7.16.12 Hurricane Awareness Day - FOX44 - Burlington / Plattsburgh News, Weather & Sports

7.16.12 Hurricane Awareness Day

Each year the National Weather Service has its Hurricane Awareness Week. In Vermont, the awareness day takes place Monday, July 16.

Tropical Storm Irene is still fresh on the minds of Vermonters/New Yorkers/ and those in New Hampshire. The storm wreaked havoc on homes, businesses, and affected everyone in this area is some way, shape, or form.

Governor Shumlin of Vermont released a statement regarding Hurricane Awareness Day,

"Vermont has suffered several major storms, including last summer's Tropical Storm Irene, in the 19 months I've been Governor. We have learned the critical importance of planning at the state, local and individual level for these disasters," said Gov. Peter Shumlin. "There is every reason to expect more weather challenges, making planning and preparation for hurricanes – and all major weather events, including blizzards and ice storms – even more important."

While Irene will go down in the record books for Vermont, a direct hit like that is uncommon. Typically the North Country gets tropical storms or hurricanes in the form of remnants. Remnants from as far away as the Gulf of Mexico can move northeast and cause flooding and problems in our area from the leftover heavy rain.

- In September 1999, Tropical Storm Floyd delivered similar amounts of rain compared to Irene. However prior to that storm, the ground was much drier than the days leading up to Irene. Thus flooding was not as bad, but it will happened. With that storm, damage also came in the form of wind as gusts reached in excess of 50 mph.

- In August of 1995 Tropical Storm Dean made landfall across Texas but the remnants of the storm reached Vermont and dropped up to eight inches of rain! According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, devastating flooding resulted along the Lamoille River.

Here are tips to lessen the impact of these rare events, courtesy the National Weather Service in Burlington, VT:

1. Determine if you live in a potential flood zone. If so, seek flood insurance
2. Develop a flood emergency plan, including potential evacuation routes over higher ground. I want to point out something I noticed when Chief Meteorologist Kerrin Jeromin and I conducted a survey. We asked people if they prepare for winter storms and flooding storms. Twice as many people said yes to the winter storms, which is because we live in this cold climate where snow events happen more often. Just please don't get caught off guard in that flooding scenario!
3. Develop a disaster supply kit for flooding, or any other threat. Kits generally include food and water, batter powered radio, medications, flashlights, extra batteries, and many more items.
4. Pay attention to the forecasts! When you hear of a potential tropical storm coming your way, stay informed with the latest information and expectations!
5. Heed all the warnings issued by the National Weather Service. There is a reason they're issuing these!
6. If advised to evacuate, please do so. It will be for the better safety of you.
7. Don't attempt to drive through that flooded road, seek an alternate route.

-Meteorologist Steve Glazier