What is a Tropical System?

10/15/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County is Here to Help with all of your storm related property damages! Give us a call at 850-466-3089

The Panhandle of Florida is no stranger to tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes.  The recent landfall of Hurricane Sally brought a great deal of flooding and wind damage to our area, and the 2020 Hurricane Season is still not quite over yet.  Because of the likelihood for tropical systems in our community, it is important to understand the different categories of these storms.  The National Hurricane Center defines each type of tropical system as follows:

• Tropical Depression: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 38 mph or less.
• Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph.
• Hurricane: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher.

Hurricanes are further ranked by intensity on what is known as the Sariff-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale:

• Category 1: 74-95 MPH sustained winds. 
• Category 2: 96-110 MPH sustained winds.
• Category 3: 111-129 MPH sustained winds.
• Category 4: 130-156 MPH sustained winds.
• Category 5: 157 of higher MPH sustained winds.

With the increase in storm intensity, or category, comes the added probability of dangerous conditions and damage to your property.  When a tropical depression, tropical storm, or hurricane is forecasted in your area, always follow the direction of local officials to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.  In the even that a recent storm has caused damage to you home or business, know that SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County is Here to Help.  Our professional team can remediate water, wind, or flood damages, to help make it “Like it never even happened.”  For more information, give us a call at 850-466-3089.