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Hurricane Preparedness
To view Hurricane-Related Business Resources, please click here.
During certain months, tropical storms and hurricanes are a reality of
life along our beautiful coast. It is important to be educated about
these storms and the general terms associated with them.
A tropical storm is a system of strong thunderstorms with circulation
and winds between 39 and 74 mph. When a tropical storm watch is issued,
it means tropical storm conditions are possible in the watch area within
36 hours. A tropical storm warning means tropical storm conditions are
possible in the warning area within 24 hours.
Tropical storms may develop into hurricanes, which are defined as
intense weather systems with a defined center of circulation and wind
speeds of 74 mph and higher. When a hurricane watch is issued, the
possibility of hurricane conditions exist in the watch area within the
next 36 hours. A hurricane warning means hurricane conditions are
possible in the warning area within the next 24 hours.
Hurricane strength is based on what is called the Saffir-Simpson Scale:
a Category 1 storm has winds of 74-95 mph and a storm surge of 4-5 ft.;
a Category 2 storm has winds of 96-110 mph and a storm surge of 6-8 ft.;
a Category 3 storm has winds of 111-130 mph and a storm surge of 9-12
ft.; a Category 4 storm has winds of 131-155 mph and a storm surge of
13-18 ft.; and a Category 5 storm has winds greater than 155 mph and a
storm surge greater than 18 ft.
If a tropical system forms during hurricane season,
which runs from June through November, and you live in or have plans to
visit the area, monitor reports from the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Hurricane Center at
www.nhc.noaa.gov and the National
Weather Service at www.srh.noaa.gov.
Once a watch or a warning has been issued for the Destin area, local
hurricane information, such as evacuation notices, routes, and shelters,
is posted on the City of Destin website at
www.cityofdestin.com and the
Okaloosa County website at
www.co.okaloosa.fl.us.
For specific information on local accommodations or
to find out their inclement weather policies, please call the
accommodation directly. The Destin Area Chamber of Commerce makes its
best effort to keep its website up-to-date with local information as it
becomes available.
For businesses in the Destin area, the Chamber’s website offers
information on resources from local, state, and federal agencies as they
become available. Please see our Hurricane-Related Business Resources.
Hurricane Preparedness Check List
- Boarding Materials or Hurricane Shutters
- Wireless Phone (& charged battery)
- Bottled Water
- Matches
- First Aid Kit
- Batteries
- Evacuation Maps
- Radio
- Cash
- Flashlight
- Can Opener
- Candles
- Tools for temporary repairs
- Fire Extinguisher
- Blankets, towels, toiletries
- Non-perishable food
- Extra prescriptions and medical supplies
- Household and personal documents |
