Long Island Faces Greater Hurricane Peril

As forecasters warn that the number of Atlantic hurricanes is likely to increase, and that the storms might become more violent, Long Island may be more exposed to storm related risks than other east coast areas.

An article in Long Island-based Newsday recalls that the region suffered severe damage from a huge hurricane which swept the area in 1938. Since then there’s been heavy development all over the island with a fourfold increase in population. The building boom coupled with inflation has seen insured property values soar.

The National Weather Service also warned that due to its south facing position, Long Island faces greater risks from the big storms. Frequently the storm track of an Atlantic hurricane followed the coast line, thus maintaining, or even increasing, in intensity

A look at the map shows that once the storm clears Cape Hatteras in South Carolina, there ‘s nothing to stop it before it hits Long Island from the south with its undiminished power.

Survivors of the 1938 storm still recall the the ferocity with which it raked the area. While weather analysts are unable to predict when or where a big storm will strike, it’s almost inevitable that eventually one will his Long Island.

Local authorities have taken some measures to build up breakwaters, and put emergency evacuation plans in place, especially along the low lying barrier islands, which would be the first places affected by a hurricane coming from the South.