The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is in full swing, and the latest predictions have even the most seasoned forecasters worried. So far there have already been a record-setting nine named storms, with five of those making landfall in the US- including hurricanes Hanna and Isaias.
But with the season’s climatological peak still several weeks away, those living in US coastal regions are not out of the woods yet. Based on the most recent projections here’s what to expect as the second half of this year’s hurricane season unfolds.
Five Major Hurricanes are Still Possible in 2020
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th every year, and includes the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean. Peak activity is typically seen from late August through September, with September 10th serving as the climatological zenith for storm activity. During an average hurricane season there are 12 named storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes of Category 3 or above.
But this year has already seen an above-normal amount of storm activity in the Atlantic, with nine named tropical storms and two hurricanes firmly in the books prior to August 1st. At the present time, there are two more tropical storms gaining momentum as they head towards the US.
On August 6th, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC) released an updated hurricane forecast that was even more troubling than their initial forecast back in early June. Around the same time Colorado State University climatologists also issued a hurricane season update, which contained nearly identical- and equally concerning- figures.
Here’s what those combined forecasts revealed:
- An additional 15 named storms this year
- 10 hurricanes
- 5 major hurricanes (Category 3 or above)
How confident are CPC forecasters about their predictions? According to NOAA’s press release: “An above-normal hurricane season is very likely, with a significant possibility of the season being extremely active.”
Why So Many Atlantic Storms This Year?
In the annals of hurricane forecasting 2005 was a banner year- and not in a good way. That unforgettable season established new records for named storms (27), hurricanes (15), major
hurricanes (seven) and Category 5 hurricanes (five)- including Hurricane Katrina that
devastated New Orleans and claimed over 1,800 lives.
Although those records may not be eclipsed this year there’s still a high probability for significant hurricane activity that ultimately impacts the US for these reasons:
- Conditions across the Main Development Region of the Tropical Atlantic remain very to extremely favorable for storm development.
- It’s becoming increasingly likely that La Nina conditions will develop in the Atlantic before fall’s arrival, making it more probable for hurricanes to form and strengthen.
- Computer storm models are not only forecasting the likelihood of an above-normal number of storms forming in the Atlantic from now through November, but also ocean-atmosphere conditions that could potentially steer hurricanes towards land rather than out to sea.
Most climatologists agree that 2020 could become the third most active hurricane season since 2005. And there are still three full months yet to go.
Are You Prepared for a Hurricane?
Once a hurricane makes landfall widespread power outages are possible, and it could take days- or even weeks- for the electricity to be restored. When all eyes are on you, will you have enough emergency fuel to keep your facility’s backup generators running until the crisis is over?
Rescue and recovery efforts require lots of fuel and those in the field need plenty of fresh drinking water to stay hydrated. The time to prepare for a hurricane is before it strikes, and not after. Will your emergency plan be ready for the challenge?
Relax. SFS Has Got Your Back
At Specialty Fuel Services (SFS) we’ve seen our share of hurricanes, including Harvey, Irma, Nate and Florence. As emergency fuel and potable water delivery experts SFS has proudly helped numerous clients across various industries weather the storm with our supply, delivery, transfer and on-site storage solutions.
Many of those same clients have also benefited from our field-tested, disaster recovery planning and advisement services. If we can help your business, agency or organization prepare for the inevitable call SFS today at: 1(866) 445-5508 or email us at: [email protected].