Hurricane Season 2016 Begins Today

joesdiscoweathercentral | June 1, 2016

Good Morning everybody and welcome to hurricane season 2016!! Today marks the first day of the Atlantic hurricane season. This year we area starting off the season with 2 storms already under our belt. In fact, some global models are showing the potential to a tropical entity early next week. I would not bank a whole lot on the hype since right now the Gulf of Mexico is completely clear and a forecast that far out is simply way too much speculation.

This year’s forecast has a lot of variables to consider including the dying of El Nino and the rise of La Nina. In addition, it has been over 10 years since the last major storm hit the Us, including Florida. Most experts are in good agreement that they expect about a normal to slightly above average season this year. Given that we have already seen 2 storms this early in the year I think we will sway more towards the slightly above average scenario.

The month of June will usually harbor “home grown” storms that form close to land. Often times, these storms that form close to points of landfall are usually extreme rain makers but not always big wind producers. This year, we have a whole set of new tools for tracking the storms. These tools will help us to get the information you need to you as fast as possible and with our new modeling system software, we can offer possible scenarios well before they are even forecast. These model forecasts can give us an early heads up on what might be brewing down the road.

While nobody has a crystal ball, you should be well prepared this year for whatever mother nature is going to dish out. Remember it only takes one storm to make it a bad year. One of the best examples is Andrew in 1992. This was a very quiet year with the exception of the one storm that devastated parts of South Florida and changed both the building codes and the insurance industry for life. I can remember before Andrew paying as little as 200.00 a year for property insurance. Today, you are lucky if you can get it for under 2000.00.

Today is the day to start planning the season. Get your evacuation plans in place and start to collect items for your hurricane kit. I have said time and time again not to wait till a hurricane watch is issued to get your supplies. The mass of people all trying to get hurricane supplies at the same time causes a shortage of things that folks really need and cannot wait for. If we all do our part in helping to soften the blow when a storm threatens, the better off we all will be. There will always be last minute items you will have to get before a storm hits but if you stock your kit well at the beginning of the season, preparing for a storm will be so much easier. Look for sales on the items you need such as canned foods and batteries. Batteries have a long shelf life and are good for several years after you purchase them. Buying them in bulk will almost always save you money.

Now is also the time to check your hurricane shutters. Not only should you check you shutters but also inspect your hardware. Replace any rusted bolts or other parts that are necessary for attaching your panels. Checking them when a storm is coming is not a very wise idea.

If you live in a mobile home or in a flood zone, please evacuate if ordered to do so! This is where almost all hurricane fatalities come from. This is especially true if you live on a barrier island. If you do not evacuate, be sure to let law enforcement information about your next of kin since drowning from the storm surge will be a real possibility.

in addition to the above, be sure to stay away from downed power lines especially if there is flooding. If the wires are hot you can get electrocuted by simply stepping in the water where the lines are touching the ground. After the storm, do not drive until the all clear is given by local authorities. Your being on the road only hinders rescue crews and utility workers from doing their job. If you are an employer, please do not put your workers at risk by keeping them at the job for too long. Remember that they have a family they have to protect!

In short, hurricane season 2016 could be the one that brings a dreaded tropical system to your doorstep or it just might be a total bust with storms staying offshore or recurving out to sea. Regardless of the outcome, just knowing you are prepared should give you a sense of pride and peace of mind. Remember, just because you do not live in Florida does not mean you will not get a major storm. In recent years, many of the stronger storms have been trying to reach folks up and down the East Coast all the way to New England. These areas need preparation as well. Be safe and be ready!