NYC Hazards: Coastal Storms and Hurricanes

OEM

NYC Hazards: Coastal Storms and Hurricanes

Coastal storms, including nor'easters, tropical storms and hurricanes, can and do affect New York City. In fact, New York's densely populated and highly developed coastline makes the city among the most vulnerable to hurricane-related damage.

Due to regional geography, hurricanes in New York City — though infrequent — can do far more damage than hurricanes of similar strength in the southern United States. With sustained winds of 74 mph or greater, hurricanes can flatten building, topple tress and turn loose objects into deadly projectiles. Along with torrential rains, storm surge is among a hurricane's most hazardous features. A major hurricane could push more than 30 feet of storm surge into some parts of New York City.

It's important New Yorkers take the time to prepare. If you live within 10 blocks of a coastal area, it is more likely that you will be directed to evacuate before a severe coastal storm or hurricane. However, all residents should have a plan in the event they need to evacuate or ride out the storm at home.

During hurricanes, residents in designated evacuation zones may be asked to leave their homes. To find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone, use OEM's Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder or call 311.

To find out more about these storms and New York City's coastal storm response procedures, visit the pages listed in the box at left, or download and print a copy of our Ready New York hurricane brochure. You may also call 311 to receive a copy of the brochure by mail.


Learn More:

Coastal Storm Basics

NYC Hurricane History

Measuring Hurricane Strength

Hurricane Forecasting

Tracking a Storm


PREPARING FOR A HURRICANE

Hurricane Safety Tips

Hurricane Evacuation

High-rise Evacuation

Hurricane Sheltering


HURRICANE HAZARDS

Storm Surge

Coastal Flooding

Others:
Ready New York
CERT
NYC Hazards
Building Collapses/Explosions
Carbon Monoxide
Coastal Storms & Hurricanes
Disease Outbreaks & Biological Events
Earthquakes
Extreme Heat
Fire
Flooding
HazMats, Chemical Spills & Radiation
Severe Weather
Thoughts on Terrorism
Utilities Disruptions
Winter Weather