Weather Features

Northeast Needs To Be Ready For 'Major' Hurricane

Hurricane Amnesia: Mish Michaels' Reporter's Notebook

BOSTON (WBZ) ― Could a hurricane like destructive Ike or Katrina happen here in New England? There is no debate, at some point in the future, we will experience the impact from a major hurricane.

Hurricanes in the Northeast are on average, much larger than their southern counterparts and travel faster. This means more of an area is impacted by wind and rain and the time to evacuate can be short.

The last hurricane to make landfall on our coastline was Bob, all the way back in 1991. That storm was a Category 2. The last Category 3 struck back in the 1950s. Besides the video of damage left behind by storms like Ike, we really have little direct experience/memory of how bad it can be. We call this "hurricane amnesia."

Here is the cure. Knowledge. Major hurricanes do make landfall here in New England. Much of the damage that occurs is from the indirect effects of strong winds---flying debris and most especially falling trees. This type of destruction can be somewhat preventable. If the warning goes out, bring in or secure objects that can become projectiles. Trim trees and weak limbs to protect your property and power poles.

Storm surge is another story. Along the south facing coast---especially in Buzzards Bay, water rise could be on the order of Katrina with the right track. If you live in one of these vulnerable coastal communities, plan for a full scale evacuation. Also check your homeowner's insurance policy. Most do not cover flood damage from storm surge. You may need to purchase flood insurance separately.

There has been a tremendous amount of buildup since the big storms in the 1950s. There are few places in the country where total economic loss could reach $100 billion---New Orleans (the price tag for Katrina), Galvaston/Houston (the final tally will take time), Tampa, Miami, and right here. It will happen. One day.

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