Hurricane Season is officially open

(I meant to post this a couple of days ago but was busy with my dog)

(Both of the pictures in this post are copyrighted to NOAA. If you wish to use them, please credit NOAA. Just click on the link above the picture to go to the page I found them on. Thank you!)


Does this mean I get to go hunting hurricanes? I wish...if it means that there would be less of them...

Photo credit: NOAA
According to the National Hurricane Center "a very active hurricane season is looming, and encouraged individuals to make preparations to better protect their lives and livelihoods. May 21-27 is National Hurricane Preparedness Week." ....

"For the 2006 north Atlantic hurricane season, NOAA is predicting 13 to 16 named storms, with eight to 10 becoming hurricanes, of which four to six could become 'major' hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher," added retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator." ....

On average, the north Atlantic hurricane season produces 11 named storms, with six becoming hurricanes, including two major hurricanes. In 2005, the Atlantic hurricane season contained a record 28 storms, including 15 hurricanes. Seven of these hurricanes were considered "major," of which a record four hit the United States. "Although NOAA is not forecasting a repeat of last year's season, the potential for hurricanes striking the U.S. is high," added Lautenbacher."

For the full story click here.

Now, remember, in 2005 the NHC only predicted 13-15 named storms, 8-10 hurricanes, and 4-6 major hurricanes. We ended up with 28 named storms, 15 hurricans and 5 major hurricanes (4 of which hit the US). 1 out of three predictions ain't too bad. And we've had above normal hurricane activity during 9 of the last 11 seasons.

Photo credit: NOAA
The names of the 5 major (ie most devastating) hurricanes that occurred in 2005 (Dennis, Katrina, Rita, Stan and Wilma) have all been retired. There will not be another hurricane with these names (the list of names is usually recycled every 6 years). These 5 have been replaced with Don, Katia, Rina, Sean and Whitney. 2005 now has the record for the most retired names in a season. If you need to refresh your memory on these 5 storms, click here.

The names for the 2006 season are:

Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debby, Eernesto, Florence, Gordon, Helene, Isaac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Michael, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sandy, Tony, Valerie and William.

Let's all hope that we don't have to go into the Greek Alphabet again...

Okay everybody...On your mark....Get set....Go!!!

(Hurricane season runs from June 1st through Nov 30th.)