Potentially the most dangerous hazard associated with tropical cyclones which make landfall is storm surge. Storm surge has been responsible for more deaths than any other feature of tropical cyclones. Storm surge is a raised dome of water about 60 to 80 kilometres across and typically about two to five metres higher than the normal tide level. It is caused by a combination of strong winds driving water onshore and the lower atmospheric pressure in a tropical cyclone. In the southern hemisphere the onshore winds occur to the left of the tropical cyclone’s path. In Australia, this is the east side on the north west and north coasts and the south side on the east coast.

The largest surge usually extends between 30 and 60 kilometres from the crossing point of the tropical cyclone centre, or eye. Its influence also depends on the local topography of the seafloor and the angle at which the cyclone crosses the coast. If the surge occurs at the same time as a high astronomical tide the area inundated can be extensive, particularly along low-lying coastlines.

Tropical Storm:

A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed (using the U.S. 1-minute average) ranges from 34 kt (39 mph or 63 km/hr) to 63 kt (73 mph or 118 km/hr).

Tropical Storm Warning:

A warning that sustained winds within the range of 34 to 63 kt (39 to 73 mph or 63 to 118 km/hr) associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in a specified coastal area within 24 hours or less.

Tropical Storm Watch:

An announcement for specific coastal areas that tropical storm conditions are possible within 36 hours.

Tropical Wave:

A trough or cyclonic curvature maximum in the trade-wind easterlies. The wave may reach maximum amplitude in the lower middle troposphere.

NOAA Storm Tracker contains live links to advisories, tracking maps and satellite images of a particular storm that is projected to strike the United States or other nations in a storm’s path.

NOAA Storm Tracker also includes links to data from ocean buoys and tide gauges, the latest high resolution satellite imagery and Doppler radar images of a tropical storm or hurricane. Storm Tracker is designed to open a new and smaller browser window, which can be resized and placed anywhere on a computer desktop. This allows the user to continue surfing the Internet while keeping track of a storm. The live links in NOAA Storm Tracker update automatically without having to “refresh” or “reload” the browser window. However, it is recommended that you “reload” or “refresh” storm tracker periodically to get the latest links to other NOAA products, especially as a storm gets close to the U.S. mainland

NOAA Web sites were literally stormed by millions of people during the very intense 2005 hurricane season. The NOAA home page received more than two billion hits for all of 2005. The Web sites of NOAA’s National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service received more than 12 billion hits during the months of August, September and October—when the Atlantic spawned one storm after another.

• Antifreeze levels - ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
• Battery and ignition system - should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
• Brakes - check for wear and fluid levels.
• Exhaust system - check for leaks and crimped pipes and repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
• Fuel and air filters - replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas.
• Heater and defroster - ensure they work properly.
• Lights and flashing hazard lights - check for serviceability.
• Oil - check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
• Thermostat - ensure it works properly.
• Tires - make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.
• Windshield wiper equipment - repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.

Lots of people are able to work through painful feelings. Most of the time they recover in weeks or months. Uncomfortable feelings and reactions
tend to fade and disappear. Some of the more common reactions are:

• Shock, numbness, and disbelief.
• Having a hard time thinking clearly or
  focusing on school, friends, and family.
• Eating too much or too little.
• Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep and having bad dreams or nightmares.
• Feeling sad, mad, or afraid.
• Crying more easily or wanting to cry.
• Feeling grouchy, uneasy, worried, or moody.
• Feeling bad that they are okay while others are not.
• Feeling helpless.
• Wanting to be alone a lot, or not wanting to be alone at all.

These are common reactions. They may go away for a while and then return when something reminds you of the disaster. Some people also may have stomachaches, headaches, skin rashes, more allergic reactions, more colds, or a run-down feeling.