[CEMA Signal] CEMA Signal: NOAA Predicts Strong Hurricane Season

Fri May 28 10:32:31 PDT 2010

NEWS ADVISORY

Chatham Emergency Management Agency

For Immediate Release
May 28, 2010, 2 PM

CONTACT:
K. Courtney Cunningham
912.201.4508  (O)
912.657.8671  (C)
kccunnin at chathamcounty.org<mailto:kccunnin at chathamcounty.org>

NOAA Predicting Exceedingly Strong Hurricane Season
Savannah, GA

Across the entire Atlantic Basin for the six-month season, which begins June 1, NOAA is projecting a 70 percent probability of the following ranges:

 *   14 to 23 Named Storms (top winds of 39 mph or higher), including:
 *   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)
The outlook ranges exceed the seasonal average of 11 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes. Expected factors supporting this outlook are:

 *   Upper atmospheric winds conducive for storms. Wind shear, which can tear apart storms, will be weaker since El Niño in the eastern Pacific has dissipated. Strong wind shear helped suppress storm development during the 2009 hurricane season.
 *   Warm Atlantic Ocean water. Sea surface temperatures are expected to remain above average where storms often develop and move across the Atlantic. Record warm temperatures – up to four degrees Fahrenheit above average – are now present in this region.
 *   High activity era continues. Since 1995, the tropical multi-decadal signal has brought favorable ocean and atmospheric conditions in sync, leading to more active hurricane seasons. Eight of the last 15 seasons rank in the top ten for the most named storms with 2005 in first place with 28 named storms.

 “The main uncertainty in this outlook is how much above normal the season will be. Whether or not we approach the high end of the predicted ranges depends partly on whether or not La Niña develops this summer,” said Gerry Bell, Ph.D., lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. “At present we are in a neutral state, but conditions are becoming increasingly favorable for La Niña to develop.”
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/20100527_hurricaneoutlook.html

So what can Chatham County residents do to prepare for a busy hurricane season?  Start now by following these basic tips to keep you and your family safe and informed throughout this expected busy hurricane season:

Prepare for Hurricanes

– Create an emergency supply kit of emergency supplies and keep it in a waterproof container.

– Keep a portable emergency supply kit in your car in case you need to evacuate, and be sure your gas tank is at least half full and your car has been serviced recently.

– Be prepared to bring in all outdoor possessions that are not tied down, secure windows with pre-cut ply wood or hurricane shutters and keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed.

– Property insurance does not typically cover hurricane or flood damage. Talk to your insurance provider about your policy to consider additional coverage. Visit FloodSmart.gov<http://www.floodsmart.gov/> for information on the National Flood Insurance Program.

Plan for Hurricanes

– Plan your evacuation route. Information on Georgia evacuation routes can be found at Georgia911.org<http://georgia911.org/00/channel_title/0,2094,55974416_58337385,00.html>.

– Identify several places you could go in an emergency: a friend's home in another town or a motel. In times of emergency, a list of open shelters can be found on CEMA’s website, www.ChathamEmergency.org<http://www.chathamemergency.org/>.

Stay Informed about Hurricanes

– Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a hurricane: A hurricane WATCH means hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours, and a hurricane WARNING means hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. If local authorities advise you to evacuate, leave immediately.

– Local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should listen to NOAA Weather Radio, watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.

– Do not return to your home until local authorities say it is safe. Even after a hurricane, roads and buildings may be unstable, and drinking water may be contaminated.

Detailed information about getting ready for hurricane season and the hazards associated with hurricanes is available at ready.ga.gov<http://www.ready.ga.gov/> and at www.ChathamEmergency.org<http://www.chathamemergency.org/>.

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