NOAA forecasts a 'near-normal season'
Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30 and NOAA forecasters are expecting this season to be ‘near-normal- hurricane activity in the Atlantic Ocean. After several years of La Nina impacting our weather patterns, it is predicted that El Nino will develop this summer, ‘which can suppress Atlantic hurricane activity’ according to NOAA.
Read the whole press release HERE
2022 was a near-average season, but there were three hurricanes that make landfall on the US mainland. Hurricane Ian tied for the fifth-strongest hurricane to make landfall and it made landfall twice – once in Cayo Costa, Florida as a Category 4 and again in Georgetown, South Carolina as a Category 1. Now is the time to prepare.
"With a changing climate...this year we are operationalizing a new hurricane forecast model and extending the tropical cyclone outlook graphic from five to seven days, which will provide emergency managers and communities more time to prepare for storms." NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D.
If you have questions, please contact your Emergency Management Agency
Storm Preparedness for Your Family
As we enter prime hurricane season, it is critical that we all take steps to protect our families, our homes, and our businesses. Make sure you and your family are safe by taking precautions and having necessary supplies in hand.
Check out this Emergency Supply Kit checklist from the City of Jacksonville
Check out this Make a Plan emergency checklist from Nassau County
Check out this Flood Preparedness Information from Camden County
Protect our St. Marys River
It is also important that we protect our river and its tributaries from unnecessary harm. Here are some simple river friendly tips to add to your hurrican preparedness checklist:
- Now is the time to pump out your septic tank. Our river floods which can raise groundwater resulting in waste flushing into our waterways causing unhealthy water quality issues;
- As a storm approaches, secure your home as well as remove debris including tree branches, chairs, and equipment from the river’s edge. Keep our river debris free;
- “Only Rain Down a Storm Drain”. Keep storm drains clear of trash and debris to prevent streets from flooding and from making it to our river;
- Secure any chemicals, fertilizers, or pesticides in your garage or shed in an elevated position, so that they cannot leak into storm drains or waterways.
- Derelict boats cause a navigational hazard and can leak oil. Ensure your boat is secured or move it to a safer location. Read this press release from Florida Fish and Wildlife Service;
- During and after a storm, avoid contact with floodwaters. Heavy rains and flooding often result in sewage spills and pollutants that run off streets and parking lots, making the waters unsafe.
- Stay off the water during high water levels. Fast flowing water with down debris can be dangerous to you and others. Check the water levels before venturing out on the river after a storm.
Be a Watchdog
We will be monitoring conditions in the river after the storm passes and will keep you posted. If you experience any significant flooding or see a pollution problem, please let us know by sending photos, description, and location (emily@stmarysriverkeeper.org) or by tagging us on social media (@stmarysriverkeeper)
