Hurricane Information
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Hurricanes are cyclones that develop over warm tropical waters. Hurricanes are formed from clusters of thunderstorm formations and undergo life cycle stages from birth to death, which may only take 1 day to complete and last for weeks. The National Hurricane Center in Miami keeps track of the storm.
The entire area of affected by a hurricane is often several hundred miles across, with an area of maximum destruction about 50 miles wide. Hurricanes lose much of their strength when they make landfall, however they often spin off tornadoes.
Hurricanes do not need to be very strong or close to cause heavy rains, flash floods or high tides and winds damage. Although high winds are its trade mark, it's flooding that causes the greatest threat to life and property!
Tropical Depression - Once the cluster of thunderstorms has come together under the right atmospheric conditions, a tropical depression may develop with winds from 23 - 39mph
Tropical Storm - A tropical storm develops when the depression intensifies to winds between 39 - 73mph. It is at this stage that it is assigned a name and begins to take the shape of a hurricane
Hurricane - A tropical storm becomes a hurricane as surface pressures begin to drop and winds reach sustained winds of 74mph or greater
Hurricane Watch - Hurricane conditions are a real
possibility and may threaten an are within 24 hours. It does not mean a hurricane is imminent!! Stay tuned for weather bulletins!
Hurricane Warning - Hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours. Prepare to take action!
Storm Surge - An abnormal rise in water level caused by a storm. This is most significant if the storm strikes at high tide!
Saffir/Simpson Scale
Category 1 - Winds 75-95mph / Storm Surge 4-5ft!
Category 2 - Winds 96-110mph / Storm Surge 6-8ft!
Category 3 - Winds 111-130mph / Storm Surge 9-12ft!
Category 4 - Winds 131-155mph / Storm Surge 13-18ft!
Category 5 - Winds Greater than 155mph / Storm Surge Greater than 18ft!
Hurricane Evacuation Route's
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