Storm Season Kicks Off: Are You Ready?

The Atlantic hurricane season is underway, and experts are sounding the alarm. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasted 13 to 19 storms from June 1 to November 30. This is above the typical average of 14 storms per year. The reason? Warmer ocean temperatures are fueling more storms. Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Storms can cause floods, tornadoes, and wind damage far inland. This means everyone, not just those living by the coast, needs to be prepared. Even storms that don't become hurricanes can be deadly. Experts stress the importance of preparing now, before a storm hits. Climate change is making storms worse. Storms are dumping more water and causing more damage further inland. This is a serious issue, especially for communities prone to flooding. Experts are urging these communities to take the warnings seriously. The National Weather Service is facing cuts. The Department of Government Efficiency has fired hundreds of employees and proposed major funding cuts. This could impact hurricane forecasting just as storms are getting more dangerous. Some former employees have expressed concerns about the future of weather forecasting. Despite the cuts, officials say they are ready for the season. They have advanced weather models and hurricane tracking systems in place. However, the long-term impact of these cuts remains a concern. So, what can we expect this season? NOAA predicts six hurricanes, with three to five of them being major. Other forecasters have similar predictions. Last year, there were 18 named storms, with five hurricanes making landfall in the U. S. This included Hurricane Helene, which caused devastating flooding, and Hurricane Milton, which caused billions in damage. The storm names for this year have been chosen by the World Meteorological Organization. They are ready to go as soon as a storm forms.