What Are Early Warning Signs of a Hurricane?

(June 23) -- The modern world provides a host of ways to track hurricanes as they approach: TV, Internet, etc. But what if you found yourself without those technological means? What early warning signs would you look for to tell you a hurricane was on its way?

Increased Ocean Swell, Decreased Wave Period

As a hurricane approaches, ocean waves will increase in size, while the period between waves will decrease. Eventually, chop and whitecaps will begin to overtake the surface of the water.

Falling Barometer

If you're resourceful enough to have your own barometer, you'll notice that the air pressure it measures starts to fall as a hurricane gets nearer.

Marked Increase in Wind Speed

By the time you notice a big increase in winds, the oncoming storm may be less than 24 hours from landfall.

Rain Squalls

The outer rainbands of a hurricane can arrive several hours before the full force of a hurricane hits land.

And how do know the difference between a bad storm and a hurricane? Sustained wind speed. Tropical storms are classified as having winds of 39 mph or greater, while hurricanes have wind speeds in excess of 73 mph.

Top Searched Tropical Storm and Hurricane Questions:
When is Tropical Storm Bonnie expected to make landfall?
Will the 2010 hurricane season be the worst ever?
What is the difference between a tropical storm and a hurricane?
How do they name hurricanes?
What was the worst hurricane in U.S. history?
How will Tropical Storm Bonnie affect cleanup in the gulf?
When does the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season end?
Where is the safest place to be during a hurricane?
What are early warning signs of a hurricane?
How many named storms does NOAA predict for 2010?
Will Tropical Storm Bonnie become a hurricane?
What are the different categories of hurricanes?
What should you do with animals during a hurricane?
Where can you track a hurricane online?

Hot on HuffPost:

Backgrounder: Early Warning Signs of a Hurricane

Hot Leads

ON FACEBOOK

News From Our Partners

Also on AOL >>>

Depp's Dames

Alicia's Evolution

Lip-Sync Fun

They Hooked You