Hurricane information and resources

What is the Difference Between a Hurricane and a Typhoon?
They are called hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and eastern Pacific Ocean. But once you go west across the International Dateline and into the western Pacific Ocean, they're called typhoons.

Hurricane/Typhoon Facts

  • Winds blow in a large spiral around a relative calm center known as the eye. The eye is generally 20 to 30 miles wide and the storm may extend outward 400 miles.
  • As it approaches, the skies will begin to darken and winds will grow in strength. As it nears land, it can bring torrential rains, high winds, and a storm surge.
  • They can last for more than two weeks over open waters.
  • Hurricane season is from 1 June through 30 November with the peak months being August and September.
  • Typhoon season is 1 January through 31 December; however 95 percent of typhoons occur after 1 May.

For Tyndall specific hurricane readiness, preparation, and safety information, click HERE.

Air Force Be Ready Hurricane/Typhoon Quick Reference Guide.

Bay County Emergency Management Division.

Bay County Evacuation Zone MapEvacuation Route Map, and Storm Surge Map.

National Hurricane Center.

Tips: Before, During and After the storm

Tropical storms and hurricanes pack deadly potential. Knowing what to do before, during and after the storm will allow you to protect yourself, your loved ones and your belongings. Click on each of the time frames below to view a checklist of steps to take to ensure preparedness.

Weather Terminology

Keeping track of the various terminology regarding severe weather can be overwhelming. When the weather is at its worst, you need to know exactly what key terms and words mean. Click on each of the below terms for their definition.

Definitions

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is a 1-5 rating based on the hurricane's present intensity. This is used to give an estimate of the potential property damage and flooding expected along the coast from a hurricane landfall. Wind speed is the determining factor in the scale, as storm surge values are highly dependent on the slope of the continental shelf and the shape of the coastline, in the landfall region.

Click on each of the below categories for a description.

Hurricane Categories

HURRICANE CONDITIONS

HURCON 5: Indicates surface winds in excess of 58 mph (50 knots) could arrive within 96 hours.

HURCON 4: Indicates surface winds in excess of 58 mph (50 knots) could arrive within 72 hours.

HURCON 3: Indicates surface winds in excess of 58 mph could arrive within 48 hours.

HURCON 2: Indicates surface winds in excess of 58 mph could arrive within 24 hours.

HURCON 1: Indicates surface winds in excess of 58 mph could arrive within 12 hours.

HURCON 1C - Caution: Winds of 40-57 mph/35-49 knots sustained are occurring.

HURCON 1E - Emergency: Winds of 58 mph/50 knots sustained and/or gusts of 69 mph/60 kts or greater are occurring. All outside activity is strictly prohibited.

HURCON 1R - Recovery: Destructive winds have subsided and are no longer forecast to occur; survey and work crews are permitted to determine the extent of the damage and to establish safe zones around hazards (e.g. downed power lines, unstable structures). Non-essential personnel are asked to remain indoors.