Nuclear Power Plants in the Path of Hurricane Florence
Powerful hurricanes like Hurricane Florence present multiple risks to nuclear power stations. High winds can down power lines that deliver electricity that nuclear plants use to run their cooling systems. Flooding can damage back-up generators or key components needed to keep reactors safe. Flooding can be caused by heavy rain that raises the level of rivers and reservoirs, by intense local precipitation that overwhelms on-site drainage systems, or by wind-driven intrusion of water into buildings. Storm surges can also cause flooding.
Environment North Carolina
Powerful hurricanes like Hurricane Florence present multiple risks to nuclear power stations. High winds can down power lines that deliver electricity that nuclear plants use to run their cooling systems. Flooding can damage back-up generators or key components needed to keep reactors safe. Flooding can be caused by heavy rain that raises the level of rivers and reservoirs, by intense local precipitation that overwhelms on-site drainage systems, or by wind-driven intrusion of water into buildings. Storm surges can also cause flooding.
Several nuclear reactors are in areas that may be subject to flooding in the wake of Hurricane Florence. Inspections and reviews by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission have found potential problems at some plants that could allow water into critical systems.
The factsheet provides further information on nuclear power plants in areas that may be affected by Hurricane Florence.