Jacksonville Area Entering Peak Season for Hurricanes

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

If storms impact your home or business, and you have water damage, call SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jax NE at 904.729.2401.

Source: National Weather Service

Hurricane season is upon us. Meteorologists are currently tracking several storms in the Atlantic, so now is the time for residents of Jacksonville, Oceanway, River City, Yulee, Fernandina Beach and surrounding areas to brush up on their knowledge and preparations for potential bad weather. Following are some definitions of which you should be aware.

NOTE: The number of Tropical Storms and Hurricanes increases substantially in August, peaks in mid-September and decreases towards a minimum by early November. 

Tropical Depression
A tropical depression is a tropical cyclone that has maximum sustained surface winds (one-minute average) of 38 mph (33 knots) or less. 

Tropical Storm
A tropical storm is a tropical cyclone that has maximum sustained surface winds ranging from 39-73 mph (34 to 63 knots).

Hurricane
A hurricane is a tropical cyclone that has maximum sustained surface winds of 74 mph or greater (64 knots or greater).

Tropical Storm Watch
A Tropical Storm Watch is issued when Tropical Storm conditions, including winds of 39-73 mph, pose a POSSIBLE threat to a specified coastal area within 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Warning
A Tropical Storm Warning is issued when Tropical Storm conditions, including winds of 39-73 mph, are EXPECTED in a specified coastal area within 36 hours or less.

Hurricane Watch
A Hurricane Watch is issued when sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are POSSIBLE within the specified area of the Watch. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the Watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the onset of tropical storm force winds.

Hurricane Warning
A Hurricane Warning is issued when sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are EXPECTED somewhere within the specified area of the Warning. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the Warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the onset of tropical storm force winds.

NOTE: A Hurricane Warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves continues...even if the winds have subsided below hurricane intensity.