This year mother nature is extraordinarily generous to the hurricanes. Natural hazards with an enviable regularity are formed in the basin of the Atlantic ocean, threatening the safety of U.S. residents and the economy.
As you approach the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, which falls on September 10, the element keeps Americans in a constant tension.
In late August, Texas was covered with Harvey, and now moving to Florida hurricane 5 category Irma, recognized as the most powerful since 2005. Behind her is Jose, who recently became a hurricane 2 category — while forecasters can’t accurately predict whether it will affect the US East coast, but such probability is not excluded.
A few hours after the birth of Jose tropical depression in the Gulf developed into a named storm Katia— after less than a day it increased to a hurricane.
source: twitter
Such an abundance of hurricanes goes beyond the norm, but, unfortunately, this is not the limit. After all, before the end of the season remained for three months. According to forecasts of the National centre for oceanic and atmospheric research, by the end of November shall be formed of 14 to 19 named storms. Katia is the 11th in a row, and it means that ahead at least three.
The situation has forced to think seriously about its security for many Americans, but some have particularly compelling reasons for concern.
Residents of several regions of the United States are at particular risk. They should be especially vigilant, and certainly to know the basics of disaster preparedness.
Experts from Accuweather ranked the most vulnerable hurricane cities based on 126 years of observations.
source: flickr
Miami ranks first in the list — in any given year a hurricane can strike the city with a probability of 16%. The geographical position of Miami makes it extremely vulnerable to the elements because it is located in close proximity to the Atlantic ocean and is situated at a height of 12.8 m above the sea level. Based on data from long-term observations, hurricanes are 80 km from the metropolis every 6-8 years.
A large part of the local population living within 32 km of coastline, which creates an increased risk of destruction of private property during natural disasters.
While to the South other major U.S. cities, Miami has the best chance to take a major hit from a major hurricane.
In 1992, the city did not escape the consequences, Andrew, recognized as the third most powerful hurricane of all who have reached the U.S. mainland. Despite the fact that the main power of the elements passed the metropolis, a strong storm resulted in significant damage.
2. Key West, FL
source: flickr
Like Miami, Key West risks to meet with the hurricane with a probability of 16%. According to Hurricane City, the city receives direct damage from natural disasters every year 6.04.
Key West is located in the archipelago of Miami Keys, surrounded on all sides by water. Besides, the loftiest of its territory located just 5.4 m above sea level, therefore, the city is particularly vulnerable to storm surges and flooding.
The situation is even more aggravated by the fact that the settlement is located far from materka — this complicates the evacuation of people.
It is for this reason that local authorities began to evacuate people from the island on Wednesday, without waiting for a meeting with hurricane Irma.
3. Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
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Being the extreme South-Eastern point of North America, Cape Hatteras every year has a 15% chance to be affected by the hurricane. In the past the area has felt the effects of natural disasters, covering the East coast.
The danger lies in the fact that Cape Hatteras is in the vicinity of the Gulf stream, which fuels hurricanes and reinforces their power.
Getting into the flow, coming from the East coast, the storm system is often rolled into the ocean, but can get caught on the Cape Hatteras because of its location.
4. Tapma, FL
source: flickr
A city in the West of the Peninsula of Florida has a 11% chance to be affected by the hurricane. The danger can come from two sides — from the Atlantic ocean and the Persian Gulf. Most of the 347 645 thousand local residents live on the coast, so the risk to experience the most destructive phenomenon in the hurricane storm surge. In recent times the population of Tampa hurricane 4-category Charlie, who in 2004 struck the coast just South of the city — economic losses amounted to 16 billion dollars.
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
source: flickr
12 years ago, when New Orleans suffered from hurricane Katrina, its residents sympathized with the whole world. In the result of a natural disaster 80% of the village was under the water layer of a few meters, killed 1836 people in local communities, and the economic damage reached $125 billion.
Katrina was recognized as the most destructive hurricane in U.S. history and the sixth power of the Atlantic hurricane in the history of observations.
Since then, New Orleans has perfected a system of dams, but he’s still extremely vulnerable to hurricanes. The settlement is surrounded by water on three sides, and 70% of the territory is below sea level. The greatest danger for the population storm surges.
Every year, the metropolis has a 11% chance to get exposed to the ravages of a hurricane. According to NOAA major hurricanes come ashore 80 km intervals of 7-11 years.
