Understanding hurricanes

• Advocate staff report
• Published: May 31, 2009

• Print
• Email
• Save
• Reprints
• Twitter
• Share

• Del.icio.us
• Digg
• Facebook
• Reddit
• 

Hurricanes are low-pressure weather systems with wind speeds of 74 mph and higher. Even with today’s sophisticated computer-forecasting models, a hurricane’s path, strength and potential for damage cannot be exactly predicted. That is why preparing your family and possessions for the worst possible situation is a smart move.

As hurricanes approach land, a hurricane watch or warning is issued for coastal and inland residents in the storm’s path.

• Hurricane watch: Indicates hurricane conditions are possible within 24 to 36 hours.
• Hurricane warning: Indicates hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours.

Wind

The strongest winds in a hurricane are generally found on the right side of the hurricane’s eye wall, the area closest to the center.

Coastal and other land areas experience the worst damage. Damage to structures, roofs and trees from wind and flying debris is common.

Once a hurricane makes landfall, winds begin to decrease and within 12 hours slow significantly. However, winds can remain at hurricane strength well inland.

Structures built to meet or exceed wind provisions have a much better chance of surviving.

Garage doors are frequently the first to fail. Windows should be storm-shuttered or covered with plywood.

Tornadoes

Hurricanes can spawn tornadoes, which generally occur in the right front quadrant of the storm and in thunderstorms embedded in the hurricane but not immediately near the center.

 

According to the National Hurricane Center, more than half of the land-falling hurricanes produce at least one tornado.