Atlantic Hurricane and Tropical Storm Activity graphic ranging 1944 to 2020.

Since 1944, September has been a peak month of hurricane season and is an essential time to be ready.

There are many factors to consider when ensuring thorough hurricane preparation, such as preparing a kit, evacuation route, etc., but an important step is knowing what each Hurricane Condition means.

HURCON 5 Destructive winds are possible within 96 hours. The crisis action team will implement a tropical storm advisory and direct commanders and/or first sergeants to review TSA checklists and take appropriate actions.

HURCON 4 Destructive winds are possible within 72 hours. Airmen and families are advised to monitor local weather channels and follow instructions from unit commanders. Off-base and base housing residents should:

HURCON 3 Destructive winds are possible within 48 hours. Dorm residents are recommended to:

HURCON 2 Destructive winds are anticipated within 24 hours. Make final preparations:

HURCON 1 Destructive winds are anticipated within 12 hours. Mission-essential personnel and students (if not evacuated) will report to their designated shelters.

HURCON 1C - Caution Winds of 40-57 mph/35-49 kts sustained are occurring. If sheltering:

HURCON 1E - Emergency Winds of 58 mph/50 kts sustained and/or gusts of 69 mph/60 kts or greater are occurring.

HURCON 1R - Recovery Destructive winds have subsided and are no longer forecasted to occur; survey and work crews are permitted to determine the extent of the damage and to establish safe zones around hazards (e.g. downed power lines, unstable structures). Non-essential personnel are asked to remain indoors.

Commanders may direct an installation to stay in HURCON/Tropical Cyclone Conditions of Readiness 5 for an entire Tropical Cyclone or Hurricane season if desired.