This article caught my attention because it describes 5 cities that we don't consider when thinking about places at risk of hurricanes. Yet these five places are in or near the usual hurricane hotbeds and it seems like only time will tell us what kind of damage is possible.
#1 Miami/Ft. Lauderdale
The center of a hurricane has not impacted this area since 1950. Because hurricanes aren't common in this area, the population as well as development is within 20 miles of the coastline. This puts Miami/Ft. Lauderdale at higher risk of more damage from a hazard event.
#2 New York City
In years past, hurricanes generally moved northeastern past New York. If a hurricane did happen to hit the Big Apple, it would cause a storm surge unlike anyone in the city has ever seen. The skyscrapers in the city are especially vulnerable to high winds. Vertical shelter isn't a great
option for residents to escape potential flooding.
#3 Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is vulnerable due to its extremely developed coastline. As a popular tourist and vacation place, the city is at even greater r
isk of devastation from a hazard event. The lack of hurricane events also leads to a low experience level, leaving residents even less prepared for dealing the effects during and after. T
he last hurricane that went through and caused significant damage was in 1921.
#4 Savannah, GA
Savannah hasn't been hit by a hurricane since 1893. If one developed and followed the same pattern as Hurricane Floyd from 1999, it would have devastating effects on the Georgia coastline.
#5 Atlantic City, NJ
The last time a hurricane hit Atlantic City, NJ was in 1903, meaning this city is more likely to be hit in the near future. The city is characterized by numerous high rises and is on barrier coastal land. The population isn't as high as other coastal cities, but the risk still remains.
http://www.weather.com/outlook/weather-news/news/articles/top5-most-vulnerable-overdue-hurricane-cities_2010-07-14
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