Hurricanes & Tropical Storms
Defining These Storms Hurricanes and tropical storms are large non-frontal tropical low pressure systems that may or may not have cyclonic surface winds. Should these systems have a maximum sustained surface winds of less than 39 miles per hour are called "tropical depressions." Once the tropical cyclone exceeds wind speeds of 39 miles per hour they are called a "tropical storm" and assigned a name. If winds reach 74 miles per hour they are called a "hurricane."
Storm Surges These storms also bring with them a tidal event known as "storm surge." Storm surge is an off shore rise of water associated with a low pressure weather system and is caused by high winds pushing the ocean's surface causing the water to pile up higher than the ordinary sea level. Most casualties related to a tropical cyclone occur during the storm surge.
Category Wind Speed (MPH) Surge (Feet) Damage Description 1 74 to 95 5 to 7 To foliage / trees, signs, unanchored mobile homes; minimal damage to other structures; flooding of barrier islands / coastal areas; minor pier damage and small crafts torn from moorings. 2 96 to 110 7 to 12 Considerable damage to foliage / trees; major damage to mobile homes, building roof, windows, doors; considerable damage to piers, marinas and small crafts; and flooding. 3 111 to 130 12 to 15 Large trees and signs blown down; some damage to roofing materials, windows, and doors, small buildings; mobile homes destroyed; serious flooding along barrier islands/coast; and large and small structures destroyed by waves / floating debris. 4 131 to 155 15 to 20 Trees and signs blown down; extensive damage to roofing materials, windows, and doors; complete destruction of mobile homes; major damage to lower floors of structures near the coast/barrier islands due to flooding, waves/floating debris. 5 155 plus 20 to 24 Trees blown down; extensive damage to roofs; all signs down; building failures; complete destruction of mobile homes; major damage to lower floors of structures less than 15 feet above sea level in storm surge zones.
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