GEORGETOWN – If the forecast is accurate, Sussex County and its coastal communities could be in for an active Atlantic hurricane season.
With forecasters predicting an “above normal” storm season for the six-month hurricane season that begins June 1, the Sussex County Department of Public Safety/Division of Emergency Management reminds the public to be ready by taking various preparedness steps now – including creating a disaster kit – to limit damage and avoid loss of life, whatever the weather.
“Prepare, plan, and be ready should the unfortunate occur. The time to do all of that is before a storm is approaching,” said Robert W. Murray, Sussex County Public Safety director and the County’s acting emergency manager. “Ensure that your plan takes into account visiting family or friends, and that it covers both sheltering-in-place needs, as well as evacuation plans should that need arise.”
Sussex County saw few effects from tropical weather during the 2023 season, the exception being a weakened Tropical Storm Ophelia in September, with most storms tracking away from the region. Still, last year was an above average season in the Atlantic basin, with 20 named storms during the season, including seven hurricanes, three of which were major and caused billions of dollars in damage.
For the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting an above normal season, with 17 to 25 named systems possible. Of those, eight to 13 could become hurricanes, with four to seven possibly reaching Category 3 strength or higher, according to NOAA’s May 23 forecast.
Forecasters expect warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic and a developing La Niña weather pattern – the cooling of waters in the equatorial eastern Pacific Ocean – to shape the 2024 season.
No matter the number of storms forecast, all it takes is one to come to fruition and wreak havoc. That’s why preparation is key ahead of each season, officials said.
One step that residents can take ahead of hurricane season is to create a Safety Profile for their household with the free Smart911™ service to provide potentially critical, life-saving information up front to first responders. Profiles can contain as much or as little information as users want, including details about their properties, special medical conditions and family contacts.
There are several steps to make your home and family ready for hurricane season:
Name Game
The tropical cyclone names for 2024 are: Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Francine, Gordon, Helene, Isaac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Milton, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sara, Tony, Valerie, and William.