The Great Long Island Hurricane Shuffle: How Many Times Has Mother Nature Given LI the Side-Eye?
Long Island, the beloved playground of New Yorkers (and Bruce Springsteen, apparently), has a certain "summer charm" about it. But let's face it, folks, this island juts out into the Atlantic Ocean like a fancy, sandy thumb. And guess what likes the Atlantic Ocean? You guessed it – hurricanes! So, how many times has Long Island gotten caught in a tropical twist? Buckle up, because we're about to dive into the fascinating (and occasionally terrifying) world of Long Island hurricanes.
The Big Blows: Notable Hurricanes and Their Shenanigans
The "Long Island Express" of 1938: This unnamed hurricane earned its nickname for its speedy delivery of destruction. Nicknamed "The Long Island Express" for a reason, this Category 3 storm roared ashore in Suffolk County, leaving a path of wrecked houses, splintered boats, and enough downed trees to build a Rhode Island-sized toothpick fort.
Hurricane Gloria (1985): Packing sustained winds of 100 mph, Gloria wasn't messing around. This Category 2 hurricane caused significant beach erosion, power outages, and left enough debris to make even the most enthusiastic recycler weep.
Hurricane Bob (1991): This "almost was" hurricane skirted just off the coast, giving Long Island a tropical wedgie but thankfully sparing it the worst of its fury. Still, Bob brought heavy rain and gusty winds, reminding everyone that hurricanes have terrible aim sometimes.
So, How Many Hurricanes Have Actually Hit Long Island?
This is where things get a little tricky. Defining a "hit" can be subjective. Some storms make landfall directly on Long Island, while others pass close enough to unleash their fury. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), several hurricanes have impacted Long Island over the years, with some of the biggest whoppers being the ones mentioned above.
But hey, here's the good news: Major hurricanes are rare visitors to Long Island. Most of the time, the island gets the leftover scraps of these tropical storms, like the stale fries at a buffet.
"How To" FAQ for the Hurricane-Curious Long Islander
- How to Prepare for a Hurricane: Stock up on supplies (water, non-perishable food, etc.), have a hurricane plan, and stay informed by following local news and weather advisories.
- How to Evacuate During a Hurricane: If instructed to evacuate, do so calmly and follow designated routes. Don't forget your pets and important documents!
- How to Secure Your Home for a Hurricane: Board up windows, bring in outdoor furniture, and trim tree branches that could become projectiles.
- How to Stay Safe After a Hurricane: Once the storm passes, be cautious of downed power lines, flooding, and structural damage.
- How to Not Panic During a Hurricane: Take a deep breath, remember you're prepared, and enjoy the (hopefully brief) break from reality. Maybe play a board game by candlelight? Just a suggestion.
Remember, folks, knowledge is power (almost as powerful as a hurricane, but way less wet). By being prepared and informed, you can weather any storm, metaphorical or meteorological. Now go forth and conquer those hurricane anxieties!
