Published: Oct 07, 2022 | Updated at: Oct 07, 2022

There are an average of 6 hurricanes each year. Although there are, on average 10 storms that form, six of those will become named hurricanes.

Knowing what to do in the case of a hurricane is extremely important, but knowing what a hurricane local statement means for you is just as important.

Without knowing the facts, these natural disasters can be quite dangerous.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about hurricane local statements.

What Is a Hurricane Local Statement?

A hurricane local statement is issued by the National Weather Service when there is an update about a hurricane. This usually has to do with a hurricane watch or a warning that the weather service wants to warn patrons about.

These messages always include information about the hurricane itself, its intensity, the forecasted track, and the expected impact that the hurricane will have.

Example of a Hurricane Local Statement

Typically, when you see a hurricane local statement, it would look like this (this is a real example from a hurricane in 2020):

Hurricane ____ Local Statement

Advisory Number __

National Weather Service

(In this line, it would insert exactly where the hurricane is located at the moment and where it is covering).

...____ MOVING ACROSS (insert the area that it is currently over)...

The overall hurricane statement has to do with the name of the hurricane, where they are putting out the warning or the watch, the date of it, and what is happening with the hurricane.

However, this is just the most important information. There is usually more information that is on the hurricane local statement. This part of the statement has any changes to watches and warnings to update everyone who is tracking it.

It can look something like this:

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - This is where the announcement would state changes about the strength of the storm as well as storm surge that may follow it. 

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - This is where there would be a list of watches and warnings (like tornados, hurricane, tropical storms, etc)...(insert all counties that the watch and warning is in effect for).

* STORM INFORMATION: - This section will give information about the exact location (miles away from land and where it is expected to hit. It will also give information about the wind intensity as well as how quickly the storm is moving in mph.

The last part of the hurricane local statement gives a brief overview of the storm at the exact moment of the statement. It looks like this:

SITUATIONAL OVERVIEW

Hurricane is currently moving into (insert area where it is going). This system is expected to strengthen as it approaches (insert area) on (insert day of expected landfall).

Other Details on a Hurricane Local Statement

Once the hurricane local statement gives this information, it will go into more detail about the storm.

Typically, this would detail storm surge, winds, flooding, and tornadoes.

For the storm surge, it would detail where the surge could impact specific coasts, the expected damage, and which areas are most at risk for the storm surge. It will predict the wind gusts and the overall winds in different areas that the storm will hit. 

Additionally, it will outline rain patterns as well as where flooding is expected as well as where tornadoes may pop up.

Once the local statement outlines potential damages, they will also warn people about potential evacuations or other important information to know about. In this part of the statement, you can expect to see instructions about what to do for safety, actions to prepare, and how to stay safe.

At the end, it will tell you when the next National Weather Service statement will come out so that you know when to keep an eye out for updates.

Why You Need to Stay Up-to-Date on Hurricane Statements

Knowing where a hurricane is, and the potential damage that it can do is crucial for your safety during a large storm. By reading the hurricane statements, you have a better idea of how your area will be impacted as well as what you can do to take safety precautions.

So what can you do to prepare if you see a hurricane local statement come out?

Prepare to Evacuate

You should always be prepared to evacuate if the authorities tell you to do so. You should know where you could go and what you need to take from your home.

If you do not need to evacuate, you should be sure that you have a backup generator in case you lose power, as well as a kit that has everything you need like water and food you can eat.

Hurricane-Proof Your Home

You want to make sure that your home is as safe as it can be when you leave it. Make sure to put plywood over the windows and doors to prevent leaking and flooding in the house. Move any loose items from the outdoors, like plants or furniture. 

A Hurricane Local Statement can be very helpful in planning for and executing emergency actions in case you need to. This is why you should always state up-to-date with these statements during hurricane season.

To make sure you get these tasks done on time, using a task management app can help.

Hurricane Local Statements: A Guide

Now that you know more about hurricane local statements and why you need to pay attention to a hurricane local statement if it comes out, you will be better prepared in case of an emergency.

Making sure that you are prepared and ready can seem like a daunting task. But if you have the right tools and information, it doesn't have to be difficult! 

Sign up for Halsell to make sure you are always on top of your tasks.