Tropical Depression: An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph or less.

Tropical Storm: An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph.

Hurricane: An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 kt) or higher.

• A generic term for a low pressure system that generally forms in the tropics.  It is often accompanied by thunderstorms and, in the Northern Hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the earth's surface.

Names for Hurricanes for 2005 Season: Arlene, Bret, Cindy, Dennis, Emily, Franklin, Gert, Harvey, Irene, Jose, Katrina, Lee, Maria, Nate, Ophelia, Philippe, Rita, Stan, Tammy, Vince, Wilma

• Names alternate between male and female names

• Names are recycled every 6 years unless retired due to substantial damage or death or for other special circumstances

• Naming process adopted by an international committee in 1979

Storm Surge:  Water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm.

Tornado:  Rotating, funnel-shaped clouds that appear from thunderstorms.

• Tornado winds can reach 300 miles per hour. 

• Tornadoes are most likely to occur in the right-front quadrant of the hurricane.  However, they are also often found elsewhere embedded in feeder bands, well away from the center of the hurricane.