Topics of Discussion • Different types of hurricanes. • Effects of hurricanes. • Preparation tips • What to do before, during, and after a storm. • Evacuation routes and re-entry information. • Information Resources
What is a Hurricane? • A hurricane, which is also called a tropical cyclone, is an organized system of clouds and thunderstorms in a rotation that originates over tropical or subtropical waters and has a closed low-level circulation. • A tropical cyclone rotates counter clockwise.
Different Classifications of Tropical Cyclones • Tropical Depression: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 38mph (33knots) • Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 39-73mph (34-63knots) • Hurricane: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 74mph (64 knots) or higher. • Major Hurricane: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 111mph (96knots) or higher, corresponding to a Category 3, 4, or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
Hurricane Season: When is it? • Hurricane season for the Atlantic Basin (The Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico) is from the 1 st of June until the 30 th of November. • The “peak” of hurricane season is mid -August to the later period of October, however it is possible for outbreaks of hurricanes to occur anytime in the season. • The Central Pacific hurricane season is from the 1str of June until the 30 th of November with a peak from July to September. • East Pacific hurricane season is from the 15 th of May until the 30 th of November • In the Western North Pacific hurricanes can strike year round!
Hurricane Categories
2013 Season Forecast/ Atlantic Names
Climatological Origins and Tracks of Hurricanes
But we aren’t coastal, what should we worry about? • For more inland areas offshoot threats from the storm should be approached cautiously. • Tornadoes – Most often occur in thunderstorms embedded in rain bands far from the center of a hurricane. Usually will be short lived and relatively weak but still destructive. • Hurricane Force Winds – Hurricane force winds are 74mph or greater and can cause extensive damage. Also debris such as signs, fencing, roofing material, siding and • small items left outside become dangerous in such winds. • Wind can stay at hurricane strength well into the inland areas. • Flooding is the major threat from hurricanes for people living inland. The slower moving and larger storms produce more rainfall. •
Winds Rainfall • Tropical cyclones often produce • Hurricane-force winds, 74mph or more, widespread, torrential amounts of rainfall can destroy buildings and mobile homes. in excess of 6 inches. Debris, such as shingles, roofing material, • This can result in damaging and siding, and small items left outside sometimes deadly flooding. become flying hazards in hurricanes. • Flooding is the major threat from tropical cyclones for people living inland. • Winds can stay above hurricane strength • Flash flooding, a rapid rise in water levels, well inland. can occur quickly due to intense rainfall. • Longer term flooding on rivers and • Example: Hurricane Charley in 2004 made streams can persist for several days after landfall on the southwest Florida coast the storm. but produced major damage well inland • Be aware of rising water levels and water across central Florida with gusts of wind on the roads. at more than 100mph.
What to do before a hurricane • Before hurricane season even arrives you should BE PREPARED . • Having a well-stocked disaster preparedness kit is the first step. • Check emergency equipment and make repairs if needed. • Check your flashlights! Make sure to have some spare batteries on hand. • It’s suggested to have a NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards receiver. They can be hand crank, solar powered, or battery powered. Some even come with all three options and can be purchased at many different stores and outfitters. • Check your first-aid kit and make sure it is well stocked. Replace anything if needed.
Preparedness Continued • Buy non perishable food and store some drinking water. • Trim your trees and shrubbery to reduce risk of branches damaging your home. • Clear your gutters and downspouts. • Review your insurance policy. It’s also a good idea to keep an up to date copy of your policy with your disaster kit. • Do you have any pets? Be sure to check for pet- friendly hotels along your evacuation route. Most public shelters do not take animals.
Suggestions for Emergency Supply Kit • At least a 3-day supply of water per person in the group. Extra for any pets. • At least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food. Have pet supplies if needed. • At least one change of clothing and a pair of sturdy shoes. Think of your climate when choosing these. • One blanket or sleeping bag per person. Extra if needed for climate. • Battery powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both are suggested. • Flashlights and extra batteries! • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for sanitation. • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities. • Manual can opener for any canned food. • Local maps.
Emergency Supply Kit Continued…. Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic • sheeting and duct-tape to shelter-in a place. Whistle to signal for help. • Mess kits, paper plates, plastic utensils and cups. • Emergency tools. • First-aid kit. Have Prescription/Non-Prescription • medications and glasses. Extra set of car keys. • Personal hygiene items • Credit card and cash/change, travelers checks. • Any special items for infant, elderly, or disabled • family members. These items are all suggested materials to have in a basic disaster kit. Here are some other suggested additional items you may want to have…….
Listen to the weather and local officials. • Be familiar with weather terminology like watches vs. warnings. • Tune into your local weather station either on TV or your radio. They will be able to provide up to date forecasts so that you know your best course of action. • Know your evacuation routes and be prepared to leave if instructed to do so by officials.
I’m leaving! Where do I go? • If you decide to evacuate the area or are instructed to do so by officials, know where you are going. • Major roads and interstates may be crowded with others doing the same thing, so be patient and leave in a timely manner when instructed to do so. • I-4, Highway 429, the Florida Turnpike, or the 528 Beach line Highway would all be great evacuation roads depending on the direction the storm is coming from.
Evacuation Routes – Polk County http://www.floridadisaster.org/publicmapping /
Evacuation Routes – Orange County http://www.floridadisaster.org/publicmapping /
Watches versus Warnings….. Tropical Storm Watch: An announcement that tropical-storm conditions • are possible within the specified area. Because outside preparedness becomes difficult once winds reach tropical • storm force, watches are issued 48 hours in advance of anticipated onset. During a tropical storm watch prepare your home and review your • evacuation plans in case warnings are issued. Listen closely for instructions form local officials. Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical-storm conditions are expected within • the specified area. Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected within the • specified area. Because outside preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach • tropical storm force Warnings are issued 36 hours in advance of onset. During a warning, complete storm preparations and immediately leave • the threatened area if directed to do so by officials. Extreme Wind Warning: Extreme sustained winds of a major hurricane • (115mph and greater) usually associated with the eye wall are expected to begin within an hour. Take immediate shelter in the interior portion of a well-built structure.
What to do during the hurricane… If in a Watch area: • Frequently check TV, radio, or NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for official bulletins of storms progression. • Make sure cell phone is fully charged and keep charger handy. • Make sure vehicles are fueled and in good service. • Make sure to have extra cash and change on hand incase Credit Card systems go down and you need supplies. • Prepare to cover all windows and doors with shutters or shielding materials. • Check your battery supply and stocked food/water. • Store any light weight items like garbage cans, garden tools, toys, and lawn furniture. Debris such as these can become very dangerous and destructive in hurricane force winds if left outside.
If You Are in A Warning Area: • Closely monitor radio, TV, or your NOAA Weather Radio for official updates and instructions from officials. • Close storm shutters. • Follow instructions issued by local officials. If directed to leave, Leave immediately. • Stay with friends/relatives at a low-rise inland hotel or at a designated public shelter safely outside of the flood zone. • Let neighbors and a family member outside of the evacuation area know your evacuation plans. • Take pets with you if at all possible, but remember most public shelters do not allow pets. • Be aware of any pet-friendly hotels along your evacuation route.
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