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Admin
 
Empire Hurricanes
Rick Wheeler
(607) 692-2195
2940 Route 206
Whitney Point, New York
13862
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 Hurricane NEWS: What is a Hurricane ? ? |
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What is a Hurricane ? ?
Hurricane Names.....hurricanes are given names. Why is that? To help us identify storms and track them as they move across the ocean. Remember, there can be more than one hurricane at a time and without naming them, we could get confused and which storm we're talking about.
For hundreds of years, hurricanes in the West Indies were named after the particular saint's day on which the hurricane occurred. An Australian meteorologist began giving women's names to tropical storms before the end of the 19th century. In 1953, the U.S. National Weather Service, which is the federal agency that tracks hurricanes and issues warnings and watches, began using female names for storms.
In 1979, both women and men's names were used.
One name for each letter of the alphabet is selected, except for Q, U and Z. For Atlantic Ocean hurricanes, the names may be French, Spanish or English, since these are the major languages bordering the Atlantic Ocean where the storm occur.
So who decides what names are used each year?
The World Meteorological Organization uses six lists in rotation. The same lists are reused every six years. The only time a new name is added is if a hurricane is very deadly or costly. Then the name is retired and a new name is chosen.
Hurricane Classification
Hurricanes are classified into five categories, based on their wind speeds and potential to cause damage.
• Category One -- Winds 74-95 miles per hour
• Category Two -- Winds 96-110 miles per hour
• Category Three -- Winds 111-130 miles per hour
• Category Four -- Winds 131-155 miles per hour
• Category Five -- Winds greater than 155 miles per hour
In the U.S., the official hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30, but hurricanes can happen any time of the year. Hurricanes are named by the National Weather Service. Some past hurricanes have been named: Opal, Andrew, Marilyn, Hugo and Fran.
Important terms to know:
Hurricane Watch -- A hurricane is possible within 36 hours. Stay tuned to the radio and television for more information. The Hurricane Center is tracking the storm and trying to predict where it may come ashore.
Hurricane Warning -- A hurricane is expected within 24 hours. You may be told to evacuate. You and your family should begin making preparations to evacuate. If your area is having an evacuation, remember to take your Disaster Supply Kit. Do not forget to make plans for your pets if you must evacuate.
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