A variety of agencies in the USA have been involved in predicting and accessing damage from Hurricane Joaquin.
Coastal change experts from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recently warned that although the path of Hurricane Joaquin continues to move farther offshore, a high probability of dune erosion existed along parts of the Atlantic coast, from the North Carolina Outer Banks to Cape Cod.
Area which could be affected include the Outer banks, Virginia, and Maryland, New England, the New Jersey and New York coast.
USGS issues coastal-change forecasts, which integrate information produced by both the USGS and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its National Hurricane Center. The forecasts are posted daily to the agency's Coastal Change Hazards Portal.
source: U.S. Geological Survey
Showing posts with label hurricanes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hurricanes. Show all posts
Monday, October 5, 2015
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
USGS Hurricane Sandy Storm Damage Aerial Photos
A recently released collection of USGS photographs provide shocking evidence of Hurricane Sandy’s impacts on the Atlantic Coast. The collection includes hundreds of aerial photographs that were taken before and after Hurricane Sandy.
The photos, part of a USGS assessment of coastal change, show that the storm caused dramatic changes to portions of shoreline extending hundreds of miles. The area documented ranges from Massachusetts to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Pre- and post-storm images of the New Jersey and New York shoreline in particular tell a story of a coastal landscape that was considerably altered by the historic storm.
Photo pairs from North Carolina to Massachusetts will be made available online as the coastal change assessment continues.
According to USGS oceanographer Nathaniel Plant:
"This storm's impact on sandy beaches included significant beach and dune erosion and minor disruption of infrastructure in the south to extreme and often catastrophic erosion, overwash and sediment deposition, and inundation on northern beaches like Mantoloking, New Jersey."
Overwash occurs when storm surge and waves exceed the elevation of protective sand dunes, thereby transporting sand inland. In addition to threatening infrastructure like roadways, it can bury portions of buildings and cause extensive property damage. Since beaches and dunes serve as a first line of defense against extreme storms, this could further compromise the safety of coastal populations.
Data collected from these surveys are also used to improve predictive models of potential impacts from future severe storms. Before a storm makes landfall, USGS makes these predictions to help coastal communities identify areas particularly vulnerable to severe coastal change, such as beach and dune erosion, overwash, and inundation.
Preliminary analysis suggests that Hurricane Sandy rapidly displaced massive quantities of sand in a capacity that visibly changed the landscape.
The USGS worked closely with the National Park Service to gather field data on pre- and post- storm conditions at Fire Island National Seashore on Long Island. The field team went to Fire Island in advance of the storm to capture the morphology of the beach and dunes. The team re-surveyed the beach to capture its state immediately after the storm, and they found drastic changes.
"We found that there was widespread dune erosion and overwash," said St. Petersburg-based USGS coastal geologist Cheryl Hapke. "On average the dunes eroded back 70 feet - the equivalent of 30-years of change, which had previously been measured. Our data also showed that dunes lost as much as 10 feet of elevation."
This rapid response data was used to help the National Park Service assess the areas of the coast that were most vulnerable to a nor'easter that impacted the coast a week after Sandy.
The USGS is also processing pre- and post-landfall airborne lidar data to gather information on the extent of coastal change caused by Sandy. Lidar, or light detection and ranging, is an aircraft-based remote sensing method that uses laser pulses to collect highly detailed ground elevation data.
source: USGS
The photos, part of a USGS assessment of coastal change, show that the storm caused dramatic changes to portions of shoreline extending hundreds of miles. The area documented ranges from Massachusetts to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Pre- and post-storm images of the New Jersey and New York shoreline in particular tell a story of a coastal landscape that was considerably altered by the historic storm.
Photo pairs from North Carolina to Massachusetts will be made available online as the coastal change assessment continues.
According to USGS oceanographer Nathaniel Plant:
"This storm's impact on sandy beaches included significant beach and dune erosion and minor disruption of infrastructure in the south to extreme and often catastrophic erosion, overwash and sediment deposition, and inundation on northern beaches like Mantoloking, New Jersey."
Overwash occurs when storm surge and waves exceed the elevation of protective sand dunes, thereby transporting sand inland. In addition to threatening infrastructure like roadways, it can bury portions of buildings and cause extensive property damage. Since beaches and dunes serve as a first line of defense against extreme storms, this could further compromise the safety of coastal populations.
Data collected from these surveys are also used to improve predictive models of potential impacts from future severe storms. Before a storm makes landfall, USGS makes these predictions to help coastal communities identify areas particularly vulnerable to severe coastal change, such as beach and dune erosion, overwash, and inundation.
Preliminary analysis suggests that Hurricane Sandy rapidly displaced massive quantities of sand in a capacity that visibly changed the landscape.
The USGS worked closely with the National Park Service to gather field data on pre- and post- storm conditions at Fire Island National Seashore on Long Island. The field team went to Fire Island in advance of the storm to capture the morphology of the beach and dunes. The team re-surveyed the beach to capture its state immediately after the storm, and they found drastic changes.
"We found that there was widespread dune erosion and overwash," said St. Petersburg-based USGS coastal geologist Cheryl Hapke. "On average the dunes eroded back 70 feet - the equivalent of 30-years of change, which had previously been measured. Our data also showed that dunes lost as much as 10 feet of elevation."
This rapid response data was used to help the National Park Service assess the areas of the coast that were most vulnerable to a nor'easter that impacted the coast a week after Sandy.
The USGS is also processing pre- and post-landfall airborne lidar data to gather information on the extent of coastal change caused by Sandy. Lidar, or light detection and ranging, is an aircraft-based remote sensing method that uses laser pulses to collect highly detailed ground elevation data.
source: USGS
Friday, November 2, 2012
Hurricane Sandy Dangers
 | |
| Hurricane Sandy (photo credit NASA) |
According to U.S. Coast Guard 5th District, Mid Atlantic boaters could face a number of challenges as a result of Hurricane Sandy. Although the immediate threat of strong winds and rain has passed, there are still a lot of hazards people can encounter on and near the water.
The ocean and rivers could be full of debris that can cause major damage. Buoys and other navigation aids may also be missing or in different locations following a major storm.
The Coast Guard also warned beachgoers and surfers of risks. The agency suggests that enthusiasts should remain off beaches, piers, and jetties until authorized by local officials since rip currents will still be dangerous.
source: USCG 5th District
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Mid Atlantic Crop Damage From Storms
Crop damage from several recent weather systems has been significant in the Mid Atlantic region. Reports of crop damage includes corn, soybeans, vegetables, fruit trees, and even farm-raised fish.
According to the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB), high winds and heavy rain from Hurricane Irene caused sporadic damage to farms and orchards in several areas of Pennsylvania. The most common problem cited by farmers is that field corn was leaning or flattened by strong winds, while apples and other fruits fell to the ground during the storm.
“The largest and most mature fruit fell off the trees.We estimate that about 20% of our fruit is on the ground, which is a significant loss,” said Brad Hollabaugh of Hollabaugh Brothers Fruit Farm and Market in Biglerville, Adams County.
“There is nothing more disheartening than looking at apples on the ground, after you’ve put your heart and soul into growing and nurturing the fruit throughout the season,” added Hollabaugh.
Jim Schupp, the director of Penn State’s Fruit Research and Extension Center, confirmed that winds from Hurricane Irene uprooted fruit trees. “Damages vary widely from farm-to-farm and even from one section of a farm to the other. Some farms were hardly touched, while others have fruit losses of 50%,” said Jim Schupp.
Corn crops throughout the Mid Atlantic were tangled or flattened by Hurricane Irene and later by heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Lee. In some areas, corn which was already stressed from lack of rain was severely flattened by rain and wind.
Flood damage to crops was most extensive in Pennsylvania as the Susquehanna River flooded portions of Harrisburg, Hershey, and surrounding communities.
According to the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB), high winds and heavy rain from Hurricane Irene caused sporadic damage to farms and orchards in several areas of Pennsylvania. The most common problem cited by farmers is that field corn was leaning or flattened by strong winds, while apples and other fruits fell to the ground during the storm.
“The largest and most mature fruit fell off the trees.We estimate that about 20% of our fruit is on the ground, which is a significant loss,” said Brad Hollabaugh of Hollabaugh Brothers Fruit Farm and Market in Biglerville, Adams County.
“There is nothing more disheartening than looking at apples on the ground, after you’ve put your heart and soul into growing and nurturing the fruit throughout the season,” added Hollabaugh.
Jim Schupp, the director of Penn State’s Fruit Research and Extension Center, confirmed that winds from Hurricane Irene uprooted fruit trees. “Damages vary widely from farm-to-farm and even from one section of a farm to the other. Some farms were hardly touched, while others have fruit losses of 50%,” said Jim Schupp.
Corn crops throughout the Mid Atlantic were tangled or flattened by Hurricane Irene and later by heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Lee. In some areas, corn which was already stressed from lack of rain was severely flattened by rain and wind.
Flood damage to crops was most extensive in Pennsylvania as the Susquehanna River flooded portions of Harrisburg, Hershey, and surrounding communities.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Mid Atlantic Hurricane Irene Damage
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| a downed tree from Hurricane Irene |
Throughout the region, power outages were reported throughout the first afternoon, Saturday night and into Sunday.
On Sunday, August 28, 2011, residents in North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Delaware were discovering a variety of damage as Hurricane Irene decreased to tropical storm status.
By late morning, the skies cleared, winds subsided and many businesses opened in southern areas. Meanwhile, the storm continued battering New Jersey, New York and much of New England.
Major media outlets reported at least 15 storm-related deaths throughout the Atlantic states. Throughout the region, residents experienced evacuations, power outages and storm damage.
In Virginia and North Carolina, beaches were battered and fishing piers were demolished.
Much of the worst damage from Hurricane Irene occurred in New Jersey, where flooding caused extensive property damage.
As expected, flash floods occurred throughout much of the Mid Atlantic region, resulting in loss of life in some cases.
By Monday, August 29, remnants of the storm were affecting eastern Canada. Flooding in parts of the Mid Atlantic and New England.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Hurricane Irene to Strike Mid Atlantic
After days of speculation concerning the path of Hurricane Irene, much of the Mid Atlantic snapped into action on August 25th as predictions made it clear that there was a significant risk of danger.
Several Mid Atlantic states declared a state of emergency, including parts of North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and New York.
The City of Virginia Beach began urging visitors and residents to voluntarily evacuate Sandbridge from noon Friday, Aug. 26, to noon Saturday, Aug. 27, and stay away until the storm has passed.
Other evacuations were underway in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Ocean City Md, Cape May and other northern beaches.
On the same day, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port set Hurricane condition X-ray for the Port of Hampton Roads in preparation for Hurricane Irene.
For information on Hurricane Irene's progress and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center's web page at the following link - http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
For hurricane tips and information, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.ready.gov
Several Mid Atlantic states declared a state of emergency, including parts of North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and New York.
The City of Virginia Beach began urging visitors and residents to voluntarily evacuate Sandbridge from noon Friday, Aug. 26, to noon Saturday, Aug. 27, and stay away until the storm has passed.
Other evacuations were underway in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Ocean City Md, Cape May and other northern beaches.
On the same day, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port set Hurricane condition X-ray for the Port of Hampton Roads in preparation for Hurricane Irene.
For information on Hurricane Irene's progress and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center's web page at the following link - http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
For hurricane tips and information, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.ready.gov
Monday, August 22, 2011
Will Hurricane Irene Affect Mid Atlantic States?
On August 22, 2011, The 5th District Coast Guard urged mariners and residents to begin planning and prepare for Hurricane Irene.
According to the Coast Guard people should remember the following guidelines as hurricanes approach:
- Stay informed: The public should monitor the progress and strength of the storm through newspapers, the Internet, and local television and radio stations. Boaters can monitor its progress on VHF-FM channel 16. Small craft advisories and warnings are also available on VHF-FM channel 16.
- Evacuate as necessary: Mandatory evacuation orders should be obeyed. Coast Guard personnel and other emergency responders may not be able to evacuate people in danger during a storm.
- Secure your boats and boating equipment: Owners of large boats are urged to move their vessels to inland marinas where they will be less likely to break free of their moorings or to be otherwise damaged. Boats that can be trailered should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding. Those mariners who leave their boats in the water are reminded to secure life rings, life jackets and fenders.
- Be cautious of hazardous materials: If you have hazardous materials on or near the water, you are responsible for any spills that may occur. Take the necessary precautions to secure these materials prior to any foul weather.
- Stay clear of beaches: Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by storms. Swimmers are urged to stay clear of beaches until local officials say the water is safe. Rip currents and undertows can drag swimmers away from their boat or the beach and lead to death by drowning when they attempt to fight the current and become exhausted.
Mariners are reminded that drawbridges along the coast may deviate from normal operating procedures prior to a storm. They are generally authorized to remain closed up to eight hours prior to the approach of gale force winds of 32 mph or greater and whenever an evacuation is ordered. Because of the uncertainty of weather movements and related bridge closures, mariners should seek early passage through drawbridges well in advance of the arrival of gale force winds.
Tropical systems are designated by name when they reach tropical storm strength with sustained winds reaching 39 mph. They become hurricanes when winds reach 74 mph and become major hurricanes when winds increase to 111 mph.
For more information on hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center's Web page at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
According to the Coast Guard people should remember the following guidelines as hurricanes approach:
- Stay informed: The public should monitor the progress and strength of the storm through newspapers, the Internet, and local television and radio stations. Boaters can monitor its progress on VHF-FM channel 16. Small craft advisories and warnings are also available on VHF-FM channel 16.
- Evacuate as necessary: Mandatory evacuation orders should be obeyed. Coast Guard personnel and other emergency responders may not be able to evacuate people in danger during a storm.
- Secure your boats and boating equipment: Owners of large boats are urged to move their vessels to inland marinas where they will be less likely to break free of their moorings or to be otherwise damaged. Boats that can be trailered should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding. Those mariners who leave their boats in the water are reminded to secure life rings, life jackets and fenders.
- Be cautious of hazardous materials: If you have hazardous materials on or near the water, you are responsible for any spills that may occur. Take the necessary precautions to secure these materials prior to any foul weather.
- Stay clear of beaches: Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by storms. Swimmers are urged to stay clear of beaches until local officials say the water is safe. Rip currents and undertows can drag swimmers away from their boat or the beach and lead to death by drowning when they attempt to fight the current and become exhausted.
Mariners are reminded that drawbridges along the coast may deviate from normal operating procedures prior to a storm. They are generally authorized to remain closed up to eight hours prior to the approach of gale force winds of 32 mph or greater and whenever an evacuation is ordered. Because of the uncertainty of weather movements and related bridge closures, mariners should seek early passage through drawbridges well in advance of the arrival of gale force winds.
Tropical systems are designated by name when they reach tropical storm strength with sustained winds reaching 39 mph. They become hurricanes when winds reach 74 mph and become major hurricanes when winds increase to 111 mph.
For more information on hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center's Web page at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
Monday, August 8, 2011
Boaters Prepare for Mid Atlantic Hurricanes
With hurricane season bearing down on the Mid Atlantic region, state and federal agencies are warning boaters to be prepared for storms.
When deciding on storm preparation plans, mariners need to consider size, type of boat and location.
Many boat locations may not offer protection from high winds or tides.
Boaters should consider the following when making arrangement for their vessels:
Remove valuable equipment from a boat to protect it from damage.
Consider removing a boat from the water to reduce damage from storm surge.
Boats on land should be properly stored or tied down to prevent being damaged by winds.
Small open boats can be filled with water to lessen the effect of the wind.
Boats remaining in the water should be moored in safe areas or berths. Lines should be doubled and high on pilings.
Boaters should remember that storm surges can cause tides over the pilings.
Install fenders to protect boats from pilings, piers or other vessels.
Ensure bilge pumps work properly and batteries that run the pumps are fully charged.
Seal all openings to make the vessel watertight.
Collect all documents, including insurance policies. Take photographs of boats and equipment for insurance
Do not stay aboard boats during storms. Safeguard human life.
Boaters should take these actions at least 48-72 hours prior to the event to accommodate unforeseen problems. During the storm, occupants should be off the water and in safe shelters.
Storm conditions can delay or prevent response from emergency personnel.
Hurricane Preparedness Links:
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/index.shtm
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/outreach/prepared_week.shtml
source: MD DNR
When deciding on storm preparation plans, mariners need to consider size, type of boat and location.
Many boat locations may not offer protection from high winds or tides.
Boaters should consider the following when making arrangement for their vessels:
Remove valuable equipment from a boat to protect it from damage.
Consider removing a boat from the water to reduce damage from storm surge.
Boats on land should be properly stored or tied down to prevent being damaged by winds.
Small open boats can be filled with water to lessen the effect of the wind.
Boats remaining in the water should be moored in safe areas or berths. Lines should be doubled and high on pilings.
Boaters should remember that storm surges can cause tides over the pilings.
Install fenders to protect boats from pilings, piers or other vessels.
Ensure bilge pumps work properly and batteries that run the pumps are fully charged.
Seal all openings to make the vessel watertight.
Collect all documents, including insurance policies. Take photographs of boats and equipment for insurance
Do not stay aboard boats during storms. Safeguard human life.
Boaters should take these actions at least 48-72 hours prior to the event to accommodate unforeseen problems. During the storm, occupants should be off the water and in safe shelters.
Storm conditions can delay or prevent response from emergency personnel.
Hurricane Preparedness Links:
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/index.shtm
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/outreach/prepared_week.shtml
source: MD DNR
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