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.
*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.
NYS EDEN Fact Sheets
Hurricanes and Evacuation Warnings Guide
Things to have on hand in case of a Hurricane
New York State Office of Emergency Management (NYS OEM) provides safety information on hurricanes for residents of New York State.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides information on being prepared, mitigating damages, storm watches, and general facts such as how hurricanes are named.
Disaster Program Information - United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Hurricane Preparedness Week is designated each year to provide important safety information about being prepared for a hurricane.
High winds can easily damage or destroy poorly contructed buildings and mobile homes.
Coastal storm surges are a potential threat for loss of life during a hurricane.
Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning - a critical issue related to using emergency generators or small gasoline engines during and after natural disasters. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)