NHC: Put a Storm Plan in Writing – Weatherboy

While today wraps up the 2020 Hurricane Preparedness Week, and no tropical cyclones threaten the U.S., now is a great time to develop a written plan for what youd do when a storm does threaten in the future. Image: NWS

Hurricane Preparedness Week, which began last Sunday on May 3, is drawing to a close. On this day, government agencies like the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center are urging people around the country that live in areas that could be impacted by tropical cyclones to have a written plan of what theyd do should a storm materialize in their area this upcoming season. Central Pacific and Atlantic Hurricane Seasons both start on June 1. Tropical cyclones like hurricanes or tropical storms can impact Hawaii, the U.S. Gulf Coast, the entire U.S. East Coast, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands in or even outside of season.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), The time to prepare for a hurricane is before the season begins, when you have the time and are not under pressure. If you wait until a hurricane is on your doorstep, the odds are that you will be under duress and will make the wrong decisions. To be prepared, the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center want people in storm-possible areas to take the time now to write downa hurricane plan.

The NWS further advises: Know where you will ride out the storm and get your supplies now. You dont want to be standing in long lines when a hurricane warning is issued. Those supplies that you need will probably be sold out by the time you reach the front of the line. Being prepared, before a hurricane threatens, makes you resilient to the hurricane impacts of wind and water. It will mean the difference between your being a hurricane victim and a hurricane survivor.

With the COVID-19 Pandemic continuing, its also important that people refresh written plans they may have prepared in the past to reflect this new reality. Follow CDC guidance and be sure to protect yourself from the virus before, during, and after a tropical cyclone strikes. This may mean having more masks or perishable supplies on-hand. It may also mean having more disinfectants and sanitizers as part of your storm preparation stock.

Hurricanes arent the only danger from the tropics: while lacking the potent winds that hurricanes have, tropical depressions and tropical storms can be devastating too.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.

Hurricane Matthew stormed through the Caribbean during the 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storms winds. This hazard is historically the leading cause of hurricane related deaths in the United States. Storm surge and large battering waves can result in large loss of life and cause massive destruction along the coast. Storm surge can travel several miles inland, especially along bays, rivers, and estuaries. You dont need to live on a beach to fall victim to storm surge flooding, as residents of New Jersey and New York learned in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

Flooding from heavy rains is the second leading cause of fatalities from landfalling tropical cyclones. Widespread torrential rains associated with these storms often cause flooding hundreds of miles inland. This flooding can persist for several days after a storm has dissipated.

Aerial views of flooding the day after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast. Photo: Jocelyn Augustino, FEMA, katrinadestruction.com

Winds from a hurricane can destroy buildings and manufactured homes. Signs, roofing material, and other items left outside can become flying missiles during hurricanes. Depending on local building codes, many homes may be built to only withstand winds of 100mph; major hurricanes have much higher winds than that and could lead to catastrophic destruction of even strong homes.

Tornadoes can accompany landfalling tropical cyclones. These tornadoes typically occur in rain bands well away from the center of the storm. While not as strong as tornadoes that form in supercell complexes, these tornadoes add an additional element of danger to a landfalling tropical cyclone.

Dangerous waves produced by a tropical cyclones strong winds can pose a significant hazard to coastal residents and mariners. These waves can cause deadly rip currents, significant beach erosion, and damage to structures along the coastline, even when the storm is more than a 1,000 miles offshore.

BEFORE

Before a hurricane or tropical cyclone threatens your area, you should be prepared and have a plan.

DURING

When a hurricane threatens your home,be prepared to evacuate if you live in a storm surge risk area. Listen to the guidance of local officials; if winds are strong enough, they may encourage you to evacuate too. Otherwise, they may recommend that you shelter in place if you arent in danger of flooding. Be sure to allow enough time to pack and inform friends and family if you need to leave your home.

AFTER

Many dangers remain once a storm passes through.

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NHC: Put a Storm Plan in Writing - Weatherboy