Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Important Info: Hurricanes

Watches & Warnings

The official hurricane season for the Atlantic Basin (the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico) is from 1 June to 30 November. 

Hurricane season is typically most active between mid-August through October, where the height of the season is in mid-September. However, deadly hurricanes can occur anytime within the hurricane season.
  • Tropical Storm Watch–Means that tropical storm conditions, or winds of 39 mph or greater are possible in the watch area within 36 hours.
  • Tropical Storm Warning–Means that tropical storm force winds between 39 to 73 mph are expected in the warned area within 24 hours.
  • Hurricane Watch–Means that hurricane conditions, or winds 74 mph or greater are possible in the watch area within 36 hours. This Watch should trigger your family’s disaster plan, and protective measures should be initiated – especially those actions that require extra time such as securing a boat and/or boarding up windows.
  • Hurricane Warning–Means that hurricane force winds of 74 mph or greater are expected in the warned area within 24 hours. This warning can remain in effect if there is still dangerously high water, or a combination of high water and waves even though hurricane force winds have subsided. Once this Warning has been issued, your family should be in the process of completing protective actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm.

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