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National Weather Service Predicts Active Hurricane Season
Written by
Katie Lawson
, Staff Writer, Redcross.org
Friday, May 26, 2006 — Kicking off National Hurricane Preparedness Week, the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) announced its predictions for the 2006 Hurricane Season on Monday. Forecasters indicate the chance of strong hurricanes hitting along the Atlantic Coast of the United States is about 80 percent above normal for 2006. The north Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.
This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is expecting an active season predicting 13 to 16 named tropical storms with eight to 10 becoming hurricanes. Of those, four to six could become major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher.
In 2005, of an unprecedented 28 storms and 15 hurricanes, with four major hurricanes hitting the United States.
“Although NOAA is not forecasting a repeat of last year's season, the potential for hurricanes striking the U.S. is high," said retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator.
In the month’s following last year’s major hurricanes – Katrina, Rita and Wilma – the Red Cross served more than 50 million meals and snacks, lent financial aid to more than 1 million people and had more than 3 million overnight stays in its shelters. As the recovery efforts continue in the gulf coast region, the Red Cross urges everyone to be prepared for what storms this year’s hurricane season may bring.
"Whether we face an active hurricane season, like this year, or a below-normal season, the crucial message for every person is the same: prepare, prepare, prepare," said Max Mayfield, director of the NOAA Hurricane Center. "One hurricane hitting where you live is enough to make it a bad season."
Hurricane Preparedness Week runs from May 21 through May 27 with the goal of providing the public with useful knowledge about hurricane hazards that can be used to take action and prepare. By knowing your vulnerability and preparing yourself and your loved ones, you can greatly reduce some of the devastating effects of a major hurricane.
What Can You Do?
Disaster can strike at any time and without warning, therefore it is necessary to have basic disaster supplies gathered and stored in a place that is easily accessible. You can build a disaster supplies kit which contains food, water, tools, and other things you and your loved ones will need immediately after a disaster strikes. Follow the Red Cross guidelines to build a disaster supplies kit or purchase and customize one from the Red Cross online store.
In the event of an emergency, you and your family may be forced to evacuate your home quickly. To ensure a safe and quick exit from your home, meet with your family to discuss your family disaster plan. Your plan should include everything from an evacuation route that is regularly practiced and picking a meeting place to preparing a list of emergency contact numbers. To learn how to develop your plan, visit the Get Prepared section of redcross.org.
The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.
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