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Hurricanes 101
By: Chris Floyd
Disaster Services Director
Capital Area Chapter
American Red Cross
Hurricanes are nature’s most severe storms. High
winds, clouds, and rain move around the calm center, the eye of the hurricane.
Next to the eye are the strongest winds, which make up the eye wall. These
winds swirl around the eye in a counter-clockwise motion at speeds anywhere
from 74 to 200 mph. Hurricane Season runs from June 1- November 30, with
August, September and October as the busiest months of the season. In
the summer and late fall, the air over the ocean warms up considerably,
picks up moisture and begins to move in a circular motion, forming a tropical
depression. If the wind speed accelerates above 39 mph, it becomes a tropical
storm and is given a name. When the winds reach 74 mph, the storm becomes
a hurricane.
A striking hurricane creates four major hazards: storm
surge, high winds, tornadoes, and heavy rains...
* Storm surge is a rise in the sea level caused by
strong winds. It effects both coastal and inland areas.
* High winds from 74 to 200 mph, take down trees,
houses, and anything else in the storm’s path.
* Tornadoes are often spawned by hurricanes. If this
occurs, seek shelter immediately in an interior bathroom or small hall,
preferably below ground level.
* Flooding caused by the torrential rains can occur
in both coastal and inland areas. Residents of storm-prone areas should
purchase flood insurance (which is not provided for in a homeowner’s
policy).
A hurricane watch is
issued when a hurricane or hurricane conditions pose a threat to coastal
areas, generally within 36 hours. Everyone in the area covered by the
watch should listen for further advisories and be prepared to act promptly
if a hurricane warning or evacuation is issued.
A hurricane warning
is issued when hurricane winds of 74 mph or higher, or a combination of
dangerously high water and very rough seas, are expected in a specific
coastal area within 24 hours. When a hurricane warning is issued, all
precautions should be completed immediately. If the hurricane’s path
is unusual or erratic, the warning may be issued only a few hours before
the beginning of hurricane conditions.
Stay informed of atmospheric behavior by listening
to NOAA Weather Radio. NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts National Weather
Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours
a day. It is provided as a public service by the Department of Commerce’s
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The NOAA Weather Radio
Network has more than 425 stations in the 50 states and near adjacent
coastal waters. Weather service personnel use information from Doppler
radar, storm spotters, state and local officials, satellites and other
sources to issue warnings. These watches and warning are broadcast over
local NOAA Weather Radio stations and also are retransmitted by many local
radio and television stations. With this information, local emergency
management and public safety officials can activate local warning systems
to alert communities of an impending weather threat.
For additional information concerning hurricane safety,
and other disaster preparedness tips please contact the Capital Area Chapter
of the American Red Cross in Tallahassee at 878-6080, in Perry at 584-6663
or in Apalachicola at 653-3952 or visit our web site at www.tallytown.com/redcross.
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