In the warm ocean waters that lie beyond the country’s coasts, storms brew—literally. Warm waters and a slew of other environmental conditions, such as moist air and unstable atmosphere, create hurricanes. 

A hurricane is a tropical cyclone or a well-defined, localized, low-pressure system of rain, thunderstorms, and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or greater. They can develop along any U.S. coast or any of its territories in the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. 

Hurricanes are most common in the southeastern coasts of the country, frequently affecting states, such as Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and North and South Carolina. However, they can also travel north, causing flood damage in New York.

Hurricanes in New York

New York’s hurricane season begins in June and runs until November. August to October have the greatest potential for hurricanes, historically speaking. 

On average, the city experiences fewer landfalling hurricanes than the Southeast and Gulf Coast states. However, New York is extremely vulnerable to hurricanes, thanks to its geographic location.

Hurricane Hazards

When a hurricane comes knocking on New York’s doorstep, the city is at risk of experiencing heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surge as well as their effects. Its coastal communities are especially at risk.

• Heavy rain can cause flash floods, especially in low-lying areas or those with poor drainage. 
• Strong winds 74 mph (64 knots) or greater can cause immense damage. They can topple trees, turn loose objects into deadly projectiles, and destroy buildings. 
• A storm surge is a dome of ocean water that is pushed toward the shore by a hurricane’s strong winds. It can go as high as 30 feet (around 9 meters) or more. That’s equivalent to a three-story building or higher that can travel several miles inland. 

Why is New York Vulnerable to Hurricanes?

There are many reasons why New York City is very vulnerable to hurricanes. 

Geography

Nicholas Coch, a professor of sedimentology and coastal geology at Queens College, told National Geographic, “Whenever a hurricane comes up here, you add one to the category because we’re in the worst possible place in the world to be.” 

Hurricanes are classified into five categories according to the Saffir-Simpson Scale. Categories range from 1 to 5, with 1 being the weakest and 5 being the strongest. 

One of the reasons for the city’s hurricane vulnerability is the fact that it is a bight, which is a curve or bend on an open shoreline. This geographical feature can trap tons of ocean water that hurricanes push onto the shore. During Hurricane Sandy, this trapped water spilled onto the land, flooding the city’s financial district and forming dangerously high storm surges. 

Facilities and infrastructure

Hurricane-caused floods are a big problem for the city. With all five boroughs of the city touching the coastline, this means many vital infrastructures are situated along the coast.

As a result, a flood in New York means that these facilities, especially those situated underground like its municipal water system and subway, immediately become unusable. In addition, because the water coming into the city is saltwater, it corrodes anything it touches, including pipes and subway tracks.

Another thing about New York that exacerbates the impacts of hurricanes is how its vital facilities are laid out. The city’s financial district and many of its hospitals, schools, power plants, etc. are located along the coast. These facilities would be the first ones affected by storm surges or floods. 

High rises

Winds that prelude a hurricane can blow off windows of high buildings, which New York has plenty of. Bridges might also collapse under the brunt of sustained strong winds.

Worst Hurricanes to Hit New York

New York City experiences hurricanes winds every 19 years, on average, and major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher) every 74 years, according to the National Hurricane Center. Some of the worst hurricanes to ever hit the city are the following: 

Hurricane Sandy (2012)

One of the most devastating damage from a hurricane in New York was dealt by Hurricane Sandy. More than 40 people were killed and total damage, including from loss of economic activity, reached an estimated $19 billion.

The superstorm landed in the city on October 29, 2012. It resulted in storm surges that rose as high as 13.88 feet (40 meters), which caused flooding in many parts of the city. More than 69,000 residential units were damaged, and many MTA subway stations were flooded, requiring emergency repairs that led to lines remaining closed for days. 

Sandy displaced thousands of New Yorkers, and about 300 homes from many NYC neighborhoods lost power. People in the hardest hit areas had to deal with living without electricity for months. There was also a regional gas shortage. Plus, strong winds fell trees and scattered debris that blocked the streets. 

Hurricane Floyd (1999)

On September 17, 1999, Hurricane Floyd made landfall in the city. It arrived with 60 mph (52 knots) winds and as much as 13.7 inches (around 35 cm) of rain. This resulted in flash floods in the low-lying neighborhoods of New York and numerous fallen trees. Hurricane Floyd also caused delays in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and major airports. Planes were delayed for 45 minutes during the storm. Fortunately, advanced preparation for the hurricane meant it wasn’t as disastrous as it could have been.

The Long Island Express (1893)

The Long Island Express was a hurricane that hit Long Island and Southern New England in 1893. It made landfall in Westhampton Beach on September 21. Sustained hurricane force winds, 3 to 7 inches (around 8 to 18 cm) of rain, and destructive storm surge flooding occurred as a result. 

The hurricane destroyed Hog Island, a resort island off the Rockaways in southern Queens and temporarily made Montauk an island because of immense flooding. In the aftermath, 700 people died and about 63,000 lost their homes. Approximately 8,900 houses and buildings were destroyed and 3,300 boats were either lost or destroyed because of the hurricane. 

In 1938 dollars, the estimated damage amounted to $620 million. In 2010 dollars, it is equivalent to $41 billion.