

In the event of an Extreme Wind Warning/Advisory, which means that extreme sustained winds of 115 mph or greater are expected to begin within an hour, immediately take shelter in the interior portion of a well-built structure. During a warning, carefully follow the directions of officials, and immediately leave the area if they advise it. Storm Surge: An often underestimated and deadly result of ocean water swelling as a result of a landfalling storm, and quickly flooding coastal and sometimes areas further inland.ĭuring a watch, prepare your home and evacuation plan in case a warning is issued.Rain Bands: Bands coming off the cyclone that produce severe weather conditions such as heavy rain, wind and tornadoes.Eye Wall: Surrounding the eye, contains some of the most severe weather of the storm with the highest wind speed and largest precipitation.Eye: Clear, sometimes well-defined center of the storm with calmer conditions.Warnings are issued 36 hours in advance of tropical storm force winds. Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected in the area.Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions are expected in the area.Watches are issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm force winds. Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible in the area.Tropical Storm Watch: Tropical storm conditions are possible in the area.Here are some important terms you may hear: This is in part why Hurricane Katrina was so catastrophic when bringing up to 28 foot storm surges onto the Louisiana and Mississippi coastlines. The greatest threats are damaging winds, storm surge and flooding. Typically the upper right quadrant of the storm (the center wrapping around the eye) is the most intense portion of the storm. Tropical Storms vary in wind speeds from 39-73 mph while Hurricanes have winds 74 mph and greater. Tropical Depressions are cyclones with winds of 38 mph. Storm conditions can vary on the intensity, size and even the angle which the tropical cyclone approaches your area, so it is vital you understand what the forecasters and news reporters are telling you. Hurricane Knowledgeįirst, know your hurricane facts and understand common terms used during hurricane forecasts.
#Hurricane preparedness checklist businesses how to#
As with every hurricane season regardless of forecast, knowing the essentials of how to prepare could truly be a life saver. The Essential Guide to Hurricane PreparednessĮach year hurricane season begins on June 1st and lasts 5 months, with storms typically peaking in August and September.
