NOAA Predicts Above-Normal Atlantic Hurricane Season

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an 85% chance that this year’s Atlantic hurricane season will be above-normal, with expectations of 17 to 25 storms, 8 to 13 of which may become hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or higher. Hurricane Alberto, the first of the season, recently made landfall in northeast Mexico, causing at least four storm-related deaths and bringing heavy rain and 45 mph winds, threatening Texas and Louisiana with substantial rainfall.
Residents, particularly in Highlands County, are advised to prepare for potential hurricanes by staying informed through multiple channels, having a battery-operated radio for updates during power outages, and regularly checking resources like the National Hurricane Center’s website. Preparedness steps include developing an evacuation plan, identifying the nearest hurricane shelter, and assembling a disaster kit with essentials such as food preparation supplies, a battery-powered radio, and spare clothing.
Post-storm, residents should document any damage, be cautious of hazards like live power lines or gas leaks, and only return home when local officials declare it safe. Additionally, they should be vigilant against fraud and price gouging in the aftermath of hurricanes, verifying insurance communications and reporting suspicious activities to the Attorney General’s Office.