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Hazards

Potential Hazards Affecting Anne Arundel County
Animal Disease Outbreak, Blight, or Infestation	Coastal Flooding
Drought	Earthquake
Extreme Heat	Hurricane, Tropical Storm, or NorEaster
Landslide or Slope Failure	Public Health Emergency
Radiological (brochure available)	Riverine Flooding
Severe Storm or Hailstorm	Severe Winter Storm
Terrorism	Tornado
Wildfire

**Visit the Anne Arundel County Department of Health for information on H1N1.**

Featured Hazard: Hurricanes, Tropical Storms or Nor Easters'

(See Mitigation Page for description on all hazards.)

2009 Hurricane Season Outlook (Updated!)
Hurricane Season FAQ's
The Basics of Tropical Cyclones
Anne Arundel County Report: Tropical Storm Isabel

2009 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook

As of August, 2009

According to the NOAA forecasters at the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, there is a 50 percent probability of a near-normal season, a 10 percent probability of a normal season, and a 40 percent probability of a below-normal season. There is much uncertainty this early in the season, however forecasters say there is a 70 percent chance of having 7 to 11 named storms, of which three to six could become hurricanes, inlcuding 1 to 2 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5). Note: Outlook predictions are not a seasonal hurricane landfall forecast.

FAQ's
When does hurricane season officially start and end?
	Atlantic hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30, however, hurricanes have occured outside of these dates. According to the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML), the dates were selected to encompass 97% of tropical activity.
When is peak hurricane season?
	AOML describes the very peak season to be from August to October, with: 78% of the tropical storm days 87% of the "minor" hurricane days 96% of the "major" hurricane days
	Remeber Hurricane Agnes?? The first named storm in 1972, a rare June hurricane, inflicted more damage than any other hurricane ever recorded at that time.
Where can I monitor active storms?
	The National Hurricane Center, a division of the National Weather Service's Tropical Prediction Center.
Where should I go to find out what is happening locally?
	When severe weather is forecasted, it is important for residents and business owners to monitor the situation and act proactively to protect themselves, their family and their property. Local officials have a variety of ways to get information to the public. Emergency Information Sources.

	Surviving The Storm: Anne Arundel County's Official Guide to Emergency Preparedness has information on emergency preparedness kits, local shelters and evacuation routes, creating a plan including one for your pet, as well as a list of important phone numbers and websites that you should keep handy in the event of an emergency. Open/Print a Guide.

Tropical Cyclones - The Basics

A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, which is a low pressure system that generally forms in the tropics. The cyclone is an organization of thunderstorms. In the Northern Hemisphere cyclones have a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the earth's surface. Hurricanes can produce violent winds, extremely large waves, torrential rains, floods, and can spawn tornadoes.Tropical cyclones are classified by strength and organized into the following:

Tropical Cyclones	Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
Tropical Depression An organization of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 35 mph or less.	Storm	Winds	Storm Surge	Characteristics
	Tropical Storm	39-73 mph		- Example: Isabel (Maryland)
	Category 1	74-95 mph	4-5 ft	No real damage to buildings. Damage to unanchored mobile homes. Some damage to poorly constructed signs. Also, some coastal flooding and minor pier damage. - Examples: Irene 1999 and Allison 1995

Tropical Storm An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph.	Category 2	96-110 mph	6-8 ft	Some damage to building roofs, doors and windows. Considerable damage to mobile homes. Flooding damages piers and small craft in unprotected moorings may break their moorings. Some trees blown down. - Examples: Bonnie 1998, Georges(FL & LA) 1998 and Gloria 1985

	Category 3	111-130 mph	9-12 ft	Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings. Large trees blown down. Mobile homes and poorly built signs destroyed. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures with larger structures damaged by floating debris. Terrain may be flooded well inland. - Examples: Keith 2000, Fran 1996, Opal 1995, Alicia 1983 and Betsy 1965
Hurricane An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 kt) or higher	Category 4	131-155 mph	13-18 ft	More extensive curtain-wall failures with some complete roof structure failure on small residences. Major erosion of beach areas. Terrain may be flooded well inland. - Examples: Hugo 1989 and Donna 1960

	Category 5	156 mph and up	18+ ft	Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. Flooding causes major damage to lower floors of all structures near the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas may be required. - Examples: Andrew(FL) 1992, Camille 1969 and Labor Day 1935