Emergency Management
· Hurricane Preparation
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Weather Terms for Hurricanes

TROPICAL WAVE:
A cluster of clouds and/or thunderstorms without a significant circulation and generally moving from east to west through the Tropics.

TROPICAL DEPRESSION:
A cluster of clouds and/or thunderstorms with a center of circulation and
sustained wind speeds of less than 39mph.

TROPICAL STORM:
An organized system of strong thunderstorms with top sustained winds of 39mph to 73mph. Tropical storms can quickly develop into hurricanes. Storms are named when they reach tropical storm strength.

TROPICAL STORM WATCH:
Tropical storm conditions are possible in the specified area of the watch, usually within 36 hours.

TROPICAL STORM WARNING:
Tropical storm conditions are expected in the specified area of the warning within 24 hours.

HURRICANE:
An intense tropical weather system with a sustained wind speed of 74mph or higher.

HURRICANE WATCH:
Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the watch, usually within 36 hours. During a hurricane watch, prepare to take immediate action to protect your family and property in case a hurricane warning is issued.

HURRICANE WARNING:
Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the warning within 24 hours. Complete all storm preparations and immediately follow local emergency management officials advice about evacuating dangerous or low-lying locations .

STORM SURGE:
A dome of sea water up to about 20 feet high that arrives with a hurricane, and can affect more than 100 miles of coastline. Evacuation zones are identified by their likelihood of being flooded by this rising water, which is responsible for most hurricane deaths.

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