The name hurricane is derived from the Caribbean God of Evil, Hurican. The unpredictable behavior, high seas, and devastating winds have been our nemesis for centuries. The greatest potential for loss of life related to a hurricane is from the storm surge, which historically has claimed nine of ten victims. The importance of marine safety education increases, a s more merchant, fishing, and recreational sailors take to the sea. Debris such as signs, roofing material, and small items left outside become flying missiles in hurricanes.
Tornadoes are most likely to occur in the right-front quadrant of the hurricane.
In the last 30 years, inland flooding has been responsible for more than half the deaths associated with tropical cyclones in the United States. The NHC provides products with a broad view of the hurricane and its potential impacts, while the local NWS forecast office tailors the information to their community. We act not on history, but our perception of history. A lack of hurricane education and planning are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.