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Hurricane Facts:

What You Should Know About Tropical Weather…

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 (33 kt**) or less.
• Tropical Storm  An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39 -73 mph (34-63 kt).
• Hurricane  An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 kt) or higher. During hurricane season, which runs from June 1st to November 30th, conditions in the tropics become optimal for the development of hurricanes. Each year, an average of 10 tropical storms, develop in the tropics. Of these, 6 are likely to become hurricanes. While many of these storms do not affect the U.S. coastline, the threat of a major impact from a hurricane is still a real concern. In an average 3-year period, roughly 5 hurricanes strike the U.S. coastline.

Tropical Weather Categories:

The severity of hurricanes and the potential damage they can cause are classified in different categories of severity according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale.  

Category 1: Winds 74-95mph - Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, 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.

Category 2: Winds 96-110mph - Extremely dangerous winds 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.

Category 3: Winds 111-129 mph - Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes

Category 4: Winds 131-156 mph - Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with 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.

Category 5: Winds greater than 156 mph - Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage 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 last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months. For more information on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, go to: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshws.php NOTE: Lower category storms can sometimes inflict greater damage than higher category storms, depending on where they strike and the particular hazards they bring. In fact, tropical storms can also produce significant damage and loss of life, due mainly to flooding, tornadoes, downed power lines and lightning.  

• Sustained winds - A 1-minute average wind measured at about 33 ft. (10 meters) above the surface.
• 1 knot = 1 nautical mile per hour or 1.15 statute miles per hour. Abbreviated as "kt"

DETAILS OF YOUR HURRICANE PLAN Ι After-Storm Contingency Plan  Ι  Watch vs Warning Ι  Recovery from the storm Ι Hurricane Facts Ι  Hurricane Links You Need to Know Ι  What to Listen For