• Tropical  Wave - A large low pressure system in the tropics and subtropics                
  • Tropical  Depression - A weak storm system with winds of 38 mph or less and rotary movement only on the water's surface.
  • Tropical  Disturbance - A group of thunderstorms that moves together through the tropics for at least 24 hours, but with no noticeable circular motion.
  • Tropical Storm - A storm with distinct rotary movement and winds 39-73 mph.
  • Hurricane - A circular windstorm in tropical or subtropical climates with a defined eye and winds of at least 74 mph. Tropical cyclones, the general term for all large-scale circular windstorms in the tropics and subtropics, are called hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, eastern Pacific ocean, and near Hawaii. Tropical cyclones in the north Pacific Ocean are called typhoons.

 

Storm Watches & Warnings

  • Tropical  Storm Watch - An advisory issued by the National Hurricane Center when tropical storm conditions, with winds of 39 to 73 mph, could threaten a coastal area within 24 to 36 hours.
  • Tropical Storm Warning - An advisory issued when winds of 39 to 73 mph are expected. Tropical storm warnings probably will not be issued before hurricane warnings.
  • Hurricane  Watch - An advisory issued when hurricane conditions are a threat within 24 to 36 hours. It precedes a Hurricane Warning. Chances are 1-in-3 the center part of the watch area will be hit. There's a 1-in-4 chance any location in the watch area will be hit, a 1-in-5 chance for the edges of the watch area. Sustained  winds are between 39 to 73 MPH.
  • Hurricane Warning - An advisory that says hurricane conditions are expected in a specific area within 24 hours. That means a 1-in 2 chance the central part of the warning area will be hit and 1-in-3 chance for the edges of the warning zone. All areas in the warning zone are likely to be affected, even if the hurricane grazes by. Sustained winds are 74 MPH or more

 

Hurricane Categories
 Hurricanes are rated on a scale from 1-5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale, with 5 being the strongest or most intense. Category 3, 4, and 5 storms are considered major hurricanes.

  • Category 1 Hurricane - Wind speeds of 74 to 95 mph. Storm surge is 4 to 5 feet. Barometric pressure is 28.94 inches or higher. Minimal damage, primarily to foliage, unanchored mobile homes and poorly constructed signs.
  • Category 2 Hurricane - Wind speeds of 96 to 110 mph. Storm surge is 6 to 8 feet. Barometric pressure is 28.50 to 28.93 inches. Damage moderate, mobile homes heavily damaged, some damage to roofs and windows of homes.
  • Category  3 Hurricane - Wind speeds of 111 to 130 mph. Storm surge is 9 to 12 feet. Barometric pressure is 27.91 to 28.49 inches. Damage extensive, some structural damage to buildings, foliage torn from trees and mobile homes destroyed.
  • Category 4 Hurricane - Wind speeds of 131 to 155 mph. Storm surge is 13 to 18 feet. Barometric pressure is 27.17 to 27.90 inches. Damage extreme, homes heavily damaged, complete destruction to mobile homes and large trees uprooted.
  • Category 5 Hurricane - Winds greater than 155 mph. Storm surge more than 18 feet. Barometric pressure less than 27.17 inches. Damage extreme, homes heavily damaged, complete destruction to mobile homes and large trees uprooted. Damage can be catastrophic with small buildings blown away or overturned and trees destroyed.Â