Hurricane Season Threatens Possibility of 21 Savage Storms in September and October: How to Stay Safe

By Yehudit Garmaise

While 14 named hurricanes blew into the Atlantic states in 2022, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this year, the NOAA predicts that as many as 21 named and savage storms could rain down on New York this fall.

Hurricane season in New York usually runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, but the threat of tropical storms spikes in September and October. This year, more storms than usual could spin into the Atlantic states this month and next.

“Hurricanes, which are nature's most powerful storms, produce strong winds, storm surge flooding, and heavy rainfall that can lead to inland flooding, tornadoes, and rip currents,” the NOAA explained.

The governor called hurricanes, “destructive weather systems that can lead to injury, death, and catastrophic damage to cities’ infrastructures, but thankfully, no current storms in the Atlantic presently directly affect New York state.

Government agencies have been working together for months to preserve power and technological services and amass crucial resources.

If necessary, things such as generators, light towers, water pumps, sandbags, cots, blankets, ready-to-eat meals, and water will be distributed to residents before, during, and after tropical storms. State agencies are doing their part, but the governor also “encourages all New Yorkers to stay informed and review their hurricane preparedness plans to stay safe.” The best way to receive timely weather alerts is by signing up for NY-Alert, a free service that provides weather and other emergency-related alerts. 

The following hurricane preparedness steps can help one stay safe during a hurricane:

• Develop a household disaster plan. Know how to contact family members at all times. Identify an out-of-town friend or family member to be your "emergency family contact." Make sure all family members have all the same contact information

• Designate an emergency meeting spot, a familiar location where your family can meet if you cannot access your home.

• Research your neighborhood’s hurricane and storm risks.

• If you live near coastal areas, learn about your area's storm surge history, your community's warning signals, and evacuation plans. Study your area’s safe routes inland and the locations of official shelters.  

Make sure you keep the following supplies on hand: 

1. Enough non-perishable food and water supplies for ten days.

2. Battery-operated radios and flashlights and an ample supply of batteries. 

3. A First Aid kit with a supply of medicines.  

4. Important documents: Insurance policies, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc., in a waterproof container. 

5. Cash, checkbook, credit cards, and ATM cards.

6. An emergency contact list of people and organizations who may need to be called: schools, doctors, providers, and insurance contacts. 

Take the following preventative measures to stay safe in hurricanes: 

• Obtain and store materials, such as plywood, to properly secure your home.  

• Repair and clear loose rain gutters and downspouts, which should never be clogged.

• Bring inside lawn furniture, toys, and other loose, lightweight objects, such as garbage cans and garden tools, that high winds could cause to go flying and cause injuries. Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed of dead wood.  

• Review insurance policies to determine the extent of your coverage before a storm strikes. 

• Determine where to move boats in emergencies.  

• Listen to reports from local stations to stay aware of current weather conditions. 

• Know how to turn off your home’s power, heat, and water to stay safe.