Hurricanes 

A hurricane is a powerful, rotating storm that forms over warm ocean waters near the Equator. They usually travel from the ocean to the coast and on to land, where the wind, rain, and storm surge can cause extensive destruction. On average, there are about 100 storms worldwide each year; 12 form in the Atlantic Ocean, 15 in the eastern Pacific Ocean and the rest are in other areas.

Hurricane winds blow in a counterclockwise spiral around the calm, roughly circular center called the eye. In the eye, it is relatively calm and there is little or no rain. Surrounding the eye is the eyewall, a wall of thunderclouds. The eyewall has the most rain and the strongest winds. The smaller and more compact the eye, the stronger the winds. The winds spiral around the eye in a counterclockwise direction, so if you are facing in the direction that the hurricane is traveling, the right side generally has the fastest winds, and the left side usually has the most rain. In addition, long spiral rain bands surround the eye and can be hundreds of miles across. Generally, hurricanes travel relatively slowly, usually at about 20 to 25 mph and when they move over land the storm begins to weaken and dies down rather quickly.

Hurricane hazards come in many forms: storm surge, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding. This means it is important for your family to have a plan that includes all of these hazards. Look carefully at the safety actions associated with each type of hurricane hazard and prepare your family disaster plan accordingly. But remember this is only a guide. The first and most important thing anyone should do when facing a hurricane threat is to use common sense.

Hurricane Resource Information 

National Hurricane Center

Government Hurricane Information Website

Fema & Flood Insurance

FEMA Flood Information

FEMA for Kids

Hurricane Information for Kids

Terms to Know 

Tropical Wave:
A cluster of clouds and/or thunderstorms with little or no circulation or strong winds.

Tropical Depression:
An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with some circulation at the surface and winds less than 39mph.

Tropical Storm:
An organized system of thunderstorms with strong circulation and winds of 39 to 73mph.

Tropical Storm or Hurricane Watch:
Possible storm or hurricane conditions within 36 hours.

Hurricane:
An organized system of very strong thunderstorms, pronounced circulation and winds greater than 74mph.

Tropical Storm or Hurricane Warning:
Expected storm or hurricane conditions within 24 hours.

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale:

Category 1 Hurricane - 74 to 95mph winds. Damage primarily to trees and unanchored mobile homes; minor flooding.

Category 2 Hurricane - 96 to 110mph winds. Some damage to roofs, doors, windows, trees and shrubbery; damaging coastal flooding, minor inland flooding.

Category 3 Hurricane - 111 to 130mph winds. Some structural damage, mobile homes destroyed, major trees blown down; more severe flooding possible in all areas.

Category 4 Hurricane - 130 to 155mph winds. Extensive structural damage especially near the coastline, severe flooding in all areas. Evacuations may be called for up to six miles inland.

Category 5 Hurricane - 155+ mph winds. Catastrophic structural damage, some building failures, major flooding in all areas. Evacuations may be called for up to ten miles inland.

More Resource Information 

Hurricane Season and Insurance Coverage

Information on Obtaining Homeowners Insurance During Hurricane Season

Homeowner's Insurance

Homeowners Insurance Information

My Safe Florida Home

Information on the My Safe Florida Home Inspection Program

When Hurricane Season Begins 

The beginning of the season is the best time to develop your emergency plans.

Additional Hurricane Considerations 

Secure your boat. Lash it to the trailer and secure it to something sturdy. Move it inland if possible. If you keep it at a Marina, follow their guidelines. Lower hydro-lifts, double all lines, use cross springs line fore and aft. Allow for tidal rise and use chafe protectors and bumpers liberally. Also, never stay one your boat during a storm!

Minimize pool and cage damage. Turn off all pool equipment. Add additional chlorine and lower water level by no more than 6 inches. Do not completely drain your pool. If it is a major storm and you are concerned about damage to the cage, cut a screen panel on both sides of the structure to allow free air flow. Replacing a screen is cheaper than an entire cage.

Be prepared for lots of stress. Hurricanes can take hours to pass and dealing with the resulting damage afterwards can be a lot to have to handle. Take it slow and realize it's all a part of living in the place you chose to call home.

Hurricane Stories 

The House on First Street: My New Orleans Story

by Julia Reed

Amazon Price: $16.29 (as of 07/25/2008)

Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History

by Erik Larson

Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 07/25/2008)

1 Dead in Attic: After Katrina

by Chris Rose

Amazon Price: $10.20 (as of 07/25/2008)

The Tin Roof Blowdown: A Dave Robicheaux Novel

by James Lee Burke

Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 07/25/2008)

Pawprints of Katrina: Pets Saved and Lessons Learned

by Cathy Scott

Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 07/25/2008)

More Hurricane Information 

Severe Weather Hits Texas As Hurricane Dolly Nears

Twister spawned by Dolly reported in San Antonio

The Nation's Weather

Closures And Cancellations Due To Hurricane Dolly

Florida Real Estate Information 

Florida Relocation Services

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Florida MLS Search

Search Florida Properties for Sale

Before You Buy in Florida

Useful Information About Buying in Florida

Southwest Florida Living

Information about Living in Southwest Florida

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