Know the Risk

• Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours. You should take action now to prepare and be alert for notifications from local officials.

• Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. You should complete necessary preparations, listen closely for instructions from local officials, and be ready to evacuate if needed.

Know the Hazards

Storm Surge

Storm surge is an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, over and above the predicted daily tide. The rise in water level can cause extreme flooding in coastal areas particularly when storm surge coincides with normal high tide, resulting in storm tides reaching up to 20 feet or more.

Rain

Hurricanes contain rain which can at times be very heavy, leading to prolonged flooding and flash floods. When approaching water on a roadway, always remember "Turn Around Don't Drown!"

Wind

A hurricane is a tropical storm with constant wind speeds greater than 74 miles per hour. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane’s sustained wind speed, and helps estimate potential damage.