S.T.O.R.M. REPORT
A Newsletter from The City of Lewes Partnership to Build a Disaster Resistant Community Safety Training Outreach Recovery Mitigation Volume 2 Issue 2 Fall 2001
As Hurricane Season Winds Down, It’s Time to Get Ready for Northeasters and Winter Storms
Hurricane Season Ends November 30th
As hurricane season continues to wind down to its “official” conclusion on November 30th, Olga, the 15th named tropical storm of the 2001 season continues to churn in the Atlantic. In 2001, nine of the15 named storms became hurricanes (winds exceeding 74 mph), and four of those hurricanes became major storms, with winds exceeding 111 mph. As tropical storm experts look back on the 2001 hurricane season, they note that the United States once again escaped the wrath of a land falling hurricane. “Basically, we had the fourth most active hurricane season since records began in 1871,” explains Dr. Steve Lyons, The Weather Channel’s hurricane expert. “It only proves that the total number of storms in the Atlantic doesn’t relate to the number of land falling storms.” Tropical Storm Allison, the first named storm of the season, was not only the most damaging storm of the 2001 season, but proved to be the most damaging tropical storm in U.S. history. On June 5th, Allison developed in the Gulf of Mexico and moved quickly into Texas. In Houston alone, rainfall totals exceeded 30 inches, and damage estimates were put at near $5 billion. Allison’s slow-moving remnants continue to dump torrential rain from the Gulf states to the mid-Atlantic coast and caused more flooding, damage and deaths than any tropical storm ever to hit the United States. Torrential rainfall and associated flooding resulted in significant property damage and 41 deaths. Dr. Lyons remarked, “As we remind people every year, there have been very quiet years with few storms, but those few that develop can strike the coast and do tremendous damage.....You need to be prepared regardless of the season’s predictions.” Tropical Storm Allison developed on June 5th in the Gulf of Mexico. This system distributed over a foot of rain into Gulf Coast states. Associated flooding resulted in billions of dollars in property damage and 41 deaths. Tropical Storm Barry formed on August 2nd in the Gulf of Mexico, and made landfall near Panama City, FL, on August 5th. No major damage or injuries resulted from this storm. Tropical Storm Chantal initially developed in the Atlantic Ocean on August 15th, and after becoming a strong tropical storm, crossed over islands in the Caribbean near Jamaica on it’s way to the Yucatan Peninsula. Chantal made landfall near Cancun, on the Mexican coast, on August 22nd. Tropical Storm Dean developed on August 22nd in the Caribbean, just north of Puerto Rico. By August 23rd, Dean was depositing torrential rainfall in the Dominican Republic, and then lost its energy in the Atlantic Ocean by August 28th. Hurricane Erin officially became a named hurricane on September 8th after 7 days of tropical depression and tropical storm status (winds less than 74 mph). Hurricane Erin eventually became a Category 3 hurricane, buffeting Bermuda with 115 mph winds. Little structural damage was reported in Bermuda, but Erin continued to exist as an
2001 Hurricane Season Summary, Storm by Storm
2001 was one of the slowest-starting seasons on record; one without a hurricane (Erin) until September 8th. More than half of the named storms developed in the months of October and November. However, this seemingly quiet season was destructive and deadly: between June and November, 2001, more than 85 people were killed in the United States and Latin America.
In this issue... Hurricane Season Ends November 30th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Northeasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Floods Can Strike Anywhere, Anytime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Protecting Valuable Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Winter Outlook: A Season of Extremes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coastal Construction Demo-House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lewes Project Impact Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disaster Planning Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Editor: Wendy Carey Marine Advisory Service University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program Lewes, DE 19958 302-645-4258
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extratropical storm in the Atlantic for the next 5 days. This system eventually disintegrated on September 14th. Hurricane Felix developed on September 7th as a tropical depression in the Atlantic Ocean. Five days later, it developed into a Category 3 hurricane (115 mph winds), but never was a threat to land areas. Hurricane Gabrielle formed September 13th as Tropical Storm Gabrielle gained strength over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Gabrielle made landfall near Venice Beach, FL, soaking the Florida Peninsula with torrential rain and 70 mph winds. Gabrielle eventually moved over the Atlantic Ocean, where it finally became a hurricane on September 17th before it deteriorated. Tropical Depression 9 developed in the Carribean on September 19th, moving west-northwest towards the coast of Central America, before quietly and quickly dissipating. Hurricane Humberto developed into a tropical storm on September 22nd in the Atlantic, and achieved hurricane status by the 23rd. Humberto briefly threatened Bermuda, but then tracked northeast, and dissipated by September 27th. Tropical Storm Jerry developed near the Windward Islands on October 6th, and eventually dissipated in the eastern Carribean Sea by October 8th. Hurricane Iris was one of the most devastating storms of the 2001 Atlantic hurricane season. Iris originated on October 4th near St. Vincent in the Windward Islands, and strengthened into a powerful hurricane over the next two days, eventually reaching Category 4 status. Iris made landfall in eastern Mexico on October 8th, with severe damage to hundreds of houses and buildings. Winds exceeded 140 mph, and storm surge reached levels of 13-18 feet above normal. Hurricane Karen began as a subtropical storm near Bermuda on October 12th, and quickly gained hurricane status with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. Karen eventually lost strength and dissipated over Nova Scotia. Tropical Storm Lorenzo originated as a Tropical Depression 14 on October 27th in the vicinity of the Azores Islands, but never made landfall. T. S. Lorenzo existed as a tropical for two days before dissipating in the Atlantic. Hurricane Michelle, like Iris, was one of the most devastating storms of the 2001 Atlantic hurricane season. Originating as a tropical depression on October 29th, Michelle’s torrential rains claimed the lives of 12 people in Nicaragua and Honduras. Michelle achieved hurricane status as it approached Cuba where it made landfall as a Category 4 storm, killing five people. Continuing north, Michelle impacted Florida with heavy rains, floods, and wind damage, and eventually crossed the Bahamas as a Category 2 hurricane. Hurricane Noel formed off the southern coast of Newfoundland on November 5th, and wind speeds eventually reached 85 mph. Noel quickly dissipated in the North Atlantic without making landfall. Hurricane Olga, a persistent late season hurricane, lingered in the Atlantic as a tropical storm until four days after the
Fall 2001
official end of hurricane season. Olga was the 15th named storm and the 9th hurricane of the six month 2001 season.
Northeasters: Be Prepared for These Potentially Dangerous and Severe
DNREC Photo
Coastal Storms
Over the past several decades, many scientists, coastal residents, and coastal property owners have come to recognize the damage potential of severe coastal storms called “Northeasters.” Unlike hurricanes, these storms form outside of the tropics, and derive their strength from temperature differences as warm and cold air masses meet. In the mid-Atlantic states, the presence of the warm waters of the Gulf Stream off the eastern seaboard during the winter season acts as a temperature contrast to cold arctic air masses moving in from the north. During winter and spring months along the mid-Atlantic coast, extreme warm and cold air masses may clash, resulting in coastal storm development. The temperature structure of the cold continental air mass combined with the Gulf Stream temperature gradient drives the development of the low pressure weather system known as a northeaster, or an extra-tropical cyclone. As the low pressure system develops, deepens and strengthens, winds and waves can quickly increase and cause damage to coastal areas as the storm generally moves along the Atlantic seaboard. In Delaware, the impact and most severe threat of a northeaster can be somewhat limited to immediate coastal areas affected by beach erosion, overwash, storm surge and rising tides, although impacts from rain, flood, and wind can reach inland areas. Because these powerful storms can develop quickly and explosively, they typically make landfall with less warning than hurricanes, and catch residents at home and unprepared. A number of notable northeasters have impacted Delaware in recent decades, including severe storms in 1991, 1992 and 1998. The Ash Wednesday Northeast Storm of March, 1962, is currently the coastal storm of record in Delaware.
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Fall 2001
functions - especially in states that have not had recent flood disasters. It is also a demonstration on the part of the new FEMA Director that wise floodplain management is an important national goal and that states have a pivotal role in reaching it. Allbaugh already had expressed concern about the need for more and better flood hazard mapping. The NFIP coordinator for the state of Delaware is Mike Powell, Delaware DNREC, Division of Soil and Water Conservation. Through this coordinating office, the state of Delaware has been active in assuming a fundamental role and responsibility in addressing flood risks and in providing assistance to local communities and property owners. According to Director Allbaugh’s letter to the governors, some of the steps that states can take to reduce flood losses include: • Encourage communities to join the National Flood Insurance Program. • Encourage communities to integrate mitigation measures within existing land use planning and development processes. • Enact floodplain management requirements that exceed the minimum NFIP criteria, and enact statewide building codes to ensure construction of more hazard resistant buildings. • Develop a strategy for repetitive loss properties. • Ensure that state-owned properties are protected from flood damage. • Increase state involvement in keeping flood hazard maps current for all communities. • Encourage constituents to buy flood insurance. (Excerpted from the ASFPM Newsletter, Vol. 14, No. 5)
Floods Can Strike Anywhere, Anytime
Devastating floods occur throughout the U.S. every year. Over development and leveling of forests have reduced the land’s natural ability to absorb excess water. Because of this, heavy rains can bring disastrous floods with very little warning, even if you don’t live near a river or stream or in a coastal area. If you a believe a flood can’t hit you, you’re mistaken. The truth is, 99 percent of all natural disasters in the country involve flooding; and between 25 percent and 30 percent of flood insurance claims come from areas designated “low risk.” Your Homeowners Insurance Policy Isn’t Enough! Losses due to flooding are not covered under most homeowners or business policies. No one, however, should be without financial protection from flood disaster. You can insure your home or business, and its contents, if your community is part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). With the exception of certain coastal barrier areas, you can buy flood insurance in NFIP communities no matter where your home or business is located. Is Your Home or Business Located in a Floodplain? People who live in floodplains, areas that pose special flood hazards, are 27 times more likely to experience a flood during the term of their 30-year mortgage than they are to experience a fire. Depending on the category of risk area, and depending on the amount of coverage you elect to purchase, the NFIP can cover flood losses to your building and contents. In addition, the NFIP may reimburse you for actions you take to prevent flood damage. The NFIP is a federal program created by Congress in 1968 to provide insurance at a reasonable cost to property owners in exchange for the careful management of flood-prone areas by local communities. Today, the NFIP serves over 4 million policyholders in more than 18,000 communities across the nation. It is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). For more information on flood insurance, contact the NFIP at 800-4274661, or contact the NFIP coordinator for the state of Delaware, Mike Powell (Delaware DNREC) at 302-7394411.
FEMA Urges Governors to Support Floodplain Management
In August, the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Joe M. Allbaugh, sent a letter to all state governors encouraging them to consider a range of state-level activities to reduce flood losses and to support their state floodplain management programs. A copy of the governor’s letter went to each state coordinating agency for the National Flood Insurance Program. This direct communication with the governors about the importance of the NFIP provides an opportunity for state coordinating agencies to gain visibility for their important
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Fall 2001
Protecting Valuable Records
Many of us assume that floods, storms, and other disasters will always happen to someone else, which prevents us from planning to adequately store family papers. Protecting family papers is just one part of being prepared to deal with natural disasters. An up to date household inventory is a very valuable resource. When making the inventory, do not overlook tools stored in the garage, lawn furniture, or food in the freezer. You may want to include a video or photographs of your inventory. An accurate inventory will help you determine if you have enough insurance to cover the contents of your home. Keep the inventory current. Additional copies of valuable records list should be in the care of a lawyer, the administrator of wills, business associates or trusted family members residing outside of your home. The need for greater care of valuable papers increases as your estate size and family size increase, and as family goals and life patterns become more complex. Valuable papers to keep in your safe deposit box: Stocks, records and bond certificates Property records, deeds, title and/or leases Household inventory Contracts (including promissory notes) A copy of your will (his and hers) Auto title Marriage, Birth, and/or Death certificates, Divorce decrees Social Security cards Government savings bonds Important receipts and bills of sale, Automobile bill of sale List of insurance policies Military service records Copyrights and patents Adoption papers, Custody papers Passports Citizenship papers Religious records Income tax returns Retirement papers Valuable papers that need to be in your possession at home at all times in a waterproof, fireproof box: Advisor’s names and addresses Guarantees and warranties Educational records Employee benefits Health records Insurance policies Loan payment books Copies of birth and marriage certificates Driver’s license numbers Copies of income tax returns Appliance manuals Current bank balances Rental property records Safe deposit records and inventory of items
Win Outlook: A Season of Extremes
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As Winter 2001-2002 approaches, NOAA scientists say that for most of the United States, winter this year will feel like a sequel to last year’s cold season, with sharp swings in temperature and precipitation, including heavy lake-effect snows in the Northeast and Midwest, cold air outbreaks in the South, and the potential for Northeasters along the East Coast. NOAA officials explain that the absence of a strong El Nino or La Nina climate pattern leaves the door open for a highly variable winter, which will impact the winter weather extremes such as cold, snow, rain and ice that the nation may experience. “We don’t expect a repeat of the record-breaking cold temperatures of November-December of last year, but this winter should be cooler than the warm winters of the late 1990s,” said Scott Gudes, NOAA’s acting administrator. “Citizens should prepare for the full range of winter weather.” NOAA’s regional outlook for the Mid-Atlantic States calls for equal chances of above normal, normal, or below-normal temperatures and precipitation. Storm tracks could bring more snow than the winters of the late 1990s, which largely depends on the Arctic Oscillation. The Arctic Oscillation influences the number of cold-air outbreaks in the South and Northeasters on the East Coast. This winter, NOAA’s improving technologies will help the National Weather Service forecasters pinpoint when the Arctic Oscillation will kick in and bring extreme weather. The National Weather Service operates a widespread network of observing systems such as geostationary satellites. NWS meteorologists use their expertise and experience to analyze data obtained from doppler radar and automated surface observing systems that constantly monitor the current numerical computer models. There is no better way to keep ahead of a winter storm than with NOAA Weather Radio (NWR), a small receiver device that can be purchased at many electronic stores. As the “Voice of the National Weather Service,” it provides continuous broadcasts of the latest weather information from local NWS offices. Weather radios come in many sizes, with a variety of functions and costs. A NOAA Weather Radio is a useful and potentially life-saving gift idea this holiday season!
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Fall 2001
Coastal Construction Demo-House
Lewes Project Impact Update
The following summary has been compiled from information provided by Mr. Nelson F. Wiles, Project Impact Coordinator for The City of Lewes. For more detailed information about the Lewes Project Impact initiative, please contact Nelson Wiles at Lewes City Hall: 645-7777. Mr. Wiles is coordinating the development of a City web site that will include a Project Impact page designed to showcase the city’s pre-disaster mitigation projects and initiatives. The site will also provide disaster preparedness and prevention materials as well as links to other useful web sites. Under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), the State of Delaware recently approved the elevation of six additional residential properties within The City of Lewes. These properties are in addition to eight properties that were previously approved and elevated using HMGP funding. Mr. Wiles has recommended the designation of a City Mitigation Planning Team to sustain the initiatives of the Project Impact Partnership by developing an overall mitigation strategy to reduce the city’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Lewes Community Rating System: City of Lewes representatives recently met with a Community Rating System (CRS) Specialist from the Insurance Services Office to discuss ways that The City of Lewes may qualify for an upgrade to the city’s CRS rating. Through projects, programs, and initiatives accomplished by the City and the Project Impact Partnership, the city may qualify for an upgrade to a rating of “8" thereby providing residents with a 10% reduction on flood insurance premiums. Critical Facilities Projects Updates: Lewes City Hall/Police Station: A backup generator for the City Hall/Police Station has been purchased and recently installed. Lewes Power and Water Plant: Storm shutters have been installed at the plant. Work is progressing towards completion of the project to replace and reinforce the Engine Room wall. Estimates are being obtained for the costs involved in putting electrical services at the Power and Water Plant underground. Beebe Medical Center: Beebe Medical Center has contracted Hurricane Protection Industries (HPI) to provide and install insulated, reinforced glass at the hospital facility.
A coastal construction demonstration house has recently been completed to be used as an educational tool for coastal communities, including property owners, building officials, engineers, architects, and builders. This unique project has been realized through the joint efforts of the University of Delaware Sea Grant Program, and both The City of Lewes and Town of Bethany Beach Project Impact initiatives. The 6' x 16' demo-house has been built on a trailer, and can travel throughout the county, state, and Delmarva Peninsula as a teaching and training tool for proper coastal construction methods. The house also illustrates and describes many of the wind and flood mitigation measures that are recommended by the newest FEMA Coastal Construction Manual. Delaware Sea Grant and the Lewes and Bethany Project Impact initiatives were assisted by many partners who contributed materials, labor, and technical support to help make the project possible. These partners include: Quality Roofing Supply Company, East Coast Hurricane Shutters, Lowes Home Improvement Warehouse, Stanley/Bostich Company, Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Roll-A-Way Storm Shutters, Lewes Board of Public Works, and Edwards Brothers Construction. The demo-house will be used to provide education and outreach programs regarding various construction issues and how the homeowner can provide additional protection for a home by strengthening components of the protective envelope of a home: the roof, walls, doors and windows. Specifically recommended coastal construction techniques and materials illustrated by the house include: storm shutters for window and door openings, elevated utilities, and proper use of structural connections from the roof to the foundation such as hurricane straps between the rafters and walls, and proper strapping between sill plates, wall studs, window frames, headers, and the foundation. The coastal construction demo-house is an excellent example of partners working together to build disaster resistant communities.
Suggested Web Sites
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): http://www.fema.gov Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA): http://www.state.de.us/dema/index.htm National Oceanic&Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): http://www.noaa.gov/ National Weather Service (NWS): http://www.nws.noaa.gov/ National Weather Service (Mt. Holly): http://www.nws.noaa.gov/er/phi/ American Red Cross (ARC): http://www.redcross.org