New Map Shows States That May Be In Danger and Get Hit By Major Hurricane. Are You Living In One Of Them? Here is what you need to know!
New predictions for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season activity are available. Forecasters from Colorado State University (CSU) have updated their predictions. CSU’s Tropical Weather and Climate Research Team recently revealed that they anticipate 25 named storms this year, including 12 major hurricanes.
The last forecast report, released on June 11, predicted 23 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and 5 major hurricanes. A major hurricane is defined by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) as a cyclone that is listed as a Category 3 or higher.
The entire East Coast and the Gulf Coast will be affected. Along the Gulf Coast of the Florida Panhandle west to the city of Brownsville, Texas forecasters say that the chances of at least one major storm hitting those states are high. The forecasters even made some probability precents public. There are 38% chance of a big storm.
Compared to the CSU’s report from June, the probabilities are slightly decreased. For the East Coast was given a 34% chance of enduring a Category 3 storm. The same report presented a 42% chance of facing a dangerous hurricane on the Gulf Coast.
The researchers have also said multiple times that preparations should be made for every season, no matter how much activity is predicted. These kinds of natural disasters can’t be ameliorated. All the people can do is prepare themselves and their homes for the worst. But knowing and expecting what you could deal with is good. This way, when it happens, you’ll not be surprised at all and be ready to act with courage.
According to The Tropical Weather and Research Team, these predictions are based on statistical models that will fail in the future. The forecasters also made some things clear, saying that prediction can’t present specifically where the storm will hit the coastal region. So, Americans are advised not to believe anything presented online or on TV.
“The probability of landfall for any other location along the coast is very low and reflects the fact that, in any other season, most U.S. coastal areas will not feel the effects of a hurricane no matter how active the individual season is” read the report.
2024 – An above-average hurricane season
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted 2024 to be a year with a lot of changes when it comes to natural disasters. So, the year was predicted to be an above-average hurricane season. Around 25 named storms were predicted for this year, with 13 of them being cyclones and more likely to turn into major hurricanes.
The first hurricane that hit the U.S. this year
The first hurricane that hit the U.S. this year is called Beryl. Everything began on June 28. A scary storm that was becoming worse and worse reached rapidly Category 5 strength. It roasted around the Caribbean Islands and 11 people died. The New York Times reported that the storm caused multiple deaths, at least 7 in Texas and 8 in Louisiana.
The violent storm reached wind speeds of up to 80 mph and led to heavy rains in a lot of cities. In Houston and the surrounding areas, multiple buildings and streets were destroyed.
Shortly after the bad dream ended, the Times reported that most of the deaths were caused by trees toppled by the wind.
Beryl rapidly became a Category 4 storm and the expert Michael Lowry talked about it for Newsweek. He said that the storm’s strength was “unheard of” this early. It was expected to happen at the beginning of September: “The typical date of the first major hurricane is September 1, so Beryl is a full two months ahead of schedule.”
Hurricane safety for you and your family
Since the weather has been really unpredictable in the past few years, you may wonder how you could protect yourself and your family, in case of a major hurricane. And according to the National Weather Service, here is what you need to know:
Before a hurricane:
- Contact your local government/ emergency management office and find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation area.
- Before an emergency happens, make sure you have a plan with your friends and family and find a way to reach each other.
- Put together a basic disaster supplies kit.
During a hurricane:
- Cover all your home’s windows as well as you possibly can.
- Check the websites of your local National Weather Services.
- Follow instructions issued by local officials.
After a hurricane:
- Continue listening to NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates. In case you evacuated your home, go back just when officials say it’s safe.
- Avoid going out! The fallen objects can be very dangerous and you may get hurt.
- Walk carefully around the outside of your home and check for loose power lines, gas leaks, or structural damage.
Before leaving, make sure to check another related article: Hurricane Idalia: Everything Florida Seniors Must Know.
