High Winds
Title: High Winds
Link out: Click here
Description: Day 3 of Hurricane Preparedness Week.
A Category 4 hurricane would have winds between 131 and 155 mph and, on the average, would usually be expected to cause 100 times the damage of the Category 1 storm.
Start Time: 20:00
Date: 2009-05-26
Storm Surge
Title: Storm Surge
Link out: Click here
Description: Day 2 of Hurricane Preparedness Week.
Storm Surge
\”The greatest potential for loss of life related to a hurricane is from the storm surge.\”
Start Time: 20:00
Date: 2009-05-25
End Time: 21:00
NOAA Issues Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook, Encourages Preparedness
NOAA Issues Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook, Encourages Preparedness
May 21, 2009
NOAA forecasters say a near-normal Atlantic hurricane season is most likely
this year. However, as with any season, the need to prepare for the possibility
of a storm striking near you is essential.
“Today, more than 35 million Americans live in regions most threatened by
Atlantic hurricanes,” Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. “Timely and accurate
warnings of severe weather help save lives and property. Public awareness and
public preparedness are the best defenses against a hurricane.”
In its initial outlook for the 2009 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs
from June through November, NOAA’s
National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center calls for a 50 percent
probability of a near-normal season, a 25 percent probability of an above-normal
season and a 25 percent probability of a below-normal season. Global weather
patterns are imposing a greater uncertainty in the 2009 hurricane season outlook
than in recent years. Forecasters say there is a 70 percent chance of having
nine to 14 named storms, of which four to seven could become hurricanes,
including one to three major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5).
“This outlook is a guide to the overall expected seasonal activity. However,
the outlook is not just about the numbers, it’s also about taking action,” said
Gerry Bell, Ph.D., lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate
Prediction Center. “Prepare for each and every season regardless of the seasonal
outlook. Even a near- or below-normal season can produce landfalling hurricanes,
and it only takes one landfalling storm to make it a bad season.”
Shaping this seasonal outlook is the possibility of competing climate
factors. Supporting more activity this season are conditions associated with the
ongoing high-activity era that began in 1995, which include enhanced rainfall
over West Africa, warmer Atlantic waters and reduced wind shear. But activity
could be reduced if El Nino develops in the equatorial Eastern Pacific this
summer or if ocean temperatures in the eastern tropical Atlantic remain cooler
than normal.
NOAA’s seasonal hurricane outlook does not project where and when any of these
storms may hit. Landfall is dictated by weather patterns in place at the time
the storm approaches. For each storm, NOAA’s
National Hurricane Center forecasts how these weather patterns affect the
storm track, intensity and landfall potential.
“NOAA strives to produce the best possible forecasts to help emergency
officials and residents better prepare for an approaching storm,” said Jane
Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA
administrator. “I’m pleased to have the Administration’s support for an
additional $13 million in next year’s budget request to continue the trend of
improving hurricane track and intensity forecasts.”
Tropical systems acquire a name – the first for 2009 will be Ana – upon reaching
tropical storm strength with sustained winds of at least 39 mph. Tropical storms
become hurricanes when winds reach 74 mph, and become major hurricanes when
winds increase to 111 mph. An average season has 11 named storms, including six
hurricanes with two becoming major hurricanes.
NOAA scientists will continue to monitor evolving conditions in the tropics
and will issue an updated hurricane outlook in early August, just prior to what
is historically the peak period for hurricane activity.
NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth’s environment, from the
depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our
coastal and marine resources.
NOAA 2009 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook
Title: NOAA 2009 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook
Location: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Link out: Click here
Description: News conference announcing NOAA\’s 2009 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook
Start Time: 11:00
Date: 2009-05-21
End Time: 12:00
