Long Island is ranked in the Top 10 areas in the United States most vulnerable to hurricanes. The Island's southern coastline faces the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean, making it high risk to the path of southern storms traveling north along the east coast.
Understanding Hurricanes
Understanding hurricanes, then gaining a sense of awareness and preparedness, are key to protection against, and surviving one of Mother Nature's most powerful natural disasters.
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In interviews with South Shore Press last week, Ross Dickmann, the meteorologist in charge of the New York region for the National Weather Service in Upton, and Bill Biondi, past chief and current Commissioner in the Mastic Beach Fire Department, offered expert knowledge of hurricanes and advice on how to protect loved ones and property against the wrath of these unpredictable storms.
Dickmann explained that hurricanes are measured according to the Saffir/Simpson Scale based on maximum sustained wind speeds. "Categories of hurricanes measured on the Saffir/Simpson Scale, are solely based on wind speed, not storm surge," Dickmann said. The Sapphir/Simpson Scale no longer takes into account storm surge, which is a coastal flood phenomenon of rising water pushed toward shore by windforce moving cyclonically around the storm, that is measured as the rise in water level above normal tide level, and does not include waves. "We consider surge three feet or higher to be potentially life threatening," Dickmann noted.
Dickmann said categories of hurricanes are sustained winds measured in five categories: Category 1 represents sustained winds of 74 mph to 95 mph; Category 2 represents sustained winds of 96 mph to 110 mph; Categories 3 and 4 hurricanes are considered "major" hurricanes each starting at sustained winds of 111 mph and 130 mph, respectively; and Category 5 which is defined as "catastrophic" with sustained wind speeds of 167 or greater.
In the instance of Superstorm Sandy, while she started as a hurricane in the Atlantic, Sandy made a left turn towards the Jersey Shore as it made its way up to New York. Dickmann explained that the storm lost its hurricane characteristics and turned into a "hybrid-extra tropical storm. Sandy had the wind speeds of a high-end tropical storm with high storm surge," Dickmann said.
Sandy's tropical winds thrashed a 16 foot storm surge onto Fire Island. "Much of our protection comes from Fire Island," Biondi explained, noting two breaches on the barrier Beach that caused flooding at Smith Point, putting much of southernmost Mastic Beach under water. "With Superstorm Sandy, the water came up to Elm Road in Mastic Beach," Biondi reflected.
Superstorm Sandy left in her wake 750,000 residents in Suffolk County, and 1.2 million islandwide
without power. The Superstorm generated $1.3 billion in aid to individuals, and $160 million in Public Assistance claims filed with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Act.)
Most hurricanes originate off the west coast of Africa and Cape Verde, first identified as disturbances moving westward across the Atlantic in the Tropics. "By the time they get to the Caribbean and Bahamas and head north," Dickmann said, "westerlies kick in and we have the forecast dilemma on how the storm will curve." But hurricanes can form off Mexico and the southwest Atlantic as well. Dickmann said in contrast to the 1970s and before, forecasting modeling today with satellites, high power computers, and skilled forecasters have elevated hurricane preparedness. And while shorelines are more vulnerable to these storms, inland locations must be equally prepared.
Know Your Risk and Stay Safe During a Hurricane
"The best advice to protect and safeguard during a hurricane is to know your risk and understand the forecast," emphasizes Dickmann, who notes a five point plan to avoid disaster. "Understand and rely on forecasts from the National Hurricane Center," he said. “A hurricane watch means that a hurricane is 48 hours out, but it doesn't mean everyone in the watch area is going to get a hurricane either," Dickmann explained. A warning means the area is expecting a hurricane within a 36 hour period, but not all areas with the warning area will get the hurricane.
"Develop an evacuation plan relative to the expected storm track - plan where to go, plan for pets, and take measures with you." Dickmann said if you plan to "stay put," secure enough food, water, batteries, and a battery-operated radio. "Even if your cell phone is charged, if the cell towers go out, you may not have communications, so it's always best to have an analog device." Biondi recommends investing in an inexpensive VHF weather radio, and stock up on food and water.
Stay tuned to television or tech devices during hurricane watches and warnings for the latest updates and any evacuation orders. For more information on hurricane preparedness, log on to www.suffolkcountyny.gov.
Dickmann says to maintain updated insurance and secure all important documents to take with you in the event of an evacuation. "You should have contacts and make sure you have phone numbers for people to check in on, stay safe, and check up on senior citizens or neighbors who are disabled."
Dickmann said to secure household items like garbage cans, flower pots, deck furniture, or take them indoors so they do not become projectiles during the storm, and board up windows if necessary. Biondi adds to keep a generator on hand but reminds us they are used outside the home, and never indoors.
"Never, under any circumstances, touch any down wires during or after a storm," Biondi warns. "Whether they're in the house, high tension, phone wires or anything, do not go near them!"
Very importantly, Biondi cautions residents and businesses south of Neighborhood Road to "pay attention to a full moon which causes extremely high tides. Ninety percent of the time,” Biondi added, "it's when people who don't pay attention to warnings, is when we go out and risk our lives to rescue people and pets."
Biondi continues: "When you know a hurricane is coming, keep your car filled up with gas, have new batteries for flash lights, and have a backpack prepared with two pairs of clothing changes, important documents, prescriptions and all the essentials." Parents are reminded to maintain a supply of disposable diapers and formula for their infants and toddlers.
The adage of "It's not a question of if - but when," when anticipating hurricanes may not always apply. "NOAA will soon be releasing its hurricane forecast," (for 2023), Dickmann said. "You can still have a season that is not as conducive to tropical development, but it only takes one storm in a below average season that's the storm everyone remembers, and in an above-normal season they all go out to sea."
"Follow the advice of local Suffolk County and Nassau County emergency managers who make recommendations for evacuations based on our forecasts," Dickmann said.
By Barbara LaMonica
Long Island is ranked in the Top 10 areas in the United States most vulnerable to hurricanes. The Island's southern coastline faces the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean, making it high risk to the path of southern storms traveling north along the east coast.
Understanding Hurricanes
Understanding hurricanes, then gaining a sense of awareness and preparedness, are key to protection against, and surviving one of Mother Nature's most powerful natural disasters.
Hurricane Season is on the horizon, starting June 1 and spanning through November 30. In anticipation of the unpredictable storms, earlier this month the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, (NOAA), visited five US Gulf Coast locations, flying aboard a USAF Reserve WC-130J Hurricane Hunter Aircraft, and an NOAA WP-30 Orion Aircraft to heighten awareness to the impacts of tropical storms, and the dangers of being caught without a personal hurricane plan.
In interviews with South Shore Press last week, Ross Dickmann, the meteorologist in charge of the New York region for the National Weather Service in Upton, and Bill Biondi, past chief and current Commissioner in the Mastic Beach Fire Department, offered expert knowledge of hurricanes and advice on how to protect loved ones and property against the wrath of these unpredictable storms.
Dickmann explained that hurricanes are measured according to the Saffir/Simpson Scale based on maximum sustained wind speeds. "Categories of hurricanes measured on the Saffir/Simpson Scale, are solely based on wind speed, not storm surge," Dickmann said. The Sapphir/Simpson Scale no longer takes into account storm surge, which is a coastal flood phenomenon of rising water pushed toward shore by windforce moving cyclonically around the storm, that is measured as the rise in water level above normal tide level, and does not include waves. "We consider surge three feet or higher to be potentially life threatening," Dickmann noted.
Dickmann said categories of hurricanes are sustained winds measured in five categories: Category 1 represents sustained winds of 74 mph to 95 mph; Category 2 represents sustained winds of 96 mph to 110 mph; Categories 3 and 4 hurricanes are considered "major" hurricanes each starting at sustained winds of 111 mph and 130 mph, respectively; and Category 5 which is defined as "catastrophic" with sustained wind speeds of 167 or greater.
In the instance of Superstorm Sandy, while she started as a hurricane in the Atlantic, Sandy made a left turn towards the Jersey Shore as it made its way up to New York. Dickmann explained that the storm lost its hurricane characteristics and turned into a "hybrid-extra tropical storm. Sandy had the wind speeds of a high-end tropical storm with high storm surge," Dickmann said.
Sandy's tropical winds thrashed a 16 foot storm surge onto Fire Island. "Much of our protection comes from Fire Island," Biondi explained, noting two breaches on the barrier Beach that caused flooding at Smith Point, putting much of southernmost Mastic Beach under water. "With Superstorm Sandy, the water came up to Elm Road in Mastic Beach," Biondi reflected.
Superstorm Sandy left in her wake 750,000 residents in Suffolk County, and 1.2 million islandwide
without power. The Superstorm generated $1.3 billion in aid to individuals, and $160 million in Public Assistance claims filed with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Act.)
Most hurricanes originate off the west coast of Africa and Cape Verde, first identified as disturbances moving westward across the Atlantic in the Tropics. "By the time they get to the Caribbean and Bahamas and head north," Dickmann said, "westerlies kick in and we have the forecast dilemma on how the storm will curve." But hurricanes can form off Mexico and the southwest Atlantic as well. Dickmann said in contrast to the 1970s and before, forecasting modeling today with satellites, high power computers, and skilled forecasters have elevated hurricane preparedness. And while shorelines are more vulnerable to these storms, inland locations must be equally prepared.
Know Your Risk and Stay Safe During a Hurricane
"The best advice to protect and safeguard during a hurricane is to know your risk and understand the forecast," emphasizes Dickmann, who notes a five point plan to avoid disaster. "Understand and rely on forecasts from the National Hurricane Center," he said. “A hurricane watch means that a hurricane is 48 hours out, but it doesn't mean everyone in the watch area is going to get a hurricane either," Dickmann explained. A warning means the area is expecting a hurricane within a 36 hour period, but not all areas with the warning area will get the hurricane.
"Develop an evacuation plan relative to the expected storm track - plan where to go, plan for pets, and take measures with you." Dickmann said if you plan to "stay put," secure enough food, water, batteries, and a battery-operated radio. "Even if your cell phone is charged, if the cell towers go out, you may not have communications, so it's always best to have an analog device." Biondi recommends investing in an inexpensive VHF weather radio, and stock up on food and water.
Stay tuned to television or tech devices during hurricane watches and warnings for the latest updates and any evacuation orders. For more information on hurricane preparedness, log on to www.suffolkcountyny.gov.
Dickmann says to maintain updated insurance and secure all important documents to take with you in the event of an evacuation. "You should have contacts and make sure you have phone numbers for people to check in on, stay safe, and check up on senior citizens or neighbors who are disabled."
Dickmann said to secure household items like garbage cans, flower pots, deck furniture, or take them indoors so they do not become projectiles during the storm, and board up windows if necessary. Biondi adds to keep a generator on hand but reminds us they are used outside the home, and never indoors.
"Never, under any circumstances, touch any down wires during or after a storm," Biondi warns. "Whether they're in the house, high tension, phone wires or anything, do not go near them!"
Very importantly, Biondi cautions residents and businesses south of Neighborhood Road to "pay attention to a full moon which causes extremely high tides. Ninety percent of the time,” Biondi added, "it's when people who don't pay attention to warnings, is when we go out and risk our lives to rescue people and pets."
Biondi continues: "When you know a hurricane is coming, keep your car filled up with gas, have new batteries for flash lights, and have a backpack prepared with two pairs of clothing changes, important documents, prescriptions and all the essentials." Parents are reminded to maintain a supply of disposable diapers and formula for their infants and toddlers.
The adage of "It's not a question of if - but when," when anticipating hurricanes may not always apply. "NOAA will soon be releasing its hurricane forecast," (for 2023), Dickmann said. "You can still have a season that is not as conducive to tropical development, but it only takes one storm in a below average season that's the storm everyone remembers, and in an above-normal season they all go out to sea."
"Follow the advice of local Suffolk County and Nassau County emergency managers who make recommendations for evacuations based on our forecasts," Dickmann said.