A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, the generic term for a low pressure system that generally forms in the tropics. A typical cyclone is accompanied by thunderstorms, and in the Northern Hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the earth’s surface.
All Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal areas are subject to hurricanes or tropical storms. Parts of the Southwest United States and the Pacific Coast experience heavy rains and floods each year from hurricanes spawned off Mexico. The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June to November, with the peak season from mid-August to late October.
Hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage to coastlines and several hundred miles inland. Winds can exceed 155 miles per hour. Hurricanes and tropical storms can also spawn tornadoes and microbursts, create storm surges along the coast, and cause extensive damage from heavy rainfall.
Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed, central pressure, and damage potential (see chart). Category Three and higher hurricanes are considered major hurricanes, though Categories One and Two are still extremely dangerous and warrant your full attention.
| SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE SCALE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| SCALE NUMBER (CATEGORY) |
SUSTAINED WINDS (MPH) |
DAMAGE | STORM SURGE |
1 |
74-95 |
Minimal: Unanchored mobile homes, |
4-5 feet |
2 |
96-110 |
Moderate: All mobile homes, roofs, |
6-8 feet |
3 |
111-130 |
Extensive: Small buildings, low-lying |
9-12 feet |
4 |
131-155 |
Extreme: Roofs destroyed, trees |
13-18 feet |
| 5 | More than 155 |
Catastrophic: Most buildings |
Greater than 18 feet |
Hurricanes can produce widespread torrential rains. Floods are the deadly and destructive result. Slow moving storms and tropical storms moving into mountainous regions tend to produce especially heavy rain. Excessive rain can trigger landslides or mud slides, especially in mountainous regions. Flash flooding can occur due to intense rainfall. Flooding on rivers and streams may persist for several days or more after the storm.
Between 1970 and 1999, more people lost their lives from freshwater inland flooding associated with land falling tropical cyclones than from any other weather hazard related to tropical cyclones.
Since 1953, Atlantic tropical storms have been named from lists originated by the National Hurricane Center and now maintained and updated by an international committee of the World Meteorological Organization. The lists featured only women’s names until 1979. After that, men’s and women’s names were alternated. Six lists are used in rotation. Thus, the 2001 lists will be used again in 2007.
The only time there is a change in the list is if a storm is so deadly or costly that the continued use of the name would be inappropriate for reasons of sensitivity. When this occurs, the name is stricken from the list and another name is selected to replace it.
Sometimes names are changed. Lorenzo replaced Luis and Michelle replaced Marilyn. See the complete list of hurricane names.
To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:
"How To" guides for protecting your property from flooding & high winds.
When community evacuations become necessary, local officials provide information to the public through the media. In some circumstances, other warning methods, such as sirens or telephone calls, also are used. Additionally, there may be circumstances under which you and your family feel threatened or endangered and you need to leave your home, school, or workplace to avoid these situations.
The amount of time you have to leave will depend on the hazard. If the event is a weather condition, such as a hurricane that can be monitored, you might have a day or two to get ready. However, many disasters allow no time for people to gather even the most basic necessities, which is why planning ahead is essential.
Evacuation: More Common than You Realize
Evacuations are more common than many people realize. Hundreds of times each year, transportation and industrial accidents release harmful substances, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes. Fires and floods cause evacuations even more frequently. Almost every year, people along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts evacuate in the face of approaching hurricanes.
Ask local authorities about emergency evacuation routes and see if maps may are available with evacuation routes marked.
Evacuation Guidelines
| Always: | If time permits: |
Keep a full tank of gas in your car if an evacuation seems likely. Gas stations may be closed during emergencies and unable to pump gas during power outages. Plan to take one car per family to reduce congestion and delay. |
Gather your disaster supplies kit. |
Make transportation arrangements with friends or your local government if you do |
Wear sturdy shoes and clothing |
Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local evacuation instructions. |
Secure your home: |
Gather your family and go if you are in- structed to evacuate immediately. |
Let others know where you are going. |
Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather. |
|
Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts; they may be blocked. |
|
Be alert for washed-out roads and bridges. Do not drive into flooded areas. |
|
Stay away from downed power lines. |
If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:
You should evacuate under the following conditions:
If you are unable to evacuate, go to your safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:
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