| .
Special thanks to Governor Rell for requesting the help of DEP Commissioner
Gina McCarthy and John Gaucher. Environmental Analyst 2. Office of Long
Island Sound Programs:
- Coastal Site Plan Review: State of Connecticut, EPA
Environmental Analysis Division of the Office of Long Island Sound Programs,
1 October 2007.
Discussion:
|
Historical
Hurricane Tracks: NOAA Coastal Services Center
Check out the Query Storm Tracks
feature. Easily search for tropical cyclone tracks from Atlantic and Pacific
data by entering a ZIP Code, latitude and longitude coordinates, city or
state, or geographic region and then view the selected tracks on a map. Searches
available 1851-2007.
|
Any structure that is direct waterfront, is the barrier between the
ocean and the coastal community. The risk of damage associated
with storm waves to these properties is proportional to the the size
of storm (surge, wind speed, etc., etc.).
Hurricane Classification
|
| Strength |
Wind
Speed
(kt) |
Wind
Speed
(mph) |
Pressure
(millibars) |
Pressure
(inches Hg) |
Storm
Surge
(ft.) |
| Category 1 |
65-82
kt |
74-95
mph |
>980
mb |
>28.94
in.
|
4-5 ft.
|
| Category 2 |
83-95
kt |
96-110
mph |
965-979
mb |
28.50-28.91
in.
|
6-8 ft.
|
| Category 3 |
96-113
kt |
111-130
mph |
945-964
mb |
27.91-28.47
in.
|
9-12 ft.
|
| Category 4 |
114-135
kt |
131-155
mph |
920-944
mb |
27.17-27.88
in.
|
13-18 ft.
|
| Category 5 |
>135
kt |
>155
mph |
<919
mb |
<27.16
in.
|
>18
ft.
|
| Tropical Cyclone Classification |
| Tropical Depression |
20-34 kt or 23-39 mph |
| Tropical Storm |
35-64 kt or 40-73 mph |
| Hurricane |
65+ kt or 74+ mph |
It is a well recognized by the emergency management community that any
classification of a direct waterfront property, other then it's existence
in a Coastal High Hazard Area is nothing short of negligence, and has contributed
to widespread catastrophic damage during hurricanes that have impacted in
the United States.
Storm Surge and Waves: Surge - A steady rise in sea level, Waves
are on top of surge, Elevation is key to home survival.... Protecting
Homes from Waves and Flooding - Elevation is the Key to Survival, Properly
Embedded Piles, Continuous Load Path. -- Hurricane Damage Mitigation for Homeowners, FEMA, ppt.
|
Storm surge is simply water
that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around
the storm. This advancing surge combines with the normal tides to create
the hurricane storm tide, which can increase the mean water level 15 feet
or more. In addition, wind driven waves are superimposed on the storm
tide. -- Storm Surge: National Hurricane Center, NOAA.
|
|
Hurricane Katrina 28 Foot Storm Surge: YouTube.
|
This challenge is now the focus of risk management and mitigation discussions
during the 2008
Hurricane Season. Community and family preparedness initiatives
are now being coordinated to strengthen, secure and protect coastal communities
that have been placed at increased risk because economic development has been
prioritized over safety and preparedness.
Again, I emphasize "All direct waterfront homes that can be directly
impacted by a 4-18 ft storm surge and winds 65 - >135 kt (Cat 1-5 Hurricane),
exist in a Coastal High Hazard Area and require appropriate state building
code and NFIP standards."
Related Materials:
It is our hope that the Federal Emergency Management Agency, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and National Weather Service can
provide additional guidance regarding the meaning of a Coastal High Hazard
Area. Perhaps a U.S. Senate or Congressional hearing could also be
helpful for further analysis associated with risk management and mitigation
in all coastal states (The Deadliest, Costliest, and Most Intense United States
Tropical Cyclones From 1851 to 2006: National Weather Service, National
Hurricane Center, Miami, Florida, April 2007).
In deepest appreciation of your input and assistance in the resolution
of problems associated with risk management and mitigation discussions associated
with Coastal High Hazard Areas in the State of Connecticut.
S.M.Apatow
cc: DEP Commissioner, Gina McCarthy
Lisa R. Humble, State Building Inspector, Dept. of Public Safety
Art Christian, DEP - IWRD
Mayor James L. Richetilli, Jr.
David B. Sulkis, AICP, Milford City Planner
------------------------------------------
Humanitarian Resource Institute
Legal Resource
and Assistance Center
The Humanitarian Resource Institute
Legal Resource and Assistance Center provides
access to initiatives that include the Consumer's
Guide to Legal Help on the Internet (American Bar Association
- Free Legal Help, Self Help, Legal Aid), Pro Bono Legal
Assistance (United States and International), and online
tools for legal research.
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