A hurricane can be called any tropical storm which reached a constant speed of at least 74 miles per hour. Torrential rains, high winds, storm surges are the most common hurricane followers, which sometimes can be even more dangerous then even a disaster itself. For instance, the storm surge and heavy rains can lead to flooding or landslides.
There are 5 categories of Hurricanes:
- Category 1 hurricanes (winds 74-95 mph) usually don’t cause any significant damage. However it is the most common occasion for coastal flooding. Examples: Danny (1985), Ismael (1995), Allison (1995).
- Category 2 hurricanes (winds 96-110 mph) are powerful enough to lift a mobile house and scupper a small craft. So an inflict damage upon poorly constructed doors and windows should certainly be expected. Examples: Erin (1995), Bonnie (1998), Marty (2003).
- The main thing to know about Category 3 hurricanes (winds 111-130 mph) is that they are able to do a structural damage to wood frame buildings. At the same time solid foundation buildings are usually get completely destroyed. Examples: Carol (1954), Fran (1996), Keith (2000), Lane (2006), and Bertha (2008).
- Category 4 Hurricanes (winds 131-155 mph) tend to produce complete roof structural failure. Gas station destruction and other wide span overhang type structures could be completely destroyed. Examples: Hazel (1954), Hugo (1989), Luis (1995), Charley (2004).
- Category 5 Hurricanes (winds 156 mph) may require massive evacuation. This is the most powerful category of all cyclones which are capable of nearly complete environment’s destruction. Examples: Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, Camille (1969), Andrew (1992).
“Hurricane eye” is 20-30 miles wide center of a hurricane spiral which can last up to 500 miles. Wind power in the “eye” area is relatively week. So it is important to know this term for what you may consider the end of storm can in fact be “Hurricane eye effect” – as soon as it will past the storm will continue.
For people living on the Atlantic coast of the United States hurricane season is usually considered to be from beginning of June to the end of November. Generally speaking from hundreds of “tropical disturbances” formed during the season only 10 or 15 of them have a potential to become tropical storms, sustaining maximum winds of 39–74 mph. However, according to statistical data only 6 of them become full-fledged hurricanes.
“Hurricane watch” is a term used by “National Weather Service” which requires 36 or less hours notice before actual disaster. In other words, if hurricane watch is used make sure to constantly stay updated, turning a radio station or local television channel.