Tag Archives: hurricane

Hurricane Irene: Safety Tips and Storm Guide

August 23, 2011

For all our friends on the east coast preparing for Hurricane Irene’s landfall later this week.  This is a joint tropical storm guide by FEMA, the Red Cross and the NOAA on how to prepare for a tropical storm.  It offers great ideas on getting your home ready to weather a storm and what to set aside in case of an emergency.

Hurricane Irene fueling for landfall

Hurricane Irene fueling for landfall

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Red Cross Rolls Out Hurricane Testimonial Videos

June 10, 2010

hurricane-storm-preparedness-wind-palm-treesWith hurricane season in full swing as of June 1, the Red Cross has responded with a small series of hurricane preparedness videos aimed at raising awareness on the importance of preparation. They depict real life families that suffered loss during devastating hurricanes like Hugo in ’89, Andrew in ’92, Katrina in ’05, and Hurricane Ike in 2008.

From a family that experienced the adverse affects of a hurricane firsthand, these final words of wisdom ring true: Get a kit. Make a plan. Be informed.

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2010 Hurricane Season Prediction: 14-23 Named Storms

May 27, 2010

2010-hurricane-storm-prediction-chart

Alex, Bonnie, Colin, and Danielle. Meet the first 4 predicted storms of the 2010 hurricane season.  This year the National Hurricane Center (of the NOAA) has predicted an extremely active season with an estimated 14-23 named storms to occur in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico.  They predict 8 to 14 will become hurricanes, with 3-7 major hurricanes clocking wind speeds over 111 mph.

Tropical storms receive a name when wind speeds exceed 39 mph and become hurricanes when their sustained winds reach 74 mph.  Historically, the Atlantic hurricane season from June 1 through November 30 produces 11 named storms and 2 major hurricanes.

Among many variables, scientists and forecasters say there are three main factors we will see more storms this year:

  1. Weak Wind Shear
    Wind shear can dismantle storms and with El Nino dissipating this year winds are expected to be lighter.
  2. Warmer Water
    El Nino also brought warm ocean temperatures which should remain above average throughout the season.
  3. Era of Hurricanes
    Since 1995, the Atlantic has increasingly formed more storms than in previous decades.

AccuWeather, led by researchers at Colorado State University, similarly predicted 16-18 named storms in 2010, with 6 storms striking the United States.

Needless to say, it’s going to be a busy year for hurricanes.  Stay safe, be prepared and enjoy the summer!

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