What’s the difference between a tropical storm & hurricane? What GA residents should know

Heavy rainfall, gusty winds and widespread flooding. Hurricane season is just ramping up across the south.

However, it’s sometimes hard to know what kind of storm is coming. While some storms are categorized only as tropical storms, others go straight to hurricane status.

So, what are the key differences and how can we keep safe during both? Here’s what to know:

What’s the difference between a tropical storm and hurricane?

According to the National Weather Service, the status of the storm depends on the sustained wind speed.

Tropical storms usually have a sustained wind speed of 39 to 73 miles per hour, while hurricanes have wind speeds of 74 miles per hour or higher.

So, if the storm is expected to have a very high wind speed, it might be categorized as a hurricane fairly quickly.

Here are additional attributes of a tropical storm versus a hurricane:

Tropical storm attributes

• Heavy rainfall

• Flooding

• Lightning

• Possible tornadoes

How a hurricane looks

• Winds can reach 157 miles per hour or higher during a category 5 storm

The storm can be 300 miles wide

• Tornadoes

• Flash flooding

• Can cause significant damage to homes, buildings and roads

How to stay safe during a tropical storm or hurricane

According to ready.gov, people should prepare for a tropical storm or hurricane by doing the following.

Before the storm:

• Make an emergency plan beforehand and make sure your family, friends, workplace, daycares or schools and pets are in on the plan.

• Strengthen your home with gutters and hurricane shutters as well as charge any electronic devices like phones.

• Gather supplies and groceries. Make sure to get first aid kits and any medications you may need.

During the storm:

• Take refuge in a designated storm shelter or an interior room for high winds.

• Go to the highest level of the building if you are trapped by flooding. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.

• Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!

What other questions do you have about these storms? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com

This story was originally published September 24, 2024 at 1:29 PM.

Chelsea Madden

The Telegraph

Chelsea is a service journalism reporter who began working for McClatchy in 2022. She was born and raised in Middle Georgia and lives in Forsyth. She attended Wesleyan College for undergrad and a few years after that, went to SCAD for an MFA in writing. Outside of work, Chelsea likes to watch Netflix, read books in the thriller genre and chase her toddler around.