What is the Risk of Hurricanes in New England?

Southern New England is subject to all three hurricane threats:

• Coastal flooding due to the storm surge.

• Widespread wind damage.

• Widespread inland small stream and river flooding due to heavy rains.

The strongest hurricanes, such as the great New England hurricane of 1938 and Hurricane Carol, have brought severe damage to coastal locations, while totally disrupting utility power for days across the interior from downed trees and high winds. Both the stronger hurricanes and many of the weaker tropical storms have caused inland river flooding in parts of the New England.

History shows that everyone living in southern New England must take tropical storms and hurricanes seriously. Whether you live along the coast, by a river or stream, or far inland, a tropical storm or hurricane striking New England may affect you and your local area.

That is why it is very important to prepare for a hurricane.