Hurricane/ Tropical Storm Outlook and Tips |
By Office of the Chief | |
August 31, 2016 | |
The Atlantic basin is tracking Tropical Storm Hermine Hurricane Landfalls: It only takes one storm hitting our area to cause a disaster, regardless of the overall activity predicted in the seasonal outlook. Therefore, residents, businesses, and government agencies of coastal and near-coastal regions are urged to prepare every hurricane season regardless of this, or any other, seasonal outlook. The ingredients for a hurricane include a pre-existing weather disturbance, warm tropical oceans, moisture, and relatively light winds aloft. If the right conditions persist long enough, they can combine to produce the violent winds, incredible waves, torrential rains, and floods we associate with this phenomenon. Each year, an average of eleven tropical storms develop over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. Many of these remain over the ocean and never impact the U.S. coastline. Six of these storms become hurricanes each year. In an average 3-year period, roughly five hurricanes strike the US coastline, killing approximately 50 to 100 people anywhere from Texas to Maine. Of these, two are typically "major" or "intense" hurricanes (a category 3 or higher storm on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale). What is a Hurricane? * Sustained winds ** 1 knot = 1 nautical mile per hour or 1.15 statute miles per hour. Abbreviated as "kt". Tropical Depression Tropical Storm Hurricane Hurricanes are categorized according to the strength of their winds using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. A Category 1 storm has the lowest wind speeds, while a Category 5 hurricane has the strongest. These are relative terms, because 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, mainly due to flooding. Now is the time, if you haven't already, to get your plan together for what you and your family would do if disaster strikes. Here's what you can do to prepare for such an emergency. Know What Hurricane WATCH and WARNING Mean • WATCH: Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours. • WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours. Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan • Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places--a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter. Take these items with you when evacuating: • Prescription medications and medical supplies; Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Including the Following Items: • First aid kit and essential medications. Prepare for High Winds • Install hurricane shutters or purchase pre-cut 1/2" outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home. Install anchors for the plywood and pre-drill holes in the plywood so that you can put it up quickly. Know What to Do When a Hurricane WATCH Is Issued • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information. Know What to Do When a Hurricane WARNING Is Issued • Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so. Know What to Do After a Hurricane Is Over: • Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for instructions. For more information on preparing for a hurricane please click the following link: NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER: |
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