9-01-2023 5:29pm

The greatest threat from a hurricane is storm surge flooding. Learn to identify and prepare for this danger.

Anita Johnson-Brown Editor

Hurricanes are one of the most powerful and destructive natural phenomena. Typically, 12 tropical storms form over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico during the hurricane season, which lasts from June 1 to November 30 every year. Out of these storms, 6 become hurricanes. In the Central Pacific Ocean, 3 tropical storms form or move over the area during the hurricane season, with 2 of them becoming hurricanes. Guam, the Northern Marianas, and Micronesia experience typhoons all year round, but the main season is from July to November, with a peak from mid-August to mid-September. In a typical two-year period, the US coastline is hit by an average of three hurricanes, one of which is classified as a major hurricane (with winds of 111 mph or greater).

Knowing what actions to take before the hurricane season begins, when a hurricane approaches, and when the storm is in your area, as well as what to do after a hurricane leaves your area, can significantly increase your chance of survival. If you or someone you know has been a victim of a hurricane, please share your story, including the town and state you were in and the year the event took place. Please note that NS will then have permission to use your story for educational campaigns. Sharing this information may help save someone’s life in the future. You can also read stories from survivors and learn how to stay safe.

While hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property, tropical storms and depressions can also be devastating. The primary hazards from tropical cyclones (which include tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes) are storm surge flooding, inland flooding from heavy rains, destructive winds, tornadoes, and high surf and rip currents.

Storm surge is the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States. It is an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm's winds and can travel several miles inland, especially along bays, rivers, and estuaries. Storm surges and large battering waves can cause massive destruction along the coast and result in significant loss of life.

Flooding from heavy rains is the second leading cause of fatalities from landfalling tropical cyclones. The widespread torrential rains associated with these storms often cause flooding hundreds of miles inland. This flooding can persist for several days after a storm has dissipated.

Winds from a hurricane can destroy buildings and manufactured homes. Signs, roofing material, and other items left outside can become flying missiles during hurricanes.

Tornadoes can accompany landfalling tropical cyclones. These tornadoes typically occur in rain bands well away from the center of the storm.

Dangerous waves produced by a tropical cyclone's strong winds can pose a significant hazard to coastal residents and mariners. These waves can cause deadly rip currents, significant beach erosion, and damage to structures along the coastline, even when the storm is more than 1,000 miles offshore.Visit Hurricane Storm Surge To view one of these powerful storms.

Story By Anita Johnson-Brown

This information was researched through NOAA and The National Hurricane Center on 9/1/2023.