AccuWeather predicts above-normal Atlantic hurricane season
Mar 27, 2020 1:09:41 GMT -5
Post by Berean on Mar 27, 2020 1:09:41 GMT -5
AccuWeather predicts above-normal Atlantic hurricane season
Tags: weather, hurricanes
Posted 2:24 p.m. Wednesday
Updated 3:06 p.m. Wednesday
Meteorologists with AccuWeather are predicting an above-normal hurricane season for the Atlantic basin in 2020.
The AccuWeather hurricane team, led by meteorologist Dan Kottlowksi, said 14 to 18 tropical storms are expected during the 2020 season, which starts June 1 and ends Nov. 30.
Seven to nine of those storms are expected to become hurricanes, and two to four could strengthen into major hurricanes.
Is climate change the culprit behind severe weather? Does the recent severe weather relate to climate change?
“It’s going to be an above-normal season,” Kottlowski said in a statement.
A normal year consists of about 12 storms and six hurricanes, Kottlowski said.
Last year was the fourth consecutive season with above-average activity, with 18 tropical storms and Hurricanes Dorian, Lorenzo and Humberto.
Category 2 Hurricane Dorian Pounds Carolinas Tracking Hurricane Dorian: Coverage along the coast and across North Carolina
This year, parts of the Caribbean Sea and eastern Bahamas already have warm water, which could fuel storm development.
“Warm water is actually what drives a lot of seasons,” Kottlowski said. “So those will be areas to keep an eye on for early-season development.”
Kottlowski said people who live on or near the coast should prepare their hurricane plans now.
“Forecasts will give you an idea of how active it might be, but all it takes is one storm to make landfall in your area to cause serious and life-threatening problems,” Kottlowski said.
Aimee Wilmoth, WRAL weather executive producer, said she and other meteorologists closely monitor sea surface temperatures and the developments of El Nino or La Nina patterns.
"Right now, we are in a neutral phase, meaning we aren't experiencing an El Nino or La Nina,” she said. “NOAA says there is a 55% chance that we remain in the neutral phase through the summer. If an El Nino were to develop, this would be good news for the Atlantic hurricane season. An El Nino typically leads to fewer hurricanes in the Atlantic due to stronger vertical wind shear and trade winds helping to tear apart the storms that do form.
"We always tell our viewers to be prepared and get prepared early. In these unsettling times with COVID-19, it remains important to be prepared early. Hurricane season will be here before we know it!"
link
Tags: weather, hurricanes
Posted 2:24 p.m. Wednesday
Updated 3:06 p.m. Wednesday
Meteorologists with AccuWeather are predicting an above-normal hurricane season for the Atlantic basin in 2020.
The AccuWeather hurricane team, led by meteorologist Dan Kottlowksi, said 14 to 18 tropical storms are expected during the 2020 season, which starts June 1 and ends Nov. 30.
Seven to nine of those storms are expected to become hurricanes, and two to four could strengthen into major hurricanes.
Is climate change the culprit behind severe weather? Does the recent severe weather relate to climate change?
“It’s going to be an above-normal season,” Kottlowski said in a statement.
A normal year consists of about 12 storms and six hurricanes, Kottlowski said.
Last year was the fourth consecutive season with above-average activity, with 18 tropical storms and Hurricanes Dorian, Lorenzo and Humberto.
Category 2 Hurricane Dorian Pounds Carolinas Tracking Hurricane Dorian: Coverage along the coast and across North Carolina
This year, parts of the Caribbean Sea and eastern Bahamas already have warm water, which could fuel storm development.
“Warm water is actually what drives a lot of seasons,” Kottlowski said. “So those will be areas to keep an eye on for early-season development.”
Kottlowski said people who live on or near the coast should prepare their hurricane plans now.
“Forecasts will give you an idea of how active it might be, but all it takes is one storm to make landfall in your area to cause serious and life-threatening problems,” Kottlowski said.
Aimee Wilmoth, WRAL weather executive producer, said she and other meteorologists closely monitor sea surface temperatures and the developments of El Nino or La Nina patterns.
"Right now, we are in a neutral phase, meaning we aren't experiencing an El Nino or La Nina,” she said. “NOAA says there is a 55% chance that we remain in the neutral phase through the summer. If an El Nino were to develop, this would be good news for the Atlantic hurricane season. An El Nino typically leads to fewer hurricanes in the Atlantic due to stronger vertical wind shear and trade winds helping to tear apart the storms that do form.
"We always tell our viewers to be prepared and get prepared early. In these unsettling times with COVID-19, it remains important to be prepared early. Hurricane season will be here before we know it!"
link