June 1 is the start of hurricane season 2009.
Tropical cyclones, or hurricanes, are storm systems that produce thunderstorms, tornadoes, strong winds and often flooding caused by a very large low pressure center. Basically, a hurricane is a huge storm that can reach up to 600 miles in length with winds reaching up to 200 miles per hour. They rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. Typically, a hurricane can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on its trek across land and sea.
These storms are typical to the Atlantic region because they can only form in ocean waters that are 80°F or warmer. They need something called a Coriolis Force in order to spin, this is why you will not find hurricanes near the equator. A Coriolis Force is a force that pushes moving objects to one side due to the Earth’s rotation. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis Force deflects objects to the right.
Hurricanes are powered by the evaporation of seawater and the center is called the “eye.” Oddly enough, the “eye” of a hurricane is the calmest part. It has very light winds and rain. It is often called the “calm of the storm.” This means the heaviest rains and strongest winds are in the outer “bands” of a hurricane. The winds and “storm surges” from these storms can damage buildings, flood entire cities, uproot trees and toss cars at its whim.
As a native South Floridian, I’ve seen my fair share of hurricanes, and, especially after Hurricane Katrina, I find it alarming just how unprepared people really are when it comes to these massively wondrous storms.
It’s important to prepare three days to two weeks prior to the landfall of a storm.
The United States Southern Command “Survival Kit” here. The Bond Community Health Center has another information guide here.
If you have kids, FEMA has put together a website to teach kids here. Also Weather Wiz Kids is another great resource for teaching children about storms and hurricane preparedness. In order to help kids cope, FEMA put together a list of activities and comfort items to add to your survival kit in order to make the experience less frustrating and scary for children.
** Remember, adult fears are often magnified for children.**
The National Weather Service here. Their Storm Prediction Center here. Southern Region Headquarters here.
LOWES Hardware, has a Hurricane and Severe Weather Center here where you can purchase all the supplies you need online. They even have an article on how to put up Hurricane Shutters on your home.
HOME DEPOT also has a Hurricane and Severe Weather Center here and they have a great article on generators. You can download and print their .pdf file on preparing properly for a hurricane here.
eHOW’s How to Prepare Your Backyard for a Hurricane here.
Do you own a boat? Check out the LSU AG Center’s guide here.
Here is some great general information to remember --
HURRICANE SCALE:
Category I -- 74-95 mph winds with 4-5 ft. storm surge and minimal damage
Category II -- 96-110 mph winds with 6-8 ft. storm surge and moderate damage
Category III -- 111-130 mph winds with 9-12 ft. storm surge and major damage
(Hurricane Katrina made landfall as a Category 3 storm)
Category IV -- 131-155 mph winds with 13-18 ft. storm surge and severe damage
Category V -- 155+ mph winds with 18+ ft. storm surge and catastrophic damage
(Hurrican Andrew made landfall as a Category 5 storm)
HURRICANE WARNINGS:
Tropical Storm Watch -- issued when tropical storm conditions may threaten a specific coastal area within 36 hours, and when the storm is not predicted to intensify to hurricane strength.
Tropical Storm Warning -- winds in the range of 39 to 73 mph can be expected to affect specific areas of a coastline within the next 24 hours.
Hurricane Watch -- a hurricane or hurricane conditions may threaten a specific coastal area within 36 hours.
Hurricanes Warning -- a warning that sustained winds of 74 mph or higher associated with a hurricane are expected in a specified coastal area in 24-hours or less.
Good luck! 
