Tropical storms are forecast by the National Weather Service and posted on the Tropical Prediction Center portion of their National Hurricane Center Website. This site deals with active tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern Pacific out to 140°W. Predicted paths for three- and five-day forecasts are shown in graphic format under the “Maps and Charts” heading for each storm system.

As a hurricane moves inland, it may continue to produce torrential rains, and surge may follow the hurricane on shore. Watch for floodwaters that may rise hours and days after the hurricane passes. Two sources of potential flood information are the National Flood Outlook from the National Weather Service and Water Watch real-time stream flow from the U.S. Geological Survey

Description and Extension Opportunities to Assist

Both traditional Extension services and Sea Grant programs offer a wide array of information and programming related hurricane preparedness and recovery.  Understanding the storm characteristics and impacts are keys to effective preparedness, as well as recovery.  Extension personnel in hurricane prone states have developed a wide array of educational materials and programs that are available through the Resource Dashboard on this site.

From June 1 to November 30 each year the people of coastal states face the possibility of hurricanes. Characteristics of hurricanes are:

  • WINDS up to 200 mph at ground level and more than 300 mph above ground
  • TORRENTIAL RAINS, which cause flash floods and river overflows
  • STORM SURGES from the oceans, Gulf and coastal zone lakes
  • TORNADOES, spawned as a hurricane moves inland
  • BIOLOGICAL and CHEMICAL HAZARDS dispersed by wind or water

Avoid Further Tragedy

Many injuries and deaths occur after the hurricane has passed. Try to avoid these hazards:

  • Carbon monoxide poisoning from running electrical generators and/or using charcoal grills indoors without proper ventilation
  • Heat stroke and dehydration from working too hard in the heat and not drinking enough water
  • Cuts and falls from working without proper protective clothing and using tools you’re not accustomed to or haven’t used recently
  • Illness from drinking unsafe water and other sanitation problems
  • Victimization by fraudulent adjusters, contractors and financial consultants.

2019 Hurricane Predictions

Each year, the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) publishes a hurricane prediction outlining the number of expected named tropical storms as well as the number predicted to become hurricanes. This prediction from the agencies Climate Prediction Center can be found here