NOAA issues warning to expect more hurricanes this year

NOAA issues warning to expect more
hurricanes this year
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is
predicting an active Atlantic hurricane season for 2013. NOAA says that several
factors appear to be combining to bring about more activity than normal.


Expect
to see more of this in 2013.

WASHINGTON, DC (Catholic Online): The National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration predicts the six-month hurricane season, which begins on June 1,
has a 70 percent chance of having from 13 to 20 names storms, of which 7 to 11
could become hurricanes.

In that number, 3 to 6 will become major
storms, of category 3 to 5.

The seasonal average is 12 named storms, 6
hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes.

Kathryn Sullivan said on the NOAA
website, "With the devastation of Sandy fresh in our minds, and another active
season predicted, everyone at NOAA is committed to providing life-saving
forecasts in the face of these storms and ensuring that Americans are prepared
and ready ahead of time. As we saw first-hand with Sandy, it's important to
remember that tropical storm and hurricane impacts are not limited to the
coastline. Strong winds, torrential rain, flooding, and tornadoes often threaten
inland areas far from where the storm first makes landfall."

According to
NOAA, there are "three climate factors that strongly control Atlantic hurricane
activity."

-A continuation of the atmospheric climate pattern, which
includes a strong west African monsoon, that is responsible for the ongoing era
of high activity for Atlantic hurricanes that began in 1995;


-Warmer-than-average water temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean
and Caribbean Sea;

-And El Niño is not expected to develop and suppress
hurricane formation.

There's no prediction of how many storms will make
landfall, although more storms naturally means greater odds of that happening.


The NOAA announcement is intended to serve as a warning for communities
along the eastern United States, that they need to take appropriate measures to
prepare.

"The start of hurricane season is a reminder that our families,
businesses and communities need to be ready for the next big storm," said Joe
Nimmich, FEMA associate administrator for Response and Recovery. "Preparedness
today can make a big difference down the line, so update your family emergency
plan and make sure your emergency kit is stocked."

Nimmich advises those
who live in areas that could be affected by a hurricane to go visit additional
preparedness resources on the NOAA website.