Serving the Citizens of Jefferson County, Alabama Hazards: Hurricanes A hurricane is a tropical storm with winds that have reached a constant speed of 74 miles per hour or more. Hurricane winds blow in a large spiral around a relative calm center known as the "eye." The "eye" is generally 20 to 30 miles wide, and the storm may extend outward 400 miles. As a hurricane approaches, the skies will begin to darken and winds will grow in strength. As a hurricane nears land, it can bring torrential rains, high winds, and storm surges. A single hurricane can last for more than 2 weeks over open waters and can run a path across the entire length of the eastern seaboard. August and September are peak months during the hurricane season that lasts from June 1 through November 30. For more information, visit: www.fema.gov/hazards/hurricanes/. Other Hazards: • Thunderstorms • Lightning • Tornadoes • Floods • Extreme Heat • Winter • Earthquakes • Fire • Nuclear • Terrorism Website maintained by the Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency, Birmingham, Alabama