The Essential Guide
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The track forecast for Hurricane Ike on Sept. 7. Ike threatened the Keys but ultimately caused catastrophic damage in Cuba and Texas.
During this year’s June-through-November hurricane season, the U.S. coast took a record number of consecutive storm hits, while the Florida Keys dodged potentially devastating tropical systems.
Posted - Friday, November 28, 2008 10:00 AM EST
When Hurricane Ike bore down on the Keys, it wasn’t only humans who sought protection. The animals needed safety, too. And many received it in the form of foster homes while the storm threatened.
Posted - Friday, November 21, 2008 08:17 AM EST
An Ocean Diver dive shop boat is tied up in preparation for Hurricane Ike. (Photo by David Hawkins)
The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1 until the end of November. As much as I don’t want to wish the summer away, I’m looking forward to the end of November.
Posted - Monday, October 20, 2008 12:18 PM EDT
Watching the tropicsCurrent tropical activity
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| The NHC graphic shows any current tropical systems and areas being watched for potential tropical disturbance development. | ||
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Tropical Prediction Center: |
National Weather Service Key West: |
NESDIS Satellite Services Division: |
Hurricanes are ranked in terms of wind strength according to the Saffir-Simpson scale, from Category 1 to Category 5:
Category 1: Winds of 74 mph to 95 mph (central barometric pressure generally 28.94 inches or less), generating a 4-foot to 5-foot storm surge. Minimal damage
Category 2: Winds from 96 mph to 110 mph, storm surge 6 feet to 8 feet. Moderate damage.
Category 3: Winds from 111 mph to 130 mph, storm surge 9 feet to 12 feet. Extensive damage. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 was a Category 3 hurricane at landfall in Louisiana.
Category 4: Winds from 131 mph to 155 mph, storm surge 13 feet to 18 feet. Extreme damage. Hurricane Charley was a high Category 4 when it slammed Punta Gorda in 2004.
Category 5: Winds greater than 155 mph, causing storm surge 18 feet and higher. Catastrophic damage. Only three Category 5 hurricanes have hit the United States: the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 in the Upper Keys, Hurricane Camille on the Gulf Coast in 1967, and Hurricane Andrew, which destroyed much of south Miami-Dade in 1992.
