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What is a Hurricane? The term hurricane has its origin in the indigenous religions of past civilizations.The Mayan storm god was A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone-an organized named Hunraken.A god considered evil by the Taino rotating weather system that develops in the tropics. people of the Caribbean was called Huracan.Hurricanes Hurricanes rotate counterclockwise in the Northern may not be considered evil but they are one of nature's Hemisphere.Tropical cyclones are classified as follows: most powerful storms.Their potential for loss of life and destruction of property is tremendous.Those in • Tropical Depression—An organized system of hurricane-prone persistent clouds and thunderstorms with a closed areas need to low-level circulation and maximum sustained be prepared for winds of 38 mph(33 knots)or less. hurricanes and . Tropical Storm—An organized system of strong ' tropical storms. thunderstorms with a well defined circulation and Even inland areas, maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph(34-63 ;.: well away from knots). the coastline, `t can experience • Hurricane—An intense tropical weather system rk. destructive with a well-defined circulation and sustained winds winds,tornadoes of 74 mph(64 knots)or higher. In the western z and floods from North Pacific,hurricanes are called typhoons, tropical storms and and similar storms in the Indian Ocean are called hurricanes. cyclones. Hurricane Iniki,September 11,1991 1NOAA In the Western North Pacific,the term typhoon is used instead of hurricane and'Super Typhoon"is used On average each year 4 to 5 tropical cyclones,which when sustained wind speeds exceed 150 mph. In the include tropical depressions,tropical storms,and South Pacific,the term cyclone is used for tropical hurricanes,develop in or move into the central north cyclones,regardless of strength. Pacific Ocean,defined as the area north of the Equator from 140W longitude to the International Date Line. Approximately one-third of these tropical cyclones reach hurricane strength. increase due to growing population on our coastlines. Federal agencies,such as the Federal Emergency While hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and Management Agency(FEMA),and organizations such property,tropical depressions and tropical storms can as the American Red Cross,have combined with state also be devastating. Floods from heavy rains and severe and local agencies,rescue and relief organizations, weather can cause extensive damage and loss of life. the private sector and the news media to improve In August 1994,heavy rainfall associated with Tropical preparedness efforts. Depression One-C produced widespread flash flooding <- along the windward coast of the Big Island. Over 14 inches of rain was recorded during 12 hour period. All hurricanes,tropical storms,and tropical depressions a t' K should betaken seriously. Tropical cyclones are sometimes steered by weak and erratic winds,making forecasting a challenge.Warnings issued from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's(NOAA) National Hurricane Center and 5.. Central Pacific Hurricane Center continue to improve and provide timely predictions to help reduce loss of life and mitigate property loss in the United States.Despite improved warnings,property damage continues to - Damage from Hurricane Camille,August 11,1969/NOAA 2