Hurricane season in the Atlantic begins June 1st and ends November 30th. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season begins May 15th and also ends November 30th.
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HURRICANE BASICS
What is a Hurricane?
A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, which is a generic term for a low pressure system that generally forms in the tropics. The cyclone is accompanied by thunderstorms and, in the Northern Hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the earth's surface. Tropical cyclones are classified as follows:
- Tropical Depression - An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph or less
- Tropical Storm - An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph
- Hurricane - An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher
Hurricanes are categorized according to the strength of their winds using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale:
- Category
- 1
- 2
- 3 (major)
- 4 (major)
- 5 (major)
- Sustained Winds
- 74-95 mph
- 96-110 mph
- 111-129 mph
- 130-156 mph
- 157 mph or higher
- Type of Damage Due to Hurricane Winds
- Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingled, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.
- Extremely dangerous wins will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.
- Devastating damage will occur Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage will loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
- Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain sever damage with loss of most of the root structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly month.s Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
- Catastrophic damage will occur: A high precentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will alst for weeks to possibly months. most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
Watch vs. Warning - Know the Difference
- HURRICANE WATCH
- HURRICANE WARNING
- A watch lets you know that weather conditions are favorable for a hazard to occur. It literally means "be on guard!" During a weather watch, gather awareness of the specific threat and prepare for action - monitor the weather to find out if severe weather conditions have deteriorated and discuss your protective action plans with your family.
- A warning requires immediate action. This means a weather hazard is imminent - it is either occurring (a tornado has been spotted, for example) - or it is about to occur at any moment. During a weather warning, it is important to take action: grab the emergency kit you have prepared in advance and head to safety immediately. Both watches and warnings are important, but warnings are more urgent.
Be Prepared
The most important thing that you can do is to be informed and prepared. Disaster prevention includes both being prepared as well as reducing damages.
If you are asked to evacuate, you should do so without delay.
Even if you are not asked to evacuate, it is important for you and your family to have a plan that makes you as safe as possible in your home.
Disaster Prevention includes modifying your home to strengthen it against storms so that you can be as safe as possible. It also includes having the supplies on hand to weather the storm. The suggestions here are only guides. You should use common sense in your disaster prevention. Click on the following links to learn more on preparing for the storms:
- DEVELOP A FAMILY PLAN - Your family's plan should be based on your vulnerability to the Hurricane Hazards. You should keep a written plan and share your plan with other friends or family.
- CREATE A DISASTER SUPPLY KIT - There are certain items you need to have regardless of where you ride out a hurricane. The disaster supply kit is a useful tool when you evacuate as well as making you as safe as possible in your home.
- SECURE YOUR HOME - There are things that you can do to make your home more secure and able to withstand stronger storms.
Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service
Additional Information
For more information on Hurricanes and being prepared, check out the links below. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/
General Hurricane Information
- National Hurricane Center
- NWS Hurricane Awareness Site
- Frequently Asked Questions
- FEMA Hurricane Information
- FEMA for Kids
- Hazardous Weather Planning Guide for Kids
- NCDC: Hurricanes
Hurricane Safety Information
- American Red Cross
- FEMA
- Institute for Business & Home Safety
- CDC - A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety
- EPA - Drinking Water, Waste Water, and other Hurricane Hazards
Real-time Hurricane Imagery
