Hurricane Season Forecast: Takeaways for Homeowners

From “Slightly Below-Normal” to “Near-Average”

The Colorado State University Department of Atmospheric Science has maintained their forecast for the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season, as “near-average.”

Sea surface temperatures are at near-average and the odds of a weak El Niño during the peak months have “diminished slightly.”

Recap

The first forecast of the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season, released April 4, predicted “…slightly below-normal activity;” 13 Named Storms, 5 Hurricanes, and 2 Major Hurricanes, with a probability of U.S. major hurricane landfall estimated at “about 90%.”

The June forecast predicted “…approximately average activity.” This term suggested a small increase, but the most noticeable increase was the prediction of the number of hurricanes – which went from five to six.

Current Forecast

There is no difference between June and July’s Forecast Parameters. Predictions are: 14 Named Storms, 6 Hurricanes, and 2 Major Hurricanes. The probability of a least one major hurricane making landfall on the entire U.S. coastline is at 54%; U.S. East Coast (including Peninsula Florida), 32%; and Gulf Coast from the Florida Panhandle to Brownsville, 31%.

The next forecast will be released on August 5. Despite forecasts and predictions, it is best to always be prepared. Here are five tips for how you can prepare your home before the storm rolls in.