By Robert Gillis
Published in 8/1998 as Hurricane Bonnie roared toward Boston and in the Boston City paper 7/2007

Hurricane season – which in the United States begins in mid-August and ends in late October – has begun. Hurricanes—powerful storms with strong rotary circulation with sustained surface winds of 74 miles per hour or more – are capable of tremendous damage and can kill.

Hurricanes have been recorded since the time of Christopher Columbus. The custom of giving hurricanes female names began in 1973, and was expanded to include male names in 1979. Names for hurricanes are chosen years in advance and may be repeated, although some are retired. The remaining 1998 hurricane names are: Charley, Danielle, Earl, Frances, Georges, Hermine, Ivan, Jeanne, Karl, Lisa, Mitch, Nicole, Otto, Paula, Richard, Shary, Tomas, Virginie, and Walter.

In 1979, Hurricane David hit the Caribbean, Florida and Carolinas and killed 1100. That same year, Hurricane Fredrick smashed the Gulf Coast and caused over 3 billion dollars damage. In 1989, Hurricane Hugo hit Charleston, South Carolina and caused damage of $7.2 billion and killed 28 people. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew hit Florida, causing $25 billion in damage and 23 deaths. The year 1993 saw 21 hurricanes; 1995 saw 19.

Hurricanes are rated in strength on the Saffir/Simpson Scale, which measures destructive potential on a scale of 1-5 (1 being minimal, 5 being catastrophic). As of August 24, Hurricane Bonnie listed as a category 3 hurricane, with winds of 115 MPH. Damage caused by storms of Bonnie’s magnitude can be extensive. Trees can be blown down, and small buildings can be damaged. Such storms cause severe coastal flooding, and can destroy coastal structures and tear boats from their moorings.

Hurricanes are extremely dangerous and can kill. However, heeding the warning messages, as well as proper planning, can reduce the chance of injury or significant property damage.

BEFORE A HURRICANE

HURRICANE WATCH

A hurricane WATCH is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours.

While Foxboro isn’t a coastal city and probably won’t see many residents boarding up windows, shutters are the best protection. Another alternative is putting up plywood panels. Taping your windows won’t make them stronger but will help keep the glass together should it break.

HURRICANE WARNING

A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions (winds of 74 miles per hour or greater, or dangerously high water and rough seas) are expected in 24 hours or less.

DURING A HURRICANE

EVACUATION:

In the event an evacuation is necessary, leave as soon as possible.

AFTER A HURRICANE

Back in 1938, a devastating hurricane hit New England – no one even knew it was coming. These days, modern meteorology uses advanced computer and satellite technology to track storms. While there is no “defense” against a hurricane, common sense and advance preparation can go a long way to help minimize accidents and the damage hurricanes bring.