Complete guide to hurricane preparation, riding out the storm, and post-storm recovery.
Hurricanes are massive storm systems that bring catastrophic wind, rain, and storm surge. Unlike tornadoes or earthquakes, hurricanes provide days of advance warning — but only those who prepare early survive safely. This guide covers the hurricane category system, pre-storm preparation, sheltering decisions, surviving the storm, and post-hurricane recovery.
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Category 1: 74-95 mph (some damage). Category 2: 96-110 mph (extensive damage). Category 3: 111-129 mph (devastating). Category 4: 130-156 mph (catastrophic). Category 5: 157+ mph (total destruction). Storm surge is often more deadly than wind.
Pro Tip
Storm surge — the wall of ocean water pushed ashore — causes most hurricane deaths, not wind.
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