Tropical storms and hurricanes are complicated to forecast. Helping people understand the forecast and be prepared presents its own challenges, too.

Spectrum News meteorologists in hurricane-prone areas share their advice and experiences from covering tropical weather. You can watch our full roundtable in the video player above, or view shorter clips below.

What You Need To Know

  • Spreading out seasonal preparations can help

  • Ask questions if you don't understand something, especially if you're a newer resident

  • Each storm is different, but past events can give a sense of what to expect

  • A hurricane's category number doesn't say everything about the impacts

Comparisons to previous storms

NY1's Erick Adame knows that comparing storms to previous ones can help people understand what the impacts may be. Yes, every storm is different, but other experiences can give some context - especially for New Yorkers who were there for Sandy.

Impacts aren't about a category number

A hurricane's category number can get a lot of attention, but Spectrum News 1's Dan Robertson cautions against that. Texans experienced epic rainfall from Harvey after it "weakened." Plus, a storm's impacts can reach far beyond its center and well outside the forecast cone.

Splitting up preps

Juli Marquez from Bay News 9 in Tampa recommends splitting up your hurricane season preparations. That can make the task more affordable and easier to manage.

Asking questions

People who are new to hurricane-prone areas may not know what to do. Vernon Turner with Spectrum News 1 in North Carolina encourages asking questions to neighbors and Spectrum News meteorologists. If you're wondering something, chances are that other people are, too.

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