Preparation and Prevention A hurricane is a huge tropical storm that forms in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. These generally take place from June to November. The storm becomes stronger as in moves across the warm ocean. The warmer the center of the storm is the stronger it is. Hurricanes move in a counter-clockwise direction around the eye of the storm. Once winds reach 74 miles per hour the tropical storm is considered a hurricane. These storms contain lightning, rain, and power. Hurricanes look like a giant pinwheel. They have long arms of storm clouds called feeder bands reaching out from the eye. These arms flash with lightning. The weather service gives hurricanes names. The first storm of the season begins with the letter A, the second with a B, and so on. Hurricanes do not follow a predictable path. Sometimes they zig zag and even turn around. Hurricanes that form in the Atlantic Ocean usually move from east to west towards the United States. They move very slowly, about 15 miles per hour over the water. They slow down even more when they hit land. If a hurricane travels over cold water it will die out quickly. Hurricanes can last ten days before they run out of energy. Hurricanes can cause much damage. All hurricanes cause storm surges or heavy waves. This is a sudden rise in the water level of the ocean. Storm surges are especially harmful. Hurricane Hugo's storm surge was 20 feet high. It washed away houses and bridges. Hurricanes are categorized into 5 levels. The scale used to categorize a hurricane is called the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. A Category One Hurricane is the weakest. In a Category One Hurricane winds are between 74 and 95 mph. The storm surge is generally 4 to 5 feet above normal. Buildings are not in damage. You may find damage to shrubbery, trees, or unanchored mobile homes. A Category Two Hurricane has winds that are from 96 to 110 mph. The storm surge reaches 6 to 8 feet above its normal height. You will find considerable damage to shrubs and trees. Poorly constructed signs, piers, and mobile homes will have considerable damage. Some Category Two Hurricanes were Bonnie and Georges in 1998. Category Three Hurricanes have winds that are 111 to 130 mph. The storm surge is generally 9 to 12 feet above normal. Some structural damage is done to small homes and utility buildings. Large tress are blown down. Low lying areas may be covered with water 3 to 5 hours before the center of the hurricane arrives. Evacuation is required of people who live in low-lying residences or within several blocks of the shoreline. In 1995 Roxanne and in 1996 Fran were examples of hurricanes classified as Category Three. Category Four Hurricanes have winds 131 - 155 mph. The storm surge is 13 to 18 feet above normal. More extensive damage is found including some complete roof structure failures. Shrubs, trees, and all signs are blown down. Mobile homes are completely destroyed. Major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore are common. Hurricane Luis in 1995 is an example of a Category Four Hurricane. The Category Five Hurricane is the most powerful. Winds are greater than 155 mph. The storm surge is greater than 18 feet above normal. Complete roof failure on many homes and businesses is normal. Some buildings may be completely blown down. You will find severe window and door damage. There is major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 feet above sea level and within 500 yards of the shoreline. Evacuation of residences within 5 to 10 miles of the shoreline may be required. Hurricanes Mitch (1998) and Gilbert (1988) were Category Five Hurricanes. Before a hurricane comes you should plan an evacuation route. It is good to have an emergency case packed with the following items:
The following should be done before the storm hits:
Remember a hurricane watch means the Hurricane Center is tracking the storm and trying to predict were it will hit. A hurricane warning means the hurricane is expected to come ashore in your area within 24 hours. You should make preparations to evacuate. Online Quiz on Hurricane Safety
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