NOAA Predicting “Above Normal” Hurricane Season for Atlantic
Thursday, August 10, 2017
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an above normal hurricane season for the Atlantic.
In an announcement made on Wednesday, NOAA updated the projected outlook, stating that there is a 60 percent chance of an above normal season with 14 to 19 "named" storms - and 2 to 5 major hurricanes.
“We’re now entering the peak of the season when the bulk of the storms usually form. The wind and air patterns in the area of the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean where many storms develop are very conducive to an above-normal season," said Gerry Bell, Ph.D., lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST"This is in part because the chance of an El Nino forming, which tends to prevent storms from strengthening, has dropped significantly from May,”
NOAA is predicting that this could be the most active season since 2010.
Increased Activity
Bell noted that the reason for an above-normal season is due to warmer waters across the tropical Atlantic.
The outlook is based on current and changing atmospheric and oceanic conditions.
“Today’s updated outlook underscores the need for everyone to know their true vulnerabilities to storms and storm surge. As we enter the height of hurricane season, it’s important for everyone to know who issues evacuation orders in their community, heed the warnings, update their insurance and have a preparedness plan,” said FEMA Administrator Brock Long.
Wednesday’s update decreases the chance of a near normal season from 35 to 30 percent, and a below normal season from 20 to just 10 percent.
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