To adequately prepare for advancing hurricanes, homeowners need to be familiar with each stage of the storm, from tropical depression to category five gale.
Hurricanes unleash deadly forces on coastal communities annually between May and November. Strong winds, surging tides, flash floods, and torrential rains cause massive damage to homes in the storm's path. By knowing the different stages of a hurricane and their necessary precautions, homeowners can minimize damage and watch the approaching storm with less trepidation than unprepared residents.
Hurricanes' early stages are tropical depressions and tropical storms. These severe weather formations are weaker than hurricanes and relatively unorganized, but as a tropical storm strengthens it begins to show the characteristics of a hurricane, including eye development and stronger rotation. The maximum constant wind speed of a tropical depression is thirty-eight miles per hour (thirty-three knots), and a tropical storm may reach speeds as high as seventy-four miles per hour (sixty-three knots). During these early stages, homeowners should double check their preparations including purchasing hurricane shutters or plywood for barricading windows, stocking up on basic, nonperishable supplies, and planning a tentative evacuation route.
Once a tropical storm reaches wind speeds of seventy-five miles per hour (sixty-four knots) and higher, it officially becomes a hurricane. Weak hurricanes are treated much like tropical storms but they can strengthen rapidly to pose a major threat. By the time a storm is classified as a hurricane, forecasters will be providing potential tracks the storm is likely to follow toward land. The further out to sea the storm is, the more variation the track has, but any home in or near the edges of the predicted path should prepare for hurricane conditions.
Hurricanes are rated from one to five on the Saffir-Simpson scale, with smaller numbers indicating weaker storms. While any storm can cause damage, category four and five storms are the most severe and wreak catastrophic harm on homes. When any category storm is approaching, homeowners should consider taking appropriate precautions to protect their property and possessions.
As hurricanes draw near land, watches and warnings are issued to alert homeowners to potential threats. Tropical storm watches indicate that storm conditions are expected within twenty-four to thirty-six hours, while tropical storm warnings mean fierce conditions are expected in less than twenty-four hours. Strong hurricanes create tropical storm conditions long before the hurricane itself makes landfall, and even if the storm passes a distance away, severe weather threatens homes for hundreds of miles. Storm surge warnings are issued as affected tides create stronger, more dangerous currents. During these warnings, homeowners should continue stockpiling supplies, secure outdoor furniture and accessories, and review family emergency plans.
Hurricane watches indicate strong hurricane conditions are expected within twenty-four to thirty-six hours. At this time, homeowners should begin to evacuate from mobile homes, low-lying or flood-prone areas, and beach residences if the storm is strong enough. Coastal communities publish hurricane guides and evacuation maps showing color-coded neighborhoods that require evacuation for different storm categories. If evacuation is not necessary, final preparations must be made, including fueling up all vehicles and stockpiling perishable goods.
The next stage is a hurricane warning, which is issued when hurricane force winds are expected in less than twenty-four hours. At this point all final preparations should be complete, and family members should remain close to home because strong winds and heavy rain are imminent. Flash flood watches may also be in effect, and storm surge warnings continue.
During the hurricane itself, everyone should stay safely indoors in a sheltered room. Electricity may fail, so it is wise to have a supply of board games, books, and other non-electronic entertainment items available. Comfort food and familiar activities help assuage fears and quell cabin fever during the several hours a hurricane takes to pass. The northern bands of the storm are the strongest, and homes along the northern portion of the storm's track will suffer the most damage. The eye is calm and relatively serene, but homeowners should not relax their guard because the storm's fury can return at any moment.
After the storm has passed, hurricane warnings may remain in effect in flooded areas where high waves and unexpected currents pose continuing threats. Homeowners should begin cleanup and repairs carefully, first taking photographs of any damage to submit with insurance claims. Because thousands of homes are affected by a single hurricane, it may be days before electricity is restored and it is best to continue conserving supplies until markets are able to restock. Remove plywood and storm shutters carefully, since they may be needed several times during hurricane season. If you are returning after an evacuation, drive slowly and beware of downed power lines, flooded roads, and other hazards.
Despite a hurricane's devastating force, homeowners who properly prepare during each stage of the storm are able to minimize damage and lessen its overall impact. From assembling an emergency kit to returning after an evacuation, taking appropriate action during each stage guarantees everyone's safety no matter how intense the hurricane's wind.
