The KEY to safely surviving a hurricane is being prepared for what will occur before, during, and after the threat or actual hurricane hits. Hurricanes do happen. . . Hurricanes are the most dangerous and destructive storms known to man. The swirling cyclonic winds become a hurricane when the wind velocity reaches 73 miles per hour. Because of their destructive nature, hurricanes have proven themselves to be hazardous to life and property.
Storm surge is considered the most destructive force of the hurricane.
The surge is caused by low atmospheric pressure which swirls above the ocean surface resulting in a rising dome of water from 25 to 50 miles wide. Second to the storm surge are wind and rains. Winds propel debris through the air, driven with incredible force resulting in the debris destroying objects in its path. Downed power lines are often caused by the strong winds. Unlike storm surge that hits coastal areas, high winds from a hurricane can reach miles inland.