Hurricane Preparedness

It’s important to take precautions for your pets. Here are some tips to help you care for your pet during the storm season, but first of all …

First of all what is a hurricane?

A hurricane is a tropical weather system with winds that have reached a sustained speed of 74 mph or more. Hurricane winds blow in a large spiral around a relatively calm center, known as the "eye." The eye is generally 20-30 miles wide, and the storm may extend outward from it for 400 miles.

As a hurricane approaches, the sky darkens and winds strengthen. As it nears land, it can bring torrential rains, high winds and storm surges. A hurricane can stretch the entire length of the eastern seaboard. The
74-160 mph winds can extend inland for hundreds of miles.

Hurricanes are classified into five categories according to wind velocity. Category 1 is the mildest; with winds from 74-95 mph. Category 5 is the strongest, with winds above 155 mph.

August and September are peak months of hurricane season, which lasts from June 1 to November 30.

Next: Weather terms used for hurricane season.