NOAA predicts busy 2011 Hurricane Season. Prepare now, not later.

NOAA predicts busy 2011 Hurricane Season.  Prepare now, not later.

NOAA is forecasting an above normal Atlantic Hurricane season; 12-18 named storms, 6-10 hurricanes, and 3-6 major hurricanes (category 3 or higher) this year.    

From the NOAA website:

Each of these ranges has a 70 percent likelihood, and indicate that activity will exceed the seasonal average of 11 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.

Climate factors considered for this outlook are:

• The continuing high activity era. Since 1995, the tropical multi-decadal signal has brought ocean and atmospheric conditions conducive for development in sync, leading to more active Atlantic hurricane seasons.
• Warm Atlantic Ocean water. Sea surface temperatures where storms often develop and move across the Atlantic are up to two degrees Fahrenheit warmer-than-average.
• La Niña, which continues to weaken in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, is expected to dissipate later this month or in June, but its impacts such as reduced wind shear are expected to continue into the hurricane season.

I love living at the coast, but I never forget how dangerous it can be sometimes.  As we all saw with Hurricane Katrina, the devastation Hurricanes can bring is awesome in its magnitude.  Being prepared is one thing we coastal residents must do.

It's important for all of us to have our Hurricane Survival Kits ready now.  Don't try to put your kit together after a Hurricane is forecast -- being prepared is one way, should the worst occur, to help lessen the effects on you and your loved ones. 

The use of common sense can't be discounted either.  Sure, we talk about Hurricane Parties, but anyone who has ever experienced a Hurricane first-hand will tell you; do your partying a safe distance from the storm.  Don't put yourself, your loved ones or our emergency responders in harms way by being foolish. 

May 22 ~ 28 is National Hurricane Preparedness Week.  Check out NOAA's website for more tips on how to prepare and what to do should a Hurricane develop in your area. 

Here in Wrightsville Beach NC we don't live in fear of Hurricanes.  But we do respect them.  That means being being prepared, and not ignoring warnings and notices.