-> Prepare for Philadelphia Hazards -> Hurricane, Tropical Storm

Hurricane, Tropical Storm

Hurricane season is the time of year when hurricanes are expected to form in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. It lasts from June through November, with the peak of activity from August through September. Hurricanes generally form over water that is at least 80 degrees F, and when there is high humidity in the atmosphere. During hurricanes, the weather may become severe and sometimes people may be asked to evacuate. The City will let local television and radio stations know if people should evacuate.

Preparing For a Hurricane or Tropical Storm:

Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a hurricane threats - Hurricane Watch: Issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions in 24 to 36 hours. Hurricane Warning: Issued when dangerously high water and rough seas are expected in 24 hours or less.
Develop a Household Emergency Plan, know your evacuation route and where you will go if told to evacuate.
Have a Go Bag of emergency supplies ready in case you have to evacuate.
Secure your property.
To protect your windows from high winds, cover them with pre-cut plywood or hurricane shutters.
Bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed.
If you have a car, fill the gas tank in case you have to evacuate.

ReadyNotifyPA
Sign up for ReadyNotifyPA, the region's emergency text and email alert system, by logging on to www.readynotifypa.org, by texting PHILA to 411911 or by scanning the code below. (The alerts are free but standard text messaging rates may apply.)

During a Hurricane:

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.

Be alert for tornadoes and flooding.

If you see a funnel cloud or if local authorities issue a tornado warning take shelter underground, if possible or in an interior room away from windows.

If waters are rising quickly or local authorities issue a flood or flash flood warning, seek higher ground.

Flooding

Hurricanes, tropical storms, nor'easters and other coastal storms carry with them the potential for flooding. Visit the Flood page for information on:

How to prepare for flooding.
What to do during a flood.
How to clean up after a flood.

Nor'easters
Nor’easters: storm systems that pick up moisture as they travel up the Atlantic coast. These storms can cause heavy rain or snow, strong winds and coastal flooding. Nor’easters are most common from September through April.

Weather Words

Hurricane a large, revolving storm caused by winds blowing around a central area of low pressure, with winds of 74 miles per hour or greater.

Hurricane Watch issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions in 24 to 36 hours.

Hurricane Warning issued when dangerously high water and rough seas are expected in 24 hours or less.

Tropical Storm a tropical cyclone with sustained winds between 39 and 73 miles per hour.

Tropical Storm Watch issued when there is a threat of tropical storm conditions in 24 to 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Warning issued when the storm is expected within 24 hours.