Evacuation necessary for a hurricane in New York?

Question

There are reports that if a hurricane were heading towards New York City, it would be necessary to evacuate millions of people very quickly. Why would it be necessary to evacuate at all? Perhaps it is necessary for those in wooden houses that live on coasts, but what about apartment buildings made out of concrete and/or steel. Wouldn't it be safer for those residents to remain in place at their homes?

Answer 1

There is more than just the physical integrity of the buildings to consider. What about the services? Gas, electric, water, etc will be seriously compromised. It would be better to move people out before the storm, then let them back as services could return to normal. The same goes for flooding. Sitting safe in on the 34th floor is going to get old quickly if there is three feet of water on the street, and the basement (with your car) is flooded. Double the pleasure when you remember that the A/C will be off, lights will be out, elevator won't work, and three guys who figure there is something in your apartment worth stealing are at the door. Phone is out...

This seems like a huge precaution. My guess is that evacuations will be based on how strong the storm is, which direction the wind is coming from, the storm's predicted track and speed, and the time (and tide phase) at which it will hit.

A category 5 hitting NYC would be a disaster worthy of massive evacuation. A category 1 would probably be uncomfortable, and worthy of a lower level of evacuation. Anything in between would be in between.

Answer 2

Much of New York City is actually below sea level. A hurricane strong enough to over-top flood control structures, would strand millions without food, light, air conditioning, potable water, police, or emergency services. Sounds like New Orleans all over again.
That being said: I live in New Orleans. I am well prepared for a hurricane. I have adequate food, water, generator, gasoline, first aid supplies, night vision, weapons, infra-red motion alarms, two way radios, etc. I will not evacuate, except for a Cat. V approaching from the west.
If you have made all of these provisions, you can stay.

Answer 3

I live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and I can say from experience that if the government says go or you see the need to...you should leave. Water is the most powerful force known to man besides wind, and a hurricane can destroy anything that was not strategically built to withstand it.....a barrier. A building is made to support a people not fend off a hurricane. Leave.

Answer 4

Breaking windows, lack of power, lack of food and water, lack of Emergency Services, lack of medical care for those who need it....