Hurricanes

Hurricanes are intense tropical cyclones, formed in the atmosphere over warm ocean areas. Wind speeds reach up to 74 mph or more, blowing in a large spiral around a calm called “the eye.” They can also produce damage and destruction from heavy rainfall, high winds and flooding.

Tropical storms and hurricanes typically reach Maine between May and November every few years in the “post hurricane stage,” producing winds less than 74 mph, inland flooding, storm surges (water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm) and rip tides, threatening the State’s coastal areas. Some of the greatest rainfall amounts have occurred from weaker storms that drifted slowly or stalled over an area. The coastal areas of Cumberland and York Counties are most likely to suffer erosion from storms because they have more beach area with less high rocky coastline.

The three main conditions which favor tropical cyclone development are (1) warm ocean waters, (2) atmospheric moisture, and (3) relatively light winds aloft. Each year, an average of 10 tropical storms develop over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico.

In Maine, hurricanes don't happen often but they can be devastating when they do. Previous storms that had impact on Maine are: Carol and Edna in 1954, Donna in 1960, Gloria in 1985, and Bob in 1991.

Hurricanes and storm surges are ranked on the Saffir/Simpson Hurricane Scale, which assigns a Hurricane Category according to the maximum speeds of the hurricane as follows:

Category 1 : Maximum Sustained Wind Speed 74-95 mph

Category 2 : Maximum Sustained Wind Speed 96-110 mph

Category 3 : Maximum Sustained Wind Speed 111-130 mph

Category 4 : Maximum Sustained Wind Speed 131-155 mph

Category 5 : Maximum Sustained Wind Speed >155 mph

Notable Hurricanes in Maine

  • Hurricanes Carol & Edna (August – September 1954): Maine suffered 11 deaths and $17 million in damages during a two week period. Hurricane Carol affected six counties in the southern and coastal areas, power outages, and downed trees. Hurricane Edna produced statewide flooding, power outages and a presidential disaster declaration. Watch archival footage of the hurricanes here.

  • Hurricane Gloria (September 1985): Affected six counties in the southern and central part of the state, multiple injuries, downed trees, and power failures for 14 days (which affected 250,000 people).

  • Hurricane Bob (September 1991): Also affected six counties in the southern and central part of the state. The storm resulted in 3 deaths, power outages and $5, 523, 665 in damages as well as a presidential disaster declaration.

Mitigation

Although Maine does not have a statewide building code that relates to hurricane preparedness, increased regulations within towns would lessen potential damage. Power outages also occur often, but utilities will activate their resources to the fullest possible extent to restore power as soon as possible.

During the summer months, the State’s population increases with tourists who, along with residents, tend to wait too long to prepare for emergencies, which can result in heavy traffic and less patience. Coastal areas are therefore most affected. County and local plans must address the evacuation and sheltering or persons from high risk areas with the help of the State Police. The Department of Transportation is responsible for the maintenance of primary highways and bridges as well as removing debris from storms.

Hurricane Preparedness

If forecasters are beginning to talk about a hurricane or tropical storm possibly affecting Maine, get prepared now. Even though we've given you some approximate times to do things, remember that when hurricanes approach New England, they often speed up rapidly. You don't have as much time as you think!

Three days before

  • Check your disaster supply kit. If you remain in your home, do you have everything you need for at least three days, with no power? Go to the store now, and pick up the things you don't have. Beat the rush.
  • Do you have everything you need if you have to evacuate? Begin putting together a "go kit" now. Get your important family papers together. Consider where you would go. If you might have to go to a shelter, make sure you have the basic needs for your family in your Grab & Go Bag.

Two days before

  • Fill up your car with gasoline.
  • Visit your bank or the ATM and take out some extra cash. The amount can depend on your family size and needs. An extended power outage might make it hard to obtain cash, or for merchants to process credit cards.

One day before

  • Evacuate if advised to do so. Don't wait. If you wait too long, and then need help, you will be putting responders at risk. Or they simply will not be able to reach you.
  • Secure all outside furniture or other objects that could be caught by the wind.
  • Board up exposed windows, or at tape them up to reduce the potential for shattering glass.
  • Surf will be high as the storm approaches. Stay away from the water. It is dangerous to go to the beach to see the waves! Rocks and shells carried by the wind can cause serious injury or death. You can lose your balance in the winds. The strong surf can sweep you, your child or your dog away in seconds.
  • If you have livestock, make sure they have a secure shelter. Move them into shelter before the storm becomes too strong.
  • If you are staying in your home, begin closely monitoring weather broadcasts. Get your portable radio tuned to a station that is carrying emergency information. Make sure your NOAA Weather Radio is operating properly.
  • Plan where you will go and how you will get there if you have to evacuate.
  • Have two evacuation routes not subject to flooding
  • Know whether your home could be subject to flooding. Contact your town or county emergency management agency if you are not sure.
  • Purchase flood insurance if your home could possibly flood. Homeowner's insurance does not cover floods.
  • Plan for the safety of your pets. Most shelters do not accept pets.
  • Purchase a NOAA Weather Alert Radio
  • Talk with other family members about your plan especially if you have medical or functional needs or mobility limitations
  • If you own a boat, have a hurricane plan for it
  • Contact your local or county emergency management agency or American Red Cross chapter if you have questions

Hurricane Preparedness for Boaters

Maine has thousands of recreational and working sea-going boats. Hurricanes and coastal storms have immense power, and as a boater you need to take them seriously. Here are some hurricane preparedness and safety tips from the US Coast Guard:

  • If you live or boat in an area prone to hurricanes or heavy weather, know your local and national weather sources and monitor them continuously. Get into the habit of reading weather signs and monitoring the weather.
  • Contact local marinas and ask for advice. You will find marina operators knowledgeable and helpful. They can advise you on the best methods for securing your boat.
  • Remove small boats from the water and move them to a secure location. Ensure the trailer and boat are secured above likely flood areas. Remove all loose items. Ensure the boat is tied securely to the trailer.
  • If your boat is too large to be removed from the water, move it to a safe haven well before the storm approaches. You should know where safe havens are in the area where you boat.

Do not go out to sea in a recreational boat to "ride out" a hurricane

  • If you are unable to move your boat contact local marinas for advice.
  • Some steps that may be taken are:
    • Use extra fenders. Some people even lash used tires to boats to protect them.
    • Double up and secure mooring lines.
    • Secure all hatches and portals and cover windscreens.
    • Take down mast whenever possible.
    • Remove all loose items from decks and superstructure and from area around mooring. Leave nothing unsecured.

Never forget that storms move quickly and they are unpredictable. You can always replace a boat; you cannot replace a life.

 

During the Storm

  • Bring all your pets inside, and stay in your home as the storm approaches. Stay away from large windows; go to the basement or an inside room if it appears your home is being damaged by the high wind.
  • Don't be fooled by a sudden calm. It may be the eye of the storm and last only 15 to 30 minutes. The storm then will resume with greater intensity and the wind will be from the opposite direction.
  • Do not go out until assured by official weather reports that the storm has passed.

If the Power Goes Out

Immediately after the storm

  • Begin to assess the damage to your home.
  • If you can get out, stay away from flooded areas and downed power lines.
  • Check on your neighbors, especially those who might need extra help.

Watch, Warning and Advisory Criteria

During hurricanes and tropical storms, the National Hurricane Center and local National Weather Service Offices across the country share in the responsibility for providing critical weather information to the public.

To do so, the Hurricane Center and local offices closely coordinate on the forecast, in order to provide consistent information to the public. Consequently, the normal zone forecasts may be delayed during these situations.

Like all weather-related threats, the National Weather Service relies on a WATCH and WARNING program to alert the public to the potential dangers from tropical storms and hurricanes.

  • TROPICAL STORM/HURRICANE WATCH is issued when tropical storm/hurricane force winds are possible along the coast within 36 hours. If you haven't done so prior to the issuance of the watch, it is a good time to begin preparations for the potential storm, especially for those actions that require extra time.
  • TROPICAL STORM/HURRICANE WARNING is issued when tropical storm/hurricane force winds are expected along the coast within 24 hours. Once the warning has been issued, you should complete any preparatory actions and get to a safe location.

Once the storm arrives, stay in the safe location until the storm has completely passed. Don't be fooled by the eye of the storm, which can mislead people into thinking that the storm is over. Winds and rain will increase rapidly immediately after the eye passes overhead. Tropical circulations, including hurricanes, are classified based on the following wind criteria:

  • TROPICAL DEPRESSION: Wind speeds less than 39 MPH

  • TROPICAL STORM: Wind speeds between 39 and 73 MPH

  • HURRICANE: Sustained Wind speeds of 74 MPH or more

While the National Hurricane Center issues HURRICANE and TROPICAL STORM WATCHES and WARNINGS for the coast, the local National Weather Service Office is responsible for issuing numerous watches, warnings, and advisories for local hazards associated with or preceding the storm, both along the coast and inland.

Watches, Warnings and Advisories

  • COASTAL FLOOD
  • HIGH WIND
  • FLOOD
  • FLASH FLOOD
  • SEVERE THUNDERSTORM
  • TORNADO

While issued separately, these watches and warnings are generally summarized by each local National Weather Service Office in HURRICANE LOCAL STATEMENTS. In addition, the local office issues a variety of forecasts and information statements during hurricanes or tropical storms.

In addition to tropical storm/hurricane watches and warnings, the National Hurricane Center and Tropical Prediction Center issue numerous other products that can be very useful in tracking and assessing the potential hazards from tropical systems.

Tracking and Assessing

  • TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOKS - issued 4 times daily from June 1st to November 30th
  • PUBLIC ADVISORIES - Issued every 6 hours as needed
  • INTERMEDIATE PUBLIC ADVISORIES - Issued every 2 to 3 hours as needed
  • FORECAST/ADVISORIES - Issued every 6 hours as needed
  • DISCUSSIONS - Issued every 6 hours as needed
  • STRIKE PROBABILITY FORECASTS - Issued every 6 hours as needed

For additional information about hurricanes and hurricane safety, visit the National Hurricane Center's Website.