Tool Box Talks: Hurricane Habits

“Hurricane Habits”

History teaches that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters.

By knowing our vulnerability and what actions we should take, we can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.

Hurricane hazards come in many forms, including storm surge, high winds, and flooding.

This means it is important for us to have a plan that includes all of these hazards.

Storm surge and large waves produced by hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property along the coast.

STORM SURGE is an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm’s winds.

Storm surge can reach heights well over 20 feet and can span hundreds of miles of coastline.

More intense and larger hurricanes produce higher surge.

In addition, shallower offshore waters contribute to higher storm surge inundation.

Storm surge is by far the greatest threat to life and property along the immediate coast.

STORM TIDE is the water level rise during a storm due to the combination of storm surge and the astronomical tide.

For example, if a hurricane moves ashore at a high tide of 2 feet, a 15 foot surge would be added to the high tide, creating a storm tide of 17 feet.

The combination of high winds and storm tide topped with battering waves can be deadly and cause tremendous property damage along an area of coastline hundreds of miles wide.

Hurricane-force winds, 74 mph or more, can destroy buildings and other structures.

Debris, such as signs, roofing material, siding and small items left outside become flying missiles during hurricanes.

Tropical cyclones often produce widespread, torrential rains in excess of 6 inches, which may result in deadly and destructive floods. In fact, flooding is the major threat from tropical cyclones for people living inland.

Flash flooding, defined as a rapid rise in water levels, can occur quickly due to intense rainfall.

Longer term flooding on rivers and streams can persist for several days after the storm.

Rainfall amounts are not directly related to the strength of tropical cyclones but rather to the speed and size of the storm, as well as the geography of the area.

Slower moving and larger storms produce more rainfall.

In addition, mountainous terrain enhances rainfall from a tropical cyclone.

What to Listen For

• HURRICANE/TROPICAL STORM WATCH: Hurricane/tropical storm conditions are possible in the specified area of the watch, usually within 48 hours of the onset of tropical storm force winds. During a Watch, prepare your home and review your plan for evacuation in case a Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning is issued. Listen closely to instructions from local officials.

• HURRICANE/TROPICAL STORM WARNING: Hurricane/tropical storm conditions are expected in the specified area of the Warning, usually within 36 hours of the onset of tropical storm force winds. Complete storm preparations and immediately leave the threatened area if directed by local officials.

• EXTREME WIND WARNING: Extreme sustained winds of a major hurricane (115 mph or greater), usually associated with the eye wall, are expected to begin within an hour.

Take immediate shelter in the interior portion of a well-built structure. Additional Watches and Warnings are issued to provide detailed information on specific threats such as floods.

Local National Weather Service offices issue Flash Flood/Flood Watches and Warnings.

“Success always comes when preparation meets opportunity” Henry Hartman

Thanks, TO