Back to top

OR&R’s Disaster Preparedness Program Coordinates National Ocean Service Preparedness and Response for Hurricane Dorian

SEPTEMBER 16, 2019 — Hurricane Dorian formed on August 24, was the fourth named storm and the first major hurricane of the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season. At its peak, the National Weather Service reported that Hurricane Dorian reached Category 5 intensity with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, making this a major hurricane.

Satellite image of a hurricane.
Image credit: NOAA.

At its peak, the National Weather Service reported that Hurricane Dorian reached Category 5 intensity with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, making this a major hurricane. The Disaster Preparedness Program (DPP) supported National Ocean Service (NOS) preparedness and response operations to Hurricane Dorian for 16 days. As the Incident Coordinators for NOS, the program is responsible for coordinating across NOS program offices to gather information on NOS mission readiness, logistical needs, and impacts to NOS personnel and infrastructure before, during, and after a disaster. During Dorian, the DPP coordinated information on the tracking and safety of more than 300 NOS staff; the closure, impacts, and reopening of numerous sanctuaries, estuarine research reserves, office buildings and laboratories; and the operational mission support provided by four NOS program offices. We continue to provide information on NOS expertise and assets to the State Department, as we stand ready to support Bahamian recovery efforts, as requested. As the DPP winds down from Hurricane Dorian, program staff remain vigilant and ready to support NOS and partners to respond to and recover from pollution events and natural disasters.

For further information, contact Alyson.Finn@noaa.gov.

Return to OR&R Weekly Report.

Aerial view of damaged homes after the storm.
Aerial view of surge flooding, Ocracoke, North Carolina, September 6, 2019.
Last updated Tuesday, November 8, 2022 1:48pm PST