Well folks, it’s that time of the year again. Aside from being summer (the most wonderful time of the year), another hurricane season has begun (not the most wonderful time of the year). Starting June 1 and ending November 30, hurricane season signifies a six-month period in which we as south Floridians go about our lives as normal, but keep one eye and one ear open to the radio, TV, and updates on our phones. We are looking and listening for news of developing tropical storms and hurricanes, which are a normal part of the conversation as we move through the summer and into the fall.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted a “near-normal” hurricane season. What exactly does this mean? NOAA calls for about 9-15 named storms (39 mph winds or higher), 4-8 storms that could become hurricanes (74 mph winds or higher), and potentially 2-4 major hurricanes (111 mph winds or higher, e.g., categories 3, 4, 5). 12 named storms are considered an “average” season, with 6 storms becoming hurricanes, 3 of which are major.

While this might seem like cause for us to relax, it is critically important that we remain vigilant and prepared. The annual Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax “Holiday” goes through midnight on Thursday, June 6, giving an incentive to purchase items such as generators, batteries, tarps, certain flashlights, self-powered radios, non-electric coolers, and many others. For a full list on how to prepare your home and family for a storm, please go here.

Since many south Floridians enjoy our local waters on their boats, they need to be sure to take proper precautions to secure their vessels. Whether you trailer your boat or keep it docked at a marina, check out this helpful guide when preparing for a storm.

NOAA will update the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season predictions this August, before the peak of hurricane season.

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