National Hurricane Preparedness Week Starts Today: Day 1 – Determine Your Risk

Scott Martin | May 6, 2018 @ 5:10 am

Image from the National Weather Service (weather.gov).

Determine Your Risk

In today’s post for the National Hurricane Preparedness Week, the National Weather Service wants you to find out what types of wind and water hazards could happen where you live, and then start preparing for how to handle those hazards. Most people think that the main impacts of a landfalling hurricane are just felt along the coasts, but significant impacts can be felt hundreds of miles inland, even without it being a major hurricane.

All of the hazards pictured in the above graphic can occur along the coast where a landfalling hurricane is coming ashore, but tornadoes, strong wind, and inland flooding could occur a good distance inland.

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

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

Flooding from heavy rains is the second leading cause of fatalities from landfalling tropical cyclones. 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.

Get Started And Make A Plan Today

• Personal Safety: Know your evacuation zone
• Family Preparedness: Build a disaster supply kit
• Financial Security: Have an insurance checkup
• Damage Prevention: Strengthen your home
• Community Service: Help your neighbor

Schedule Of Topics For National Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 6-12, 2018)

Sunday 5/6: Determine Your Risk
Monday 5/7: Develop An Evacuation Plan
Tuesday 5/8: Assemble Disaster Supplies
Wednesday 5/9: Secure An Insurance Check-Up
Thursday 5/10: Strengthen Your Home
Friday 5/11: Help Your Neighbor
Saturday 5/12: Complete Your Written Hurricane Plan

Category: Alabama's Weather, ALL POSTS

About the Author (Author Profile)

Scott Martin is an operational meteorologist, professional graphic artist, musician, husband, and father. Not only is Scott a member of the National Weather Association, but he is also the Central Alabama Chapter of the NWA president. Scott is also the co-founder of Racecast Weather, which provides forecasts for many racing series across the USA. He also supplies forecasts for the BassMaster Elite Series events including the BassMaster Classic.