How Prepared Is New York for Hurricane Season?
New York City Comptroller Brad Lander's press office has released a letter on New York City's preparedness for hurricane season. Thanks to Sergei Chuprik, a staff member in the comptroller's office
New York, for assistance in writing this article.
Dear New Yorkers!
We are in the middle of a deadly hurricane season. Hurricanes Helene and Milton have brought deadly winds and flooding. The destruction these storms have left in their paths is horrific. I am glad so many people were able to evacuate safely, and my heart breaks for the lives lost in these disasters.
Storms, torrential rains, and severe hurricanes are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. Extreme precipitation is now a normal part of New York City's climate reality.
How Prepared Is New York for the 2024 Hurricane Season?
Our Analysis: When Hurricane Ida hit New York City in 2021, the storm exposed the city's unpreparedness for extreme rainfall. Unprecedented rains overwhelmed the sewer system and caused flooding in subways, streets, and basements, tragically claiming the lives of 13 New Yorkers.
And two years later, Tropical Storm Ophelia brought another torrential downpour that shut down subway lines, damaged homes and hospitals, and flooded streets. Up to 8.65 inches of rain fell in 24 hours.
Fortunately, no New Yorkers died during Ophelia, but the city’s response raised concerns about Mayor Eric Adams’ administration’s handling of the hurricane preparedness plans it had put in place after Ida. Shortly thereafter, my office launched an investigation to assess the city’s storm preparedness and response, making several recommendations for improvement when we published our findings last spring.
A new analysis of key storm preparedness metrics by my office shows that the Adams administration has not made enough progress. As of August 2024, the city is lagging behind, with not enough of its aging water and sewer systems replaced. Not enough people are signing up for automatic emergency notifications. And 10 years after Hurricane Sandy, much of the federal recovery money has yet to be spent.
To weather the coming storms, we need better city management of extreme weather events. That’s how we can restore public trust while improving sanitation systems, reducing the harm from horrific emergencies, and saving lives.
My office will continue to monitor key metrics through November 2024 to assess the city’s current readiness for severe storms. Our goal is to provide transparency to help keep New Yorkers safe from climate threats and disasters.
New York City Auditor
Brad Lander
