Hurricane Tracking Blog

To better understand the type of damage you may experience, hurricanes are categorized on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale based on their intensity. The scale starts at 1, which is a minimal hurricane, and 5 being the strongest.

CATEGORY 1
Wind speed: 119-153 km/h 974-95 mph)
Damage potential: Minimal damage primarily to shrubbery, trees and foliage; some coastal flooding and possible minor damage to boats.

CATEGORY 2
Wind speed: 154-177 km/h (96-110 mph)
Damage potential: Moderate damage to trees; some roof, window and door damage; coastal flooding requiring evacuation; damage to boats.

CATEGORY 3
Wind speed: 178-209 km/h (111-130 mph)
Damage potential: Extensive damage experienced with large trees blown down; structural damage to small buildings, serious coastal flooding; evacuation necessary; coastal structures damaged and destroyed.

CATEGORY 4
Wind speed: 210-249 km/h (155 mph)
Damage potential: Extreme damage experienced; extensive destruction of trees and buildings, large-scale flooding, major damage to structures, and possible evacuation from low ground within about 16 km of shore.

CATEGORY 5
Wind speed: 250 km/h (> 156 mph)
Damage potential: Catastrophic; trees down, extensive building damage; coastal area below 3m flooded up to 10 km inland, major damage to coastal structures, beaches eroded and massive evacuation near coast.

FLASH FLOOD
This is flood event that occurs with little or no warning where water levels rise very quickly.

FLASH-FLOOD WATCH
This means that a flash flood is possible in the area and citizens should be on the alert and be ready to take action if flooding is observed or a warning is given.

FLASH-FLOODING WARNING
This means that flash flooding is imminent or has been reported. Residents in low-lying areas should be on the alert for fast-rising waters and get ready for immediate action. Motorists and pedestrians are advised not to attempt to cross flooded streets, roads, low bridges or fords.

GALE WARNING
This is a warning of sustained winds within the range of 63 km/hr – 87 km/hr.

HURRICANE SEASON
This is the portion of the year from June to November 30 having high incidence of hurricane activity.

HURRICANE
This is warm core tropical cyclone in which maximum sustained surface winds are 119 km/hr or greater.

HURRICANE WATCH
The first alert when a hurricane poses a possible, but yet uncertain threat to a coastal area. It means, therefore, that you must start preparing by purchasing necessary supplies and securing your home.

HURRICANE ADVISORY
Messages issued by the National Meteorological Service giving a description of the storm, its possible anticipated movement and prospective threat.

HURRICANE CENTRE OR ‘EYE’
The relatively calm area in the centre of a hurricane with light winds and clouds and warm temperatures. The eye is bordered by the maximum winds of the hurricane and torrential rains.

HURRICANE WARNING
This means that hurricane conditions will affect the island within 24 hours. These conditions include sustained winds of 119 km/hr or higher and/or dangerously high water.

SMALL-CRAFT WARNING
When a hurricane, tropical storm or tropical depression threatens an area, small crafts are advised to remain in port or not to venture into open sea. Sometimes the hurricane may be a few hundred kilometers from the coast.

STORM SURGE
A great dome of water often as much as 80 kilometres wide that sweeps across the coastline near the sea. The surge is the most dangerous part of the hurricane.

TROPICAL DEPRESSION
A system in which the maximum sustained surface wind is 63 km/hr.

TROPICAL DISTURBANCE
A moving area of thunderstorms of tropical origin that maintains its identity for 24 hours or more.

TROPICAL STORM
A storm in which the maximum sustained surface winds is 63-117 km/hr.

TSUNAMI
Tsunamis are ocean waves produced by earthquakes or underwater landslides. The word is Japanese and means ‘harbour waves’ because of the devastating effects these waves have had on low-lying Japanese coastal communities. Tsunamis are often incorrectly referred to as tidal waves, but a tsunami is actually a series of waves that can travel at speeds averaging 450 (and up to 600) miles per hour in the open ocean.

With there always being the possibility of a hurricane during the on-going season, here are six must-have hurricane survival kits for every household:

Survival Kit 1: Water

• Store water in plastic containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as glass bottles
• Store one gallon of water per person, per day
• Keep at least a seven-day supply of water for each person in the household. Do not forget water for your pets if you have any. There are also members of your family.

Survival Kit 2: Food

• Store at least a seven-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation of cooking and little or no water. These types of foods include: Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables; Canned juices; Crackers; Jams

Survival Kit 3: First-Aid Kit

A first-aid kit should include:

• Adhesive bandages in all sizes
• Sterile gauze pads
• A small pair of scissors
• Needle and thread
• Assorted safety pins
• A supply of prescription medication, if you are taking any
• A supply of non-prescription medications such as over-the-counter painkillers
• Alcohol and cotton

Survival kit 4: Tools & Supplies

• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• Candles
• Lanterns (Home Sweet Home lamps)
• Flashlight, one per person, with extra batteries for each
• Cash
• Can opener
• Utility knife
• Plastic sheeting to protect valuable documents, etc.

Survival Kit 5: Sanitation

• Toilet paper
• Soap
• Feminine supplies
• Personal hygiene products
• Plastic bucket with a tight lid
• Disinfectant
• Household bleach

Survival Kit 6: Clothing & Bedding

• Include at least three complete change of clothing and footwear per person
• Sturdy shoes or work boots
• Rain gear
• Blankets or sleeping bags

Hurricanes have a dense (thick) cloud formation and heavy rainfall. Heavy rainfall, in most cases, precedes and follows hurricanes for up to several days. The quantity of rainfall is dependent on the amount of moisture in the air, the speed of the hurricane’s movements and its size. In general, hurricanes strengthen as they pass over water and weaken over land.

HURRICANE WATCH
This is issued when conditions are favorable for a hurricane. Therefore, when a hurricane watch is issued, it means that the hurricane is a threat but there is no certainty that it will hit the island. When a hurricane watch is given, a specific period of time for danger will be announced.

When a hurricane watch is issued:
• Listen to the radio for weather advisories
• Be ready to take quick action in case of a warning
• Review family emergency plans
• If you live along the coastline, be prepared to move

HURRICANE WARNING
When a hurricane warning is issued, it means that hurricane conditions could affect the island within 24 hours.

When a hurricane warning is issued:
• Stay tuned to the radio for additional information
• Secure your personal possessions
• Check water supply and store additional if necessary
• Feed animals and pets and move them to a safe place

Here’s a quick look at some of the more popular hurricane terms that you should know:

1. Tropical Storm
   An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined circulation and top winds of 63 kph (39 mph) to 118 kph (74 mph).
2. Hurricane Watch
   Hurricane conditions possible within 36 hours.
3. Hurricane Warning
   Hurricane conditions expected within 24 hours.
4. Hurricane
   An intense tropical weather system well-defined circulation and wind speeds of 118 kph (74 mph) or higher.
   Hurricane wind speeds:
   - Category One: winds 74-95 mph
   - Category Two: winds 96-110 mph
   - Category Three: winds 111-130 mph
   - Category Four: winds 131-155 mph
   - Category Five: winds 156 mph upwards