NYC gets new hurricane safety zones

Revised hurricane evacuation zones were announced at the start of the 2021 hurricane season. Photo via FEMA

By Rachel Vick

The New York City Emergency Management Department announced updated hurricane evacuation zones last week.

Nearly 1 million residents — including those in Queens’ low-lying neighborhoods — are living in new zones, designated on a scale of vulnerability to flooding from one to six to reflect updated data and information from actual events.

"New York City is no stranger to coastal storms and hurricanes, and the threat continues to rise," said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner John Scrivani.  

"Changes to the hurricane evacuation zones will help New York City be better prepared this hurricane season,” he added. “I encourage all New Yorkers…to take the time now to find their hurricane evacuation zone, understand the hazards they may face, and learn the steps they can take to be ready no matter what the season brings." 

Residents in vulnerable areas can find their zones on the relaunched Zone Finder, outlining the risk of being affected and when to evacuate depending on a hurricane's forecasted strength, track, and storm surge. 

The map includes shelters and their ADA accessibility.

Queens Zone 1 neighborhoods include the Rockaways, those along Jamaica and Flushing Bays and the Long Island Sound.

The Atlantic Hurricane season officially started June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. The 2021 outlook from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting between 13 and 20 named storms — the average is a dozen per season — and at least three major storms.

"New Yorkers have been through extraordinary challenges in the past year," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Now, it's on all of us to make sure we're ready for the next emergency ― and that means having a plan for hurricane season. Together, let's stay safe this season and build a recovery for all of us."