As reported by WWL, if you thought we made it through the worst of the hurricane season, then you are unfortunately mistaken. As of now, we are in the peak months of the season (August-October) and according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasters, there is an increased likelihood of above-normal hurricane activity.
Those of us that live in coastal cities are accustomed to the looming threat of a hurricane evacuation in the back of our minds during the later months of the summer, but this year it might be more than a threat. El Niño usually supresses hurricane activity in the Atlantic Ocean, but the current El Niño in the Pacific Ocean just ended so conditions should be returning to normal. Which means hurricane activity will be picking back up. The NOAA seasonal forecasters increased the likelihood of above-normal Atlantic hurricane activity to 45%, from the 30% outlook that they released in May. This also means that the number of predicted storms is greater. The seasonal forecasters are expecting 10-17 named storms, of which 5-9 might become hurricanes and 2-4 will become major "news-breaking" hurricanes.
The acting FEMA administrator Pate Gaynor said, "We urge everyone to learn more about hurricane hazards and prepare now, ahead of time, so that if state and local authorities announce evacuations in advance of a storm, you and your family will have planned where to go and what to do to stay safe."
All this is to say, keep your eyes peeled and your ears to the ground. Obviously, don't panic because this could all be a gust of wind and some rainy days, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
