2019 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS GUIDE
Hurricane season starts June 1 By Philip S. Ruckle Jr. In just a few more days we will enter the 2019 Hurricane Season. Officially running from Saturday, June 1, through the end of November, the Atlantic Coast hurricane season dates cover the period each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. The emphasis here is the word “most,” because in reality they can form, and have formed, at any time of the year. On average there are about 12 named storms during any given hurricane season with six of them becoming full blown hurricanes. Prior to the start of any hurricane season several national meteorological services and scientific agencies publish a forecast for how many named storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes are expected to form during the season and how they will affect a particular country. The first forecast for this year was released on December 11, 2018, by the Tropical Storm Risk Consortium of University College London predicting a slightly below-average 2019 season with a total of 12 named storms. Five of them as hurricanes with two becoming major hurricanes. In April, Colorado State University released a forecast also predicting five hurricanes and two major hurricanes but with an overall season of 13 named storms. Also in April, North Carolina State University released its forecast predicting slightly-above average activity with 13 to 16 named storms, 5 to 7 of them hurricanes and 2 to 3 as major hurricanes. Then, on May 6, The Weather Company predicted a slightly-above average season, with 14 named storms including seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes. In mid May the National Hurricane Center began
began tracking a large elongated area of clouds and thunderstorms developing east of the Bahamas. As the disturbance gradually organized and moved westward and then northward, an Air Force Reconnaissance flight late on May 20 reported that the storm had a well-defined center, leading to the classification of the system as Subtropical Storm Andrea at 22:30 UTC that day. A lt houg h A nd re a reached its peak intensity soon after and later dissipated and degenerated to a remnant low the next day, it appears this season is ready to start. Among the most powerful and destructive forces in nature, hurricanes pose a threat to both life
and property. The primary hazards from tropical cyclones (which include tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes) are storm surge flooding, inland flooding from heavy rains, destructive winds, tornadoes, and high surf and rip currents. A storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm’s winds and are historically the leading cause of hurricane related deaths in the US. Dangerous waves produced by a storm’s strong winds pose a significant hazard for coastal residents because these waves can cause deadly rip currents, significant beach erosion, and structural damage along the coast even when the storm is several miles offshore.
Flooding from heavy rains, which can persist for several days after a storm has dissipated, ranks as the second leading cause of fatalities from storms making landfall. Not to be overlooked, hurricane winds can destroy buildings and manufactured homes, rip apart signs, lift off roofing material, and convert almost any item left outside into a flying missile. While locals often know the threat hurricanes can pose, many tend to be a bit apathetic. History has shown, however, that it only takes one storm to change a life and a community. Evacuations are only called for when the lives and safety of those in the area being evacuated will
be at risk. With seasonal increases in population and limited access on and off the barrier islands, major traffic delays will occur during evacuations. Once an evacuation has been called, to ensure your personal safety gather your belongings and leave as soon as possible. In addition to protecting yourself, doing so will save a significant amount of time in traffic while helping emergency officials as they prepare for, or respond to the incident. If you go, know where to go. If ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay. Because Dare County has only two evacuation routes, Highway 64 West to Tyrrell
County and Highway 158 North to Currituck, evacuations can cause major traffic delays. If leaving, make sure to gather belongings and depart in an orderly manner as soon as possible. Dare County Emergency Management encourages residents and visitors to consider using Highway 64 West, especially those evacuating from Hatteras Island, Nags Head and Roanoke Island. Traffic backups on Highway 158 will occur as traffic from the northern Outer Banks and surrounding counties converge onto Highway 158. Highway 64 West has less congestion and traffic lights; allowing for constant speed. This route intersects Interstate 95
See HURRICANE, 2B