Hurricane Resources and Terminology

Review the Saffir-Simpson Scale for Hurricane winds:

• Category 1 – Sustained Winds of 74 to 95 miles per hour (mph): Very Dangerous winds will produce some damage; power outages are likely and could last a few to several days.
• Category 2 – Sustained Winds of 96 to 110 mph: Extremely Dangerous winds will cause extensive damage; near-total power loss is expected and could last several days to weeks.
• Category 3 – Sustained Winds of 111 to 129 mph (Hurricane Sandy): Devastating Damage will occur; electricity will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.
• Category 4 – Sustained Winds of 130 to 156 mph (Hurricane Joaquin): Catastrophic Damage will occur; power outages will last weeks to possibly months; most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months as well.
• Category 5 – Sustained Winds of 157 mph or greater (Hurricane Katrina): Catastrophic Damage will occur; a high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed; power outages will last weeks to possibly months; most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months as well.

Familiarize yourself with the following terms:

• Freshwater Flooding: Flood water from heavy and excessive rain can rise quickly making roads impassable. The National Weather Service recommends that if you see a flooded roadway, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” meaning that you should find an alternate route.
• Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions (sustained winds or 74 miles per hour (mph) or higher) are expected within the specified area within 36 hours.
• Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions (sustained winds or 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified area within 48 hours.
• Storm Surge: Ocean water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around a hurricane or tropical storm. This storm surge can infiltrate inland bays and waterways as well.
• Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected somewhere in the specified area within 36 hours.
• Tropical Storm Watch: Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible in the specified area within 48 hours.