TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – It only takes one storm to change someone’s life. As a storm develops, there are some terms you should get to know.
This hurricane season, the WCTV Weather Team is bringing you extra weather information to get your family prepared this season.
Evolution of a tropical cyclone
A tropical cyclone is an umbrella term for hurricanes, tropical storms and tropical depressions. The life cycle of a hurricane begins as a tropical wave in the open Atlantic waters.
According to the National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service, a tropical wave is an easterly cyclonic disturbance in the tropics. The tropical wave matures over open warm waters. For efficient organization, the ocean temperatures need to be 80 degrees or warmer. Winds need to be light from the surface to the upper air.
Once the wave becomes a clear closed circulation, it becomes a tropical depression. Winds with a depression are 38 mph or less.
If 80-degree waters remain and low wind shear remains, the tropical depression will organize further. Once winds reach 39 mph, the tropical depression is given a name and becomes a tropical storm. Winds can get up to 73 mph in a tropical storm and produce damaging winds, flooding and isolated tornadoes.
The tropical storm reaches hurricane strength once winds reach 74 mph. The hurricane becomes a major hurricane once winds hit 111 mph, which is Category 3 strength.
Storms can go from a low-end hurricane to a major hurricane in 24 hours in 80-degree waters that run deep into the ocean. The deeper the heat content, the more likely rapid strengthening or rapid intensification is.
Tropical cyclones will weaken gradually once entering an atmosphere with high wind shear, water temperatures below 80 degrees, or making landfall. The storm is no longer able to use warm waters to keep itself running, essentially running out of steam.
Tropical watches and warnings
Here is a breakdown of tropical watches and warnings from the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center:
AlertDescriptionTropical Storm WatchWinds between 39 and 73 mph are possible within 36 hoursTropical Storm WarningWinds between 39 and 73 mph are expected within 36 hoursHurricane WatchWinds between 39 and 73 mph are possible within 36 hoursHurricane WarningWinds between 39 and 73 mph are expected within 36 hours
What is storm surge?
Storm surge is when sea level rises due to strong onshore winds in a tropical storm or hurricane. Storm surge can lead to life-threatening wave heights and flooding near the coast.
The forecast for the surge is the peak height that waves would reach during high tide.
What is the dirty side of the storm?
Meteorologists and hurricane specialists will often refer to a hurricane in quadrants or four separate sections. One of the four quadrants is known as the “dirty side” of the storm. This is the northeast part of the hurricane or tropical storms where winds are often the strongest and the tornado threat is often the highest.
If a storm is making landfall to your west, you will be on the dirty side of the storm, getting some of the worst impacts. When Michael made landfall in 2017, much of our area was on the nasty side of the storm. This led to extensive damage in Mexico Beach.
Saffir-Simpson Scale
Winds are not the only threat from tropical storms and hurricanes, but they do define the storm’s category. Major hurricanes are Category 3 storms or stronger.
CategoryWind Speed (mph)Tropical Storm39 to 73 mphCategory 174 to 95 mphCategory 296 to 110 mphCategory 3111 to 129 mphCategory 4130 to 156 mphCategory 5157+ mph
Notable Big Bend storms
Hurricane Helene (2024):
Hurricane Helene made landfall 10 miles southwest of Perry, Florida as a Category 4. Winds were significant with Helene from Florida and Georgia to the Carolinas. Helene also brought devastating flooding to parts of the southeast.
Hurricane Idalia (2023):
Similar to Michael, Idalia underwent rapid intensification. The major hurricane was the first storm of this magnitude to hit the Apalachee Bay region in history, making landfall as a Category 3.
Hurricane Michael (2018):
Hurricane Michael made landfall as a Category 5 hurricane. Michael was the first Category 5 to make landfall in the contiguous U.S. since Andrew.
Hurricane Dennis (2005):
Hurricane Dennis made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in 2018. Although landfall was over 150 miles from our area, Apalachee Bay still experienced 6 to 9 feet of storm surge
Hurricane Kate (1985):
Hurricane Kate made landfall as a Category 2 in 1985. This storm was one of the most direct hits that the Big Bend has dealt with. Landfall was just west of Apalachicola.
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