The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced its forecast for the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season on May 24. The forecast predicts above-average hurricane activity, which would make 2022 the seventh consecutive season with above-average activity. Forecasters believe that during this year’s hurricane season – running June 1 to November 30 – between 14 and 21 named storms will occur, with six to 10 of them becoming hurricanes, and three to six of those hurricanes becoming “major hurricanes” with windspeeds at or above 111 mph. NOAA’s prediction of above-average storm activity is based on the presence of an outgoing La Nina system, warmer sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic and Caribbean, and an enhanced African Monsoon season.
The new forecast comes as thousands of residents along the Gulf Coast are still struggling through the early stages of recovery from the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season, during which Hurricane Ida leveled portions of the Louisiana coast, destroyed homes across the eastern United States, and killed over 80 people. The storm was the fourth most costly hurricane in U.S. history. Even now, nearly 1,000 individuals in coastal Louisiana are still waiting to access temporary housing.
“Hurricane Ida spanned nine states, demonstrating that anyone can be in the direct path of a hurricane and in danger from the remnants of a storm system,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “It’s important for everyone to understand their risk and take proactive steps to get ready now by visiting Ready.gov and Listo.gov for preparedness tips, and by downloading the FEMA App to make sure you are receiving emergency alerts in real-time.”
Learn more about NOAA’s forecast at: https://bit.ly/38Tb3bF
Sign up for FEMA alerts at: https://bit.ly/3z1OaNS
Learn how to prepare for and what to expect during disasters with Southerly Magazine’s “Disaster Glossary,” available at: https://bit.ly/3wU1BNp