Tropical storms are forecast by the National Weather Service and posted on the Tropical Prediction Center portion of their National Hurricane Center. This site deals with active tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern Pacific out to 140°W. Predicted paths for three- and five-day forecasts are shown in graphic format under the “Maps and Charts” heading for each storm system.
As a hurricane moves inland, it may continue to produce torrential rains, and surge may follow the hurricane on shore. Watch for floodwaters that may rise hours and days after the hurricane passes. Two sources of potential flood information are the National Flood Outlook from the National Weather Service and Water Watch real-time stream flow from the U.S. Geological Survey.
From June 1 to November 30 each year the people of coastal states face the possibility of hurricanes. Characteristics of hurricanes are:
- WINDS up to 200 mph at ground level and more than 300 mph above ground
- TORRENTIAL RAINS, which cause flash floods and river overflows
- STORM SURGES from the oceans, Gulf and coastal zone lakes
- TORNADOES, spawned as a hurricane moves inland
- BIOLOGICAL and CHEMICAL HAZARDS dispersed by wind or water
Avoid Further Tragedy
Many injuries and deaths occur after the hurricane has passed. Try to avoid these hazards:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning from running electrical generators and/or using charcoal grills indoors without proper ventilation
- Heat stroke and dehydration from working too hard in the heat and not drinking enough water
- Cuts and falls from working without proper protective clothing and using tools you’re not accustomed to or haven’t used recently
- Illness from drinking unsafe water and other sanitation problems
- Victimization by fraudulent adjusters, contractors and financial consultants.
Extension Opportunities to Assist During a Hurricane
Both traditional Extension services and Sea Grant programs offer a wide array of information and programming related hurricane preparedness and recovery. Understanding the storm characteristics and impacts are keys to effective preparedness, as well as recovery. Extension personnel in hurricane prone states have developed a wide array of educational materials and programs that are available through the Resource Dashboard on this site.
Sea Grant offers additional resources at https://seagrant.noaa.gov/prepared
2023 Hurricane Predictions
Each year, the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) publishes a hurricane prediction outlining the number of expected named tropical storms as well as the number predicted to become hurricanes. This prediction from the agencies Climate Prediction Center can be found here
Hurricane Preparedness Video Series From Florida EDEN, UF| IFAS
Large Animal Emergency Training-https://youtu.be/PIeLye_xBkA?list=PLWhh54ZSkG_SWvPnRM5iDO0tcywe6ldre
Small Animal Hurricane Preparedness- https://youtu.be/z1UmFjDxans?list=PLWhh54ZSkG_SWvPnRM5iDO0tcywe6ldre
Food Safety During Hurricanes- https://youtu.be/S4phA5DhkSI?list=PLWhh54ZSkG_SWvPnRM5iDO0tcywe6ldre
Beekeeping During Hurricanes- https://youtu.be/4xi82zj4IV8
Equine Hurricane Prevention-https://youtu.be/JyfBO8mHIwM?list=PLWhh54ZSkG_SWvPnRM5iDO0tcywe6ldre
HURRICANE RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION
Homebuilders Guide to Coastal Construction – FEMA produced this series of 31 fact sheets to provide technical guidance and recommendations concerning the construction of coastal residential buildings. The fact sheets present information aimed at improving the performance of buildings subject to flood and wind forces in coastal environments. Photographs and drawings illustrate National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulatory requirements, the proper siting of coastal buildings, and recommended design and construction practices for building components, including structural connections, the building envelope, and utilities. (FEMA 499)
Local Officials Guide for Coastal Construction – Developed to assist building officials in understanding the connection between National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) guidelines, the International Building Code, and the International Residential Code. Additionally, flood and wind provisions of both ASCE 7-05 and ASCE 24-05 are presented and discussed. The guide also explores building performance and real-life success and failures following recent storm events and recommends design and construction “best practices” where appropriate. (FEMA P-762)
Coastal Construction Manual Third Edition – The manual provides a comprehensive approach to sensible development in coastal areas based on guidance from over 200 experts in building science, coastal hazard mitigation, and building codes and regulatory requirements. (FEMA 55 FEMA 55CD)
Recommended Residential Construction for the Gulf Coast: Building on Strong and Safe Foundations – provides recommended designs and guidance for rebuilding homes destroyed by hurricanes in the Gulf Coast. The manual also provides guidance in designing and building less vulnerable new homes that reduce the risk to life and property. (FEMA 550)
View Homeowner’s and Resident’s Handbooks from Sea Grant: https://express.adobe.com/page/LnI8FEmYY0QP0/?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fseagrant.noaa.gov%2Fprepared&embed_type=overlay&context=lightbox-expand
