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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Hurricane Season and Hurricane Damage Details

9/28/2022 (Permalink)

hurricane hurricane on the move

Hurricanes can be devastating, causing costly damage and loss of life. Thankfully, there is usually a significant warning period before one makes landfall, and numerous analyses of where it may possibly set down. This article provides helpful information on these large-scale natural disasters, so you can be better prepared if you live in a region that is prone to hurricanes.

To begin, hurricane season is different depending on location—namely, the Atlantic, Pacific, or Central Pacific. The Atlantic Ocean hurricane season is from June 1st to November 30th, while the Eastern Pacific Ocean hurricane season is from May 15th to November 30th. The Central Pacific, where Hawaii is located, experiences hurricane season from June 1st to November 30th. Still, it’s important to note that hurricanes can occur outside of these official windows designated by NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory.

Sometimes the news refers to both hurricanes and tropical storms, seemingly interchangeably. So, what exactly is the difference? It boils down to wind speed, but first, it’s important to establish the term “tropical cyclone” which is a generic name for a low-pressure system formed over tropical waters, with thunderstorm activity near its symmetrical core. Furthermore, the progression to a hurricane (or typhoon, as it’s known in certain parts of the world) looks like this:

  • Tropical disturbance: same as a tropical storm, but lacks a closed circulation
  • Tropical depression: wind speeds equal to or less than 39 mph, but with a closed circulation
  • Tropical storm: wind speeds between 39 and 74 mph; is given a name at this point
  • Hurricane/typhoon: wind speeds in excess of 74 mph

Once the status of tropical storm or hurricane is reached, it can be measured on the Saffir-Simpson Scale, where there are 5 levels. The categories are as follows:

  • Category 1: 74-95 mph
  • Category 2: 96-110 mph
  • Category 3: 111-129 mph
  • Category 4: 130-156 mph
  • Category 5: 157+ mph

Hurricanes, although destructive, can be planned for and safely avoided with enough advance notice and preparation. For the latest up-to-date information on current hurricane activity, visit the National Hurricane Center. And remember, SERVPRO® of Denton is always available if you experience water damage from flooding, storm damage, fire, or other property damage.

SERVPRO® of Denton is always available if you experience water, storm, fire, or other damage. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year. We understand hurricanes don’t follow a typical 8-5 pattern, so neither do we. Whether you experience damage on a weekend, holiday, or in the middle of the night, rest assured we’ll be there, ready to restore your space to pre loss condition and make it “Like it never even happened.” ®

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