Hurricane Warnings

Hurricane Warnings

Hurricane Watch-- A hurricane is possible within 36 hours. Stay tuned to the radio and television for more information. The Hurricane Center is tracking the storm and trying to predict where it may come ashore.

Hurricane Warning-- A hurricane is expected within 24 hours. You may be told to evacuate. You and your family should begin making preparations to evacuate. If your area is having an evacuation, remember to take your Disaster Supply Kit. DO NOT FORGET TO MAKE PLANS FOR YOUR PETS IF YOU MUST EVACUATE!

Hurricanes- The Saffir Simpson Scale

Category	Category Description	Level Of Damage
1	Wind Speed: 74-95 MPH Storm Surge: 4-5 Feel Above Normal	Primary damaged to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage. Little damage to building structures. Considerable damage to building structures.
2	Wind Speed: 96-110 MPH Storm Surge: 6-8 Feet Above Normal	Considerable damage to mobile homes, piers, and vegetation. Coastal and low-lying escape routines flood 2-4 hours before arrival of hurricane center. Buildings sustain roofing material, door, and window damage. Small craft in unprotected moorings break moorings.
3	Wind Speed: 111-130 MPH Storm Surge: 9-12 Feet Above Normal	Mobile homes destroyed. Some structural damage to small homes and utility buildings. Flooding near coast destroys smaller structures; larger structures damaged by floating debris. Terrain continuously lower than 5 feet. ASL may be flooded up to 6 miles inland

Wind Speed: 131-155 MPH
Storm Surge: 13-18 Feet Above Normal

Extensive curtain wall failures with some complete roof structure failure on small residences. Major erosion of beaches. Major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore. Terrain continuously lower than 10 feet. ASL may flood (and require mass evacuations) up to 6 miles inland.

Wind Speed: Over 155 MPH
Storm Surge: Over 18 Feet Above Normal

Complete road failure on many homes and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures. Major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 feet ASL and within 500 years of the shoreline. Massive evacuation of low ground residential areas may be required.

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