What are the other stages that storms progress through prior to becoming hurricanes?
The progressive levels of organized, disturbed weather in the tropics are:
• Tropical Disturbance: This is a discrete tropical weather system of apparently organized convection, 200 to 600 km (100 to 300 nautical miles) in diameter, originating in the tropics or subtropics, having a non-frontal migratory character, and maintaining its identity for 24 hours or more.
• Tropical Depression: This is a tropical cyclone with a closed circulation in which the maximum sustained wind speed 38 mph or less.
• Tropical Storm: This is a tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed ranges from 39 to 73 mph. The convection in tropical storms is usually more concentrated near the center with outer rainfall organizing into distinct bands.
The wind speeds mentioned above are for those measured or estimated as the top speed sustained for one minute at 10 meters above the surface. Peak gusts would be 10% - 25% higher.

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1. Where can I find specifics about emergency management in Galveston County?
2. What is emergency preparedness?
3. What's the difference between emergency preparedness and emergency response?
4. Why is planning so important?
5. What should people do to prepare for an emergency?
6. In an emergency, is evacuation always the answer?
7. What does shelter in place mean?
8. What is in an Emergency Kit?
9. What are the other stages that storms progress through prior to becoming hurricanes?
10. What should be included in a disaster supply kit?
11. My family doesn’t have a car. What should we do during an evacuation?