An “above normal” Hurricane Season is being forecast by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
NOAA said Thursday that Hurricane Season, which begins June 1, could bring 11 to 17 named storms. Two to four hurricanes could be major with sustained winds of at least 111 mph.
Acting NOAA administrator Ben Friedman said that forecasters expect warmer-than-average waters across the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, weaker-than-average wind shear and a weak or nonexistent El Nino.
“We cannot stop hurricanes, but again we can prepare for them,” Friedman said.
Last year, Hurricane Matthew caused $10 billion in damage, and claimed 40 lives in the United States and another 1,000 in the Caribbean. At the urging of Gov. Rick Scott, Floridians prepared mightily for Hurricane Matthew, but were relieved when the Sunshine State was spared a direct hit.
Earlier this week, Lady Lake Chief of Police Chris McKinstry urged residents to prepare for Hurricane Season. You can read his advice HERE
