This prediction underscores the importance of having a hurricane preparedness plan in place. The authority has issued the access point of the entire Atlantic Basin for the six-month season, which begins June 1.
Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator, informed that if this outlook holds true, this season could be one of the more active on record. She also said that the greater likelihood of storms brings an increased risk of a landfall. In short, we urge everyone to be prepared.
The press release of NOAA states that the outlook ranges exceed the seasonal average of 11 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes. Gerry Bell, Ph.D., lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, revealed that the main uncertainty in this outlook is how much above normal the season will be. Whether or not we approach the high end of the predicted ranges depends partly on whether or not La Niña develops this summer.
FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate expressed that FEMA is working across the administration and with our state and local partners to ensure we’re prepared for hurricane season. Some steps have been taken such as developing a communications plan, putting together a kit, and staying informed of the latest forecasts and local emergency plans, opined Fugate.
