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Hurricanes and Coastal Storms A hurricane is a violent area of low pressure forming in the tropical Atlantic Ocean from June to November. August and September are peak months. (Similar Western Pacific Ocean storms are called typhoons.) Hurricanes have winds of 75 miles per hour or more and are accompanied by torrential rains and—along coastal areas—a storm surge. Although coastal storms may have hurricane-force winds and may cause similar kinds and amounts of damage, they are not classified as hurricanes because they do not originate in the tropics. Coastal storms typically form along the east coast from December through March. Hurricanes and coastal storms pose a risk because powerful and intense winds and rain can: Damage or destroy structures. Lift and move unstable structures and objects. Damage utility lines.PDFmZ Be accompanied by tornadoes. Cause coastal erosion. Cause floods. Threaten lives. The accompanying heavy rains can inundate coastal areas and inland communities, presenting another risk to life and property. Hurricane Classifications Category Barometric Pressure (Inches) Windspeed (Miles Per Hour) Storm Surge (Feet) I - Minimal Above 28.94 74-95 4-5 II - Moderate 28.50-28.91 96-110 6-8 III - Extensive 27.91-28.47 111-130 9-12 IV - Extreme 27.17-27.88 131-155 13-18 V - Catastrophic Less Than 27.17 More Than 155 More than 18 Hurricanes and Coastal Storms (Continued) The greatest likelihood of a hurricane striking land is along the Gulf Coast and the southeastern seaboard. However, hurricanes have also hit central Pennsylvania and the coasts of New Jersey, New York, and New England. Each year approximately 10 “storm-strength” weather disturbances are detected in the North Atlantic. Of these, half may grow to hurricane proportion. Two hurricanes are likely to strike the U.S. coast each year. Nearly 100 million Americans are at risk from hurricanes. Specifically: Almost 14 millio