hurricane resource guide

7/25/2019 Hurricane Resource Guide

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One hundred years ago, in 1916 two hurricanes hit Mobile. In 1906 and in 1926,hurricanes also hit Mobile. Based on the perfect 10-year interval between stormsin the early 1900s, people probably expected another hurricane in 1936, but thatsnot the way weather works.

The past doesnt help us predict individual storms, and neither do seasonal outlooks.While statistics can generate an average of how frequently a hurricane strikeshere, a historical average cant be used to forecast a single season. In 2005, thePensacola area dealt with Hurricane Dennis and Hurricane Katrina in the sameseason. That also didnt mean that the next storm would be 20 years later! Peoplesay that we are overdue for a big one, in part because they expect weather to happenon regular cycles. The reality is we go through active decades and years, and thenquiet ones.

resource guide is about having a plan so that you minimize inconvenience, disruption, and the risk of injury and loss from

ical storms and hurricanes. As you read the condensed accounts from the archives of Monthly Weather Review of thesey 20th century hurricanes, youll notic e differences in spelling, jargon and grammar describing the storms, but not so muche impact. Use these as lessons for what we will sooner or later face. These tremendous tempests are natural and critical to

balance of Earth but they are a nuisance to our lives.

-forward to the digital present. We have weather information overload. However, for as much as we understand about tropicalther, there is more that we dont know, or dont know that we dont know! Dont plan your life based on a single pixel on aen. Look at the big picture and listen to the uncertainties with any tropical system. Even with a perfect forecast, the impact onmunities, neighborhoods, and your home is not fully predictable. Weve changed our landscape so that what a storm does tocommunities cannot possibly be the same as what it would have been in the past.

t forget that this 2016 hurricane season actually started with Hurricane Alex in January, a record-early storm. That gives nos to the rest of the season but it gives a clear message to always be on guard. Leave enough time and latitude to make decisionsplans that keep you in the safest place, yet allowyou to change them when info rmation changes. Be ready. Be safe!

n Sealls, Chief Meteorologist, WKRG-TVS, NWA, AMS Fellow

Arlene

Bret

Cindy

Don

Emily

Franklin

Gert

Harvey

Irma

Jose

Katia

Lee

Maria

Nate

Ophelia

Philippe

Rina

Sean

Tammy

Vince

Whitney

2017 Atlantic Tropical Stormand Hurricane Names

Alex

Bonnie

Colin

Danielle

Earl

Fiona

Gaston

Hermine

Ian

Julia

Karl

Lisa

Matthew

Nicole

Otto

Paula

Richard

Shary

Tobias

Virginie

Walter

2016 Atlantic Tropical Stormand Hurricane Names

Welcome

The hurricane of September 27, 1906 was described in Monthly

Weather Review, as more destructive than any other in the

meteorological history of the station, involving a greater loss ofproperty, more numerous marine disasters, and greater

destruction to timber. The storm approached this section withoutany optical premonitory signs or noticeable cloud formations.

About 20 buildings, mostly houses in Mobile, demolished. Nearlyall buildings were damaged. Windows were blown in, chimneys

felled, tin roofs rolled up, slates and shingles ript off so that fewinteriors of houses escaped damage by the rain. In some places,heavy timbers were carried considerable distances. Many

merchants in the wholesale district had elevated their wares, but

the tide exceeded all previous stages and damaged the lowermostgoods. All electric services were totally crippled. The telegraphwires being down by 3 a.m. of the 27th. The roads were made

impassable by prostrated trees. The wharfs were greatly damagedand shipping suffered considerably.

In the southern parts of Mobile and Baldwin counties the stormwas most destructive to life and property. On the southern coast

of Mobile County about one hundred persons lost their lives,mostly by drowning in the high tide which swept the coast.

This was the most terrific storm in the history of Pensacola. Thegreatest loss was to the shipping interests; a large number of

ocean going vessels, tug boats, fishing smacks, launches, and

craft of all kinds were wrecked upon the beach. The peothe city were panic stricken. Santa Rosa Island saved Pe

from more severe suffering. The entire water front propinundated, the water reaching many houses; some were

carried away completely or irreparably damaged. On Pastreet from the wharf north to Wright street, there is hbuilding that has escaped damage. Fort Pickens has suff

severely, and Fort McRae is completely razed.

PensacolaJournal. CourtesyLibrar

1906 Hurricane destruction in Mobile. Courtesy Christ Chur

TheDoyLealeMcCallRareBook andManuscriptLibrary,Universityof So


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ake pictures of all of your possessions and keep a list ofch, along with their serial numbers and value. Copies ofese should be in a safe place outside of your home.ving them as digital files is helpful too.

ke pictures of the total interior and exterior of your home.se the panorama feature of your camera or phone.

an important paper documents to digital files, or just takegital pictures of them. Keep a copy of all critical digital filesa safe deposit box or with someone you trust, or in the cloud.

ack up your computer and cell phone regularly. Keepmportant documents on your phone or on a portableash drive that you can carry, should you have to evacuate.

se password protection.

heck your insurance coverage since flood damage is notually covered by homeowners insurance. Nationalood Insurance Programww.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program

nd out if your home meets current building codes forgh winds. Homes that meet or exceed current high-windandards have a much better chance of standing up. VisitHS (Institute for Business and Home Safety)ww.disastersafety.org

urchase commercial shutters or prepare 5/8 inch plywoodanels for all window openings. Store plywood flat so thatdoesnt warp.

urchase a NOAA Weather Radio and program it for yourounty and the type of alerts you want or dont want.

ave a small portable battery-powered digital TV and aattery-powered AM/FM radio.

Install our free News 5 weather app and our news app,and get a streaming radio app for your smart phone.

Reinforce garage doors. Since they are so large they arefrequently the first part of a home to fail in high wind.

If you do not live in a mobile home or in a surge evacuation zone, designate an interior room with no windows or

external doors as a safe room.

Stock non-perishable food, emergency supplies and adisaster supply kit.

If you can safely store gasoline, do so for your generator,chain saw and even vehicles.

Invest in solar-powered chargers for your rechargeablebatteries and cell phone batteries.

Keep a can of spray paint to use for numbering plywood.In the worst case, spray paint can be used for markingyour property for insurance purposes after devastation.

Ensure that landscaping and trees do not become a windhazard. Rock and gravel can blow in high wind. Tall treesclose to your home may fall. Trim the dead, weak, ordangerous overhanging branches from all trees.

Keep gutters clean and downspouts clear.

Check straps, tie-downs and anchors for mobile homes.Few mobile or manufactured homes can withstand hurricane

force winds. Even if they are tied down you put yourselfand family at risk by staying in the threat of high wind.

Know your neighborhoods and homes vulnerability towind, storm surge, and flooding.

In flood-prone neighborhoods, store important photosand documents in a watertight container, off of the flooror in the attic.

Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all yourfamily members have a single point of contact if you haveto evacuate or abandon your home.

Develop a plan for family with special needs, especiallythose who have difficulty moving around or those whoneed daily assistance.

Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you needto evacuate. Check with your county EMA. Have a pet carrier,

leash, and muzzle available. Ensure pets are up-to-date onvaccinations and that pets have collars and tags.

Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones andmake sure your children know how and when to call 911.If you have a landline, make sure one phone has a wire tothe wall jack and does not require batteries.

reparing your Home for Hurricane Seasonnks to the National Hurricane Center for many of these tips.

Know the elevation of your property and how it comparesto local floodplain maps. Even if it never flooded before itstill can flood because floodplains change over time

naturally, and with development.

In high-risk flood-prone areas, keep materials on hand likesandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, plastic garbage bags,lumber, shovels, work boots and gloves. Call your countyEMA to learn how to construct proper protectivemeasures around your home.

Be aware of streams, drainage channels and areas knownto flood, so that you or your evacuation routes are not cutoff. Avoid driving into water of unknown depth. Movingwater can quickly sweep your vehicle away.

Always keep children from playing in flooded areas.

Remember a Tropical Storm Watch or a Hurricane Watchmean those storms, respectively, may directly makeimpact within 48 hours.

Even before a Watch is issued, if a storm is in the Gulf or looks like it might arrive here, gas your vehicles and get cash to have on hand. Do any little thing you can do that youd end up doing later if no storm arrives. Get ahead of the crowds. Pay your bills that are pending to avoid delays and inconvenience.

When a Watch is issued, storm effects are possible within 48 hours.

Secure or bring inside all lawn furniture and other outside objects that could

become projectiles in high wind, orfloat away in flood water. Prepare toinstall your window shutters orplywood panels.

Listen for safety instructions from localofficials, and follow the forecast updates.

Charge all rechargeable batteries forcell phones, flashlights, radios andother devices.

Moor or store your boat.

Listen to all warnings for rip currents which become and stronger with approaching tropical weather.

of the water.

Once a Hurricane Warning is issued , it means yoexpect the wind or storm surge of a hurricane within

Complete the installation of your shutters or window c

Fill bath tubs and jugs with water to be used for flor cleaning in case of loss of water service.

Turn refrigerator and freezer to maximum cold anopening their doors.

Put vehicles in garage and back them up to the gadoor to further brace the door.

Limit alcohol use to remain able to rapidly responchanges, which might include evacuation.

Be prepared when the storm strikes to go to yourdesignated safe room. Remember that there is lno wind in the eye of a hurricane so thats only the h

point of the wind and rain. Do not leave your safeuntil directed to do so by local officials, or until yo100% certain the worst has passed.

While newer high-rise condos are built to stringestandards, the wind at higher floors will be strongit will be on lower floors. Stay with a friend on a lofloor if you are not evacuating.

Turn off and unplug unused large or expensive apso they wont get a damaging surge of electricity ifluctuates or is lost and then restored.

In the midst of a hurricane or even a tropical stormexpect any emergency response due to the dangeanyone traveling.

Limit cell phone use to only what is necessary.

Pensacola, Florida, after 1906 hurricane.

Courtesy Cottrell-Ashley Studio, World Digital Library

1906 hurricane aftermath in Mobile. Courtesy The Doy Leale McCall

Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of South Alabama

1906 hurricane damage in Mobile. Courtesy Larry Massy, The Doy

Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of So


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When there is a possibility of a storm getting closeyour vehicles gas tank full.

If you live in an evacuation zone and are ordered to e by state or local officials, get out as quickly as pos

mandatory evacuation means that if you choose to s are totally on your own and should not expect any

or emergency assistance. Realize that your evacuat may have a number but that number doesnot relat category of the storm. Evacuation zones are creat on vulnerability to surge and/or high wind. Evacua

zones and routes are often listed in your phone bo

Do not wait to evacuate, since that increases the rbeing stuck in traffic, or not being able to get out aExpect traffic congestion and much longer travel tthan normal to reach your familys destination. It issafer to travel in daylight.

While evacuating moves you out of the immediatesurge or high initial wind threat area, realize that ystill deal with flooding or tornadoes wherever you

Minimize the distance you travel to reach a safe lothe farther you drive, the higher the likelihood of pr

on the roads. Your destination just needs to be far e get you out of the evacuation area. In some cases

mean driving northward within your county to gestorm surge zone, or driving a few miles to stay wifriend in a stronger home. Make sure they know ycoming! Arrange this at the start of the season.

Do not get on the road without a planned route, or a go to. Know your local shelter locations and how t

them. Before leaving, fill your gas tank and get casATM. Have copies of all important legal documentshome and property in case your home is destroyed.

Contact your local emergency management office to or get information regarding anyone in your house may require special assistance in order to evacuat

Prepare a separate pet plan, because most public sdo not accept pets.

Carry all prescription medicines and special medicsuch as eyeglasses and diapers.

If your evacuation plan includes a boat, trailer, or Rleave early.

Prepare your home before leaving by boarding up d windows, securing or moving indoors all yard item

turning off all utilities. Shut off your propane tanks

Stay tuned to News 5 and our radio partners or w for advisories or specific instructions from local of

Monitor your NOAA Weather Radio.

Evacuation PlanningThanks to the National Hurricane Center for many of t

GovernmentStreetfollowing 1916hurricane. CourtesyErik OverbeyCollection,

TheDoyLealeMcCallRareBookandManuscriptLibrary,Universityof SouthAlabama

1916hurricaneaftermath.CourtesyHistoryMuseumof MobileCollection,TheDoy

LealeMcCallRareBookandManuscriptLibrary,UniversityofSouthAlabama

Hurricanefloodingin1916alongtheTombigbeeRivernearWagar,

inWashingtonCounty,Alabama.Courtesy NOAA

July1916hurricaneaftermathonMunicipalWharfinMobile.CourtesyNOAA

Monthly Weather Review condensed account of thericane of July 5, 1916.

ricane warnings were ordered at 9 a.m. on the day of landfall,m Mobile westward, and northeast storm warnings extended

ward. At about 11 a.m. the chief of police was requested tofy parties along the river front that high tides were expected.telegraph line to Fort Morgan was down from July 4, and

telephonic communication to points in Baldwin County,was interrupted before the warning could be sent out.

storm passed inland on the Mississippi coast during thernoon with a barometer reading of 28.92 inches at Mobile45 p.m. The maximum wind velocity was about 106 milesour, the highest velocity ever reported at that station. Atsacola the maximum wind velocity was 104 miles an hour

m the southeast at 2:32 p.m., also the highest velocity everorted at that station.

hurricane was more destructive within the city limits ofbile than any other storm in the recorded history. There wholesale business district was inundated, and on St.ncis Street the water extended inland about four blocks.m tide was 11.6 feet above average.

r the morning of the 6th the storm hovered over (centralnorthern) Mississippi and Alabama for three days withential rains that caused great floods in the rivers of theGulf States and enormous damage to growing crops.

ortunately several lives were lost along the middle Gulfst, mainly persons in small boats. Marine casualties were of a

minor character but the aggregate losses amounted to severalmillions of dollars, 3 million dollars in 1916 would be about 65million dollars now, distributed principally between the cities ofPensacola and Mobile and the agricultural sections ofsout heast ern Mississippi and southwestern Alabama. The hightides were responsible for the major portion of the coast damage.

The condensed account from Monthly Weather Review ofthe hurricane of October 18, 1916.

Before sunrise on October 17th, 1916, a hurricane moved into theGulf from near the Yucatan Peninsula. Storm warnings were postedfor the northern Gulf Coast.

By 8 a.m. of the 18th, the storm center was in the vicinity ofFort Morgan, Ala., with the tide 2 feet above normal at

Pensacola, Fla.Hurricane warnings were then ordered. Thestorm then moved inland, the center passing almost directly overthe city of Pensacola, Fla., at 10:30 a. m. At 10:1 2 a.m. the windreached a 5-minute velocity of 114 miles an hour from thesoutheast. After the lull attending the passage of the stormcenter the wind again increasedfrom th e west, reachin g anestimated velocity of 120 miles an hour. After 11 a. m. thewind subsided to less than a gale.

At Mobile the wind velocity, however, was 115 miles an hourfrom the east. The storm did little damage, comparativelyspeaking, as ample precautions had been taken on all sides,and furthermore, the storm moved so rapidly that its force inany one locality was soon spent.

DauphinStreetbetweenRoyalStreetand WaterStreet.

CourtesyHistoryMuseumof MobileCollection,TheDoy LealeMcCallRareBookand ManuscriptLibrary,UniversityofSouthAlabama


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251-471-2674

YOUR OFFICIAL 2016

HURRICANE TRACKING CHART

Provided by


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The hurricane of September 20th, 1926 in Mobile haddevastated Miami two days earlier with wind of 128 mph.It nearly stalled to the south of Pensacola and buffeted thecentral Gulf Coast with 24 hours of heavy rain, hurricaneforce winds, and storm surge. Nearly every pier, warehouse,and vessel on Pensacola Bay was destroyed.

From Monthly Weather Review the center closelyapproached Pensacola. Shortly afterward the center wasdefinitely located as passing over Perdido Beach, BaldwinCo., Ala., where a minimum reading of 28.20 inches wasobserved between 3 and 4 p.m. with a lull in the wind and ashift from northeast to southwest. It moved thence towardthe west passing a short distance south of Mobile at 9:30 p.m.The center passed a very short distance south of Pascagoula,Miss., at 5:25 a.m. of the 21st. The northern edge of the eyeof the storm passed over Biloxi about 8 a.m.

In Pensacola, the peak wind was 116 mph. The water rsteadily in the face of northeast winds of hurricane fThe highest water occurred before the winds becamsoutheast. The high stage of 9.4 feet above mean seahas been accurately determined but reliable persons

experienced the 1906 storm assert that the water whigher this year than in 1906, probably by two feet.

Mobile had a peak wind of 94 mph. In the Mobile River, twas a steadily decreasing tide with the northerly winuntil an unprecedented low stage occurred. This unucondition became troublesome and caused slight damto boats that had sought shelter at Twelve Mile Islanupriver from Mobile, as it increased the height of thebank above water, and the swaying of the trees causelarge sections of ground with timber to slide into the

helter Tipsricane shelters are your last option for safety while am is moving in. Shelters are for those who must leave theires but dont have the time or resources to find a comfortable

rnative. Do not expect much to be provided for you beyonde and a restroom. Shelters may be crowded and noisy.y are simply to keep you safe until the storm passes. Afterstorm, shelters will begin closing. Not all shelters may ben for any given hurricane so listen to us on News 5 andg.comor check your EMA office online or by phone. Ineme cases where shelters fill up, you may be turned away.

What to take to a shelter:Drivers license or government-issued photo idChange of clothing

BlanketsSleeping bagsPillowsHygiene or sanitary productsSanitizerMedications, prescription & over-the-counter drugsEyeglassesDenturesBaby food/formula, diapers, wipes, teething gel,ointmentWater in plastic containers - 3 day supplyFood & snacks, non-perishable - 3 day supplyCell phone & chargerFlashlight & extra batteriesKeysBattery-powered radio and/or digital TV &extra batteriesHeadphones or ear buds for your TV or radioFirst-aid kitEntertainment (toys, books, games, etc.)Cash, checkbook, credit cardsPatience and a positive attitude

mportant Documents:

Social security cardProof of residence (deed or lease)Insurance policiesBirth certificateMarriage certificateStocks, bonds, and other negotiable certificatesWills, deeds, copies of recent tax returns

Avoid using candles that may fall and cause a house fire.

Watch for debris, and for downed power lines that may still carry current, even after the storm.

Test water for drinkability; wells should be pumped outand the water tested before drinking.

Do not eat fresh food that has been touched byfloodwaters. Wash canned goods that come in contactwith floodwaters with soap and hot water.

When traveling, treat all four way intersections without working signal lights as a full stop, from any direction.

In addition to all the items you would take to a shelter, here

are items you may need after the storm, as suggested by the

National Hurricane Center...

Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices foods for infants or the elderly snacks manual can opener cooking tools and fuel paper plates and plastic utensils

Blankets and pillows Clothing, rain gear, sturdy shoes First Aid Kit, medicines, prescription drugs Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra

battery and a traditional wired telephone Tools for cleanup and repair Vehicle fuel tanks filled Tire repair kit

Pet care items

proper identification, immunization records andmedications

ample supply of food and water a carrier or cage muzzle and leash favorite toys

Camera or camera phone- for documenting losses forinsurance purposes, and for sending storm damagepictures to us at News 5!

When dealing with contractors for repairs, make surethey are bonded and registered or licensed accordingto your jurisdiction.

Request written bids and references from severalcontractors. Once you decide on a contractor, requirea written contract that includes a timeline of work.

Dont make final payment until the work is done.Request a city or county inspection to be sure the workis up to code before final payment.

er the storm, if you are hit hard, the cleanup begins. It canhysically and emotionally stressful. Pace yourself to staythy and safe from injury. Make sure you, your friends, and

r neighbors are coping well with the disruption. You mayays without electricity, clean water, and access to storesbanks.

September 20, 1926 w

Co

Mobileaftermath of1926 hurricane.

CourtesyErikOverbeyCollection,TheDoy LealeMcCall

RareBookandManuscriptLibrary,UniversityofSouthAlabama

1926hurricanefloodinginMobile.CourtesyErikOverbeyCollection,TheDoy LealeMcCallRareBookandManuscriptLibrary,Universityof S


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rricane Shelters in Mobile Countyse Tier One Emergency Mass Care Shelters are not listedny order or priority of opening. Shelters will be openeded on the situation, as coordinated by the Mobile CountyA and several other agencies. This list is subject to changeed upon the needs of the school system at the time. Thedical Needs Shelter at Burns Middle School has specificocols that must be met before acceptance will be allowed.uidelines will be disseminated prior to the opening of anyter along with location and time of operation.

er High School

1 Airport Boulevard, Mobile

aw/Mt. Vernon Elementary School

0 Gertman Circle, Mt. Vernon

ns Middle School - Medical Needs only

5 Girby Rd., Mobile

sey Middle School

5 McFarland Rd., Mobile

ins-Rhodes Elementary School

0 St. Stephens Rd, Eight Mile

David-Jones Elementary School

50 Hwy 45, Citronelle

th Mobile Middle School

0 Salco Road, Axis

uma High School

Gator Circle, Satsuma

mmes Middle School

6 Ed George Road, Semmes

odore High School

1 Swedetown Road, Theodore

Hurricane Shelters in Baldwin CountyNote the type of shelter in each listing. Not all shelters may beopened for any given storm.

Bay Minette Middle School - Mass Care

1311 West 13th Street, Bay Minette

Daphne East Elementary School - Mass Care

26651 County Road 13, Daphne

Baldwin County Coliseum -

Mass Care/ADPH Medical Needs Shelter

19477 Fairground Road, Robertsdale(Co-locates individuals who have physical or mental conditionsrequiring limited medical/nursing oversight as well as individuals

who require electricity to sustain life support functions.)

Fairhope Satellite Courthouse - Electrical Support

1100 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope(Only for those requiring electricity to sustain life support functions)

Foley Satellite Courthouse - Electrical Support

201 East Section Street, Foley(Only for those requiring electricity to sustain life support functions)

Baldwin County Level II - Electrical Support

207 North White Avenue, Bay Minette(Only for those requiring electricity to sustain life support functions)

helter LocationsHurricane Shelters in Escambia County, FLAll are in Pensacola except for Northview High School.Not all shelters may be opened for any given storm.

Blue Angels Elementary School

1551 Dog Track Road

Ferry Pass Middle School

8355 Yancey Avenue

Global Learning Academy

100 North P Street

Jim Bailey Middle School

4110 Bauer Road

Lipscomb Elementary School10200 Ashton Brosnaham Road

Marie Young Community Center

6405 Wagner Road

Molino Park Elementary School - Pet Shelter

899 Highway 97

Northview High School

4100 West Highway 4, Century

Pensacola Bay Center

201 East Gregory Street

Pensacola High School

500 West Maxwell Street

Tate High School

1771 Tate School Road

University of West Florida

11000 University Parkway

Warrington Middle School

450 South Old Corry Field Road

West Florida High School -Special Needs Shelter

Pre-Registration Recommended2400 Longleaf Drive

Hurricane Shelters in Santa Rosa CouNot all shelters may be opened for any given storm.

Avalon Middle School - Pet Friendly Shelter

5445 King Arthurs Way, Milton

Bennett C. Russell Elementary -Special Needs She

3740 Excalibur Way, Milton

Chumuckla Community Center

2355 Highway 182, Jay

Jay High School

3741 School Road, Jay

Milton Community Center

5629 Byrom St, Milton

S. S. Dixon School

5540 Education Dr, Pace

Shelter Locations

Know your evacuation route and have


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Emergency Management Offices

Jackson County Emergency Management

228 769-3111

George County Emergency Management

601 947-7557

Mobile County Emergency Management

251 460-8000

Washington County Emergency Management

251 847-2668

Clarke County Emergency Management

251 275-8775

Monroe County Emergency Management251 743-3259

Conecuh County Emergency Management

251 578-5911

Escambia County, AL, Emergency Management

251 867-0232

Baldwin County Emergency Management

251 972-6807 (South Baldwin)251 937-0317 (North Baldwin)251 990-4605 (Eastern Shore)

Escambia County, FL,

Division of Emergency Management

850 471-6400

Santa Rosa County Emergency Management

850 983-5360

Okaloosa County Emergency Management

850 651-7150

Go to wkrg.com for links to websites or do a search for the office

Tropical Weather DefinitiA Tropical Wave is a region of low pressure and cloud

that moves from east to west in the tropics. These arepart of tropical weather.

A Tropical Disturbance is when thunderstorms develofor more than a day within a tropical wave. These are co

AnInvest is a disturbance that is being investigated bNational Hurricane Center. Invests have a number for c

tracking purposes but they should not be confused tropical depressions which have different numbers.

If a tropical disturbance shows a circulation with the

thunderstorms becoming organized it is called a Trop

Depression and given a number for tracking purposes.

it as the letter L on our weather maps. At this point mattention is given to it as something that may develop

If the winds in a tropical depression exceed 38mph becomes a Tropical Storm and it is then given a nampre-selected list. The winds in a tropical storm may

from 39mph to 73mph.

If the tropical storm increases wind speed to 74mph oit is then called a Hurricane.

A Major Hurricane has winds over 110mph, meaningthree or higher.

Maximum sustained wind is the highest wind in any tropical storm or hurricane as measured or, in most ca

estimated. Most parts of a tropical storm or hurricanelower wind speed but there are always gusts and som

tornadoes that further increase the local wind.

Subtropicalis used to describe tropical depressions o

storms that are a hybrid between tropical and non-tra technical distinction that doesnt change much abou

impact at landfall. Subtropical storms can grow into h

Extratropicaldescribes a system that was a tropical s

hurricane but either merged with a front or regular relow pressure. These can maintain strength as large sto

systems for a while before fully weakening.

A Watchmeans a certain type of hazardous weather is

Watch and be alert.

A Warning means the hazardous weather is imminehappening. Take immediate action.

affir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scalescale is for WIND ONLY, not for the size, rain threat,ado threat, or storm surge of a hurricane. A hurricane weakening wind at landfall may still have a high storme. Tropical storms and hurricanes that move inland stillproduce flooding rain and tornadoes. Listen carefully forhreats. There is a wide range of wind speeds and damageential even within a single category.

ategory 1 hurricane has winds between 74 and 95 mph.mage is minimal but winds are still dangerous.

ple and animals struck by flying debris could be injured ord. Older mobile homes could be destroyed. Apartments,some frame homes will suffer damage to roofing, siding,

erings, garage doors, and chimneys. Large windows mayroken by flying debris, creating danger even after the

m. Tree branches may snap and shallow-rooted trees canDamage to power lines and poles will cause power outagesy lasting several days. Danny in 1997 was a category onet dropped more than 2 feet of rain.

ategory 2 hurricane creates moderate damage with winds6-110 mph.re is risk of injury or death from flying debris. Mobilees may be destroyed. Some uncovered windows will be

ken by impact of debris. Homes may lose roof structuressustain major roof and siding damage. Roof and sidingage to apartments and industrial buildings will occur.

einforced masonry walls can fall. Windows in high-risesbe broken by flying debris. Commercial signs, fences,canopies will be damaged. Many shallowly rooted treesbe snapped or uprooted and block roads. Near-totaler loss is expected with outages that could last from days

weeks. Clean water could become scarce as filtrationems fail. In 1995 Erin made landfall as a category 2. In 1998rges hit as a category two, leaving over 2 feet of rain.

A Category 3 hurricane produces damaging wind of 111-129mph. Category 3 and higher hurricanes are classified as "major."There is a high risk of injury or death from flying debris. Mobilehomes will be severely damaged or destroyed. Complete failureof older metal buildings and older unreinforced masonrybuildings is likely. Well-built homes will have damage of somesort. Windows will be blown out of high-rises resulting infalling glass, which will be a threat even after the storm. Mostcommercial signs, fences, and canopies will be destroyed.Trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking roads. Electricityand water will be unavailable for several days to a few weeks.Opal in 1995 and Dennis in 2005 were marginal category 3at landfall, while Ivan in 2004 and Frederic in 1979 were highcategory 3 storms. Katrina in 2005 was also a high category3 at landfall.

A Category 4 hurricane produces extreme damage with windsof 130-156mph.

Widespread damage and destruction ofhomes and buildings occurs. Poweroutages will last for weeks. Water servicewill be out. Hardest hit areas will beuninhabitable for weeks or months.Charley in southwest Florida in 2004and Hugo in South Carolina in 1989were category 4 hurricanes.

A Category 5 hurricane is catastrophic.The winds exceed 156mph.Its the worst-case scenario. Near-totaldestruction of entire neighborhoodshappens. Months and years of difficultrecovery follow. Camille in 1969 was acategory 5 in southern Mississippi andso was Andrew in south Florida in 1992. Major hurricanes since 1851. Courtesy NOAA

The Saffir Simpson scale ranks hurricane wind speed


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Hurricane Trivia The deadliest hurricane to hit the United States was in

1900, in Galveston, Texas. 8,000 people were killed.

The strongest wind gust recorded in a hurricane was in1996 with Tropical Cyclone Olivia, just before landfallin Australia. The winds were measured at 253 mph.

Hurricanes and tropical storms spin clockwise in thesouthern hemisphere. In the northern hemisphere the

storms spin counterclockwise.

Every few years the remnants of a tropical system crossMexico or Central America, from the Gulf or Caribbean tothe Pacific (or in the other direction), and redevelop into anew tropical system.

The longest-lasting hurricane was in the Pacific Ocean.Hurricane John lasted 30 days in 1994.

Up to 4 hurricanes have been observed in the Atlantic basin at the same time.

The latest observed hurricane for the year in the Atlanticbasin was on December 31, in 1954.

Only 3 hurricanes have made landfall as Category 5 storms inthe United States- Andrew in 1992, Camille in 1969, and anunnamed hurricane in 1935 in the Florida Keys.

The hurricane forecast cone is only for where the center of

the storm is predicted to be, not the impact of the storm.

WKRG Smart PhoneWeather AppThe free WKRG smart phone weather app works on Androidor iPhone or iPad and on tablets. The app displays radar andsevere weather watches and warnings, along with a forecastcone and watches and warnings for tropical weather. It givesyou notification when an alert is issued for where you are. Youcan watch the forecast update video from the First Alert StormTeam. It also shows lightning, satellite, current conditions andthe future weather outlook, along with earthquakes! It worksanywhere in the United States. The free WKRG weather app isan indispensable tool for hurricane season and all other monthof the year.

The News 5 free weather app is for tropical weath

and severe weather throughout the year. The ap

works on Apple and Android phones and table