Hurricane+

Hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage to coastlines and hundreds of miles inland, but these destructive storms have a few needs to feed and grow. They require a low pressure system, warm ocean temperatures, moist environment, and tropical wind patterns off the equator to steer the path. With these storms come hazards you may not have thought of or prepared for...

Tornado:

An extremely destructive funnel-shaped column of air that passes in a narrow path over land. It is common for tornadoes to be produced during a hurricane and even tropical storms. It is common for tornadoes to form in the rain bands of a hurricane and closer to the “eye” of the storm. These tornadoes may be considered relatively weak, but can still do damage. Never under estimate a tornado. Listen for a freight train roar in the wind.

Storm Surge & Tides:

Storm Surge, an abnormal rise in water generated by a storm’s winds. Surge can get to heights well over 20’ and can reach across hundred of miles of the coast.

Tide, water level that rises during a storm due to the combination of storm surge and the astronomical tide.                                                     

The massive power of a storm surge and large waves can destroy buildings, erode the beaches, cause damage to roads and bridges, and even death.

  

Flooding:

Floods are the #1 natural disaster in the U.S. and the most costly. Flash floods can happen within minutes or hours of heavy rainfall, a levee or dam breaks. They are considered dangerous walls of water filled with potentially dangerous debris. If possible, build barriers to prevent the flood water from entering the building; sandbags. floodsmart.gov

Rip Currents:

Rip Currents are channeled currents of water flowing away from shore, usually extending past the line of breaking waves, that can pull even the strongest swimmers away from shore. When the waves break along the coast they can produce deadly rip currents and be a major hazard to mariners and coastal residence.

  

High Winds:

Tropical storm force winds are powerful enough to be to destroy buildings and mobile homes. A strong enough wind can try a simple item into a dangerous flying missile.

Stay tuned for the next blog and more hurricane season information.