Overview
- News outlets published explanatory guides on Thursday and Friday to restate definitions, thresholds and recent forecasting updates.
- A tropical cyclone becomes a tropical storm at 39 mph and a hurricane at 74 mph while a major hurricane is 111 mph or higher.
- The National Hurricane Center shows its forecast as a cone of uncertainty that is designed to contain about 67% of likely storm-eye tracks.
- Forecasters warn that rapid intensification—defined as a rise of at least 35 mph in 24 hours—can shorten preparation time when it happens near land.
- Storm surge remains the deadliest hazard but surge deaths have fallen to about 11% of direct fatalities thanks to better warnings and public education.