Hurricane Season

“It was like being in the eye of a hurricane. You'd wake up in a concert and think, Wow, how did I get here?”
-John Lennon

August 1 denotes the start of peak Hurricane season. Here are some hurricane factoids.

• While the overall hurricane season is June-November, the greatest activity is during August/September. 
• A hurricane Watch means a hurricane is possible within the next 3 to 4 days. Be watchful and listen to TV/Radio/Internet/etc for updates.
• A hurricane Warning means a hurricane is expected within 2 to 3 days. Find out if you are in the hurricane path and what action is required: i.e. board up the house or evacuate. Keep a radio/TV on at all times because hurricanes can change path and suddenly you're in the danger zone.
• There are 5 categories of hurricanes, based on the Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale—http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/hurricanes.html. Category 1 is the weakest. Fortunately Category 5 is rare.
• No matter what category, all hurricanes are dangerous. A storm is not called a hurricane unless wind speeds are at least 75 mph.
• And remember it’s more than just wind. Storm surge (flooding) is the major cause of death and damage in coastal areas.

Bottom Line

Each Hurricane is different. Some include tornados, others heavy rain. Just becuase the last one you went through was a snoozer does not mean every hurricane will be so gentle. Treat every hurricane with the respect it deserves.