Storms a-brewing?: Delaware bracing for another busy hurricane season

By Mike Finney
Posted 5/23/21

GEORGETOWN — Americans have cause for optimism as the coronavirus pandemic appears to be waning. But, just as the clouds begin to part on a year-long global health crisis, anticipated sunnier …

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Storms a-brewing?: Delaware bracing for another busy hurricane season

Posted

GEORGETOWN — Americans have cause for optimism as the coronavirus pandemic appears to be waning. But, just as the clouds begin to part on a year-long global health crisis, anticipated sunnier skies that await for summer 2021 actually could fuel another threat — a super-charged Atlantic hurricane season.

And coastal residents should be on guard now, according to the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

As the six-month-long hurricane season officially gets underway June 1, the EOC reminds the public to be ready ahead of the forecast. Preparation is critical to limiting damage and avoiding loss of life, no matter the emergency, be it a health crisis or a natural disaster.

“Last year, for sure, was one of the most surreal experiences for emergency managers across the country, whether it was the pandemic, wildfires out west, or a record-setting hurricane season here in the East,” Sussex County EOC Director Joseph L. Thomas said. “In all that, the one common thread that ties it all together is the need for preparation.

“As long as we are prepared, we can handle just about anything. But it starts with planning, and everyone, from governments to everyday citizens, have a meaningful role to play.”

Coastal cities and towns in Sussex County, like other coastal communities from the Caribbean to Canada, are susceptible to the effects of tropical weather, from flooding to high winds.

The 2020 hurricane season was the most active ever on record in the Atlantic, with 30 named storms during the season, including 14 hurricanes, six of which were major and caused billions of dollars in damage.

For the first time in several years, Sussex County had its most significant brush with tropical weather in the form of Tropical Storm Fay in early July, and Hurricane Isaias in early August — both of which brought heavy rains and storm-force winds that downed trees, knocked out power and caused some property damage.

Mr. Thomas said that compared to other locales, though, Sussex County fared well. But that’s no indication of how 2021 will play out.

For this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an above-normal season, with 13 to 20 named systems possible. Of those, six to 10 could become hurricanes, with three to five possibly reaching Category 3 strength or higher, according to NOAA’s May 20 forecast.

“Although NOAA scientists don’t expect this season to be as busy as last year, it only takes one storm to devastate a community,” said Ben Friedman, acting NOAA administrator. “The forecasters at the National Hurricane Center are well-prepared with significant upgrades to our computer models, emerging observation techniques, and the expertise to deliver the life-saving forecasts that we all depend on during this, and every, hurricane season.”

Forecasters again expect warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic and the lack of an El Niño weather pattern — the warming of waters in the Pacific Ocean off South America — to shape the 2021 season.

The El Niño pattern, when present, causes wind shearing in the Caribbean and Atlantic that often thwarts the development of tropical systems in the Atlantic basin.

“(El Niño )-neutral and La Nina support the conditions associated with the ongoing high-activity era,” said Matthew Rosencrans, lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. “Predicted warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds, and an enhanced west African monsoon will likely be factors in this year’s overall activity.”

An average Atlantic hurricane season sees 14 named storms, including seven hurricanes, with three classified as major, based on NOAA’s new 30-year average.

The Sussex County Emergency Operations Center says one step residents can take ahead of hurricane season is to create a Safety Profile for their household with the county’s free Smart911.com 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.

To help make the storm season safer for everyone, there are several steps individuals can take to make their home and family ready for hurricane season:

• People who live in a flood-prone or other vulnerable area should be prepared to evacuate. Plan an evacuation route now. Emergency managers will notify the public, via the media, of what areas should evacuate and when. In the event a person evacuates, take a storm kit. Take valuable and/or important papers. Secure houses by locking the windows and doors. Turn off all utilities (gas, water, electric, etc.). Notify a family member or someone close outside the evacuation area of your destination.

• Secure all outdoor items. Property owners also will need to secure their boats. Area residents should clear rainspouts and gutters and trim any trees that may pose a problem during high winds.

• Have a family disaster kit. This kit should include the following items: A three-day supply of water, which should include at least one gallon of water per person per day; non-perishable foods and a manual can opener; a change of clothes and shoes for each person; prescription medicines; a blanket or sleeping bag and pillow for each person; personal hygiene items; a flashlight and extra batteries for each person; special needs items, such as formula and diapers for infants, as well as items need for elderly or disabled family members; a portable radio with extra batteries; money (during power outages, ATMs will not work); fuel (gas pumps are also affected by power outages, so it is a good idea to have fuel in advance).

“With hurricane season starting on June 1, now is the time to get ready and advance disaster resilience in our communities,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “Visit Ready.gov and Listo.gov to learn and take the steps to prepare yourself and others in your household.

“Download the FEMA app to sign-up for a variety of alerts and to access preparedness information. Purchase flood insurance to protect your greatest asset, your home. And, please encourage your neighbors, friends and coworkers to also get ready for the upcoming season.”

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