fp Turks and Caicos

Hurricane season is almost here, a time when we should all be asking ourselves, “Are we ready?”

Following earlier predictions from the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University, the U.S. National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center — a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) — said last week that the Atlantic basin is expected to see an above-normal hurricane season this year.

Across the entire Atlantic Basin for the six-month season which begins June 1, NOAA is predicting the following ranges this year:

• 12-18 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher)
• 6-10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher)
• 3-6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher)

Each of these ranges has a 70-percent likelihood and indicate that activity will exceed the seasonal average of 11 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.

On April 20, more than a month before hurricane season officially begins, the National Hurricane Center issued the first tropical weather bulletin of 2011 for a disturbance that formed about 600 miles east of the Turks and Caicos Islands. While it meandered off quickly and never posed any threat, it is a reminder to always be aware and alert.

Last year the Caribbean also faced above-average predictions which turned out to be pretty accurate. Luckily they steered mostly away from local shores, leaving little or no impact.

“However, we can’t count on luck to get us through this season,” says Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “We need to be prepared, especially with this above-normal outlook.”

Next week the fp will be launching our Hurricane Preparedness Section sponsored by Scotiabank. Check back each week for tips on how to protect yourself, family, pets, home and property from the windy giant which could be lurking around the corner at any time.