Every year, hurricane or storm season begins in the first week of June and will last for at least five months, with hurricanes usually peaking in August and September. Like storm season, regardless of the weather forecast, knowing the importance of how to prepare could be a lifesaver.

Hurricane knowledge

First and foremost, people need to know typhoon facts and know the standard terms that are used during storm forecasts. Typhoon and hurricane conditions can differ on the size, intensity, and angle in which tropical cyclones approaches your area, so it is imperative to understand what people in the weather room, news reporters, and forecasters are telling you: cyclones and tropical depressions with winds of at least 38 miles per hour.

Tropical storms differ in wind speeds from 39 to 73 miles per hour, while hurricanes have winds that go 74 miles per hour or higher. Usually, the upper right quadrant of typhoons or the center that wraps around the eye of the typhoon is the most intense part of the typhoon.

Visit https://pmm.nasa.gov/education/articles/what-hurricane-typhoon-or-tropical-cyclone to find out more about the difference between Hurricane, Typhoon, and Tropical Cyclone.

It is why Hurricane Katrina was very catastrophic that brings up a 28-foot typhoon surges to the coastlines of Mississippi and Louisiana. Listed below are some of the essential terms people can hear from newscasters, weather personalities, and forecasters.

Tropical storm watch – Tropical typhoon conditions are possible in the area.

The hurricane watch – This type of conditions is also expected in the area.

Warnings are provided 36 hours in advance of typhoon force winds.

Eye – It is clear, sometimes a well- defined center of the typhoon with milder and calmer conditions.

Eyewall – It is the part of the typhoon that surrounds the eye. It contains some of the strongest and extreme weather of the hurricane, with the most considerable precipitation and the highest wind speed.

Storm surge – It is a deadly and usually underestimated phenomenon that results when the ocean water swells because of a landfalling storm. It quickly floods coastal areas, as well as areas further inland.

During the watch, prepare an evacuation plan, and leave your home in case warnings are issued. During these warnings, make sure to follow the direction of government officials, and immediately leave dangerous areas if the officials advise it.

In case of an Extreme Wind Advisory and Warning, it means that severe sustained winds of at least 115 miles per hour or higher are expected to start more or less an hour after the typhoon hits, make sure to take shelter in a well-built structure situated on higher grounds and do the necessary storm preparation and safety guidelines.

Hurricane forecasts

Predicting the path of the cyclone can be very challenging. There are a lot of local and global factors that need to be considered. The size and the path can influence what kind of wind patterns guide, hinder or enhance the storm’s growth, and vice versa.

Weather forecasters have powerful computers that take a lot of data and try to predict the path of the storm and where it will land. They can usually calculate two to three days out pretty accurately. It is where people hear the terms spaghetti and computer models being used.

Securing homes

Know how to safely secure homes in case of storm surges, flooding, and damaging winds.

Cover all the windows using wood or hurricane shutters.

Although a strong tape can prevent the glass from shattering, be warned that tapes cannot avoid anything breaking the window.

If possible, make sure to secure clips or straps to fasten the roof to the foundation of the structure safely.

Ensure all shrubs and trees are properly trimmed, as well as clear rain gutters of any debris and dirt.

Reinforce all the doors using pieces of wood.

Bring in all garbage cans, outdoor furniture, decorations, as well as things that are not tied down.

If the wind becomes strong, make sure to stay away from doors and windows: close, brace, and secure internal doors.

Want to know more about severe weather terminologies, click here to find out more.

We need to remember that extreme typhoons can be very destructive and deadly. If you have survived a cyclone, you know the distress and inconvenience these typhoons can cause. The best thing to do is to be prepared and know everything about the storm.

Approach, Arrival, and Aftermath – Prepare ahead of time and make sure to listen to every direction from government officials. Make sure to secure your homes safely, or if you can’t do that, find a safe place before the storm arrives.