Forecasters: Prepare for another active Atlantic hurricane season By EPN Staff National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasters warn yet another active Atlantic hurricane season lies ahead this year, with 13 to 19 named storms anticipated. The season officially began on June 1 and will run through November 30. The forecast follows last year’s extremely active and destructive Atlantic hurricane season, which racked up $130 billion in damage. While meteorologists cannot predict exactly where hurricanes will track or landfall, they say now is the time to prepare. Why it matters Tropical cyclones are among the most destructive and deadly forces on Earth. Not only do they directly affect coastal communities with damaging winds and storm surge, their remnants can track hundreds of miles inland, causing rainfall-induced flooding, as Hurricane Helene demonstrated in the Carolinas and Georgia last year. While extreme heat is the No. 1 weather-related killer in the United States, flooding is a close second. This makes tropical cyclones all the more important to forecast and track, and for residents and communities to take steps to be ready for adverse weather and power outages. “This outlook is a call to action: be prepared, said National Weather Service Director Ken Graham. “Take proactive steps now to make a plan and gather supplies to ensure you're ready before a storm threatens.” Readiness tips from government and nonprofit organizations include: Develop an evacuation plan Gather emergency supplies, including batteries, food, water and medication Keep personal, financial and medical records in safe storage Sign up for emergency alerts from your local government Learn First Aid and CPR Learn how to use a generator safely The bigger picture Tropical cyclones get named once they achieve a maximum sustained wind speed of 39 miles per hour (mph). Of NOAA’s predicted 13 to 19 named storms, 6 to 10 of them are expected to reach hurricane status (winds greater than or equal to 74 mph), including 3 to 5 major hurricanes (winds greater than or equal to 111 mph). NOAA says there is a 60% chance that the Atlantic hurricane season ends up with above-average activity.
