THE ISSUE: Comparing the storm threats

OUR OPINION: Don’t assume you can compare storm’s threats

Charleston Mayor Joe Riley this week warned people not to take Hanna, the tropical storm/hurricane off the Atlantic coast, for granted. He said that despite forecasts that have the storm as minimal by comparison to 1989’s Hugo, the hurricane could strengthen as it approaches land and could produce damaging winds and flooding.

The mayor was making a valid point about equating the two storms, reminding people that many or most never experienced Hugo’s full wrath.

Any storm threat is measured against what the state faced in Hugo. But some of the initial “facts” may not be factual at all.

As far back as 2000, then-State Climatologist Mike Helfert said South Carolina must accept that things can be so much worse than the devastation we got from Hugo − because Hugo was nowhere near the storm we give it credit for being.

Reality is that in many ways it really was a wimp, say scientists who have expressed fears similar to Riley that if people compare other hurricanes with Hugo, they won’t move quickly enough to evacuate the coast.

Helfert’s points:

The millions of downed trees and destroyed structures. “It largely ate pine trees that should never have been planted in the first place. ... And lots of structures that should never have been built where they were built were removed or modified.”

The boats tossed around like toys. A study by the National Academy of Science’s National Research Council says those yachts were tossed around by winds of 70 mph to 80 mph that would rank as a mild Category 1 storm.

The overpowering wind. A wind speed of 137 mph, measured in Charleston, frequently shows up in documents. But that was a one-second gust measured at the top of a vessel at the Navy base in North Charleston, Helfert said. Hurricane wind speeds usually are measured at levels sustained for one minute. Hugo’s strongest winds, as high as 130 mph, or Category 3 status, were in just a small area around McClellanville, about 35 miles northeast of Charleston.

“We must really get a little realistic about the myth of Hurricane Hugo being a Category 4 hurricane at Charleston,” Helfert said. “Nonsense. It was closer to a tropical storm in intensity” in the downtown area.

Category 4 or tropical storm, the damage was very real. With Hanna threatening and two other storms in the Atlantic, our point today is to echo sound advice: Be prepared.

Being prepared

Rising water, high winds and the potential for tornadoes can threaten both lives and property, even during a minimal hurricane. To avoid serious consequences during tropical weather events, the State Climate Office and the S.C. Department of Natural Resources advise residents to be prepared to take specific actions.

-- Know the risks that exist during a tropical storm including high winds, storm surge, rainfall-induced flood and tornadoes. Discuss these with your family.

-- Designate a safe place within your home to gather all family members during a storm. If you are in a flood-prone area, the safest place will be inland at a shelter, family member’s home or hotel.

-- Make a disaster kit that includes items such as non-perishable food items, batteries, radio, flashlight, water, medicines, clothes, blankets and a first-aid kit. Anything you may need for a period of three to five days should be included and kept together in the safety area. If you must evacuate, take this kit with you.

-- Plan for your pets. Shelters do not accept animals, but many locations have pet shelters available nearby. Know where this area is before you leave home.

-- Check your insurance on your home. Flooding is not usually covered on typical homeowner’s policies. Purchase a specific flood insurance policy if you live in an area subject to damage from rising waters.

-- Remember: Although storm surge and wind are usually confined to the immediate coastal regions, inland areas are also under the threat of significant weather, including rainfall-induced floods, tornadoes and high winds.

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