It is vital people understand what the forecasters and news reporters are saying during hurricane season. The following are some definitions:
Tropical depressions- These are cyclones with winds of 38 miles per hour (mph).
Tropical storms- They vary in wind speeds from 39 mph to 73 mph.
Hurricanes- Carry winds 74 mph and greater.
Typically the upper right quadrant of the storm (the center wrapping around the eye) is the most intense portion of the storm. The greatest threats are damaging winds, storm surge and flooding.
Tropical storm/hurricanewatch - Tropical storm/hurricane conditions are possible in the area.Watches are issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm/hurricane force winds.
Tropical storm/hurricanewarning - Storm/hurricane conditions are expected in the area.Warnings are issued 36 hours in advance of tropical storm/hurricane force winds.
Eye - Clear, sometimes well-defined center of the storm with calmer conditions.
Eye wall - Surrounding the eye, this contains some of the most severe weather of the storm with the highest wind speed and largest precipitation.
Rain bands - Bands coming off the cyclone that produce severe weather conditions such as heavy rain, wind and tornadoes.
Storm surge - An often underestimated and deadly result of ocean water swelling as a result of a landfalling storm, and quickly flooding coastal and sometimes areas further inland.
