Hurricanes
What is a Hurricane?
Hurricanes are severe tropical storms. Hurricanes gather heat and energy through contact with warm ocean waters. Evaporation from the seawater increases their power.
When does hurricane season start?
The Atlantic hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30, but most hurricanes occur during the fall months. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season is from May 15 to November 30.
How fast does a hurricane go?
Hurricane wind can go up to 120 km/h to 321 km/h.
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
|
Category |
Winds (KMH) |
Pressure (Millibars) |
Pressure (Inches) |
Storm Surge |
Damage |
|
1 |
119-152 |
<980 |
<28.94 |
4'-5' |
Minimal |
|
2 |
154-177 |
979-965 |
28.91-28.50 |
6'-8' |
Moderate |
|
3 |
178-209 |
964-945 |
28.47-27.91 |
9'-12' |
Extensive |
|
4 |
210-249 |
944-920 |
27.88-27.17 |
13'-18' |
Extreme |
|
5 |
>249 |
<920 |
<27.17 |
18’+ |
Catastrophic |
What do you need to survive a hurricane?
Hurricane Supply Checklist
What you need for at least 3 to 5 days:
|
Drinking Water |
Battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio |
|
Canned Food |
Portable Alarm Clock |
|
Manual Can Opener |
Extra Batteries |
|
Extra Prescription Medicine |
Flashlights |
|
Eating Utensils |
Rope |
|
First Aid Kit |
Hammer and Nails |
|
Trash Bags |
Duct Tape |
|
Cash |
Extension Cords |
|
Pillows and Blankets |
Tarp |
|
Sleeping Bags |
Mosquito Repellent |
|
Water Jugs |
Cleaning Supplies |
To see pictures of hurricane disasters go to:
http://www.fema.gov/kids/p_hur.htm