You’ll also have handy information regarding hurricane hunters, Saffir-Simpson Scale, forecasting models, eyewall wind profiles, and storm histories, as well as extensive information about hurricane forecasts and forecasting — plus general climatology.

Visit the National Hurricane Center at:   http://www.nhc.noaa.gov

www.HurricaneTrack.com
www.Stormpulse.com
Hurricane Tracker at MSNBC.com

Water – at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days (stock up days prior to anticipated hurricane landfall)

Food – at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools / fuel
— paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing – seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items – for babies and the elderly

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio – Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Telephones – Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards – Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods

Keys

Important documents – in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag

— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Toys, Books and Games

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Tools – keep a set with you during the storm

Pet care items
— proper identification / immunization records / medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash

(above hurricane preparedness list courtesy of the National Hurricane Center)

You should also consider an FRS “Family Radio Service” radio that you can purchase from most general retailers (such as WalMart, Radio Shack, Staples) for approx. $15. For more information, including “How to use an FRS radio in a Hurricane Zone”, visit the National SOS Radio Network’s Web site at www.NationalSOS.com.

* Hurricane Ana
* Hurricane Bill
* Hurricane Danny
* Hurricane Erika
* Hurricane Fred
* Hurricane Grace
* Hurricane Henri
* Hurricane Ida
* Hurricane Joaquin
* Hurricane Kate
* Hurricane Larry
* Hurricane Mindy
* Hurricane Nicholas
* Hurricane Odette
* Hurricane Peter
* Hurricane Rose
* Hurricane Sam
* Hurricane Teresa
* Hurricane Victor
* Hurricane Wanda

2009 Eastern Pacific Huricane names:

* Hurricane Andres
* Hurricane Blanca
* Hurricane Carlos
* Hurricane Dolores
* Hurricane Enrique
* Hurricane Felicia
* Hurricane Guillermo
* Hurricane Hilda
* Hurricane Ignacio
* Hurricane Jimena
* Hurricane Kevin
* Hurricane Linda
* Hurricane Marty
* Hurricane Nora
* Hurricane Olaf
* Hurricane Patricia
* Hurricane Rick
* Hurricane Sandra
* Hurricane Terry
* Hurricane Vivian
* Hurricane Waldo
* Hurricane Xina
* Hurricane York
* Hurricane Zelda

According to Wikipedia, hurricanes “…feed on heat released when moist air rises, resulting in condensation of water vapor contained in the moist air.”  The released heat is called “heat of condensation”.  The released heat is “distributed vertically around the center of the storm. Thus, at any given altitude (except close to the surface, where water temperature dictates air temperature) the environment inside the cyclone is warmer than its outer surroundings.”

In a thunderstorm, the released heat of condensation is carried away by surrounding strong winds (also called “wind sheer”).  But when the winds are calmer, the heat can continue to build in the vicinity, creating an intense low-pressure system — leading to the birth of a hurricane.

Because of a phenomenon called coriolis force, hurricanes have counterclockwise rotation in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise rotation in the Southern Hemisphere.
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/resources/basics/coriolis-understanding.htm

For more information on what causes hurricanes and how hurricanes form, visit the following Wikipedia reference page:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_cyclone

Animated hurricane image from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)