# 5571
Today is day three of Hurricane Preparedness week, with today’s emphasis on High winds associated with these tropical systems.
While storm surge is the greatest concern to those living in low-lying coastal areas, hurricane force winds can extend a hundred miles or more inland during a landfalling hurricane.
Often hurricanes spin off tornadoes when they come ashore as well.
Today’s NOAA video addresses the dangers of tropical storm and hurricane force winds.
Hurricanes are measured by the Saffir-Simpson Scale, which bases their strength on sustained wind speeds. Anything CAT 3 or higher is considered a major hurricane.
Even a CATEGORY 1 storm can spin up tornadoes, or produce wind gusts substantially stronger than their sustained wind speeds. Older Mobile homes, RVs, and even some conventionally built structures may not withstand a CAT 1 storm.
And while great strides have been made over the past few decades in forecasting the path (out to about 48-72 hrs) of hurricanes, meteorologists are far less able to predict intensity changes of these storms.
Just before landfall in 2004, Hurricane Charlie unexpectedly changed direction and ramped up from a moderate CAT 2 to storm to a major CAT 4 in just three hours, leaving coastal residents no time for evacuations.
If you live in vulnerable areas, you need to be aware of your evacuation zone, many of which have been recently revised due to a better understanding of storm surge, flooding, and wind damage risks.
Since I live in a vulnerable area of Pasco County, and in a structure that might not withstand a hurricane, I’ll be evacuating to a safer location should a storm threaten.
Last March NOAA, FEMA, and the American Red Cross released an updated preparedness guide for the 2011 tropical season.
Although only 12 pages in length, this colorful PDF file packs a lot of clear, concise information on tropical storms and the threats they contain; winds, floods, surge tides, and tornadoes.
Three pages deal with preparedness issues, including supplies checklists and details on creating a family emergency plan.
Well worth downloading and reviewing today.
Other Hurricane related posts this week include:
Getting SLOSHed For Hurricane Season
National Hurricane Preparedness Week 2011
