Hurricane Preparedness: Know the Terms
History has shown that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparations are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing what actions to take, individuals and communities can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster. Hurricane hazards come in many forms and it is important to know the terms that the National Weather Service uses for watches and warnings. For more information, visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes and follow Ready on Twitter and Facebook.
Hurricane Seasons
– Atlantic – June 1 to November 30 – East Pacific – May 15 to November 30– Central Pacific (Hawaii) – June 1 to November 30
Hurricanes, Cyclones and Storms
– Tropical Cyclone: A warm-core non-frontal synoptic-scale cyclone, originating over tropical or subtropical waters, with organized deep convection and a closed surface wind circulation about a well-defined center. – Tropical Depression: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed (using the U.S. 1-minute average) is 38 mph (33 knot) or less. – Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed (using the U.S. 1-minute average) ranges from 39 mph (34 knots) to 73 mph (63 knots).– Hurricane: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind (using the U.S. 1-minute average) is 74 mph (64 knots) or more.
Watches vs. Warnings
– Hurricane Watch: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. – Hurricane Warning: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. – Tropical Storm Watch: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified area within 48 hours.– Tropical Storm Warning: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours.
Know the Hurricane Hazards
– Storm Surge: Storm Surge is the greatest potential for large loss of life associated with a hurricane. Storm surge is the water rise generated by a storm, over and above the predicted astronomical tides. Storm tide is the combination of storm surge and the astronomical tide. Storm tide can cause extreme flooding in coastal areas particularly when storm surge coincides with normal high tide, resulting in storm tides reaching up to 20 feet or more in some cases. – Heavy Rainfall and Inland Flooding: Tropical cyclones often produce widespread, torrential rains, which may result in deadly and destructive floods. In fact, flooding is the major threat from tropical cyclones for people living inland. – High Winds: High Winds: Hurricane-force winds, 74 mph or more, can destroy buildings and mobile homes. Debris, such as signs, roofing material, siding and small items left outside can become flying missiles during hurricanes and tropical storms. Winds can stay above hurricane strength well inland. – Tornadoes: Hurricanes and tropical storms can produce tornadoes. These tornadoes most often occur in thunderstorms embedded in rain bands well away from the center of the hurricane.– Rip Currents: The strong winds of a tropical cyclone can cause dangerous waves that pose a significant hazard to mariners and coastal residents and visitors. When the waves break along the coast, they can produce deadly rip currents – even at large distances from the storm.
Taken from the FEMA External Affairs Bulletin, week of August 11, 2014.
Please note that here in Hawai‘i, we need to stock water and supplies for at least 7-10 days. Most government websites recommend 3 days, and that is a reasonable supply if you live on the continental United States. Hawai‘i remains dependent on container ships that take 7 days to get to Hawai‘i from Oakland or Los Angeles.
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