The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and Florida is one of the most vulnerable states to hurricanes. In fact, Florida has been hit by more hurricanes than any other state in the United States.
The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be slightly below average, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
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NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC) forecasts 10 to 16 named storms, 6 to 10 hurricanes, and 3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4, or 5) during the six-month season from June 1 to November 30.
The CPC’s forecast is based on several factors, including sea surface temperatures, wind shear, and atmospheric conditions.
Sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean are currently below average, which is one factor that could contribute to a below-average hurricane season. However, the CPC notes that there is still a lot of uncertainty in the forecast, and the season could still be more or less active than predicted.
2022 Hurricane Season
There were 14 named storms, 8 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes in the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season.
The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1, 2022, and ended on November 30, 2022. The first named storm, Alex, formed on June 3, and the last named storm, Wanda, dissipated on November 28.
Hurricane Ian was the ninth named storm, fourth hurricane, and second major hurricane of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season. Ian formed from a tropical wave that moved off the coast of Africa on September 19, 2022.
The storm quickly strengthened as it moved westward across the Atlantic, and it became a hurricane on September 22.
Ian continued to strengthen as it approached the Caribbean, and it made landfall on the island of Hispaniola as a Category 4 hurricane on September 24. The storm weakened slightly as it moved across Hispaniola, but it regained strength as it moved into the Gulf of Mexico.
Ian made landfall in Florida as a Category 3 hurricane on September 28. The storm weakened as it moved inland, and it dissipated on September 30.
Hurricane Ian caused widespread damage in the Caribbean and the United States. The storm was responsible for at least 161 deaths and over $112 billion in damage. Ian was the costliest hurricane in Florida’s history and the third-costliest hurricane in United States history.
The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season was near-average in terms of the number of named storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes. The season was also above-average in terms of the accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) index, which is a measure of the overall strength of the season.
Prepare Now
NOAA is urging residents of coastal areas to be prepared for the possibility of a hurricane, even if the season is forecast to be below average. Residents should have a hurricane plan in place and make sure they have a hurricane kit with enough food, water, and other supplies to last for at least three days.
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Here are some tips for preparing for hurricane season in Florida:
- Have a plan. Know what you will do if a hurricane threatens your area. This includes having a plan for where you will go if you need to evacuate, and how you will communicate with your family and friends.
- Have a hurricane kit. Your hurricane kit should include food, water, first-aid supplies, and other essential items. You should also have a way to listen to the radio or television for updates on the hurricane.
- Trim your trees and shrubs. Make sure your trees and shrubs are trimmed back so that they do not fall on your home during a hurricane.
- Secure your outdoor furniture and other objects. Bring outdoor furniture and other objects inside or secure them so that they do not blow away in a hurricane.
- Board up your windows. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, you may want to board up your windows to protect your home from water damage.
- Get flood insurance. Flood insurance is not required, but it is a good idea to have it if you live in an area that is prone to flooding.
- Stay informed. Listen to the radio or television for updates on the hurricane. You can also get updates online or by following your local emergency management office on social media.
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