Hurricane Katrina, August 28, 2005/NOAA

Hurricanes...

A PREPAREDNESS GUIDE

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

National Weather Service

Revised January 2007

Unleashing Nature’s Fury 

FEMA

NOAA

FEMA
On average each year, 11 tropical storms, 6 of which 

become hurricanes, develop in the Atlantic Ocean, 

Caribbean Sea or Gulf of Mexico. In a typical 3-year 

span, the U. S. coastline is struck on average five 

times by hurricanes, two of which are designated as 

major hurricanes. 

While hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and 

property, tropical depressions and tropical storms 

can also be devastating. Floods from heavy rains 

and severe weather, such as tornadoes, can cause 

extensive damage and loss of life. Tropical storm 

Allison produced over 40 inches of rain in the Houston 

area. All hurricanes and tropical storms should be 

taken seriously. 

Tropical cyclones are sometimes steered by weak 

and erratic winds, making forecasting a challenge. 

Warnings issued from the National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National 

Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane 

Center continue to improve and provide timely 

The term hurricane has its origin in the indigenous 

religions of past civilizations. The Mayan storm god 

was named Hunraken. A god considered evil by the 

Taino people of the Caribbean was called Huracan. 

Hurricanes may not be considered evil but they are one 

of nature’s most powerful storms. Their potential for 

loss of life and destruction of property is tremendous. 

Those in hurricane-prone areas need to be prepared for 

hurricanes and 

tropical storms.

Even inland 

areas, well 

away from 

the coastline, 

can experience 

destructive 

winds, tornadoes 

and floods from 

tropical storms 

and hurricanes.

What is a Hurricane?

A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone–an organized 

rotating weather system that develops in the tropics. 

Hurricanes rotate counterclockwise in the Northern 

Hemisphere. Tropical cyclones are classified as follows:

■ Tropical Depression—An organized system of 

persistent clouds and thunderstorms with a closed

low-level circulation and maximum sustained winds 

of 38 mph (33 knots) or less.

■ Tropical Storm—An organized system of strong 

thunderstorms with a well defined circulation and 

maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph 

(34-63 knots).

■ Hurricane—An intense tropical weather system 

with a well defined circulation and sustained winds 

of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher. In the western North 

Pacific, hurricanes are called typhoons, and similar 

storms in the Indian Ocean are called cyclones.

Damage from Hurricane Camille, 

August 17, 1969/NOAA

Hurricane Iniki, September 11, 1992/NOAA predictions to help reduce loss of life and mitigate 

property loss in the United States. Despite improved 

warnings, property damage continues to increase 

due to the growing population on our coastlines. 

Federal agencies, such as the Federal Emergency 

Management Agency (FEMA), and organizations such 

as the American Red Cross, have combined with state 

and local agencies, rescue and relief organizations, 

the private sector and the news media to improve 

preparedness efforts.
 2005 Atlantic Ocean Hurricane Season Summary/NOAA


Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on the hurricane’s sustained wind speed. This 

scale estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes or Typhoons reaching Category 3 and higher are 

considered major hurricanes because of their potential for loss of life and damage. Category 1 and 2 storms 

are still very dangerous and warrant preventative measures. In the western North Pacific, the term “Super 

Typhoon” is used for tropical cyclones with sustained winds exceeding 150 mph. For more information on the 

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, go to www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshs.shtml. 

Scale 

Number

(Category)

1

2

3

4

5

 NOTE: Damage can vary greatly and may not apply to all areas, such as Hawaii.

Irene, 1999

Georges, 1998

Floyd, 1999

Katrina, 2005

Alicia, 1983

Hugo, 1989

Charley, 2004

Florida Keys 

Hurricane, 1935

Camille, 1969 

Andrew, 1992

Hurricanes

Sustained 

Winds 

(MPH)

74-95

96-110

111-130

131-155

>155

Types of

Damage Due to

Hurricane Winds and Storm Surge

Minimal: Damage primarily to shrubbery, trees, foliage and 

unanchored mobile homes. No real damage to other structures. 

Storm surge typically 4-5 ft. above normal.

Moderate: Some trees blown down. Major damage to exposed mobile 

homes. Some damage to roofing materials, windows and doors. 

Storm surge typically 6-8 ft. above normal.

Extensive: Large trees blown down. Mobile homes destroyed. Some 

structural damage to roofing materials of buildings. Some structural 

damage to small buildings. Storm surge typically 9-12 ft. above normal.

Extreme: Trees blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. 

Extensive damage to roofing materials, windows and doors. Complete 

failure of roofs on many small residences. Storm surge typically 13-18 

ft. above normal.

Catastrophic: Complete failure of roofs on many residences and 

industrial buildings. Extensive damage to windows and doors. Some 

complete building failures. Storm surge typically greater than 18 ft. 

above normal.


How Hurricanes Form

Breeding Grounds

Hurricanes are products of a tropical ocean 

and a warm, moist atmosphere. Powered by 

heat from the sea, they are typically steered

by the surrounding deep layer (from the 

ocean’s surface to 8 miles up) easterly winds, 

generally south of 25° north latitude and by 

high-level westerly winds north of 25° north 

latitude. 

The Atlantic hurricane season starts on June 1. 

For the United States, the peak hurricane 

threat exists from mid-August to late October, 

although the official hurricane season extends 

through November 30. Over other parts of 

the world, such as the western North Pacific, 

typhoons can occur year-round.

Storm Structure

There are three conditions required for a 

disturbance to form and strengthen into 

a hurricane. First, the disturbance must 

gather heat and energy through contact with 

warm ocean waters. Next, added moisture 

evaporated from the sea surface then powers 

the seedling tropical storm like a giant heat 

engine. Finally, the seedling storm forms a 

wind pattern near the ocean surface that 

spirals air inward. Bands of thunderstorms 

form, allowing the air to warm further and 

rise higher into the atmosphere. If the winds 

at these higher levels are relatively light, 

this structure can remain intact and further 

strengthen the hurricane.

The center, or eye, of a hurricane is relatively 

calm with sinking air, light winds and few 

clouds. The most violent winds and rain take 

place in the eyewall, the ring of thunderstorms 

immediately surrounding the eye. At the top of 

the eyewall (about 50,000 feet), most of the 

air is propelled outward, increasing the air’s 

upward motion. Some of the air, however, 

moves inward and sinks into the eye, 

creating a cloud-free area.

Asia

Australia

North

America

South

America

Greenland

Europe

Africa

Equator

North Pacific Ocean

South Pacific Ocean

North Atlantic Ocean

South Atlantic Ocean Indian Ocean

Equator

NOAA

Hurricane Andrew/NOAA Category 5, August 24, 1992

Eye and Ocean 

Surface

Eyewall

Eyewall


Storm Surge

Storm surge can be thought of as the surface of the sea being raised due to the force of the hurricane’s winds 

spiraling in toward the center. It is important to note that a hurricane is not a point on a map and that the surge 

has both vertical and horizontal dimensions. In the vertical, the surge can reach heights of more than 20 feet 

near the center of a Category 5 hurricane. Horizontally, the surge can fan out over several hundred miles of 

coastline, gradually diminishing well away from the center in very large hurricanes. In any case, whether in the 

area of extreme danger to the right in the northern/left in the southern hemisphere of where the center moves 

ashore, or well away from the center on the fringes of the storm, the surge of high water topped by battering 

waves can be devastating. It is important to note that the stronger and larger the size of the hurricane and the 

shallower the offshore water, the higher the surge will be. Storm surge is by far the greatest threat to life and 

property along the immediate coast.

Before Hurricane Katrina, September 1998—

Biloxi, MS/USGS

Hurricane Impacts

After Hurricane Katrina August 31,2005—

Biloxi, MS/USGS
Storm Tide

The storm tide is the combination of the storm surge and the astronomical tide. If the storm surge arrives at 

high tide, the water height will be even greater. For example, as a hurricane moves ashore, a 15-foot surge 

added to the 2-foot high tide creates a storm tide of 17 feet. This mass of water, topped by battering waves, 

moves ashore along an area of the coastline as much as 100 miles wide. The combination of the storm surge, 

battering waves and high winds can be deadly and can cause great property damage.

■ More than 8,000 people were killed in the 1900 Galveston hurricane, most by the storm tide. 

■ Hurricane Camille in 1969 produced a 24-foot storm tide in Mississippi. 

■ Hurricane Hugo in 1989 generated a 20-foot storm tide in South Carolina. 

■ Hurricane Katrina in 2005 generated a 27-foot storm tide in Mississippi.

Storm Tide Facts

■ Hurricane Andrew—August 16-28, 1992: Destroyed over 25,000 

homes and damaged over 100,000 others - primarily through windcaused damage. Wind gusts in south Florida were estimated to be at 

least 175 mph. 

■ Hurricane Hugo—September 10-22, 1989: Wind gusts reached nearly 

100 mph as far inland as Charlotte, North Carolina. Hugo sustained 

hurricane-strength winds until shortly after it passed west of Charlotte. 

■ Hurricane Ivan —September 2-24, 2004: Generated 117 tornadoes 

(a record number in the United States) in nine different states, in 

addition to devastating storm surge and wind-caused damages along 

the coasts of Alabama and northwest Florida.

■ Hurricane Katrina—August 23-30, 2005: Damage in the U.S. 

estimated at $81 billion, making Katrina the most expensive hurricane 

in U.S. history. 


Winds

Hurricane-force winds, 74 mph or more, 

can destroy buildings and mobile homes. 

Debris, such as signs, roofing material, 

siding, and small items left outside, 

become flying missiles in hurricanes. 

Winds can stay above hurricane strength 

well inland. Hurricane Hugo (1989) 

battered Charlotte, North Carolina—about 

175 miles inland—with gusts to near 100 

mph, downing trees and power lines.

Hurricane Isabel wind damage, Colonial Beach, VA September 30, 2003/

Photo by Andrea Booher/FEMA

Tornadoes

Hurricanes and tropical storms can also 

produce tornadoes. These tornadoes 

most often occur in thunderstorms 

embedded in rain bands well away from 

the center of the hurricane; however, they 

can also occur near the eyewall. Usually, 

tornadoes produced by tropical cyclones 

are relatively weak and short-lived, but 

still pose a threat.

Hurricane Frances tornado damage, Sumter County, SC September 6, 2004/

Photo by Marvin Nauman/FEMA


All tropical cyclones can produce widespread 

torrential rains often in excess of 6 inches. 

This rain can produce deadly and destructive 

floods. Heavy rain can trigger landslides 

and debris flows, especially in mountainous 

regions. Flooding is the major threat from 

tropical cyclones to people well inland. 

Flash flooding, a rapid rise in water levels, 

can occur quickly due to intense rainfall. 

Longer term flooding on rivers and streams 

can persist for several days after the storm. 

Intense rainfall is not directly related to 

the winds of tropical cyclones but rather to 

the speed of movement and geography of 

the area affected. Slower moving storms 

produce more rainfall. Mountainous terrain 

enhances rainfall from a tropical cyclone. 

Inland flooding can be a major threat to 

people hundreds of miles from the coast. 

Inland/Freshwater Flooding

■ Tropical Storm Allison (2001) was the most costly tropical storm in 

U.S. history with more than $5 billion in flood damage to southeast 

Texas and southern Louisiana. 23 deaths were reported in Texas and 

one in Louisiana.

■ Hurricane Floyd (1999) brought extremely heavy rainfall to many 

locations in the eastern United States. Of the 56 people who perished 

in this country during Floyd, 50 died from inland flooding, including 35 

in North Carolina. 

■ Tropical Storm Alberto (1994) produced tremendous rainfall along 

the Gulf coasts of Alabama and Georgia, killing 33 people and 

producing damages exceeding $750 million. 

■ Hurricane Agnes (1972) fused with another storm system, producing 

floods in the Northeast United States which contributed to 122 deaths 

and $6.4 billion in damage.

■ Hurricane Camille (1969) produced maximum rainfall near 30 inches 

along the eastern slopes of the Alleghenies, resulting in flash floods 

that took more than 100 lives.

Hurricane Ivan flooding, Ashville, NC, September 17, 2004/

Photo by Leif Skoogfors/FEMA
10

Population Growth

The United States has a significant hurricane 

problem as the coastal population continues to 

rapidly increase. More than one in six Americans 

now live in a county abutting the eastern Atlantic or 

Gulf of Mexico coast, and this does not include those 

living in Puerto Rico or Hawaii. In the more popular 

resort areas, numbers can swell 10- to perhaps 100-

fold when holiday, weekend, and vacation visitors 

arrive. From Maine to Texas, our coastlines are 

filling with new homes, condominium towers and 

cities built on sand. These homes are waiting for the 

next storm to threaten residents’ dreams. In fact, the 

coastal population is expected to double between 

2006 and 2010. The most significant danger to 

coastal citizens is from the hurricane’s storm surge. 

Perception of Risk

Over the past several years, the hurricane warning 

system has provided adequate time for people on 

the barrier islands and the immediate coastline to 

move inland when hurricanes threaten. However, 

it is becoming more difficult to evacuate people 

from the barrier islands and other coastal areas 

because road improvements have not kept pace 

with the rapid population growth. The problem is 

further compounded because 80 to 90 percent of 

the population now living in hurricane-prone areas 

have never experienced the core of a “major” 

hurricane. Many of these people have been through 

weaker storms or only outer rain bands of intense 

hurricanes. The result is a false impression of a 

major hurricane’s damage potential. This can lead 

to complacency and delayed actions resulting in 

injuries and loss of lives.

U.S. Hurricane Problem

Waikiki Beach, December 1969/NOAA
11

NOAA

Frequency of Hurricanes

During the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, major hurricanes striking the United States were less frequent than the previous 

three decades. With the tremendous increase in population along the high-risk areas of our shorelines, 

the United States may not fare as well in the future. Some hurricane experts think the frequency of major 

hurricanes making landfall in the United States will increase over the next few decades. 

In the final analysis, the only real defense against hurricanes is the informed readiness of your community, 

your family and YOU.
12

Coastal Areas and Barrier Islands 

All Atlantic and Gulf coastal areas as well as the U.S. Pacific Islands are subject to hurricanes/typhoons or tropical 

storms. Although rarely struck by hurricanes, parts of the southwest United States and Pacific Coast can experience 

heavy rains and floods from the remnants of hurricanes spawned off Mexico. Hawaii and the U.S. territories, such 

as Guam, American Samoa and Puerto Rico, are also subject to hurricanes. Hurricane Iniki struck Kauai, Hawaii, 

on September 11, 1992, resulting in $2.5 billion in damage. During 1992, Guam was battered by five typhoons. 

On December 16, 1997, Guam was hit by Super Typhoon Paka, causing over $520 million in damage. 

Due to the limited number of evacuation routes, barrier islands such as the Outer Banks of North Carolina 

and areas like the Florida Keys and New Orleans, Louisiana, are especially vulnerable to hurricanes. 

People living near coastal areas may be asked by local officials to evacuate well in advance of a hurricane 

landfall. If you are asked to leave your home, do so IMMEDIATELY!

Coastal Areas At Risk

Miami Beach, FL/NOAA
13Hurricane landfalls in the U.S. 1950-2005/National Climatic Data Center/NOAA
14

Tropical Prediction Center’s Use of Hurricane 

Forecast Models

The NWS National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center use several different numerical 

computer and statistical models to aid in forecasting the path, speed and strength of hurricanes. Data from 

weather satellite sensors, reconnaissance aircraft and other sources are fed into these computer models. The 

National Hurricane Center also has a computer storm surge model. This model provides guidance on storm 

surge height and the extent of flooding it will cause.

Tracking the Storm

Radar

When a hurricane gets close to the coast, it is monitored by 

land-based weather radars. The NWS Doppler weather radars, 

equipped with the latest advanced technology, add new dimensions to 

hurricane warning capabilities. They provide detailed information on 

hurricane wind fields and their changes. Local NWS offices are able to 

provide accurate short‐term warnings for floods, inland high winds and 

any other weather hazards associated with a tropical cyclone.

Reconnaissance Aircraft

The U.S. Air Force Reserve provides most of the hurricane 

reconnaissance used by the National Hurricane Center. Pilots fly 

the planes into the core of a hurricane to measure wind, pressure, 

temperature and humidity as well as to provide an accurate 

location of the center of the hurricane. NOAA also flies aircraft into 

hurricanes to aid scientists in better understanding these storms 

and to improve forecast capabilities. 

Satellite

Geostationary satellites from space at an altitude of about 22,000 

miles above the equator provide imagery day and night. This 

satellite imagery is a valuable tool helping to provide estimates 

of the location, size and intensity of a storm and its surrounding 

environment.

Geostationary Operational 

Environmental Satellite/NOAA

WSR-88D Radar/NOAA

WC-130H, Hurricane Hunters/

U.S. Air Force Reserve 
15NOAA PA 96071 http://www.weather.gov/om/hurricane/pdfs/atlchartshpmillclr.pdf
16

Don’t Focus on the 

Skinny Black Line!!!

Weather forecasting has never been and will likely 

never be an exact science. Thus, the ability to 

forecast the exact track of a hurricane will always 

present a challenge for hurricane forecasters 

and more importantly those who use hurricane 

track forecasts as guidance to make decisions on 

evacuations. 

The two graphics presented on this and the next 

page are examples of two highly used forecast 

products issued by the Tropical Prediction Center 

in Miami, Florida. These are the actual Tropical 

Prediction Center forecast products for track and 

wind swath produced for what 

was at the time Tropical 

Storm Katrina. 

As we all know, Katrina went 

on to become the infamous 

monster that unleashed 

terrible destruction on the 

Gulf Coasts of Louisiana and 

Mississippi in August 2005. 

First, while it is apparent 

in Figure 1 that the center 

of Katrina was denoted as 

a point, the reality is that a 

tropical storm or hurricane is 

NOT a point on a map and 

that storm surge damage, 

wind damage and in fact 

loss of life can occur many 

miles from the center of 

the storm. At the time that 

these forecast products were 

issued, areas which would 

in fact take the brunt of the storm were on the edge 

of the “cone of uncertainty” denoted by the hatched 

area. Anyone living in Biloxi or New Orleans who 

made the mistake of focusing strictly on the skinny 

black line denoting the forecast track of the center of 

Katrina, probably assumed that the worst of the storm 

would remain to their east. As it turned out, it would 

have been far better to focus on the entire cone of 

uncertainty since in reality, Katrina tracked very close 

to the western edge of the cone. 

In Figure 1, the white and hatched regions briefly 

explained are the cone of uncertainty which show 

Figure 1. Coastal Watches/Warnings and 5-Day Cone Forecast for Katrina issued 5 PM 

Wednesday, August 24, 2005/NOAA
17

Figure 2. Tropical Storm Force Wind Speed probabilities - 120 hour, for Katrina issued 5 PM 

Wednesday, August 24, 2005/NOAA

*** When advisories are being issued these products can be found at 

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov

the average track errors during the last ten years 

superimposed on the “skinny black line” which 

represents the forecast track for the center of the 

storm. Because of improvements in forecasts, the 

forecast track today remains within the cone for the 

entire five days about two-thirds of the time. This 

means that if your area lies within the cone, it is wise 

to assume that you could easily take a direct hit, and 

even if your area does not take a direct hit, you could 

still be in serious danger. 

Figure 2 is a new product that provides the actual 

chance for every location of experiencing at least 

tropical storm (39 mph or greater) sustained winds 

over the following five days. This new tool is an 

improvement over what has been made available in 

that it takes into account uncertainty in track, peak 

winds, and the size of the storm. This is the first 

product that explicitly gives information about the 

possible wind impact at individual locations.

The main point to consider is the eventual track of 

Katrina was well to the west of the “skinny black line” 

and the catastrophic damage that was inflicted during 

landfall fell well within the cone of uncertainty several 

days after these forecast products. Based on this, 

the best advice to residents facing a potential land 

falling hurricane is: a hurricane is not a point on a 

map, the dangerous effects of a hurricane reach well 

away from the center, so “Don’t Focus On The Skinny 

Black Line!!” 
18

Stay Informed!

Emergency Managers Weather 

Information Network 

The Emergency Managers Weather Information 

Network (EMWIN) offers an economical way to receive 

all products available on NOAA Weather Wire Service 

(NWWS), plus graphical forecasts and select satellite 

data. For details, go to http://www.weather.gov/

emwin/index.htm. 

Interactive Weather Information 

Network

The Interactive Weather Information Network (IWIN) is 

a Web site with live data similar to EMWIN. It is open 

to all users and contains warnings in addition to many 

routine NWS products. To view IWIN products, go to 

http://iwin.nws.noaa.gov.

NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards

NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is the prime 

NWS delivery system of alerts and critical information 

directly to the general public. NWR broadcasts 

warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard 

information 24 hours a day. Known as the “voice of 

the NWS,” the NWR network had more than 950 

stations as of 2006, reaching over 97 percent of the 

population of the 50 states, along with the adjacent 

coastal waters, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands 

and U.S. Pacific territories. 

Most weather radio receivers are equipped with a 

special alarm tone feature that will sound day or 

night when a warning or watch is issued for your 

area, giving you immediate information about 

potentially life-threatening situations. Newer 

weather radios use Special Alert Message 

Encoding (SAME), which allows you to specify 

the particular area (normally a county or group 

of counties) for which you wish to receive alerts. 

Some weather radio receivers allow people with hearing 

and visual impairment to connect devices such as 

strobe lights, pagers, bed-shakers, personal computers 

and text printers. 

NWS encourages people to buy a weather radio 

receiver which carries the “Public Alert” logo. The 

“Public Alert” standard for weather radios was 

developed by the Consumer Electronics Association in 

conjunction with NWS. “Public Alert” certified receivers, 

produced by several manufacturers, meet several 

minimum criteria, are equipped with SAME and battery 

backup (useful for when the power goes out), and have 

connections for external antennas and the special 

devices for the hearing and visually impaired. 

More information on NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards 

and “Public Alert” receivers can be found by contacting 

your local NWS office or on the Internet at: 

http://www.weather.gov/nwr.
19

Internet Resources

More hurricane information and news is just a click away.

■ National Weather Service: www.nws.noaa.gov

■ National Hurricane Center: www.nhc.noaa.gov 

■ Central Pacific Hurricane Center: www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/cphc

Links to local NWS Offices

■ NWS Eastern Region: www.erh.noaa.gov

■ NWS Southern Region: www.srh.noaa.gov

■ NWS Pacific Region: www.prh.noaa.gov

Historical Information

■ National Climatic Data Center: www.ncdc.noaa.gov

■ NOAA Coastal Services Center: www.csc.noaa.gov

Other Emergency Information Sites

■ American Red Cross: www.redcross.org

■ FEMA: www.fema.gov

■ U.S. Geological Survey: coastal.er.usgs.gov/hurricanes
20

What To Listen For

National Hurricane Center and 

Central Pacific Hurricane Center Products

PUBLIC ADVISORIES offer critical hurricane watch, warning and 

forecast information. 

FORECASTS/ADVISORIES provide detailed hurricane track 

and wind field information. 

PROBABILITIES OF HURRICANE/TROPICAL STORM 

CONDITIONS offer locally specific chances of experiencing 

tropical storm, strong tropical storm, and hurricane force winds 

out to five days to better know if one will be impacted and when 

these conditions may occur. 

■ HURRICANE/TROPICAL STORM WATCH: Hurricane/tropical storm conditions are possible in the 

specified area of the Watch, usually within 36 hours. During a Watch, prepare your home and review 

your plan for evacuation in case a Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning is issued. 

■ HURRICANE/TROPICAL STORM WARNING: Hurricane/tropical storm conditions are expected in 

the specified area of the Warning, usually within 24 hours. Complete storm preparations and leave 

the threatened area if directed by local officials. 

■ SHORT TERM WATCHES AND WARNINGS: These warnings provide detailed information on 

specific hurricane threats, such as floods and tornadoes.

■ FLOOD/FLASH FLOOD WATCH: This product informs the public and cooperating agencies of possible

flooding. If you are in a Watch area, check flood action plans, keep informed and be ready to act if a 

warning is issued or you see flooding.

■ FLOOD/FLASH FLOOD WARNING: A flood/flash flood Warning is issued for specific communities, 

streams or areas where flooding is imminent or in progress. Persons in the warning area should take 

precautions IMMEDIATELY!

All of the above information must be used to make an informed decision on your risk and what actions 

should be taken. Remember to listen to your local official’s recommendations and to NOAA Weather 

Radio All Hazards for the latest hurricane information.

Local NWS Office 

Products

HURRICANE LOCAL STATEMENTS

give greater detail on how the storm 

will impact your area. 

NON-PRECIPITATION WEATHER 

PRODUCTS provide watches and 

warnings for inland areas which could 

experience tropical storm or hurricane 

force winds. 
21

During the Storm

When in a Watch Area...

✔ Frequently listen to radio, TV or NOAA Weather 

Radio All Hazards for official bulletins of the 

storm’s progress. 

✔	Fuel and service family vehicles. 

✔ Inspect and secure mobile home tie downs. 

✔ Have extra cash on hand. 

✔ Prepare to cover all windows and doors with 

shutters or other shielding materials.

✔ Check batteries and stock up on canned food, 

first-aid supplies, drinking water and medications. 

✔	Bring in light-weight objects such as garbage 

cans, garden tools, toys and lawn furniture.

Plan to leave if you...

✔ Live in a mobile home. They are unsafe in high 

winds no matter how well fastened to the ground.

✔ Live on the coastline, an offshore island, or near a 

river or a flood plain.

✔ Live in a high-rise building. Hurricane winds are 

stronger at higher elevations.

✔ Determine safe evacuation routes inland.

✔ Learn location of official shelters.

✔ Make emergency plans for pets.

✔ Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, 

generators and battery-powered NOAA Weather 

Radio All Hazards and cell phones.

✔ Buy food that will keep and store drinking water.

✔	Buy plywood or other material to protect your 

home.

✔	Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and 

downspouts.

✔ Trim trees and shrubbery.

✔ Decide where to move your boat in an emergency.

✔ Review your insurance policy.

Terms to Know 

Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are 

possible in the specified area of the watch, 

usually within 36 hours. 

Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are 

expected in the specified area of the warning, 

usually within 24 hours. 

Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings:

Take these alerts seriously. Although 

Tropical Storms have lower wind speeds than 

hurricanes, they often bring life-threatening 

flooding and dangerous winds. Take 

precautions!

Are You Ready?

Before the Hurricane Season

FEMA
22

What to Bring to a Shelter

FEMA

When in a Warning area...

✔ Closely monitor radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio 

All Hazards for official bulletins.

✔ Close storm shutters.

✔ Follow instructions issued by local officials. Leave 

immediately if ordered!

✔ If evacuating, leave as soon as possible. Stay with 

friends or relatives, at a low-rise inland motel or at 

a designated public shelter outside the flood zone.

✔ DO NOT stay in a mobile or manufactured home.

✔ Notify neighbors and a family member outside of 

the warned area of your evacuation plans.

✔ Take pets with you if possible, but remember, most 

public shelters do not allow pets other than those 

used by the handicapped. Identify pet-friendly 

motels along your evacuation route.

If Staying in a Home...

✔ Turn refrigerator to maximum cold and keep 

closed.

✔ Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities.

✔ Turn off propane tanks.

✔ Unplug small appliances.

✔ Fill bathtub and large containers with water in case 

tap water is unavailable. Use water in bathtubs for 

cleaning and flushing only. Do NOT drink it.

If Winds Become Strong...

✔ Stay away from windows and doors, even if they 

are covered. Take refuge in a small interior room, 

closet or hallway.

✔ Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external 

doors.

✔ If you are in a two story house, go to an interior 

1st floor room.

✔ If you are in a multi-story building and away from 

water, go to the 1st or 2nd floor and stay in the 

halls or other interior rooms away from windows.

✔ Lie on the floor under a table or other sturdy 

object.

Be Alert For...

✔ Tornadoes. They are often spawned by hurricanes.

✔ The calm “eye” of the storm. It may seem like 

the storm is over but after the eye passes, the 

winds will change direction and quickly return to 

hurricane force.

✔ Storm surge flooding. These high waves can be 

more deadly than hurricane winds. Leave the 

coast and stay away from low lying areas, creeks, 

streams and other inland waterways.

■ First aid kit

■ Medicine, prescriptions

■ Baby food and diapers

■ Games, books, music players with headphones

■ Toiletries

■ Battery-powered radio and cell phone

■ Flashlights

■ Extra batteries

■ A blanket or sleeping bag for each person

■ Identification

■ Copies of key papers such as insurance policies

■ Cash, credit card

REMINDER: If you are told to leave, 

do so immediately!
23

NWS hurricane links, forecasts, assessments: 

http://www.weather.gov/os/hurricane

NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards: 

http://www.weather.gov/nwr

National Hurricane Center: 

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov

Central Pacific Hurricane Center:

http://weather.gov/cphc

NOAA Hurricane Website:

http://hurricanes.noaa.gov/

American Red Cross:

http://www.redcross.org

Federal Emergency Management Agency:

http://www.fema.gov

After the Storm

✔ Keep listening to radio, TV or NOAA Weather 

Radio All Hazards.

✔ Wait until an area is declared safe before entering.

✔ Watch for closed roads. If you come upon a 

barricade or a flooded road, Turn Around Don’t 

Drown!TM

✔ Avoid weakened bridges and washed out roads. 

✔ Stay on firm ground. Moving water only 6 inches 

deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing water 

may be electrically charged from power lines.

✔ Once home, check gas, water and electrical lines 

and appliances for damage.

✔ Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Never use 

candles and other open flames indoors. 

✔ Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until 

officials say it is safe.

✔ If using a generator, avoid carbon monoxide 

poisoning by following manufacturer’s instructions.

✔ Avoid electrocution by not walking in flooded areas 

with downed power lines.

Is Your Community 

StormReady?

To help Americans prepare for the ravages 

of hazardous weather, the National Weather 

Service has designed StormReady, a program 

aimed at arming America’s communities with the 

communication and safety skills necessary to save 

lives and property. More information is available at 

www.weather.gov/stormready.

®

Community 

Preparedness Plans 

Each community subject to a hurricane threat 

should develop its own hurricane safety plan. 

After you have developed a personal/family 

safety plan, find out about your community 

safety plan. Local officials should have detailed 

information for your immediate area. Please 

listen to and follow their recommendations 

before, during and after the storm. 
24

American Red Cross A5030 Revised January 2007 NOAA/PA 94050 

Gather information about hazards. Contact your local National Weather Service office, emergency 

management office, and American Red Cross chapter. Find out what type of disasters could occur and 

how you should respond. Learn your community’s warning signals and evacuation plans. Assess your 

risks and identify ways to make your home and property more secure.

Meet with your family to create a disaster plan. Discuss your plan with your family. Pick two places to meet: 

a spot outside your home for an emergency, such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in 

case you can’t return home. Choose an out‐of‐state friend as your “family check‐in contact” for everyone 

to call if the family gets separated. Discuss what you would do if advised to evacuate.

Implement your plan. 

1 Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone.

2 Install safety features in your house, such as smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.

3 Inspect your home for potential hazards (items that can move, fall, break or catch fire) and 

correct them.

4 Have your family learn basic safety measures, such as CPR and first aid; how to use a fire 

extinguisher; and how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity in your home.

5 Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency number.

6 Keep enough supplies in your home for at least 3 days. Assemble a disaster supplies kit. Store these 

supplies in sturdy, easy‐to‐carry containers, such as backpacks or duffle bags. Keep important documents 

in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller disaster supplies kit in the trunk of your car.

Family Disaster Plan

Practice and maintain your plan. Ensure your family knows meeting places, phone numbers and safety 

rules. Conduct drills. Test your smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once each year. 

Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s instructions. Replace stored 

water and food every 6 months. Contact your local National Weather Service office, American Red Cross 

chapter or emergency management office for a copy of “Preparing for Disaster” (Red Cross A4600/

FEMA475).

■ A 3-day supply of water 

(one gallon per person, per day)

■ Non-perishable food

■ One change of clothing and 

shoes per person

■ Prescription & non-prescription 

medicines

LOCAL SPONSORSHIP:

■ One blanket or sleeping 

bag per person

■ First-aid kit

■ Battery-powered NWR 

and a portable radio

■ Emergency tools

A Disaster Supplies Kit Should Include:

■ Flashlight, extra batteries

■ Extra set of car keys and a 

credit card or cash

■ Special items for infant, elderly 

or disabled family members

Prepare for hazards that could affect your area with a family disaster plan. Where will your family be when disaster 

strikes? They could be at work, school or in the car. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children are 

safe? Disaster may force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if 

basic services—water, gas, electricity or telephones—were cut off?

Steps to Take

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