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SITUATION This section of the CEMP provides a description of the potential hazard considerations, geographic characteristics, demographics, economic profile and emergency management support facilities for Indian River County. Additionally, there are several planning assumptions that were considered in the planning process. For a complete vulnerability assessment, see the Indian River County Local Mitigation Strategy (originally adopted by Resolution #99-125, first revision in 2005 and the second revision was adopted by Resolution #2010-59 by the Board of County Commissioners on July 13, 2010). A. HAZARD ANALYSIS Communities in Indian River County are vulnerable to three classifications of hazards: natural, technological, and societal as identified below. A chart depicting the hazard vulnerability by jurisdiction and population centers can be found in Table 4.25 in Section 4, pages 74-75 of the county's Local Mitigation Strategy. Natural Hazards a. Hurricanes/Tropical Storms Hurricanes are tropical cyclones with winds that exceed 74 mph and circulate counter -clockwise about their centers in the Northern Hemisphere. They are formed from simple thunderstorms; however, these thunderstorms can only grow to hurricane strength with favorable conditions in the ocean and atmosphere. The heat and moisture from this warm water are ultimately the source of energy for hurricanes, which weaken rapidly when they travel over land or colder ocean waters (University of Illinois). When a hurricane threatens the coast, advisories are issued by the National Hurricane center. The storm's current location and intensity are described along with its projected path. Advisories are issued at 6 -hour intervals: 5:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., Eastern Time. Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 7