Hive survival depends more on the health and number of the bees rather than where it is. If the bees are healthy, and there are a sufficient number of them, they will keep themselves warm by huddling together.
If bees are coming and going, carrying pollen in their little leg sacs, it is highly likely that there is a viable queen in the hive. Hives without queens are fairly quickly abandoned.
Don't move the hive--both for your sake and the bees'! Trying to move a hive upsets the bees immensely (imagine someone jacking up your house and taking it off to parts unknown!) and upset bees sting. If it must be moved get an experienced beekeeper to do it.
Very good of you to be concerned about the bees. Wish more people were!

thanks for your answer, marlingardener!

i was holding my breath because the hive is at a friend's house and there was some talk of moving it but you and a beekeeper both said to leave it alone. there must be a queen because it is a very busy hive.

he suggested they make some honey or sugar water available for the bees to eat. the friend is also going to rig a tarp behind bush to keep the worst of the wind and rain off of the hive.

i hope there are more of us concerned about bees than is apparent - its good that the recent news reports are full of the trouble our bees are in and how much we need them.

min