Another active hurricane season expected in the Atlantic by Sean Batty
The Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico is once again bracing itself for another active hurricane season. National Hurricane Center, based in Miami, has announced that we should expect up to 10 hurricanes this year.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), who’s headquarters are in Washington, have predicted that 4 to 6 of the 10 forecast hurricanes could reach at least Category 3 (out of a five point scale, known as the Saffir-Simpson scale). Category three hurricanes have been known to cause many deaths and bring major flooding along with devastating tidal surges. Hurricane Jeanne in 2004 was a category 3 and was blamed for causing over 3,000 deaths in Haiti.
The hurricane season officially runs from June 1st to November 30th, when NOAA have said that they expect 13 to 16 named storms, with 8 to 10 of them probably reaching hurricane status.
Hurricane status is confirmed once the storm has sustained winds of 74mph. Prior to this it is classed as a tropical storm, having developed from an area of low pressure.
Conditions for storm formation this year are said to be favourable with sea surface temperatures expected to be higher than normal, and the wind at higher altitudes low.
The Atlantic has been overly active since 1995, with 9 out of the last 11 seasons being above normal in activity.
Although this year is going to be another active one, it is not expected to be as industrious as last year’s deadly season, which had 28 named storms, including 15 hurricanes. However, NOAA have warned people to begin preparations for this years storms as a lesser active season doesn’t necessarily mean less deadly.
|
|
