NIST Reports Progress on Hurricane Maria Study

NIST Reports Progress on Hurricane Maria Study

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As Puerto Rico recovers from Hurricane Fiona, NIST’s Hurricane Maria investigation continues, with the goal of making communities more resilient to powerful storms.


Wind tunnel model of a selected hospital building with surrounding buildings (1:100 scale). The model was tested in a boundary layer wind tunnel at the University of Florida through a contract awarded in May 2019.


Credit: University of Florida (Contract 1333ND19PNB730233)


Hurricane Maria struck the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico five years ago today, dealing a devastating blow to the island, its economy and its people. The following year, NIST launched a study to learn from that tragic event and to recommend improvements in building codes, standards and practices that will make communities more resilient to future hazards. 


The NIST study has four main points of focus. First, it seeks to understand the hurricane’s wind environment and the conditions that led to injuries and deaths. Second, it evaluates the performance of critical buildings and designated safe areas within them, including their dependence on electricity, water, transportation and other infrastructure. Third, the study assesses the performance of emergency communications systems and the public’s response to emergency communications. Finally, the study analyzes the storm’s impacts on selected businesses, hospitals and schools and the subsequent recovery of the critical social functions they provide. 



“NIST is committed to conducting a thorough investigation that will help make our communities safer in the face of natural disaster. We have brought together a great team and appreciate all of the support we have received from government agencies and communities across Puerto Rico as we work to f ..

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