Weathering the Storm

Hurricane season is here, and it looks to be another active one in the Atlantic.

The seasonal outlook from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) calls for 14-21 named storms, of which 6-10 could become hurricanes and 3-6 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). These numbers are higher than those for an average hurricane season. Several factors are contributing to this forecast, namely the the likely presence of La Niña (a global ocean and atmospheric pattern occurring every 3-7 years on average) this hurricane season, along with warmer than normal ocean temperatures in the tropical Atlantic, as well as the likelihood of stronger tropical waves moving off the coast of Africa.

It’s very important to note, however, that the expectation of a more active than normal hurricane season doesn’t automatically mean that South Florida will be hit by a storm this year. The seasonal outlook is not a landfall forecast, nor does it indicate which areas are more likely to be hit. Palm Beach County has been hit by tropical storms and hurricanes in active years as well as inactive ones. Our hurricane history in Palm Beach County tells us that we are in one of the most hurricaneprone areas of the United States, and this fact alone is why we need to hurricane ready each and every hurricane season.

Tropical storms and hurricanes are well known for their strong and sometimes devastating winds, as well as severe flooding and tornadoes. While we need to ensure that our homes are protected against wind, we also have to keep in mind that it’s the WATER which kills many more people in a storm. Storm surge, a rise in the water level of the ocean which accompanies landfalling hurricanes, accounts from almost half of all hurricanerelated deaths in the United States. Coastal communities such as Palm Beach County are vulnerable to lifethreatening storm surge, and there are designated evacuation zones in the county based on the vulnerability to storm surge, including neighborhoods several miles from the coast. In Palm Beach Gardens, most areas east of Alternate A1A/ SR 811 are in an evacuation zone, therefore it is very important that you know whether you live in an evacuation zone and be prepared to leave if ordered to by county officials. Go to the Palm Beach County Public Safety website to find out whether you live in an evacuation zone.

Tropical systems can also bring copious rainfall of up to 12 inches or more, no matter the wind speed or category.

Know whether your home is in a FEMA-designated flood zone, and make sure your hurricane plan includes preparing against possible flood waters.

The storm’s aftermath can also be very dangerous. More people die from indirect causes after a storm’s impact from things such as carbon monoxide poisoning due to misuse of generators, vehicle accidents due to inoperable traffic signals, heat exhaustion, and more. Use extreme caution when cleaning debris from your property.

The key to surviving a hurricane is to be PREPARED as well as INFORMED. Stay abreast of the latest weather forecasts. Base your decisions on Robert Molleda information from OFFICIAL Warning Coordination Meteorologist sources such as the National National Weather Service Miami/South Florida Forecast Office Weather Service, City of Palm Beach Gardens and Palm Beach County, and local media. National Weather Service meteorologists work 24 hours a day to provide you with the latest weather forecasts so you can make early preparations to protect yourself, your family and property. Visit weather.gov/southflorida and hurricanes. gov for the latest weather information from the National Weather Service. Have a safe hurricane season!