Hurricanes
Hurricanes, also known as tropical cyclones or typhoons, form over warm water. They start as tropical depressions and can form into tropical storms and hurricanes. They create a variety of threats to people and property through excessive rain which leads to inland flooding, storm surge, strong winds, and tornadoes.
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale bases hurricanes on sustained winds of 74 miles per hour and higher. They have category ratings from 1 - 5 with category 3 - 5 being considered major hurricanes due to the potential for significant loss of life and the catastrophic damage that can occur. Areas on the Atlantic Coast and near the Gulf of America are vulnerable to hurricanes that typically affect North Carolina. The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June to November but peaks between August and October.
This webpage provides information on hurricane warnings, hazards that hurricanes cause, and precautions that workers and employers should take to prepare, respond and recover from a hurricane.
Hurricane Season
Emergency Evacuation Plan and Procedures
- Have an evacuation plan ready for activation.
- Establish emergency functions with assigned staff.
- Evacuation procedures with routes and exits.
- Procedures for accounting for personnel and visitors.
- Provide equipment for employees with assignments.
- Have emergency supplies and equipment readily available.
- Conduct training and practice procedures.
Hurricane Season
Watches and Warnings
- Tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are possible within 36 hours (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph).
- Hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible. A watch is usually issued 48 hours before the beginning of tropical-storm-force-winds (sustained winds of 74 miles an hour or greater).
Hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected. A warning is usually issued 36 hours before the beginning of tropical-storm-force-winds (sustained winds of 74 miles an hour or greater).
Tropical Storm and Hurricane Categories
- Tropical depression contains sustained winds up to 39 miles per hour (MPH).
- Tropical storms contains sustained winds of 39 - 73 MPH.
- Category 1 hurricanes contain sustained winds of 74 - 95 MPH.
- Category 2 hurricanes contain sustained winds of 96 - 110 MPH.
- Category 3 hurricanes contain sustained winds of 111 - 129 MPH.
- Category 4 hurricanes contain sustained winds of 130 - 156 MPH.
- Category 5 hurricanes contain sustained winds of 157 or higher MPH.
Types of Damage Due to Wind and Water
- Tropical depression: localized flooding, downed branches, possible storm surge, tornadoes, some property damage.
- Tropical storm: inland flooding, downed trees and powerlines, storm surge, tornadoes, structural damage.
- Category 1 hurricane: storm surge, inland flooding, tornadoes, toppled trees, downed powerlines, structural damage. Some blocked roads, and power outages that could last several days.
- Category 2 hurricane: storm surge, inland flooding, tornadoes, toppled trees, downed powerlines, structural damage. Numerous roads blocked and near-total power loss with outages that could last several days to weeks.
- Category 3 hurricane: storm surge, inland flooding, tornadoes, toppled trees, downed powerlines, and severe structural damage. Numerous roads blocked, electricity and water unavailable for days to weeks.
- Category 4 - 5 hurricanes: severe storm surge and inland flooding, tornadoes, toppled trees, downed powerlines, and catastrophic structural damage. Power outages could last weeks or months. Many to most areas will be uninhabitable or isolated for weeks or months.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers are responsible for providing a workplace free from recognized hazards that can cause or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. They are also required to protect employees from any anticipated hazards associated with work-related response and recovery operations after strong storms such as hurricanes.