Five Things to Know About Hurricanes

Here are 5 things to know about hurricanes, courtesy of the

1. The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June to November, with the peak season from mid-August to late October. Hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage to coastlines and several hundred miles inland.

2. Winds can exceed 155 miles per hour. Hurricanes and tropical storms can also spawn tornadoes and microbursts, create storm surges along the coast, and cause extensive damage from heavy rainfall.

3. Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed, central pressure, and damage potential. Category Three and higher hurricanes are considered major hurricanes, though Categories One and Two are still extremely dangerous and warrant your full attention.

4. Hurricanes can produce widespread torrential rains. Floods are the deadly and destructive result. Slow-moving storms and tropical storms tend to produce especially heavy rain. 

5. A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible, usually within 36 hours. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area, usually within 24 hours.