Hurricane Dangers
Hurricanes may be the most dangerous storms, but tropical storms and depressions can also cause serious damage. The main threats that come with cyclones — including tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes — are storm surge, inland flooding from heavy rainfall, destructive winds, tornadoes, and powerful rip currents.
• Storm surge – This is an abnormal rise in sea level caused by the winds of a storm. Historically, storm surge is the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States. Along with massive waves, storm surge can lead to major loss of life and widespread destruction along coastal areas.
• Flooding – Heavy rain is the second leading cause of death in tropical cyclones. These storms often bring widespread downpours that can lead to severe flooding hundreds of miles inland. In some cases, floodwaters can linger for days even after the storm has passed.
• Winds – Hurricane-force winds are powerful enough to destroy buildings and mobile homes. Street signs, roof tiles, and any unsecured objects can turn into dangerous flying debris during a storm.
• Tornadoes – These can form within tropical cyclones after they make landfall. Tornadoes are usually found in rainbands far from the storm’s center and can cause unexpected damage in areas not directly hit by the hurricane.
• Waves and rip currents – Strong winds from tropical cyclones create large waves that pose a serious threat to both coastal residents and boaters. Even when a storm is over 1,000 miles away from shore, it can still generate dangerous surf, deadly rip currents, beach erosion, and damage to coastal structures.