LEONARDTOWN, Md. – The Department of Emergency Services is urging residents to prepare for the 2022 hurricane season. Forecasters at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, National Weather Service (NWS) division, are predicting above-average hurricane activity this year, making it the seventh consecutive above-average hurricane season.
NOAA’s outlook for the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, which extends from June 1 to Nov. 30, predicts a 65% chance of an above-normal season, a 25% chance of a near-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season.
Dr. Rick Knabb of the NWS said, “Don’t let the current lull in Atlantic activity fool you. Last year there was nothing for a month between Elsa and Fred from July 10-Aug. 10…and then Ida. In 2019, nothing between Barry and Chantal from July 12-Aug. 19… and then Dorian. We still expect a busy peak of the season.”
Some of the hazards from hurricanes include:
-Abnormal amounts of water and wind cause damage
-Tornadoes forming in areas well away from the hurricane
-Inland flooding causing road and property damage
Advance preparations should include:
-Build a kit that includes food, water, medical supplies, batteries, flashlights, battery-powered radio
-Have contact information for family members readily accessible
-Preplan emergency meeting locations
-Prepare for ways to protect your pets
For more information on preparedness, go to https://www.stmarysmd.com/es/beprepared/.