Top 20 Most Vulnerable Spots

The New York Times reports today that scientists at the International Hurricane Research Center at Florida International University have released a list of the top twenty most vulnerable hurricane locations in the U.S. The list is based on "based on storm intensity, flooding potential, population, evacuation routes and other factors." The IHRC does other cool research projects like blasting proof-of-concept buildings with high winds and rain, and recommend specific nails to build houses in hurricane-prone areas.

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Not surprisingly, New Orleans tops the list. But next up is Lake Okeechobee, Florida. A little-known hurricane that hit there in 1928 was also the second deadliest storm in U.S. history. The NWS [JessePedia] has a webpage dedicated to that storm, with photos of the damage and illustrations of the storm surge. It says "Today's Hoover Dike is nearly 30 feet high but needs some repair." The USGS has the story of the how, when and why regarding the creation of the dike and levee systems.

Number 9 is Wilmington, North Carolina (near My Beach [JessePedia]). Confirming something that we said back in April, New England is in a high threat area (even not considering climatology which we believe predicts a landfall there in the next 5 years). Cape Cod was at #17; New York City #20.