New York Weather News - Jeff's Weather Blog

Last week I had dinner with CBS Miami’s Bryan Norcross and was fortunate to get a sneak peak at his new book which will be hitting the shelves July 11th. The book is called Hurricane Almanac 2006: The Essential Guide to Storms Past, Present and Future. The book covers everything from hurricane history, preparation before during and after the storm, and science of the amazing storms. I’ve had a good read through the book already. I have found that some of the information Bryan provides is fascinating. Norcross covers the history of the great Hurricanes dating all the way back to the 19th century. I had always thought the Long Island Express ’38 was one of the greatest and closest storms to hit the New York City area ( Aside from Gloria in 85) After reading through, I was wrong. In 1893, their was a direct hit on the big apple. The storm hit on August 19th, 1893. While it was only a category I storm, yet another storm was brewing in Puerto Rico and headed on a very similar path. Just days after, Coney Island, Brooklyn was a direct hit. Thirty-foot waves destroyed buildings and pushed boats a half a mile inland. Two hurricanes hit New York in one week. According to Norcross, it has now been 123 years since NYC has had a direct hit like that. What I also found fascinating was that in 1893 there was a resort called Hog Island, an Island just off of the Rockaway’s. I know the Rockaway’s pretty well as growing up, my family had a cabana on Atlantic Beach. I never knew such a resort existed. After the hurricane of 1893, it disappeared. You’ll find cool historic facts like this in the book. I would highly reccomend this book for everyone. There are many chapters on how to prepare yourself in the event of a storm. Jeffs weather gives it 2 thumbs up! For more information check out Hurricane Alamanac.

Bryan Norcross literally "talked South Florida through" Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and, since that time, his level-headed advice, professional presence and measured delivery have earned him the trust of South Florida television viewers.

As Director of Meteorology for WFOR, CBS4, in Miami, Bryan provides weather forecasts on the 5 and 6 PM CBS4 newscasts, serves as Executive Producer for the station's hurricane specials, is intimately involved in station hurricane planning, and leads CBS4's round-the-clock coverage whenever a storm threatens. He also works closely with the CBS4 weather team to ensure the station's state-of-the-art forecasting and meteorological capabilities.

-Jeff Ragovin