Common Effects of a Hurricane

A hurricane is a powerful force that spins off the ocean and rips across the land leaving a path of destruction in its wake. By understanding the common effects of a hurricane, you can understand and prepare for the damage to your community.

Flooding

Storm surges, tidal flooding and residual standing water are the most noticeable and often the most deadly effects of a hurricane. These waters are responsible for more than 90 percent of the hurricane related deaths reported. The storm surge is created by the sea level rising rapidly, and as it comes up to the beach as a huge wall or wave of water, it creates a powerful sucking action. The storm surge washes away buildings, brings debris up on land and causes flooding.

Winds

Winds in a hurricane can surge to more than 200 miles per hour. These winds are how the power of a hurricane storm is measured, and are responsible for much of the damage seen inland. Winds can tear the roofs off of houses, pull up trees by the roots, blow debris into building and damage windows and cars and much more.

Tornadoes

Though tornadoes are typically thought of as a mid-west phenomenon, spawned by spring thunderstorms, they often spin off from hurricanes as well. A tornado, while on the ground destroys everything in its path, uprooting, disassembling and relocating all that lies in its way.

Heavy rainfall is also common in hurricanes. The rain typically starts as a light shower, and then increases in intensity as the eye approaches. Up to a foot of rain can fall in a 24 hour period during a hurricane, causing flash flooding more than 100 miles inland from the hurricane's main assault.