Hurricanes can cause major property damage and interrupt business operations. So, how many of these potentially dangerous storms should facilities managers expect (and prepare for) this year?
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced its outlook for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to Nov. 30. The agency predicts a high probability of “above normal” hurricane activity, with a range of 17 to 25 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 8 to 13 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 4 to 7 major hurricanes (category 3, 4, or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges.
During NOAA’s announcement, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urged everyone to stay prepared for natural disasters.
“Severe weather and emergencies can happen at any moment, which is why individuals and communities need to be prepared today,” said FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik A. Hooks. “Already, we are seeing storms move across the country that can bring additional hazards like tornadoes, flooding, and hail. Taking a proactive approach to our increasingly challenging climate landscape today can make a difference in how people can recover tomorrow.”
NOAA’s hurricane outlook is for overall seasonal activity and is not a landfall forecast. In addition to the Atlantic seasonal outlook, the agency also issued predictions for the eastern Pacific, central Pacific, and western north Pacific hurricane basins. NOAA will update the 2024 Atlantic outlook in early August, prior to the historical peak of the season.
All images courtesy of NOAA
ALSO READ: Back to Basics: Preparing Your Facility for Hurricanes