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August 15, 2005
The Big One?
AP Photo/Wally Santana
I find it distressing that most New Yorkers I've spoken to feel that in the event of a major hurricane, New York city would escape completely unscathed. Although it is unlikely of a strong category 4 or higher to hit, it is very possible and historically speaking, overdue. Just look at the subways tonight. After just two thunderstorms, the underground was paralyzed.
What most residents don't realize is that New York and New Jersey meet at a right angle, and that could potentially lead to very devastating and deadly storm tides, particularly, if a landfalling hurricane would coincide with high tide.
The last major hurricane to strike was The 1938 Long Island Express, a borderline category-4 hurricane that plowed into West Hampton. The storm caused widespread death and devastation across New York, New Jersey and New England. Since then, there have been hurricanes but none with such intensity. In the past two years, we have seen so many storms forming in the Atlantic and with more storms, there is a greater possibility of the big one actually hitting the east coast.
Check out this map outlining areas in New York City that will be severely affected by storm surge in the event of a major hurricane.
If you live in Communities in Zone A, represented by the orange color ( say anywhere 42nd street east or west side along the river) you face the highest risk of life-threatening storm surge inundation.
Zone B, represented by yellow, indicates areas at risk of storm surge inundation from a MODERATE hurricane. Zone C, represented by the following green, indicates areas at risk of storm surge inundation. According to the United States Geological Survey, there is a 71% probability of a major hurricane that will cause 1,000 deaths within the next 20 years. Would you be prepared? Check out my friend Scott Stuart's piece on "The eye of the storm"
Posted by Jeff at August 15, 2005 12:22 AM
Comments
good grief, it must be hell trying to get to work!
Posted by: des at August 15, 2005 07:15 AM
i saw a 10 pound rat with scuba gear....
Posted by: dave at August 15, 2005 08:04 AM
The soggiest blog I've ever read. Period.
Posted by: Toby at August 15, 2005 10:53 PM
I would hate to have a a low apartment on the hudson! I like your'e site, and you are hot!
Posted by: Jessica Levi at August 16, 2005 09:07 AM