Hurricane Terms & Information
Hurricane Terms and Information
| CATEGORY | WIND/EFFECTS | SURGE |
| 1 |
74-95 mph No real damage to building structures. Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Coastal flooding and minor pier damage. |
4-5 feet |
| 2 |
96-110 mph Some roofing material, door, and window damage. Considerable damage to vegetation, mobile homes, etc. |
6-8 feet |
| 3 |
111-130 mph Some structural damage to small residences and utility building, with minor amount of curtain wall failures. Flooding near coastal areas destroys smaller structures by floating debris. |
9-12 feet |
| 4 |
131-150 More extensive curtain wall failures with some complete roof structure failure on small residences. Major erosion of beach areas. Major flooding inland. |
13-18 feet |
| 5 |
151 mph + Complete roof failure to residence and industrial buildings. Flooding causes major damage to lower floors of all structures near shoreline. Massive evacuation of all residential areas required for safety. |
18+feet |
Terms
Coastal Flood Warnings- A warning that significant wind-forced flooding is eminent along low-lying coastal areas.
Coast Flood Watch- An alert that wind-forced flooding is expected along low-lying coastal areas.
Emergency Operations Center- The County or municipal facility that provides coordination and control of all emergency response and recovery activities.
Evacuation Order- The most important instruction you will ever receive from local government officials, relayed over local website, 800 Hurricane Hotline, and local radio and television. Once issued, an evacuation order is mandatory under law in the State of Florida.
Federal Emergency Management Agency- The agency that assists local governments and citizens in recovering from a disaster, only upon the direction of the President of the United States.
Flood Warning- Heavy rains are expected to cause flooding (minor, moderate, or major).
Hurricane Warning- Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the warning, usually within 24 hours. Complete storm preparations as soon as possible.
Hurricane Watch – Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the watch, usually within 36 hours. During a Hurricane Watch, prepare to take immediate action to protect your family and property in case a Hurricane Warning is issued.
Tropical Storm Warning- Tropical Storm conditions, with the winds ranging from 39-73 mph, are expected in the specific coastal areas within 24 hours.
Tropical Storm Watch- Tropical Storm conditions pose a threat to coastal areas, generally within 36 hours.