A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone or severe tropical storm that forms in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico or in the eastern Pacific Ocean. A typical cyclone is accompanied by thunderstorms and, in the Northern Hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the Earth’s surface.
Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane. Know the difference between the threat levels and plan accordingly.
Hurricane Preparedness Resources
Florida Get a Plan
Hurricane Ready
American Red Cross Hurricane Preparedness
Florida Division of Emergency Management
Hurricane Frequently Asked Questions
2015 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook
Terms to Know
Hurricane Watch: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or more) are possible within the specified area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, hurricane watches are 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 miles per hour or more) are expected somewhere within the specified area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, hurricane warnings are issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
Hurricane: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind is 74 miles per hour (64 knots) or more.
Storm Surge: An abnormal rise in sea level accompanying a hurricane or other intense storm, and whose height is the difference between the observed level of the sea surface and the level that would have occurred in the absence of the cyclone. Storm surge is usually estimated by subtracting the normal or astronomic high tide from the observed storm tide. Storm surge can reach heights well over 20 feet and can span hundreds of miles of coastline.
National Hurricane Center
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Storm Surge
The greatest potential for loss of life related to a hurricane is from the storm surge!
Storm surge is simply water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm. This advancing surge combines with the normal tides to create the hurricane storm tide, which can increase the mean water level to heights that can impact roads, homes and other critical infrastructure. In addition, wind-driven waves are superimposed on the storm tide. This rise in water level can cause severe flooding in coastal areas, particularly when the storm tide coincides with normal high tides. The storm surge combined with wave action can cause extensive damage and severely erode beaches and coastal highways. With major storms like Katrina, Camille and Hugo, complete devastation of coastal communities occurred. Many buildings withstand hurricane force winds until their foundations, undermined by erosion, are weakened and fail.
Learn about storm surge
Watch this storm surge video
Credit: National Weather Service
2015 Tropical Cyclone Names
Ana Bill Claudette
Danny
Erika
Fred
Grace
Henri
Ida
Joaquin
Kate Larry Mindy Nicholas Odette Peter Rose
Sam
Teresa
Victor
Wanda
Contact Information
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Office of Emergency Response 3800 Commonwealth Blvd., MS 658 Tallahassee, FL 32399 850-245-2010
Email: OER@dep.state.fl.us
Online: www.dep.state.fl.us/oer/ |