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Historically, here in Bethany Beach, we have suffered more damage from
Northeasters than we have from Hurricanes. Like the more powerful
hurricane, a northeaster is also counterclockwise-circulating fields of wind.
The northeaster season is typically from October through March, but can actually
happen at any time. Wind speeds will generally be from 30 to 50 miles per
hour with gusts of over 70 miles per hour. Extreme beach erosion is one
result of many northeaster storms as the wind causes large storm surges, which
often breach the sand dunes and flood the adjacent land areas.
Both types of storm are accompanied by large volumes of rain (five to ten inches) for many hours on end.
When storm winds reach 74 miles per hour, the storm is classified as
a Hurricane. These extremely violent storms are classified by the National
Weather Service as follows:
| Category 1 | Wind 74 to 95 mph |
| Category 2 | Wind 96 to 110 mph |
| Category 3 | Wind 111 to 130 mph |
| Category 4 | Wind 131 to 155 mph |
| Category 5 | Wind 156 mph |
When a hurricane threatens our area,
decide whether to evacuate or ride out the storm in your home. Listen to
your radio for weather advisories, and if evacuation is recommended, leave
promptly. A Hurricane Watch indicates a hurricane is expected within 36
hours. A Hurricane Warning indicates you
should immediately leave the beachfront and other low-lying areas.
Public shelters are set up as a temporary, emergency means of caring for
people. The shelter's primary function is to provide a roof over your
head.
If a hurricane warning is issued, it is your responsibility to perform the
following:
Obtain food, water and medical supplies
Fuel your transportation
Move outdoor furniture and equipment into your house, garage
or storage area
Cover windows with protective shutters or tape them for
reinforcement
Unplug all electrical
appliances and machines and store them as high as possible
Portable radio with earphone and extra batteries
Flashlight with extra batteries
Listen to news and weather reports
Respond to directions of local officials
If you elect to go to a local shelter:
Turn off home
electricity, water and gas service
Move all vehicles away from flood-prone areas
Take the following items with you to the shelter:
Drinking water (2-4 quarts per person)
First Aid Kit
Non-perishable food
Blanket or sleeping bag for each person
Medications, important medical information, glasses, contact lens and cleaning solution,
hearing aid and walking aids
Toiletries and sanitary
supplies
Eating and cooking utensils, can and bottle openers
Valuable papers to include your driver's license or other ID, bank books, insurance
policies, property inventory, and photographs