A CPTV Connecting Our Communities documentary produced in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Premiere Broadcast:
Tuesday, Aug. 15 at 8 p.m.
Repeat Broadcasts:
Friday, Aug. 18 at 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 8 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 3 at 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 11 p.m.
It’s been nearly 70 years since Connecticut was struck by a major hurricane – the legendary Hurricane of ‘38. Learn more about the Hurricane of ’38 and out why meteorologists say the state is overdue for another tempest of that scale in the new documentary, Hurricane: Direct Hit, a one-hour documentary that shares the science and history of hurricanes in Connecticut.
Hosted by meteorologist Art Horn, Hurricane: Direct Hit tells the history of how hurricanes have affected Connecticut in the past. The documentary also examines the steps that are being taken to prepare for future occurrences of those potentially devastating acts of nature.
With the warming of the North Atlantic waters over the last 10 years, meteorologists say it is highly probable that Connecticut will be struck by an increasing number of hurricanes over the next several years.
Hurricane: Direct Hit projects how a major hurricane could affect Connecticut physically and economically – and looks at the ways officials and organizations throughout the state are preparing for what some forecasters see as an inevitable act of nature. While nature’s capacity to create hurricanes and storm surges is a constant, meteorologists’ tracking ability has improved dramatically. The National Hurricane Center in Florida now provides five-day forecasts, allowing states precious extra time to prepare for a major hurricane.
“Preparedness equals performance. We have to be prepared. If we’re prepared, we can handle it. But it’s got to be everyone prepared. And I think that’s the key. It’s not hype. We just want to make sure that everyone’s life is protected. So I urge the public, please work with us. Be prepared,” said James M. Thomas, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
Hurricane: Direct Hit recounts the legacy of hurricanes that wreaked havoc on Connecticut in the past – including the Hurricane of ‘38, which toted winds of 130 miles per hour and 12-foot high coastal storm surges, leaving railroad and highway traffic along the shoreline inoperable for three weeks.
The documentary dramatically shows how the Hurricane of ‘38 affected the coastal areas of Mystic and the Thimble Islands, an island chain off the coast of Branford. The impact of a present-day hurricane on both of these locations is discussed, with a look at evacuation routes and a discussion about the potential for damage to the Mystic Seaport museum.
Production Credits
Hurricane: Direct Hit is a CPTV Connecting Our Communities documentary produced in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
Producer/Writer/Director: Roynn Lisa Simmons
Associate Producer: Rick Sheiber
Executive Producer: Jay Whitsett
Copyright 2006 Connecticut Public Television
Hurricane: A Town Hall Meeting
As a follow-up to Hurricane: Direct Hit, a live broadcast titled Hurricane: A Town Hall Meeting will feature a panel of experts and audience interaction.
Learn More:
Resources
Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security
American Red Cross
Hurricane Preparedness
American Red Cross in Connecticut
FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Hurricane Preparedness
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