Hurricane Season: Weather Jargon We Should Know

This hurricane season is above average and already active. During the season, meteorologists use keywords and phrases to alert the public to changes in weather conditions. We want to remind you of some weather jargon you might hear, their meanings, and what you can do to remain safe.

Hurricane season

Hurricane season describes the period of relatively high hurricane incidence. Each year, the season starts on 1 June and ends on 30 November in the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico.    

Advisory

An advisory is official information issued by a tropical storm warning centre. It might include details describing tropical cyclone watches and warnings in effect, their locations, movement, intensity, and precautions.

Tropical cyclone

A tropical cyclone is a catchphrase for tropical storms and hurricanes. It refers to low-pressure systems with a warm core that form in the tropics. A tropical cyclone does not have a cold front. It spins clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.

Storm Surge

A storm surge is an unusual rise in sea level that accompanies a hurricane or intense storm. A storm surge indicates differences in the height of the sea level against the average level when there is an absence of a cyclone. A storm surge warning alerts the public of danger from threatening rising water moving inland from the shoreline near a specified area within 36 hours. A storm surge warning is issued for places that may not receive life-threatening flooding but could become isolated by inundation in nearby areas.

Tropical Storm

A tropical storm is a fast-rotating storm system with strong sustained winds between 39 mph and 73 mph. Its typical features include organised thunderstorms orbiting around a well-defined centre.

Hurricane watch

A hurricane watch announces that hurricane-force winds are possible within a specified area. A hurricane watch announcement is made 48 hours before the expected onset of storm-force winds. Although a hurricane watch alerts the public that hurricane conditions are possible, it does not mean they will occur. During a watch, storm surge, coastal flooding, or river flooding may accompany cyclone-force winds.

Tip: Update your emergency kits with fresh supplies like water, medication, batteries, nonperishable food, and current essential documents. Add sanitiser, soap, and disinfecting supplies.

Hurricane warning 

A hurricane warning is a notification to expect hurricane-force winds (sustained winds of 64 knots or 74 mph or 119 km/hr. or higher) and conditions in 24 hours. The warning may be issued 36 hours before the anticipated onset of tropical storm-force winds to allow people to prepare. A hurricane warning can remain in effect if dangerously high water or a combination of threateningly high water and waves continue, although winds might be less than hurricane force.

Tip: Secure your home and ensure you charge your cellphone. Local officials will keep the public updated, so pay attention and listen for emergency announcements and alerts. Immediately leave a threatened area if local officials instruct you to do so.

Hurricane Categories

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale uses a one to five rating based on a hurricane's sustained wind speed. Below are the various hurricane categories and what you can expect.

Category 1: This system has 74-95 mph winds, 64-82 knots, and 119-153 km/h. A category one hurricane might cause minimal damage to trees and foliage. You should expect some coastal flooding and minor damage to boats.

Category 2: A category two system has 96-110 mph winds, 83-95 knots, and 154-177 km/h. This system might cause considerable damage to some roofs, windows, doors, boats, and trees. Look out for coastal flooding that might require evacuation.

Category 3: A category three system has winds of 111-129 mph, 96-112 knots, and 178-208 km/h. This system can cause devastating structural damage to small buildings and coastal structures.  You should expect extensive flooding near the coast and possible evacuation orders where necessary.

Category 4: This major system has 130-156 mph winds, 113-136 knots, and 209-251 km/h. It can cause catastrophic damage to buildings, power poles, and trees. Expect power outages, widespread flooding, and severe damage to low structures.

Category 5: This system has 157 mph winds or higher, 137 knots or higher, and 252 km/h or higher. Since this is a significant system, expect catastrophic damage to buildings, power poles, trees, extensive flooding, and beach erosion. People living near coastal areas may need to be evacuated.

Please stay updated on changes in weather patterns and announcements from your national disaster preparedness or meteorological organisations. You can also use Find Yello to find businesses like supermarkets, hardware stores, and related companies that offer the products and services you may need.

Sources: National Hurricane Center, NOAA, ODPEM, FEMA, and Metservice.