2020 GA Hurricane Season: Record Number Of Storms Forecast

GEORGIA — Days after Hurricane Isaias dumped heavy rain on parts of the East Coast and left thousands in the Northeast without power for days, weather experts issued an updated forecast that isn't good news. Forecasters said the remainder of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season will be "extremely active" with the potential to be one for the record books.

"The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has been off to a rapid pace with a record-setting nine named storms so far and has the potential to be one of the busiest on record," the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Thursday in releasing the agency's revised seasonal outlook.

An average season produces 12 named storms, including six hurricanes, of which three become major Category 3 storms or above with top winds of at least 111 mph.

The updated NOAA outlook calls for 19-25 named storms with winds of at least 39 mph, of which 7-11 will become hurricanes, including three to six major hurricanes.

See related:

• Storm Brushes Past Golden Ray Wreck After Sen. Perdue Chides Coast Guard

"This year, we expect more, stronger, and longer-lived storms than average," observed lead seasonal hurricane forecaster Gerry Bell at NOAA's Climate Prediction Center.

Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Colorado State University forecasters released a separate updated forecast outlook that calls for 24 named storms in 2020, including this year's Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hanna and most recently Isaias.

The Colorado forecast calls for 12 storms to become hurricanes, including Hanna and Isaias, and five to reach major hurricane strength

"Tropical Atlantic sea surface temperatures averaged over the past month are at their fourth-highest levels since 1982, trailing only the very active Atlantic hurricane seasons of 2005, 2010 and 2017," Colorado researchers said.

"Warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures provide more fuel for tropical cyclone formation and intensification," Colorado researchers explained. "They are also associated with a more unstable atmosphere as well as moister air, both of which favor organized thunderstorm activity that is necessary for hurricane development."

The coronavirus outbreak is figuring prominently into this year's hurricane planning with the added need to maintain social distancing at emergency shelters and possibly even to provide testing for evacuees if necessary.

Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

The National Weather Service has tips to prepare your home ahead of a storm.

• Put Together an Emergency Kit: Put together a basic emergency. Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators and storm shutters.
• Gather Supplies
  Create or restock your emergency kit. Being prepared means having your own food, water, and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.
  • Include the following items in your emergency kit:
    • First Aid Kit and medications.
    • Canned food and can opener.
    • At least three gallons of water per person.
    • Protective clothing, bedding, or sleeping bags.
    • Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
    • Pet food and supplies.
    • Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
    • Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise (a professional should turn them back on).
• Write or review your Family Emergency Plan: Before an emergency happens, sit down with your family or close friends and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go, and what you will do in an emergency. Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supplies kit or another safe place where you can access it in the event of a disaster. Start at the Ready.Gov emergency plan webpage.
• Review Your Insurance Policies: Review your insurance policies to ensure that you have adequate coverage for your home and personal property.
• Preparation tips for your home from the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes
• Preparation Tips for those with Chronic Illnesses

Original story by Paul Scicchitano, Patch staff