Welcome to the first Weather and Wellness Wednesdays blog post!
I'm excited to kick off this blog series where I'll explore connections between weather and health. I've been interested in these connections for a long time, and I’m thrilled to share my insights with you on this platform.
This week (May 4-10, 2025) is National Hurricane Preparedness Week. Throughout the week, the National Hurricane Center, National Weather Service forecast offices, and public health and safety partners across the nation have been sharing information regarding hurricane risks and readiness. This is the perfect week for the first Weather and Wellness Wednesday post because hurricanes pose several hazards to human health.
Tropical cyclones can bring damaging winds, deadly storm surge, and torrential rainfall. While coastal communities can be hit hard by hurricanes and tropical storms, tornadoes and flooding rains can occur far inland. The health impacts of a storm can start well before landfall and continue long after the storm has passed.
What Are Some Ways That Hurricanes Can Impact Our Health?
• Disrupted Healthcare Access: Hospitals and health clinics can be damaged or lose power during hurricanes. This can make it difficult for patients to locate and receive medical care.
• Unsafe Drinking Water: Flooding or power loss at water treatment plants can lead to contamination, making tap water unsafe to drink and increasing the risk of waterborne illness.
• Power Outages and Temperature Extremes: Extended power outages can affect medical devices and the safe storage of medicines. Moderate and extreme heat after a storm can result in heatstroke.
• Post Storm Injuries and Illnesses: Hazards like storm debris, downed power lines, and contaminated floodwaters can lead to serious (and sometimes fatal) injuries and infections in the aftermath of a hurricane.
Hurricanes and Chronic Illnesses
Those living with chronic illnesses are especially vulnerable to the impacts of hurricanes. In the United States, 6 in 10 adults have at least one chronic disease, while 4 in 10 live with two or more. Conditions such as heart disease, asthma, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be exacerbated by storm-related disruptions. The table below highlights specific risks for these conditions and preparation tips.
Hurricanes and Mental Health
Hurricanes can have a significant impact on mental health. The trauma of experiencing a major storm, along with possible displacement, property loss, and uncertainty, can intensify conditions like depression and anxiety. Many people also face limited access to mental health services during and after a disaster, and this can make recovery even more difficult.
To help cope, it’s important to stay connected with support networks, seek professional help when needed, and practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or physical activity.
Final Thoughts
Hurricane season begins in less than a month, and now is the time to start preparing. Taking steps now can help protect your health and safety in the months ahead. Make sure you have an emergency plan, gather any supplies you may need, and have multiple ways to receive alerts and updates from local officials. If you have additional tips for preparing for hurricane health hazards, please share! Stay informed, stay prepared, and most importantly, stay healthy and safe! #hurricanepreparedness #publichealth #chronicdisease
Helpful Websites:
https://www.noaa.gov/hurricane-prep
https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/about/index.html
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