Severe Weather

Hurricanes and Nor’easters

Hurricane Fran

Nor’easter:“The Perfect Storm”

Comparison ofHurricanes and Nor’easters

Hurricanes Tropical Low Pressure Originate in tropics Originate over the ocean

and move onshore Hundreds of miles wide Winds 74+ mph Winds may exceed

140mph

Nor’easters Mid-latitude Lows Originate in mid-latitudes Usually originate on land

and move offshore Hundreds of miles wide Winds generally under 74

mph

Hurricane Floyd – at sea

Hurricane Floyd comes ashore

Remnants of Floyd move North

The “Perfect Storm”

Effects of Severe Storms

High windsHeavy precipitation

– Rain with Hurricanes

– Snow or rain with Nor’easters

Inland FloodingCoastal Erosion – damage or loss of beaches

from high wavesStorm Surge (coastal flooding and wave damage)

Coastal Erosion

Coastal Erosion

Coastal Erosion

Storm Surge

Storm Surge – Front Right Quadrant

Nassau County – no storm

Nassau County – Category 1 Hurricane Storm Surge

Nassau County – Category 2 Hurricane Storm Surge

Nassau County – Category 3 Hurricane Storm Surge

Nassau County – Category 4 Hurricane Storm Surge

Suffolk County – no storm

Suffolk County – Category 1 Hurricane Storm Surge

Suffolk County – Category 2 Hurricane Storm Surge

Suffolk County – Category 3 Hurricane Storm Surge

Suffolk County – Category 4 Hurricane Storm Surge