The category does not describe every hazard
A hurricane category describes sustained wind. It does not tell you how much rain will fall or how high storm surge will rise. A tropical storm can cause life-threatening inland flooding even without hurricane-force wind.
The cone is about the storm center
The forecast cone represents uncertainty in the future track of the center. It is not a boundary around all dangerous weather. Wind, rain, tornadoes and rough surf can affect places outside it; read the local forecast and warnings.
Know your evacuation zone
Storm surge is water pushed toward land by the storm. It can flood coastal and nearby inland areas and cut off roads. Follow local evacuation instructions early enough to finish traveling before tropical-storm-force winds arrive.
Stay alert inland and away from the coast
Heavy rain can continue well inland and river flooding can persist after the storm passes. Never enter a flooded road. Dangerous waves and rip currents can reach beaches far from the storm, so follow beach closures and local warnings.
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