The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins today, June 1, and recent computer models predict that we may have some early-season action in the Central Caribbean Sea to coincide with the start of this year's season.
We had an “active” season last year but most of the storms turned north and curved back out into the Atlantic Ocean. So there were a lot of storms but little damage. Remember 1992 and Hurricane Andrew? The season only produced six named storms and one subtropical storm. However, one of those named storms was Hurricane Andrew, which devastated South Florida as a Category 5 hurricane.
So regardless of the predictions by the scientists and meteorologists, hurricanes have a mind of their own and their ultimate landfall is hard to predict. It only takes one storm hitting the right place to make for a bad season. Hurricane impacts are not limited to the coastline; strong winds and flooding rainfall often pose a threat across inland areas along with the risk for tornadoes.
NOAA “The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released their forecast for the 2011 hurricane season. Forecasters are expecting another active season with between 12 and 18 named storms, 6 to 10 hurricanes and 3 to 6 major hurricanes.”
Now is the time, if you haven’t already, to get your plan together for what you and your family would do if disaster strikes. A great place to get started is the 2011 Hurricane Workshop. It is your chance to learn how to prepare for hurricane season. There are giveaways; fun, educational activities for the whole family and information about evacuation plans, safety during a storm, and power restoration. An interactive Kids Zone provides an opportunity for children to learn more about hurricane safety.
The first 2,000 attendees to arrive on June 4 will receive a FREE lunch and all attendees will have a chance to win emergency supply kits and flatscreen TVs, courtesy of Walmart, at the end of the workshop. And be sure to stop by and say hello to your favorite local TV meteorologist. Representatives from all Houston networks will be available to answer your questions. Interfaith Ministries is proud to be a contributor to the Hurricane Workshop. Hope to see you there!
Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston
Office of Disaster Preparedness & Response – Director
HIDRA & VOAD – HCOHSEM Liaison
No comments:
Post a Comment