Photo from N.C. Division of Coastal Management 



A PROFILE OF 



Destruction 



Hurricanes pose a greater threat to coastal North Caro- 

 hna today than ever before. 



No more intense or more frequent than 20 years ago, 

 hurricanes simply have more homes, condominiums and 

 buildings to slam into. 



Billions of dollars in real estate stand vulnerable. Each 

 new house or condominium makes the stakes higher. 



Even a mild hurricane such as Diana in 1984 caused 

 over $70 million in damages. 



This month, Coastwatch wants to help coastal home- 

 owners reduce the risks from hurricanes. This issue 

 examines storm-resistant building techniques and build- 

 ing code standards for coastal construction. 



But no home can be made hurricane-proof. 



That's why you should heed warnings to evacuate. 



Do what you can to reinforce your home. But leave 

 your house to fend for itself when a hurricane ap- 

 proaches. 



Here's what your house will be up against. 



The winds. The very definition of a hurricane says the 

 winds exceed 74 mph. 



Researchers say the ratio of wind speed to damage 

 goes like this: At 50 mph, minor wind damage can occur. 

 When winds exceed 80 mph, expect the loss of windows, 



shingles and gutters. At velocities over 100 mph, entire 

 roofs and other structural elements are susceptible to 

 damage. 



But even more important, hurricane winds can launch 

 a destructive barrage of missiles — lawn chairs, signs, 

 roofing and metal siding. 



The storm surge. It is the rise in water level that occurs 

 as the hurricane moves onshore. It does not include the 

 waves that ride atop it. 



This dome of water, which can exceed 15 feet, is a 

 hurricane's most destructive force. 



The surge can undermine houses by scouring away 

 sand. And it can tug and pull at walls, piHngs and founda- 

 tions, causing them to collapse. 



The waves. Hurricane waves can reach 35 to 40 feet in 

 height. 



But that's only half of it. 



Water weighs about 1,700 pounds per cubic yard. 

 Throw that weight against a building over and over, and 

 you have a nature-made hammer that can demolish any 

 structure not specifically designed to withstand such 

 force. 



Add them up — winds, waves and storm surge — for a 

 destructive combination called hurricane. 



