Tropical storm-force winds are strong enough to be dangerous to
those caught in them. For this reason, emergency managers plan
on having their evacuations complete and their personnel
sheltered before the onset of tropical storm-force winds, not
hurricane-force winds. Hurricane-force winds can easily destroy
poorly constructed buildings and mobile homes. Debris such as
signs, roofing material, and small items left outside become
flying missiles in hurricanes. Extensive damage to trees,
towers, water and underground utility lines (from uprooted
trees), and fallen poles cause considerable disruption. High-
rise buildings are also vulnerable to hurricane-force winds,
particularly at the higher levels since wind speed tends to
increase with height. Recent research suggests you should stay
below the tenth floor, but still above any floors at risk for
flooding. It is not uncommon for high-rise buildings to suffer a
great deal of damage due to windows being blown out.
Consequently, the areas around these buildings ca