A hurricane is defined as a tropical storm that has sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or greater. Hurricane winds blow in a large spiral around a calm center known as the “eye”. In the northern hemisphere the winds circulate in a counterclockwise motion around the eye; in the southern hemisphere the motion is clockwise. Besides high winds, hurricanes can cause torrential rain, coastal surges, inland flooding and tornadoes.
Fast Facts:
*During the 1970's, 80's & 90's more than half of the deaths associated with hurricanes were due to inland flooding which can affect residents in upstate New York.
*The Atlantic coastal storm and hurricane season begins June 1st through November 30th each year.
*Hurricane Watch - threat of hurricane conditions exists within 24-36 hours;
*Hurricane Warning - hurricane conditions (winds 74mph or greater) are expected in 24 hours or less.
RESOURCES
Hurricane Preparedness Week is designated each year prior to the start of hurricane season to provide important safety information about being prepared for a hurricane.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website includes information on being prepared, mitigating damages, storm watches, and general facts such as how hurricanes are named.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides an all-inclusive information site about hurricanes.
StormReady - the StormReady Project created by the National Weather Service (NWS) to help communities improve communication and safety skills during weather-related emergencies. In NYS, there are 12 counties, 4 cities and 1 university that are designated as StormReady communities.
New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) provides safety information on hurricanes for residents of New York State.
Keeping Workers Safe During Clean-Up and Recovery Operations Following Hurricanes - OSHA.
ARTICLES
The Federal Response to Hurricane Katrina: Lessons Learned
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning after Hurricane Katrina: Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi, August-September, 2005.