Tropical Storms and Hurricanes

While the hurricane season is officially June 1—November 30, there already is a tropical storm off the southeast coast. Alberto is the earliest tropical storm to form in the Atlantic basin since Ana in 2003. In its 29th year of issuing Atlantic Basin hurricane forecasts, the Colorado State University forecast team has predicted a below-average 2012 Atlantic basin hurricane season due to a cooling of the tropical Atlantic and the potential development of El Nino conditions. The CSU team calls for 10 named storms during the hurricane season. Four of those are expected to become hurricanes and two of those major hurricanes (Saffir/Simpson category 3-4-5) with sustained winds of 111 mph or greater. Time to prepare!

Check out NOAA’s National Hurricane Preparedness Week site. (Item #1) Know the difference between a tropical storm and a hurricane? Now you can find out... and get prepared as well. (Item #2) The Red Cross offers a resource you’ll want to know about. (Item #3)

Don’t forget to plan for your pets... even the government is now urging that pets figure in your disaster plans. (Item #4) Use this checklist from the Red Cross to be sure you’re prepared just in case. (Item #5) If you’re not up for putting together your own kit, check online for sources of ready-made kits. (Item #6)