NOAA Forecasts Busy 2010 Hurricane Season
"If this outlook holds true, this season could be one of the more active on record," said Dr. Jane Lubchenco, undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator.
The 2010 hurricane season begins today, and experts predict it will be an “active to extremely active” season for the Atlantic Basin. As with every hurricane season, this outlook underscores the importance of having a hurricane preparedness plan in place.
Across the entire Atlantic Basin for the six-month season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is projecting a 70 percent probability of the following ranges:
- 14 to 23 named storms (top winds of 39 mph or higher);
- 8 to 14 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).
“If this outlook holds true, this season could be one of the more active on record,” said Dr. Jane Lubchenco, undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “The greater likelihood of storms brings an increased risk of a landfall. In short, we urge everyone to be prepared.”
The outlook ranges exceed the seasonal average of 11 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.
Officials from the Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) and the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management urge residents to ensure that their families, homes, and businesses are prepared for the risks associated with hurricanes and tropical storms.
"Now is the time for all New Jersey residents to get ready for threatening weather," said FEMA’s William L. Vogel, federal coordinating officer for the current disaster recovery efforts in New Jersey. "It’s pretty simple stuff—prepare an emergency kit, develop a family emergency plan, and stay informed. These are simple things that could help save lives and property."
Staying informed of ever-changing conditions and instructions is critically important in any emergency. FEMA suggests keeping a solar, battery, or hand-powered radio on-hand and tuned to a local radio station.
"Everyone should take steps now to help keep themselves and their family safe during a severe weather event or other emergency," Vogel said. "Taking a few minutes to do things like preparing a coordination and communication plan with your family and knowing your evacuation route can make all the difference when time and taking the right actions are essential."
Information is also available at FEMA’s 2010 Hurricane Season website www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/hu_season10.shtm and FEMA’s Comprehensive Hurricane website www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/index.shtm.