Just days after Hurricane Elsa dissipated, Hurricane Felicia began brewing in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. With this in mind, some people are beginning to wonder how bad 2021’s Hurricane Season is going to be.
Every year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) gives predictions as to how severe storms are going to be across the nation. For the year of 2020, the NOAA predicted the Hurricane Season would be an “above-normal season with a possibility of it being extremely active”. In 2020, 30 storms were named, beating the 2005 record of 28 named storms. Considering the storms are named in coordination with the Greek Alphabet, consisting of 21 letters, the high number of these storms made weather professionals repeat the first nine letters. The amount of damage from these storms reached $60 to $65 billion, yet another record-breaking number.
This year, 2021, the Hurricane Season started on June 1st. Weather forecasters at the NOAA are predicting another “above-normal Atlantic Hurricane Season” with 70% confidence. The average hurricane season consists of 14 named storms, and 2021 is predicted to have 13 to 20 named storms. While experts do not expect the same severity as last year, the civilians living in high-risk areas should continue to stay alert and prepare for the worst. Since predictions are not completely accurate every time, remember to pay attention to warnings and alerts from national weather services, including the NOAA.
If you or a loved one are in a high-risk area, take a look at the following links for preparedness tips.
State of Florida: This link includes hurricane knowledge, hurricane kit lists, how to secure your home, etc.
National Hurricane Center: The National Weather Service (NWS) and NOAA bring you real-time forecasts, warnings, and alerts.
Center for Disease Control (CDC): They inform you on how to prepare for and stay safe from hurricanes.
American Red Cross: This includes tips on how to evacuate or create a safe shelter as well as other helpful links.
As always, please stay safe and help those in need if you can!