StormDesigns Storm Page

During the first stages of inclement weather in the tropics meteorologists watch closely to monitor the possible future hurricane. At this stage the storm is considered a Tropical Disturbance.

Tropical Disturbances develop into Tropical Depressions when their wind speeds reach up to 38 Miles per hour. Also accompanying the Tropical Depression is an obvious low pressure area within the storm.

When the storm has wind speeds of at least 39 Miles per hour it is named and labeled a Tropical Storm. With the assistance of radar and satellite images the low pressure areas are seen as a rotating circulation. Within 36 hours a Tropical Storm Watch is announced to all possibly affected coastal regions. If the Tropical Storm is expected to reach specific regions within 24 hours a Tropical Storm Warning is put into effect for all of those areas.

Hurricanes are the epitomy of Tropical Storms. A storm is classified as a Hurricane once its wind speeds reach a constant of at least 74 Miles per hour. The low pressure area becomes more intensified and visible on satellite images. Hurricane Watches are announced within 36 hours. Hurricane Warnings are taken seriously sending all possibly affected residents of threatened regions taking neccesary precautions.

*Hurricane Categories...*
Hurricanes are defined and organized by their wind speed and storm surge using the "Saffir/Simpson" scale. Their are 5 categories of Hurricanes.
	Wind Speeds of:	Storm Surges of:
Category 1	74-95 Miles Per Hour	4-5 Feet
Category 2	96-110 MPH	6-8 Ft.
Category 3	111-130 MPH	9-12 Ft.
Category 4	131-155 MPH	13-18 Ft.
Category 5	155+ MPH	18+ Ft.

Tropical Storm Ready List...
Blankets, pillows, and other neccesary bedding Flashlight, candles, hurricane lamp, etc. Important papers and valuable items Emergency phone numbers Prescription medications Non - electric alarm clock Battery operated radio Non perishable foods Cooler and ice New batteries First aid kit Water Cash Cell Phone if available These bare neccessities can get you through the emergency. Good Luck.

Question:
Occasionally tropical storm names are retired from the lists of names. Why would the weather center retire some names and reuse others?

Click Here for the answer.