September is National Preparedness Month, and www.ready.gov highlights resources and best practices to prepare you and your family for Hurricane season. Also useful are the “Hoboken Ready” resources that highlight recommendations to prepare yourself,and your building, for a natural disaster.
Hurricanes are among nature's most powerful and destructive phenomena. On average, 12 tropical storms, 6 of which become hurricanes, form over the Atlantic Ocean,Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico during the hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. Over a typical 2-year period, the U.S.coastline is struck by an average of 3 hurricanes, 1 of which is classified as a major hurricane (winds of 111 mph or greater).
By knowing what actions to take before the hurricane season begins, when a hurricane approaches, and when the storm is in your area, as well as what to do after a hurricane leaves your area, you can increase your chance of survival. While hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property, tropical storms and depression also can be devastating. The primary hazards from tropical cyclones (which include tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes) are storm surge flooding, inland flooding from heavy rains, destructive winds, tornadoes,and high surf and rip currents.
· Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm's winds. This hazard is historically the leading cause of hurricane related deaths in the United States. Learn how Hoboken is working with the State of New Jersey on a $230 million project to resist storm surge.
· Flooding from heavy rains is the second leading cause of fatalities from land-falling tropical cyclones. Widespread torrential rains associated with these storms often cause flooding of low-lying roadways. Learn how Hoboken is working to mitigate rainfall flooding.
· Winds from a hurricane can destroy buildings and manufactured homes. Signs, roofing material, and other items left outside can become flying missiles during hurricanes.
· Tornadoes can accompany land-falling tropical cyclones. These tornadoes typically occur in rain bands well away from the center of the storm.
· Dangerous waves produced by a tropical cyclone's strong winds can pose a significant hazard to coastal residents and mariners.
