Hurricane Season Fast Facts
CNN Editorial Research
(CNN) — Here’s a look at the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30.
Facts
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defines a hurricane as “an intense tropical weather system with well-defined circulation and sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher.” In the western North Pacific Ocean, hurricanes are called typhoons while similar storms in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific Ocean are called cyclones.
The peak of the Atlantic season is from mid-August to late October.
Hurricanes are rated according to intensity on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
The 1-5 scale estimates potential property damage due to maximum sustained wind speed.
A Category 3 or higher is considered a major hurricane.
A hurricane warning indicates that tropical-storm-force winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 36 hours.
Hurricane Development
There are four stages of development: tropical disturbance, tropical depression, tropical storm and hurricane (tropical cyclone).
Tropical disturbance: Cloud columns develop into a cluster of thunderstorms.
Tropical depression: Thunderstorms intensify, with maximum sustained winds of 38 mph or less.
Tropical storm: Maximum sustained winds are between 39-73 mph. During this time, the storm becomes more circular in shape, with winds swirling around a calm center, known as the eye. This is when the storm is named.
Hurricane: Wind speeds reach maximum sustained winds of 74 mph.
Hurricane categories
Category 1: Minimal hurricane
Winds 74-95 mph.
No significant damage to buildings. Damage primarily to unanchored homes, shrubbery and trees.
Some damage to poorly constructed signs and coastal road flooding.
Damage to power lines and poles could result in power outages lasting a few to several days.
Category 2: Moderate hurricane
Winds 96-110 mph.
Storm surge 6-8 feet.
Some damage to buildings, mainly roofs, doors and windows. Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees. Major damage to mobile homes. Extensive damage to poorly constructed signs and considerable damage to piers.
Small crafts in unprotected anchorages may break moorings.
Power outages could last from several days to weeks.
Category 3: Extensive hurricane
Winds 111-130 mph.
Storm surge 9-12 feet.
Some structural damage to small buildings. Many large trees blown down. Rampant destruction of mobile homes in storms ranked category 3 or higher. Serious coastal flooding, damaging or destroying structures along the water.
Evacuation of low-lying residences within several blocks of the shoreline may be required.
Electricity and water may be unavailable for several days to weeks.
Category 4: Extreme hurricane
Winds 131-155 mph.
Storm surge 13-18 feet.
Extensive building damage. Shrubs, trees and signs are blown down. Major damage to lower floors of buildings near coastline due to flooding, battering waves and floating debris. Major beach erosion.
Power outages could last from weeks to possibly months. Areas may be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
Category 5: Catastrophic hurricane
Winds greater than 155 mph.
Storm surge higher than 18 feet.
Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Widespread destruction of structures less than 15 feet above sea level within 500 yards of shore. Low-lying evacuation routes cut off by rising water 3 to 5 hours before hurricane center arrives.
Advance evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5-10 miles of the shoreline may be required.
Power outages could last for months. Area may remain uninhabitable for months.
Names
There are 10 regional lists of names worldwide: Atlantic, Eastern North Pacific, Central North Pacific, Western North Pacific/South China Sea, Australian Region, Nadi, Port Moresby, Jakarta, Southwest Indian Ocean and Northern Indian Ocean.
Using women’s names for Atlantic storms was the practice until 1979, when male names were added to the mix.
Names associated with storms that have caused significant death and/or damage are retired from the list. After the 2021 season, the name Ida was retired. Some other names that have been removed include Camille (1969), Andrew (1992), Floyd (1999), Katrina (2005), Ike (2008), Sandy (2012), Maria (2017) and Ian (2022). Once a name is removed, another name replaces it.
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