Hurricane Studies of New York Harbor

A description is given of the New York Harbor hurricane studies undertaken by the New York District, Corps of Engineers, under authority of Public Law 71, 84th Congress. Results are presented of a historical study of hurricanes and other tropical and extratropical storms, including frequency of occurrence, maximum experienced tide elevations and storm surge heights, storm tide frequency, and other storm effects. For the September 1938 and September 1944 hurricanes, as well as for a maximum probable hurricane, predicted storm surge heights are given and transposed to a critical track east of New York City. The respective values of approximately 9 ft, 12 ft, and 15 ft at the mouth of New York Bay were computed from a formula derived from anempirical and theoretical study that correlated storm surges with meteorological conditions of past storms. Data are included on estimated damages, hazards, and effects of tidal inundation to 15 ft above mean sea level. If high storm surges such as were experienced during the 1821 hurricane occurred coincident with high tide, the predicted probable hurricane tides would produce inundation up to 15 ft above mean sea level. A damage appraisal disclosed that primary physical and nonphysical damages in the New York Harbor area might reach five billion dollars from such a flood. Secondary effects would be calamitous, and virtually all economic activity in the area would cease. Possible remedial measures, including barriers, levees, and flood walls, are presented. The cooperation of Federal, state, municipal, andother interests in the New York Harbor hurricane study is described.