The Atlantic Hurricane Season begins June 1st and runs through November 30th. Accuweather
forecasters are anticipating another busy year for the Atlantic Basin in 2020, on the heels of an active 2019 season.
The 2019 season featured hurricanes Dorian, Lorenzo, and Humberto as well as Tropical Storm Imelda, and caused more than $11 billion in damages. The season produced 18 named storms, including six hurricanes of which three were “major” (Category 3, 4 or 5). NOAA’s outlook called for 10-17 named storms, 5-9 hurricanes and 2-4 major hurricanes, and accurately predicted the overall activity of the season.
For 2020, “It’s going to be an above-normal season.” Dan Kottlowksi, AccuWeather’s top hurricane expert, states. Kottlowski also increased the number of major hurricanes – Category 3 or higher – that could develop this season to four to six. Kottlowski warned that four to six named tropical systems could make direct impacts on the U.S mainland, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
The current 2020 outlook reflects competing climate factors. The trending La Niña is expected to persist throughout the late summer. Active hurricane seasons in the Atlantic can result when a La Niña pattern is present due to a general reduction in wind shear over parts of the Atlantic Ocean. NOAA will give their full update later this month.
March 2020 was the warmest ever recorded at SRQ (Sarasota Bradenton International Airport) with Sarasota’s seasonable average being 66.6°F in March, we passed that easily, averaging 73.1° this year, the warmest recorded. That being said, we are tracking for warmer Caribbean and Gulf temps as things just keep heating up! The gulf temperature as of today is already 77°F.
At Wrightway Emergency Response Services, we want to help you be prepared before the 2020 hurricane season is upon all of us. Even in the midst of these unprecedented times, it will give you and your family peace of mind to have your plans in place ahead of hurricane season here in SW Florida.
Here are several things you can do ahead of time provided by the National Weather Service:
We will be updating you with more local information as it becomes available in the following weeks.
If you have any questions or would like a referral from one of our business partners, feel free to contact us, we’re always here to assist you! 941-379-8669 ALWAYS AVAILABLE 24/7