H RRICANE PREPARATION

Atlantic Season

JUNE 1 - NOVEMBER 30

WATCH VS. WARNING

Pacific Season

MAY 15 - NOVEMBER 30

Watches (Generally issued 48 hours in advance)

• You should prepare your home, review your hurricane plan (don't forget your pets, they are family too!), and listen/watch for instructions from your local o cials.

•Storm Surge: There is the potential of life-threatening flooding from rising water that moves inland from the shoreline.

•Tropical Storm: Powerful thunderstorms and strong winds between 39-73 mph are possible.

•Hurricane: Winds can reach up to a constant speed of 74 mph or greater and will move in a circular motion, known as the "eye" of the storm.

Warnings (Generally issued 36 hours in advance)

• Finish your hurricane preparations and leave the area if directed to do so by o cials. Make sure that you have a plan in place! If you choose to shelter in place, take shelter immediately in the interior portion of a structure that is well-built.

•Storm Surge: Life-threatening flooding from rising water that moves inland from the shoreline is expected.

•Tropical Storm: Powerful thunderstorms and strong winds between 39-73 mph are expected in your area.

•Hurricane: Winds are expected to reach a constant speed of 74 mph or greater and will move in a circular motion, known as the "eye" of the storm. Extreme winds that are associated with the eyewall are expected within the next hour.

HURRICANE CATEGORY & IMPACT

When Hurricanes reach Category 3 or higher, they are considered major due to the risk of loss of life and damage. Take preventative measures as Category 1 and 2 hurricanes are dangerous.

•Category 1 - minimal damage (property, trees and power lines) with winds reaching 74 - 95 mph. It is possible to lose power for several days.

•Category 2 - moderate damage (extensive damage is possible to property and shallow rooted trees will snap or uproot) with winds reaching 96 - 110 mph. Almost all could lose power that could last up to weeks.

•Category 3 - moderate damage (devastating damages and trees will snap and uproot) with winds reaching 111 - 129 mph. Expect to lose electricity for several days to weeks.

•Category 4 - extreme damage (catastrophic damage to the exterior of your property, which will cause the area to be uninhabitable) with winds reaching 130 - 156 mph. Loss of power could last for weeks, or even months.

•Category 5 - catastrophic damage (destruction of homes, which will cause most of the area to be uninhabitable) with winds reaching 157+ mph. Electricity will be out for weeks, or even months.