Preparation is key to staying weather-safe, regardless of how active the tropics are. It only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for coastal residents.

 

Hurricane season begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30. Visitors to the Alabama Gulf Coast should stay weather-aware during their beach getaways. Pay attention to weather reports as well as instructions from your lodging operator or rental agent. Do evacuate if asked. And do not go into the Gulf of Mexico when double red flags are flying; double red flags indicate extremely hazardous conditions are present and the waters are closed for your safety.

 

Learn these terms to help stay weather-aware:

  • Tropical storm watch: Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour) are possible within 48 hours.
  • Tropical storm warning: Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour) are expected within 36 hours.
  • Hurricane watch: Hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or greater) are possible. The National Hurricane Center issues hurricane watches 48 hours before it anticipates tropical storm-force winds.
  • Hurricane warning: Hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or greater) are expected somewhere within the specified area. The National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane warning 36 hours in advance of tropical storm-force winds to give you time to complete your preparations.
  • Extreme wind warning: Extreme sustained winds of a major hurricane (115 miles per hour or greater) usually associated with the eyewall of the storm are expected to begin within an hour. Take immediate shelter in the interior portion of a well-built structure.

Atlantic and Eastern Pacific hurricanes are divided into five categories, according to wind speed:

  • Category 1: 74 to 95 miles per hour – Very dangerous winds will produce some damage.
  • Category 2: 96 to 100 miles per hour – Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage.
  • Category 3: 111 to 129 miles per hour – Devastating damage will occur.
  • Category 4: 130 to 156 miles per hour – Catastrophic damage will occur.
  • Category 5: 157 miles per hour or higher – Catastrophic damage will occur. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

Hurricane Katrina, which struck the Gulf Coast in 2005, was a Category 5 hurricane. The biggest dangers from hurricanes come from storm surge/storm tide, high winds, tornadoes, heavy rainfall/inland flooding, and rip currents.