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Tropical DepressionTropical Depression
Winds: 39 mph
A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface winds are 38 miles per hour (33 knots) or less. Characteristically having one or more closed isobars, it may form slowly from a tropical disturbance or an easterly wave which has continued to organize.
Tropical StormTropical Storm
Winds: 39-73 mph
A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface winds are from 39 miles per hour (34 knots) to 73 miles per hour (63 knots). At this point, the system is given a name to identify and track it.
Category 1Category 1 Hurricane
Winds: 74-95 mph
Storm surge generally 4-5 ft above normal. No real damage to building structures. Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Some damage to poorly constructed signs. Also, some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage.
Category 2Category 2 Hurricane
Winds: 96-110 mph
Storm surge generally 6-8 feet above normal. Some roofing material, door, and window damage of buildings. Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees with some trees blown down. Considerable damage to mobile homes, poorly constructed signs, and piers. Coastal and low-lying escape routes flood 2-4 hours before arrival of the hurricane center. Small craft in unprotected anchorages break moorings.
Category 3Category 3 Hurricane
Winds: 111-130 mph
Storm surge generally 9-12 ft above normal. Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings with a minor amount of curtainwall failures. Damage to shrubbery and trees with foliage blown off trees and large trees blown down. Mobile homes and poorly constructed signs are destroyed. Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the center of the hurricane. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures with larger structures damaged by battering from floating debris. Terrain continuously lower than 5 ft above mean sea level may be flooded inland 8 miles (13 km) or more. Evacuation of low-lying residences with several blocks of the shoreline may be required.
Category 4Category 4 Hurricane
Winds: 131-155 mph
Storm surge generally 13-18 ft above normal. More extensive curtainwall failures with some complete roof structure failures on small residences. Shrubs, trees, and all signs are blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Extensive damage to doors and windows. Low-lying escape routes may be cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the center of the hurricane. Major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore. Terrain lower than 10 ft above sea level may be flooded requiring massive evacuation of residential areas as far inland as 6 miles (10 km).
Category 5Category 5 Hurricane
Winds: >155 mph
Storm surge generally greater than 18 ft above normal. Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. All shrubs, trees, and signs blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Severe and extensive window and door damage. Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the center of the hurricane. Major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 ft above sea level and within 500 yards of the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5-10 miles (8-16 km) of the shoreline may be required.

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Preparing For Trouble 1-2-3

1 - BEFORE
Before Hurricane Season Starts
YOU SHOULD:

Assembe your Disaster Supply Kit
- These items are often scattered around your home and simply need to be brought into one locations.
Write out your Family Disaster Plan
- Discuss the possible hazards with your family. Determine if you are in a evacuation area. Identify an out-of-town family contact.

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2 - WATCH
When a Hurricane Watch is Issued
YOU SHOULD:

Check your Disaster Supply Kit
- Make surenothing is missing. Determine if there is anything you need to supplement your kit. Replenish your water.
Write out your Family Disaster Plan
- Protective measures should be initiated, especially those actions that require extra time (for example, securing a boat or leaving a barrier island.

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3 - WARNING
When a Hurricane Warning is Issued
YOU SHOULD:

Ready your Disaster Supply Kit
- If you need to evacuate, you should bring your Supply Kit with you.

Write out your Family Disaster Plan
- Your family should be in the process of completing protective actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm.

Helpful Links

	Federal Emergency Management Agency
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	Hurricane satellite imagery from NASA