History has taught us that a lack of awareness and preparation are common threads among every major hurricane disaster. By knowing your vulnerabilities, what actions you should take, and how to prepare now, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane impact.

This section of Tropmet.com has been designed to give you all the information you need to stay safe and prepare your property, if a hurricane should threaten this season.

A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, which is the meteorological term for a low pressure system that generally forms in the tropics. The tropical cyclone is characterized by organized groups of thunderstorms, known as rain bands, that spiral counter-clockwise, in the Northern Hemisphere, around the area of low pressure producing strong winds at the earth's surface. Tropical cyclone types are classified as follows:

TROPICAL DEPRESSION:
An organized area of low pressure, over the tropics or sub-tropics, with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained* winds of 38 mph (33 kt**) or less. Depressions are given numeric designations (i.e. Tropical Depression #1)

EFFECTS:
Even though a Tropical Depression has relatively light winds, it can still cause significant problems. Heavy rainfall can result in extensive flooding. Tornadoes can occur in association with a depression.

TROPICAL STORM:
An organized low pressure system, over the tropics or sub-tropics, with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph (34-63 kt). When a system reaches Tropical Storm strength it is given a "name" designation from the current year's list.

EFFECTS:
Tropical Storms are dangerous and can cause extensive damage. Wind speeds are strong enough to bring down large branches and smaller trees, damaging property. Some storm-surge flooding is possible.  Heavy rainfall can result in extensive flooding. Tornadoes can occur.

HURRICANE:
An intense low pressure system, over the tropics or sub-tropics, with a very well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 kt) or higher. Once a system reaches hurricane strength, it's intensity is categorized using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale.

EFFECTS:
Hurricanes are extremely dangerous and can cause severe damage. Wind speeds are strong enough to cause extensive damage or destroy property. Storm-surge flooding can inundate coastal areas. Heavy rainfall can result in extensive flooding. Tornadoes can occur.

POTENTIAL
DAMAGE

Limited structural damage to buildings. Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery and trees, roofing material and uncovered windows. Some coastal flooding and minor pier and boat damage.

Significant roofing material, door, and window damage. Considerable damage to vegetation, mobile homes, etc. Storm surge damage to piers and boats. Craft in unprotected anchorage may break moorings.

Structural damage to smaller buildings; minor amount of curtain wall failures. Mobile homes destroyed. Storm surge destroys smaller coastal structures; others damaged. Terrain may be flooded well inland.

Extensive curtain wall failures with some complete roof failures on buildings. Large trees down. Mobile homes disintegrate. Severe damage to most coastal structures. Terrain may be flooded well inland.

Complete roof failure on most buildings. Some complete building failures. Large airborne missiles generated Storm surge destroys most structures near the shoreline. Terrain flooded miles inland.