Hurricane season is the time each year when hurricanes are most likely to form and occur in the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea. In the United States, hurricane season typically runs from June 1st to November 30th.
What is a Hurricane?
A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, a storm system that forms over warm ocean waters with the potential to bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding to coastal areas.
Hurricanes have a circulation center with maximum winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or greater. Hurricanes are rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on their wind speed and potential for damage, with Category 3 and above considered to be major.
When Does Hurricane Season Start?
Hurricane season in the Atlantic Basin, which includes the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea, officially begins each year on June 1st.
It's important to note that hurricanes can and do form outside of this time frame. For example, Hurricane Alex formed in January 2016, and Hurricane Zeta formed in October 2020.
When Does Hurricane Season End?
Hurricane season in the Atlantic Basin officially ends on November 30th, although these powerful storms can and do still form outside of this time frame. It's important for residents in hurricane-prone areas to be prepared for the possibility of a hurricane at any time of year.
Where Do Hurricanes Occur?
Hurricanes typically form over warm ocean waters and can affect coastal areas. In the Atlantic Basin, this includes the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea. However, hurricanes have also been known to form in other parts of the world, such as the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean.
Tropical Storm vs. Hurricane
Tropical storms and hurricanes are both considered tropical cyclones, with key differences between the two:
A tropical storm is a storm system with wind speeds ranging from 39 to 73 miles per hour.
Hurricanes have wind speeds of 74 miles per hour or higher.
In the Atlantic Basin, tropical storms are given a name and become a hurricane once their wind speeds reach 74 miles per hour.
Tropical storms can still bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding, and can cause significant damage, but the potential for damage is generally greater with a hurricane due to its higher wind speeds.
It's important for residents in hurricane-prone areas to be prepared for both tropical storms and hurricanes and to take appropriate precautions.
Hurricane Hazards
In addition to the dangers posed by high winds and flooding, hurricanes can bring other hazards like tornadoes and storm surges. Tornadoes are often spawned by hurricanes and can cause additional damage and injury. Storm surges are a rise in seawater levels that can cause coastal flooding and property damage.
It's important for residents in hurricane-prone areas to understand the risks and be prepared for the possibility of a hurricane. This can include having a plan in place for evacuation, securing your property, and monitoring the storm's progress. It's also important to have an emergency supply kit on hand, including non-perishable food, water, flashlights, and first aid supplies. We also encourage making use of the SERVPRO® Emergency Ready Plan.
If you’re in the path of a hurricane, it's important to follow the instructions of local officials and to take appropriate precautions to protect yourself and your property. This may include evacuating the area if instructed to do so.
SERVPRO is Prepared for Anything
No matter what level of hurricane strikes your home or business, you can rely on the professionals at SERVPRO. We’re Here to Help®, ready with everything from roof tarping to elite hurricane cleanup and storm damage restoration services.