Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

Areal image of hurricane sandy aftermath

A hurricane is defined by he New York State Hazard Mitigation Plan as,  “large swirling storms that produce winds of 74 mph or higher. They are a type of storm called a tropical cyclone, which forms over tropical or subtropical waters.” Besides high winds, hurricanes can cause torrential rain, coastal surges, inland flooding, and tornadoes. The Atlantic coastal storm and hurricane season begins June 1st through November 30th each year.


Key terms as defined by the National Weather Service

Warnings

Storm Surge Warning: There is a danger of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline somewhere within the specified area, generally within 36 hours. If you are under a storm surge warning, check for evacuation orders from your local officials.

Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or greater) are expected somewhere within the specified area. NHC issues a hurricane warning 36 hours in advance of tropical-storm-force winds to give you time to complete your preparations. All preparations should be complete. Evacuate immediately if so ordered.

Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within your area within 36 hours.

Extreme Wind Warning: Extreme sustained winds of a major hurricane (115 mph or greater), usually associated with the eyewall, are expected to begin within an hour. Take immediate shelter in the interior portion of a well-built structure.

Warnings

Storm Surge Warning: There is a danger of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline somewhere within the specified area, generally within 36 hours. If you are under a storm surge warning, check for evacuation orders from your local officials.

Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or greater) are expected somewhere within the specified area. NHC issues a hurricane warning 36 hours in advance of tropical-storm-force winds to give you time to complete your preparations. All preparations should be complete. Evacuate immediately if so ordered.

Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within your area within 36 hours.

Extreme Wind Warning: Extreme sustained winds of a major hurricane (115 mph or greater), usually associated with the eyewall, are expected to begin within an hour. Take immediate shelter in the interior portion of a well-built structure.

Watches

Storm Surge Watch: There is a possibility of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline somewhere within the specified area, generally within 48 hours.

Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or greater) are possible within your area. Because it may not be safe to prepare for a hurricane once winds reach tropical storm force, The NHC issues hurricane watches 48 hours before it anticipates tropical-storm-force winds.

Tropical Storm Watch: Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified area within 48 hours.


Hurricane and Evacuation Warning Guide – How to Decide and What to Do

Who should evacuate?

If you live along a coast, heed evacuation warnings and don’t wait until it’s too late.

  • People who live in low-lying or flood-prone areas or on barrier islands should evacuate when a tropical storm or hurricane approaches. Tropical storms and hurricanes often produce heightened seas and tides that may affect these areas long before the storm makes landfall.
  • People who live mobile homes near the coast, or are concerned about the structural stability of their home, should plan to evacuate any time a storm threatens. Even less powerful hurricanes can produce high winds capable of damaging or destroying mobile homes.
  • People towing boats or trailers or driving recreational vehicles or other high- profile vehicles should leave the threatened area early. Some roads and bridges may be closed to high-profile vehicles before they are closed to cars due to high winds.
  • People traveling with young children, elderly family members, or people with special needs should plan to evacuate as early as possible. If you wait to leave until a general evacuation is recommended, traffic will be heavier and the weather may be worse, lengthening the time you will have to spend in your vehicle getting to your destination.

Who should evacuate?

If you live along a coast, heed evacuation warnings and don’t wait until it’s too late.

  • People who live in low-lying or flood-prone areas or on barrier islands should evacuate when a tropical storm or hurricane approaches. Tropical storms and hurricanes often produce heightened seas and tides that may affect these areas long before the storm makes landfall.
  • People who live mobile homes near the coast, or are concerned about the structural stability of their home, should plan to evacuate any time a storm threatens. Even less powerful hurricanes can produce high winds capable of damaging or destroying mobile homes.
  • People towing boats or trailers or driving recreational vehicles or other high- profile vehicles should leave the threatened area early. Some roads and bridges may be closed to high-profile vehicles before they are closed to cars due to high winds.
  • People traveling with young children, elderly family members, or people with special needs should plan to evacuate as early as possible. If you wait to leave until a general evacuation is recommended, traffic will be heavier and the weather may be worse, lengthening the time you will have to spend in your vehicle getting to your destination.

Where should I go if I evacuate?

Preferably make arrangements with your family members, friends, or neighbors to assist you before you need to evacuate. Most people will be glad to help if they know you need assistance.

If you do not have friends or family to assist you, listen to your radio or TV for information on provisions being made to assist those who need assistance in evacuating. If necessary, contact your local emergency management office to let them know who you are, where you live and what kind of help you need. Do not wait until the last minute to call for assistance or local authorities may be unable to assist you.

If you are experiencing a life-threatening situation, call 911.

What should I take with me?

  • License or Identification card with photo
  • Your medications, extra eyeglasses, hearing aids and other essential items
  • A flashlight with batteries, if you don’t already have one in your car
  • A battery-operated portable radio, if you don t have a car radio
  • Extra batteries
  • Water or other beverages to drink on your trip
  • Non-perishable foods to eat on your trip
  • Spare clothes and shoes
  • Soap, shampoo, and other toiletries
  • Important papers, including deeds and wills
  • Contact numbers of friends, family members, physicians and your insurance agent
  • Money, checks, traveler’s checks or credit cards
  • An inventory of your personal belongings and any photographs or videotapes of your possessions

What is allowed in shelters?

Public shelters are austere facilities that provide temporary housing for evacuees. Most shelters do not have beds or cots, so you will probably be sleeping on the floor. So pack as if you were going camping.

You should bring:

  • Pets, carriers and pet food
  • Sleeping pads or air mattresses
  • Blankets or a sleeping bag for each person
  • Robe & shower shoes
  • Books, cards, games and quiet toys for children

Alcoholic beverages, weapons, and drugs are not allowed in public shelters.

When should I stock up?

Stock up in advance. Stopping for food or drinks during a large-scale evacuation may significantly delay you in getting to your destination. Some restaurants and stores along hurricane routes may be closed and those that are open are likely to be very crowded. Additionally, once you leave the evacuation route to purchase food or drinks, it may be difficult to re-enter the flow of traffic.

You should fill up your gas tank as soon as a tropical system develops over the ocean that could threaten you because gas could become scarce in widespread power outages. You should also have plenty of cash because banks could be closed and credit card machines might not work.

How should I help others?

Check on friends and neighbors to make sure they have transportation or to see if they need help in getting essential items together so they can be ready to evacuate. Assist them if you can. If you cannot, help them get in touch with the local emergency management office.

How can I plan ahead?

Decide early on where you will go when a hurricane threatens so that you can make preparations. Your general objective should be to move away from the coast and well inland.

If you want to stay at a hotel or motel, make reservations as soon as it becomes apparent that you may have to leave. If you are trying to find a suitable hotel or motel:

  • If you’ve previously stayed somewhere that was satisfactory, call that place.
  • If you prefer a particular hotel or motel chain but need help in finding a location within reasonable driving distance, call Toll-free Directory Assistance at 1-800-555-1212 and ask for the toll-free number for that hotel/motel chain. You may also make reservations at most major hotel/motel chains and many bed and breakfast facilities over the Internet.
  • For major cities, the local Convention and Visitors Center can usually provide you information on hotels and motels; many Convention and Visitor Centers can also be accessed through the Internet. In smaller towns, the local Chamber of Commerce can generally tell you what accommodations are available locally.

If you plan to stay with family or friends, call them in advance so they may plan for your arrival. If your plans change, be sure to inform the person with whom you intended to stay so that they don’t worry.

Let your family and friends know where you can be reached.

Make sure you choose an alternative destination in the event you are unable to get to your first choice. Notify your family regarding your plans and back-up plans.

If you have a pet, plan ahead to find pet-friendly hotels

Are RVs safe for evacuating?

Keep in mind that both tropical storms and hurricanes often produce torrential rains and tornadoes well inland. If you plan to stay in an RV or trailer, you might want to avoid campgrounds located adjacent to streams and rivers or whose only access is via a low water crossing. And you may want to seek a campground that has some sort of stout building that could be used as a tornado shelter.


Things to have on hand in case of a hurricane

An action plan and well‐stocked disaster preparation kit are both highly recommended in coastal zones where hurricanes can have an impact on you and your family. Having the whole family ready can make preparations once warnings have been raised much easier. The following items can be extremely helpful in an emergency situation. It is best to store these items in sturdy, easy‐to‐carry containers such as backpacks, duffle bags, and/or plastic totes. Please note, if your city or town is in imminent danger of a hurricane, evacuation announcements may have been made, and should be taken seriously.

Disaster Preparation Kit

  • Cash: Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods after the storm has passed.
  •  Important documents (or copies of the documents) in a waterproof container, including insurance and medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
  • Water: at least one gallon daily per person for 3‐7 days.
  • Food: at least enough for 3‐7, including non‐perishable packaged or canned food/juices, foods for infants or the elderly, snack foods, non‐electric can opener, vitamins.
  • Paper plates/plastic utensils
  • First Aid Kit/Medicines/Prescription Drugs (for a downloadable card where you can list all your prescriptions, please see https://www.healthcareready.org/ ).
  • Toiletries/Hygiene items/Moisture wipes
  • Battery‐operated radio (and NOAA weather radio)
  • Tools
  • Flashlight/Batteries/Glow sticks
  • 10×10 ft tarp
  • A roll of duct tape
  • Blankets/pillows, etc.
  • Clothing, including seasonal/rain gear/sturdy shoes.
  • Keys.
  • A vehicle with full tank of gas and emergency supplies.
  • Special Items for babies and the elderly.
  • Toys, books and games.
  • Pet care items, including proper identification/immunization records/meds for your pet, ample food and water, a carrier or cage, and a leash and/or muzzle. You may also want to have a pet plan

Disaster Preparation Kit

  • Cash: Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods after the storm has passed.
  • Important documents (or copies of the documents) in a waterproof container, including insurance and medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
  • Water: at least one gallon daily per person for 3‐7 days.
  • Food: at least enough for 3‐7, including non‐perishable packaged or canned food/juices, foods for infants or the elderly, snack foods, non‐electric can opener, vitamins.
  • Paper plates/plastic utensils
  • First Aid Kit/Medicines/Prescription Drugs 
  • Toiletries/Hygiene items/Moisture wipes
  • Battery‐operated radio (and NOAA weather radio)
  • Tools
  • Flashlight/Batteries/Glow sticks
  • 10×10 ft tarp
  • A roll of duct tape
  • Blankets/pillows, etc.
  • Clothing, including seasonal/rain gear/sturdy shoes.
  • Keys.
  • A vehicle with full tank of gas and emergency supplies.
  • Special Items for babies and the elderly.
  • Toys, books and games.
  • Pet care items, including proper identification/immunization records/meds for your pet, ample food and water, a carrier or cage, and a leash and/or muzzle. You may also want to have a pet plan

National guidance

Disaster Assistance Programs – Farm Service Agency, United States Department of Agriculture

Hurricanes – Ready.gov by the Department of Homeland Security

Preparing for a Hurricane or Other Tropical Storm – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from Small Gasoline-Powered Engines and Tools –National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

National Weather Service Resources and Guidance

Related pages

For tips about dealing with tornadoes, a possible characteristic of a hurricane, view the NY EDEN tornadoes page.
For tips about dealing with flooding, a common effect a hurricane, view the NY EDEN flooding page.