RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) – As the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season looms on the horizon, climate experts are warning Virginians to prepare for what could be a more tumultuous period than usual.
With hurricane season officially beginning tomorrow and running through Nov. 30, concerns are growing about the potential impact of stronger, more active storms on the Commonwealth.
StormTracker8 Meteorologist Matt DiNardo conveyed the seriousness of the situation, noting that while the initial phase of hurricane season may seem calm, rising temperatures could lead to formidable storms in the coming months.
DiNardo referenced data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and forecasts from Colorado State University, which paint a picture of an above-average hurricane season for the East Coast.
Both sources project a substantial number of hurricanes, and a significant portion could reach major status, which is defined by wind speeds exceeding 115 miles per hour.
Traditionally, an average Atlantic hurricane season sees about 14 storms, but Colorado State University has identified 23 possible storms, while NOAA estimates range from 17 to 25, indicating a storm is coming. potentially turbulent period.
“And the real key is that they’re both forecasting a number of hurricanes that are 75 miles per hour or stronger, and some of them will be bigger: 115 or stronger,” DiNardo said.
Despite the ability to predict the probability of future storms, identifying the precise areas threatened remains elusive even a few days in advance. DiNardo highlighted the importance of preparedness and emphasized that preparedness measures can significantly mitigate the impact of an emergency.
“It’s always good to be prepared, whether a storm comes or not, and that’s having canned goods, bottled water, batteries and things like that,” DiNardo said.
DiNardo noted that within days of a storm, forecasts become more accurate, allowing communities to determine the storm’s path and take necessary precautions, including possible evacuations.
“And when we’re three days, 72 hours into the future, we know pretty much exactly where that storm is going, where that storm is going to spread and that gives us an idea of where the warnings will be, and if there will be evacuations,” DiNardo said .
To determine your risk, visit the National Weather Service website. For a complete overview of hurricane preparedness tips, visit the Ready.gov.
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