Purpose

This page provides general preparedness awareness for tropical cyclones, including hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones.

Scope and Limits

This information supports planning, evacuation decisions, and risk recognition only.

It does not provide rescue, construction, electrical, generator operation, fuel handling, or medical instructions.

Authority Override

Official instructions from local authorities and weather/emergency agencies override this page at all times.

If authorities issue evacuation or safety orders, follow them immediately.

FAST FACTS THAT AFFECT LIFE SAFETY

• Tropical cyclones can cause life-threatening storm surge, coastal and inland flooding, extreme winds, tornadoes, and dangerous surf conditions.

• Storm surge and flooding are among the most lethal hazards, and deaths often occur when people enter floodwater or go near the shoreline to “watch the storm.”

• Dangerous ocean conditions and rip currents can occur well beyond the immediate impact area and may persist after the storm.

• Disruptions can last for days to weeks, including power, water, fuel, road access, and communications.

WHY THESE STORMS ARE SO DANGEROUS

Storm surge and coastal flooding:

• Rapid, deep coastal flooding can occur quickly and can be fatal.

Heavy rainfall and inland flooding:

• Flooding is not only a coastal problem and can occur far inland.

High winds:

• Winds can damage buildings, fell trees, and down power lines.

Tornadoes:

• Tornadoes can form within rain bands and strike with little warning.

Post-storm hazards:

• Downed lines, contaminated floodwater, heat stress during outages, and mold growth are common after impact.

WHO IS MOST AT RISK

• Coastal and low-lying communities

• People living in storm surge zones or coastal flood-prone areas

• Mobile or manufactured homes

• Households with limited evacuation routes (islands, peninsulas, single access roads)

• Seniors, infants, and people dependent on electricity, medications, or medical devices

NON-NEGOTIABLE TRIGGERS

Evacuate immediately if:

• Local officials order evacuation.

• You are in a storm surge or coastal flooding zone and warnings are issued.

Do not delay evacuation to:

• Gather extra belongings

• “Wait and see” if conditions improve

• Go to the shoreline to observe waves or surge

WHAT NOT TO DO

This section is the priority.

Do not enter floodwater:

• Do not walk, swim, or drive through flooded roads or standing water.

Do not go to the coast to watch the storm:

• Do not go down to the water during a cyclone or hurricane.

Do not ignore storm surge messaging:

• If surge warnings or evacuation orders are issued, leave the surge zone.

Do not create carbon monoxide risk:

• Do not run generators or charcoal-burning devices indoors or in enclosed spaces.

Do not assume the danger ends when winds drop:

• Do not return to evacuated areas until authorities state it is safe.

Do not approach damage hazards:

• Do not approach downed power lines, unstable trees, or damaged structures.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

Kept high-level and low-liability.

Planning priorities:

• Know whether you live in a storm surge or flood-prone area.

• Identify evacuation routes and a safe inland destination before storm season.

• Prepare for extended outages and limited services.

Supply priorities:

• Maintain a basic emergency kit and a lightweight evacuation go-bag.

GOVERNMENT HURRICANE AND STORM SURGE RESOURCES

Canada:

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/policing/emergencies/preparedness/get-prepared/hazards-emergencies/hurricanes/how-prepare.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/policing/emergencies/preparedness/get-prepared/hazards-emergencies/storm-surge/how-prepare.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/hurricane-forecasts-facts/storm-preparedness-taking-action-hazards.html

https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/hurricanes-typhoons-cyclones-monsoons

https://www.alertready.ca/

United States:

https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/hazards.php

https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane

Last Reviewed

February 2026

Sources checked: Government of Canada (Get Prepared, Storm Surge, Canadian Hurricane Centre, Travel.gc.ca), NOAA/NHC, Ready.gov, U.S. National Weather Service.