DURING
THE HURRICANE
TAKE COVER
Remain indoors during
the hurricane. Blowing debris can injure and kill. Travel is extremely
dangerous. Be especially aware of the "eye" of the hurricane.
If the storm center passes directly overhead, there will be a
lull in the wind lasting for a few minutes to a half an hour or
more. At the other side of the "eye," the winds will
increase rapidly to hurricane force and will come from the opposite
direction.
STORM SURGE
Storm surge is a great
dome of water often 50 miles wide, that sweeps across the coastline
near where the eye of the hurricane makes landfall. The surge,
aided by the hammering effect of breaking waves, is like a giant
bulldozer sweeping everything in its path. The stronger the hurricane,
the higher the storm surge. This is unquestionably the most dangerous
part of the hurricane. Nine out of ten hurricane fatalities are
caused by the storm surge.
FLOODS
The floods and flash
floods brought by the torrential rains of a hurricane are dangerous
killers. Even though hurricanes weaken rapidly as they move inland,
the remnants of the storm can bring 6 to 12 inches of rainfall
to the area it crosses. The resulting floods have caused great
damage and loss of life.
WINDS
The winds of a hurricane (74 miles per hour or more) can be very dangerous. For some structures, wind force is sufficient to cause destruction. Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable to hurricane winds that can spawn tornadoes, which contribute to incredible destruction. The greatest threat from hurricane winds is their cargo of debris-- a deadly barrage of flying missiles such as lawn furniture, signs, roofing, trees, siding, etc.
