Wind
Winds in a hurricane can extend out for hundreds of miles beyond the center.
- Winds can range from gusts to continuous hurricane-force speeds.
- Tornadoes can occur during hurricanes.
- Winds can last from a few hours to more than 24 hours.
- Mobile and manufactured homes are very vulnerable to strong winds.
Timing
- Stay informed and know when dangerous winds will arrive.
- Evacuation might take more time than usual.
- Buses used for evacuations will stop running several hours before dangerous winds start.
- Emergency response vehicles will stop running when conditions are no longer safe due to wind.
If you are on life-sustaining medical equipment:
- Make a plan to shelter in a location with a backup generator.
Know if your home is strong enough to stay in.
Consider:
- The year it was built.
- The materials it was built with.
- The year the roof was replaced.
- Whether you have hurricane-impact windows and/or coverings for windows and doors.
- Watch videos from the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) on how you can protect your home.
- See details about your property on the Pinellas County Property Appraiser website at pcpao.gov
Hurricane Intensity Scale (Wind Damage)
Hurricane-force winds could damage roofs, unprotected windows and doors.