friends or relatives,
at a low-rise inland hotel/motel, or go to a pre-designated public shelter outside a flood
zone.
Leave mobile homes in any case.
Notify neighbors and a family member outside of the warned area of your evacuation
plans.
Put food and water out for a pet if you cannot take it with you. Public health
regulations do not allow pets in public shelters, nor do most hotels/motels allow them.
Facts...
What to expect following a hit of a hurricane:
Polluted water, limited communications, no electricity, sewers backed up
and overflowing, structures undermined, severe erosion to shorelines.
Breaker coming ashore in a hurricane travel at about one-half the speed
of winds in the storm. Relating this to pressure created by the breakers, that means an
impact of 10,000 pounds of pressure per square foot.
