Hurricane Season Opens

The 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins

The National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a 65% chance for an “active” hurricane season outlook for the Atlantic Basin this year.

The NOAA is projecting a 70 percent probability of the following ranges:

12 to 18 Named Storms (top winds of 39 mph or higher)

6 to 10 Hurricanes (top winds of 74 mph or higher), of which,

3 to 7 could be Major Hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of at least 111 mph)

This outlook underscores the importance of having a hurricane preparedness plan in place.

As the US is still reeling from the deadliest tornado season in history, long-range meteorologist and hurricane forecasters have called for a much more active 2011 Atlantic hurricane season, which begins June 1st, and runs through November 30th (eastern Pacific hurricane season began May 15th and also ends November 30th) with above-normal threats on the U.S. coastline.

Points to Consider:
According the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the average North Atlantic hurricane season consists of nine to fourteen tropical storms. Of those, between four and seven could develop into hurricanes. The NOAA has cautioned that hurricane’s can occur whether the season is active or relatively quiet, but the conditions expected this year have historically produced an active Atlantic hurricane seasons. Be aware that first responders are a critical part of our country infrastructure when disaster strikes.

Each year natural disasters create major problems around the world, with storms and floods dominating the statistics, contributing more than two thirds to the major disasters. Consider that one of the most damaging, and deadly events that can occur is the hurricane. When hurricanes move ashore, they bring with them a storm surge of ocean water along the coastline, high winds, tornadoes, and both torrential rains and flooding. Buildings, trees, power lines, roads and bridges may be damaged or destroyed by hurricane-force winds (74 mph or more). Additionally, debris from the high winds can damage property, block roads, and bridges. Furthermore, widespread torrential rains often in excess of 6 inches can produce deadly and destructive floods, which are not just limited to the coastline, often extending hundreds of miles inland.

From:
Homeland Security Network