A hurricane tracking storm surge watch is issued by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) when there is a potential for life-threatening inundation from rising water due to a hurricane. This watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated onset of flooding. A storm surge is a dome of water that is pushed towards the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm.
Storm surges can cause devastating damage to coastal communities, including flooding, erosion, and structural damage. In the United States, storm surges have been responsible for some of the most deadly and costly natural disasters in history, including Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
Hurricane tracking storm surge watches are an important tool for helping coastal communities prepare for and respond to hurricanes. By providing advance notice of potential flooding, these watches give residents time to evacuate to safety, secure their property, and make other necessary preparations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hurricane Tracking Storm Surge Watches
This section provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about hurricane tracking storm surge watches.
Question 1: What is a hurricane tracking storm surge watch?
A hurricane tracking storm surge watch is issued by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) when there is a potential for life-threatening inundation from rising water due to a hurricane. This watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated onset of flooding.
Question 2: What is a storm surge?
A storm surge is a dome of water that is pushed towards the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm. Storm surges can cause devastating damage to coastal communities, including flooding, erosion, and structural damage.
Question 3: What should I do if I am under a hurricane tracking storm surge watch?
If you are under a hurricane tracking storm surge watch, you should take the following steps:
- Listen to local news and weather reports for updates on the storm.
- Be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
- Secure your property by bringing in outdoor furniture and closing windows and doors.
- Stock up on food, water, and other essential supplies.
Question 4: What is the difference between a hurricane tracking storm surge watch and a hurricane tracking storm surge warning?
A hurricane tracking storm surge watch means that there is a potential for life-threatening inundation from rising water due to a hurricane. A hurricane tracking storm surge warning means that life-threatening inundation from rising water is expected within the next 36 hours.
Question 5: What are some of the historical impacts of storm surges?
Storm surges have been responsible for some of the most deadly and costly natural disasters in history, including Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
Question 6: What is the best way to stay safe from storm surges?
The best way to stay safe from storm surges is to evacuate to higher ground if you are under a hurricane tracking storm surge watch or warning.
Summary of key takeaways:
- Hurricane tracking storm surge watches are an important tool for helping coastal communities prepare for and respond to hurricanes.
- Storm surges can cause devastating damage to coastal communities.
- It is important to take steps to stay safe from storm surges, such as evacuating to higher ground if you are under a hurricane tracking storm surge watch or warning.
Transition to the next article section:
The next section of this article will provide information on how to prepare for a hurricane.
Hurricane Tracking Storm Surge Watch Tips
If you are under a hurricane tracking storm surge watch, it is important to take steps to stay safe. Here are five tips:
Tip 1: Listen to local news and weather reports for updates on the storm.
This will help you stay informed about the storm’s track and intensity, and any potential threats to your area.
Tip 2: Be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
If you live in a low-lying area or near the coast, you may need to evacuate to higher ground. Be sure to have a plan in place for where you will go and how you will get there.
Tip 3: Secure your property by bringing in outdoor furniture and closing windows and doors.
This will help to protect your property from damage caused by high winds and storm surge.
Tip 4: Stock up on food, water, and other essential supplies.
In the event of a power outage or disruption to supply chains, it is important to have enough food, water, and other essential supplies to last for several days.
Tip 5: Stay informed about the latest developments and follow the instructions of local officials.
This will help you to make the best decisions for your safety and the safety of your family.
Summary of key takeaways:
- Listen to local news and weather reports for updates on the storm.
- Be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
- Secure your property.
- Stock up on food, water, and other essential supplies.
- Stay informed about the latest developments and follow the instructions of local officials.
Conclusion:
By following these tips, you can help to stay safe during a hurricane.
Conclusion
Hurricane tracking storm surge watches are an important tool for helping coastal communities prepare for and respond to hurricanes. By providing advance notice of potential flooding, these watches give residents time to evacuate to safety, secure their property, and make other necessary preparations.
Storm surges can cause devastating damage to coastal communities, including flooding, erosion, and structural damage. In the United States, storm surges have been responsible for some of the most deadly and costly natural disasters in history, including Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
It is important to take hurricane tracking storm surge watches seriously. If you are under a watch, you should take steps to prepare for the storm and stay safe. This includes listening to local news and weather reports for updates on the storm, being prepared to evacuate if necessary, securing your property, and stocking up on food, water, and other essential supplies.
By following these tips, you can help to stay safe during a hurricane.