Scientists Predict Above Average Hurricane Season This Year

(Newswire.net — June 21, 2017) Woodbridge, Virginia — Scientists are predicting an above-average hurricane season for the East Coast this year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates there will be 11 to 17 named storms this summer, of which five to nine are expected to become hurricanes, and two to four will turn into major hurricanes. An average Atlantic season has 12 named storms, six hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. 

Warm ocean waters, low wind shears, and scarce storm-suppressing El Nino conditions are all expected to fuel an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season, according to U.S. government forecasters for the NOAA. Storm surge and stronger downpours are two ways climate change is influencing damage produced by hurricanes. As global temperatures and sea levels rise, hurricane surges can reach further inland. Rising temperatures also concentrate moisture in the atmosphere, providing more fuel for heavy rains. 

“Tropical storms and lesser hurricanes can be just as damaging and just as deadly,” Ben Friedman, the acting NOAA administrator said, using Hurricane Matthew of the 2016 storm season as an example. Matthew weakened to a Category 1 storm by the time it reached land in South Carolina last October, but the storm surge that came ashore from Florida to North Carolina, and the torrential rainstorms that it created, made it the 10th costliest storm recorded along the Atlantic coast. 

As people who’ve been affected by a tropical storm or hurricane know, the best time to prepare for a storm is now. Do not be a part of the hordes of people fighting over bread and milk the day before a storm hits, take care of it early and use the last hours before a storm to lend a hand around the community.

 Stock up on non-perishable food items like peanut butter and canned foods; have at least two weeks worth of water and food on hand for you and your pets. Other important items to include are matches and a manual can opener. A charcoal grill will make eating canned foods more enjoyable. In case the power goes out, keep kerosene or battery lanterns on hand, as well as battery powered fans – don’t forget to stock up on batteries, too! The Red Cross recommends people have at least two weeks worth of prescriptions. 

Many of the essential items are what you would pack to go camping: insect repellent, flashlights, coolers, and a well-stocked first aid kit, such as the Surviveware First Aid Kit, which is stocked with all necessary basic first aid items, and then some. It has organized, labeled pockets which make finding items in a stressful situation, such as a hurricane, a cinch; the water-resistant case and plastic pouches ensure any vulnerable items are safe in a storm, “I have to say (this kit) is outstanding! Not only is it laid out superbly, it has all the necessities of a Boo-Boo Kit AND a Minor-Trauma kit combined; the included tourniquet is not a CAT, but it’ll certainly slow the blood flow down dramatically, if not stop it altogether,” according to Surviveware customer, Steve, “The case is rugged, the zippers work smoothly (nice zipper pulls!) and the vulnerable contents (gauze, bandages, etc) are in plastic, so the kit can get splashed (or rained-on) and it’ll still be usable. The organization and layout are second to none; the contents are in clearly-marked elastic mesh pockets and quickly/easily accessed. All-in-all, a very compact, well-thought-out and designed little first aid kit that comes in at an excellent price-point, given all its capabilities; perfect for its intended purpose of outdoor adventures or to be prepared for emergencies at home.” (See Review Here)

With storm season here to stay for the next several months, do not hesitate to stock up on essential emergency items for the home. Ensuring your family is storm ready will give you peace of mind in case a tropical storm or cyclone passes through your town.