In addition to the effects on individuals, homes, and communities hurricanes have many effects on the environment, especially estuary and coastal habitats. Hurricanes have strong winds that can turn anything that isn't tied down into a deadly weapon. The winds also completely destroy forest canopies and causes dramatic structure changes in wooden ecosystems. Animals can be killed by hurricanes or effected directly by habitat change and/or lack of food availability. Endangered species can be greatly affected, the population can be cut in half and possibly wiped out by a single hurricane.The powerful winds of a hurricane may cause salty ocean water to pile up and surge onshore. These storm surges can be huge. Hurricane Irene’s surges brought water levels that were as much as 2 metres above normal high tide. In addition to the physical damage this causes, the salt contained in sea water dramatically shifts the delicate balance of freshwater and brackish wetland areas. Creatures and vegetation that are less salt-tolerant may be harmed and many may not survive this influx of sea water.Storm surges, wave action, and winds can cause beach erosion, which has severe effects on species, especially those that live in ecological niches in the sandy areas of coastal barrier islands. Sea turtle nests, for example, can be washed out, or a water surge, called a “wash over” that can submerge these nests. In some cases, the storm can cause an entire beach area to disappear.
Stranded dog after hurricane Sandy.