When it comes to hurricanes, it’s essential to understand the facts and standard terms used during forecasts. Storm conditions can vary in intensity, size, and angle, so it’s crucial to comprehend what forecasters and news reporters are telling you.
Types of Tropical Cyclones and Key Terms
- Tropical Depressions: Cyclones with winds of 38 mph
- Tropical Storms: Wind speeds ranging from 39-73 mph
- Hurricanes: Winds of 74 mph or greater
The most intense part of a hurricane is typically the upper right quadrant of the storm, surrounding the eye. The primary threats are damaging winds, storm surges, and flooding.
Important terms you may hear:
- Tropical Storm Watch: Tropical storm conditions are possible in the area.
- Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible in the area. Watches are issued 48 hours in advance of anticipated tropical storm-force winds.
- Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions are expected in the area.
- Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected in the area. Warnings are issued 36 hours in advance of tropical storm-force winds.
- Eye: The clear, sometimes well-defined center of the storm with calmer conditions.
- Eye Wall: Surrounding the eye contains the most severe weather of the storm, with the highest wind speed and largest precipitation.
- Rain Bands: Bands produce severe weather conditions such as heavy rain, wind, and tornadoes.
- Storm Surge: A deadly result of ocean water swelling due to a landfalling storm, quickly flooding coastal and sometimes areas further inland.
Hurricane Forecasts
Predicting a tropical cyclone’s path can be challenging due to various global and local factors. The National Hurricane Center provides the most up-to-date information on tropical cyclone developments, forecasts, and weather alerts.
Read more about the 2024 Hurricane Season forecast
Hurricane Names
Hurricane names are picked randomly, rotated, and recycled every 6 years. Catastrophic or severely deadly and costly hurricanes have their names retired.
Hurricane Kits
Create a kit of supplies you can take if you are forced to evacuate or use if you lose power. Recommended items include:
- Non-perishable food (enough for at least 3 days)
- Water (enough for at least 3 days)
- First-aid kit (including any prescription medication)
- Personal hygiene and sanitation items
- Flashlights (with extra batteries)
- Battery-operated radio (with extra batteries)
- Waterproof container with cash and essential documents
- Manual can opener
- Lighter or matches
- Books, magazines, and games for recreation
- Special needs items: pet supplies and baby supplies, if applicable
- Cooler and ice packs
- Evacuation and family communication plan
Securing Your Home
Know how to secure your home in the event of damaging winds, storm surges, and flooding:
- Cover all windows with hurricane shutters or wood.
- Secure straps or clips to fasten your roof to the structure of your home.
- Trim trees and shrubs and clear rain gutters.
- Reinforce garage doors.
- Bring in all outdoor furniture and objects not tied down.
- Stay away from windows and doors during strong winds.
Power Outages
In the event of a power outage, ensure you have a full tank of gas, extra cash, charged cell phones, and a plan to stay cool. Fill bathtubs and containers with water for washing and flushing. Adjust your fridge temperature and freeze food and water if necessary. Check out the CDC’s guide on staying safe during a power outage: Power Outages
Remember, any severe storm can be deadly and destructive. Prepare ahead of time, listen to the directions of officials, secure your home, and know how to proceed safely during the aftermath.