Click here for information about protecting your home from hurricane winds.
A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone.
There are three types of tropical cyclones:
- Tropical Depressions, when maximum sustained winds are less than 39 miles per hour
- Tropical Storms, when maximum sustained winds are higher than 39 miles per hour
- Hurricane, when maximum sustained winds reach or exceed 74 miles per hour
As maximum sustained winds increase, so does the hurricane’s category.
- Category 1: (74 to 95 mph) → very dangerous winds will produce some damage
- Category 2: (96 to 110 mph) → extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage
- Category 3: (111 to 129 mph) → devastating damage will occur
- Category 4: (130 to 156 mph) → catastrophic damage will occur
- Category 5: (157 mph or higher) → catastrophic damage will occur
Hurricanes that could threaten Hawaii originate in the eastern North Pacific Ocean and the central North Pacific Ocean.
- The Eastern Pacific hurricane season begins May 15 and ends November 30
Major hazards associated with hurricanes are:
Hurricane Watch vs. Hurricane Warning
A Hurricane Watch is an announcement that hurricane conditions are possible within the specified area. Watches are usually issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds in an area.
A Hurricane Warning is an announcement that hurricane conditions are expected within the specified area. Warnings are usually issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds in an area.
For more hurricane information:
Weather Safety: Hurricanes Fact Sheet
NWS Hurricane Links, Forecasts and Assessments
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards
Central Pacific Hurricane Center
