You’ve either looked at the calendar or you’ve scrolled across something on social media, a reminder that the next hurricane season is upon us.
The reminder is that looming date, June 1st, the commencement of the Atlantic hurricane season.
That “something” is an area of disturbed weather northeast of the Bahamas, some 700 miles east of South Florida.
The National Hurricane Center has put out a few special statements about the potential for development of this area, but nothing is imminent. As of Wednesday afternoon, there is about a 50 percent chance of development in the next five days. As I stated this morning on Twitter, I’m not too concerned about this.
If any system does unfold, here are two simple ideas to keep in mind:
First, if it happens, it’s only going to develop slowly. That would give us plenty of time to observe it and model it. The parameters necessary for development aren’t currently in place, and sea surface temperatures are only marginally supportive.
Second, and most important, if anything unfolds, it’s not going to be a South Florida problem. All models suggest this entity, in whatever state it’s in, would drift well to our northeast, even if it heads back to the coastline of the United States.
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This early-season disturbance does, however, serve a greater purpose, and the timing couldn’t be better. Even if South Florida would not see any impacts, it has your attention.
And while there is no expectation for a tropical event to ramp up this Memorial Day weekend, the official start of hurricane season is coming next Wednesday.
June 1st will come every year, but are you ever ready for it?
Take the time now (especially with an extra day this weekend) to get ready with a home that’s prepared and an action plan that’s been reviewed. Little steps now could pay off later in the season. And always keep the NBC 6 Hurricane Section handy to keep up to the minute on developing storms, and guidelines to stay safe this hurricane season.
