b'WEATHERREPORTActive Hurricane Season Could be Problematic during COVID-19, Vessel Operators Urged to Review Storm Preparedness PlansHurricane forecasters expect the Atlantic hurricane seasonloved ones, and dont forget your pets. An easy way to start to be above-normal with the number of storms predicted,is to download the FEMA app today.whereas the Eastern and Central Pacifi c regions look to beIn the Atlantic, NOAAs Climate Prediction Center is fore-at near- or below-normal tropical cyclone activity for thecasting a likely range of 13 to 19 named storms (winds of 39 season. Passenger vessel operators should prepare now for amph or higher), of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes stormy season, which may be challenging due to COVID-19(winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 6 major hurri-outbreaks and shutdowns. canes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). In May, experts at the Climate Prediction Center, aNOAA provides these ranges with a 70 percent confi dence. division of the National Weather Service at the NationalAn average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),of which six become hurricanes, including three major hur-predicted a 60 percent chance of an Atlantic above-normalricanes.season, a 30 percent chance of a near-normal season and onlyThe combination of several climate factors is driving a 10 percent chance of a below-normal season.the strong likelihood for above-normal activity in the Atlantic this year. El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions are expected to either remain neutral or to trend toward La Nina, meaning there will not be an El Nino present to suppress hurricane activity. Also, warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea,coupledwith reduced vertical wind shear, weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds, and an enhanced west African monsoon all increase the likelihood for an above-normal Atlantic hurricane Source: NOAA.gov season. Similar conditions Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 throughhave been producing more active seasons since the current November 30, but Tropical Storm Arthur formed in thehigh-activity era began in 1995.Atlantic on May 16 making 2020 the sixth year named stormsMeanwhile, the Eastern and Central Pacifi c areas may have formed before hurricane season begins.experience a less active season this year. NOAAs Central While storm planning and hurricane preparedness isPacifi c Hurricane Center shows there is a 75 percent chance important every year, this time its critical.of near-or-below normal tropical cyclone activity during Social distancing and other Centers of Disease Controlhurricane season. and Prevention (CDC) guidance to keep you safe fromFor the season as a whole, 11 to 18 storms are predicted COVID-19 may impact the disaster preparedness plan youfor the Eastern Pacifi c, while just two to six tropical cyclones had in place, including what is in your go-kit, evacuationare predicted for the Central Pacifi c hurricane region, which routes, shelters and more. With tornado season at its peak,includes Hawaii. These numbers includes tropical depres-hurricane season around the corner, and flooding, earth- sions, named storms and hurricanes. quakes and wildfi res a risk year-round, it is time to reviseVessel operators are reminded to review their storm and adjust your emergency plan now, said Carlos Castillo,preparedness plans recognizing that changes may have acting deputy administrator for resilience at FEMA. Naturalto be made to accommodate for COVID-19 restrictions. In disasters wont wait, so I encourage you to keep COVID-19addition, FEMA offers a hurricane toolkit for businesses on in mind when revising or making your plan for you and yourtheir website www.fema.gov. n42JULY 2020FOGHORN'