Hurricanes
Atlantic Hurricane Season: June 1st - November 30th
A HURRICANE is a type of tropical cyclone with winds of 74 mph or more. Hurricanes are categorized on a 1 to 5 scale – five being the most devastating and with the greatest potential for property damage and loss of life.
This year, the NOAA Climate Prediction Center forecasts an 85% chance above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic for the 2024 season. It is predicted that there will be 17-25 named storms, 8-13 hurricanes, and 4-7 major hurricanes before the end of this year.
Severe Weather Risks
| Storm Surge: Storm surges are considered to be the greatest hazard with the most potential for loss of life. Storm surges happen when water is pushed ashore by strong storm winds which causes the water to travel inland and submerge entire areas. Storm surges can travel along rivers, and cause structural damage to buildings, wash out roads, and land. If you are in an area with a STORM SURGE WARNING, evacuate the area immediately. | 
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| Hurricane-force Winds: Hurricane‐force winds of 74 mph or more, are strong and can be very dangerous. Tropical storm-force winds can destroy buildings and mobile homes and send debris flying in all directions. |  |
| Heavy Rain/Flash Flooding: Freshwater flooding caused by rivers overflowing can occur when significant amounts of rain falls over a short period of time or accumulates over several days. Flash floods can carry pieces of large debris, such as vehicles and boulders, that can wipe out roadways and cause significant property damage. |  |
| Waves/Rip Currents: Strong winds from a tropical storm can create dangerous waves and deadly rip currents along coastlines. Rip currents are extremely dangerous and can pull even the strongest swimmers away from shore and deposit people deep into the ocean. A storm does not need to be nearby for strong waves and rip currents to form. Continue to monitor the weather and avoid the shoreline if there is a tropical storm nearby. |  |
| Tornados: Tornados can be part of any tropical system. 70% of hurricanes produce at least 1 tornado, and 40% produce more than 3 tornados. Tornados caused by hurricanes can form without an advanced warning and because their unpredictable, they can be very dangerous. |  |