Hurricanes and Floods - Emergency Management     

When meteorologists and emergency management officials mention the effects of hurricanes, most people bring to mind the recent images of devastation in the southern US: the quartet of hurricanes that punded Florida in 2004 (Charley, Dennis, Ivan and Jeanne) and the complete destruction of the Gulf Coast due to Hurricane Katrina, pictures that will torment all who witnessed this horrific tragedy.

The extensive damage to the southern US is always a threat, however, New Castle County (NCC) has experienced the impact of hurricanes and tropical storms through other forms of devastation that these storms deliver: High winds, torrential rains, and severe flooding. Most deaths due to such storms are flood related.

In the past four years NCC has been affected by three storm systems: Tropical Storm Henri (September 15, 2003), Tropical Storm Isabel (September 18, 2003) and Tropical Depression Jeanne (September 28, 2004). Tropical Storm Henri caused widespread damage to the community of Glenville spurring the largest housing purchase by State and County governments in Delaware's history due to storm damage: 171 homes were purchased just 8 months after the storm struck. Tropical Depression Jeanne spawned the first tornado New Castle County had seen in 15 years, ripping trees from the groupnd and severely damaging residential and business structures. Jeanne also initiatied a buyout of the Newkirk Estates and Glendale communities. All in all, State and County governments spent over $34 million in two years to rectify storm damage.

All three storms, Henri, Isabel and Jeanne, were remnants of storms that had made landfall in the southern US and traveled north to Delaware. The National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center say the Mid-Atlantic Region (Virginia to New Jersey) is long overdue for a landfalling hurricane. Experts are again calling for an active hurricane season (a cycle which will last for the next 20 years).

Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility. Ensure the safety of your family from hurricanes by planning, preparing and staying informed.