Hurricanes/Tropical Storms

Department Resources

A Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch means conditions are possible within the next 36 hours.
A Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning means conditions are expected within 24 hours.
Short Term Watches and Warnings are warnings that provide detailed information on specific hurricane threats, such as flash floods and tornadoes.
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale rates hurricanes' maximum sustained winds on a scale of 1 to 5 (hurricane categories are only loosely correlated to other related threats, such as rain and storm surge).
Sustained Winds are defined as a one-minute wind average, measured at 33 ft. above the surface.
Storm Surge is an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, over and above predicted tides.
Tropical Depression is a tropical cyclone that has maximum sustained surface winds (one-minute average) of 38 mph or less.

Sign up for Fairfax Alerts and have a battery or crank powered NOAA weather radio available.
Decide early whether you will evacuate, and where you will go if you are ordered or decide to leave.
If you evacuate, bring your go bag with you, whether to an emergency shelter or other refuge.
Prepare your home (shut off utilities, secure property, etc.).
Ensure you have insurance, and inventory your personal property.
Secure or bring inside any outdoor objects that could blow away or become "missiles" and cause damage.
Consider strapping and other structural hardening if your property is particularly vulnerable.
Learn First Aid.
Do not drive through flooded roads, even if you have a vehicle with high clearance and even if the water appears to be shallow – “turn around, don’t drown.”
Stay away from downed power lines to avoid the risk of shock or electrocution.

Listen to radio and television for official, up-to-date information.
Find a safe room within your home (an interior room, closet, or bathroom).
Do not go outside until the National Weather Service's National Hurricane Center confirms the storm has left the area.