2015 Hurricane Season Outlook
The National Hurricane Center has issued its outlook for the upcoming 2015 Atlantic hurricane season. On average the Atlantic basin sees twelve named storms, six of those are hurricanes (wind speed of 74 mph or higher), and three are major storms (wind speed of 111 mph or higher). Earlier this spring Colorado State University issued their outlook, calling for a slower season. They predicted seven named storms, three hurricanes, and one major storm. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center (issued 5/27) has also called for a slower season, but warns that it can still be dangerous. NOAA has forecasted six to eleven named storms, three to six will be hurricanes, and zero to two will be major storms.
This year the season is expected to be below-normal due to influences from El Nino, which is already affecting wind and pressure patterns. El Nino is also expected to last through the entire hurricane season and even intensify as it progresses. Another reason for a slower season is sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic. The water temperatures are expected to be near normal, whereas warmer water would support better storm development.
While it’s forecasted to be a slower season, NOAA would like to remind us of some slower seasons with major storms. In 1992 there were only seven named storms in the Atlantic, but the first was Andrew, which was a Category 5 hurricane that devastated Southern Florida.
We are wrapping up National Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 24-30) and it’s just in time for the Hurricane season to begin (June 1st). It is recommended to have water and food supplies for a few days, batteries, a weather radio, flashlights, candles, etc. For an in-depth look at what to do to prepare for a hurricane check out this link http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ .
-Travis
