The devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina was a wake-up call to many long time coastal residents who had become complacent about dealing with tropical disturbances. It also struck fear into the heart of new coastal dwellers about dealing with these frightening displays of nature’s power. The lesson we can best learn from Hurricane Katrina, however, is not to be scared of hurricanes, but to take them seriously and arm ourselves with necessary knowledge we need to keep our families and our homes as safe as possible.

One basic thing everyone should understand about hurricanes is the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning. If you live in a hurricane strike zone, these are terms you will have heard time and again. But what’s the difference? When a hurricane watch is issued, it means that forecasters expect hurricane conditions to be felt along the coastline within 24 - 36 hours. Hurricane watches are usually issued for long portions of coastline for two reasons. First, it is extremely difficult to pinpoint the exact location that a hurricane will make landfall, even 24 - 36 hours from the event. Storms often wobbles as the near the coast, so it is important that everyone in the potential path is aware. Second, a hurricane does have to make landfall in your area for you to feel the effects of hurricane strength winds.

The place where a storm makes landfall is considered to be the place where the eye of the storm comes on shore, but hurricane conditions can be experienced any number of miles away from that point. If a hurricane watch is issued for your area, you can usually expect to have some impact from the storm, even if you only receive tropical storm force winds or the heavy rains of the outer bands of the storm in the end. A watch is your wake-up call to put your hurricane preparedness plan into action;  gather your important documents, secure loose items outside, stock up on canned food, batteries, and necessary medication, and consider evacuating. You should monitor the local news closely.

A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in 24 hours or less. Again, a hurricane does not have to make landfall in your area for you to experience hurricane conditions. A hurricane warning is a sign that a storm is going to impact you with hurricane force winds, heavy rains, and possible tornadoes, even if the eye does not pass over you or even if you don’t receive the strongest winds the storm has to offer. Hurricane warnings are usually for smaller areas of coastline than watches, as the forecast will likely have been further refined at this point. That does not mean, however, that if your hurricane watch has not been upgraded to a warning that you can let your guard down. Until the storm has passed, no one can predict its path with absolute certainty.

When a warning is issued, you should already have your necessary disaster supplies. If you are in a mobile home, you should evacuate to a local shelter. If the storm is a major one, and evacuations have been ordered for your area, you should leave as soon as possible. Once a warning is issued, traffic may prevent everyone from getting out in time and bridges and overpasses will likely be closed. Never attempt to leave when there is a risk you could become stranded on the highway as a storm passes. If you didn’t get out in time, it is best to hunker down and ride it out.

 

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