KINGSTON, R.I. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — The death toll continues to rise and damage reports continue to come in after Hurricane Helene ripped through the south. And now, more storms are gaining strength in the Atlantic. Could these severe super storms become more of the norm than a rare event? The waters from the coast of Africa to the Gulf of Mexico are the warmest they’ve been in modern history. That’s why this hurricane season, the federal forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — or NOAA — forecasted up to 24 named storms and up to seven are expected to become major hurricanes. To date, there have been eight named storms. With two more months of hurricane season ahead, experts warn there’s still more time to prepare and protect yourself and your family.
Hurricane Beryl made history this July as the earliest category five hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic. Forecasters warn that more major hurricanes are on the horizon and as climate change continues to fuel warmer ocean temps.
“Even if we stop emitting carbon dioxide today, it will take 10, 15 years for the climate to get back, back to normal,” said University of Rhode Island Oceanographer Isaac Ginis.
He warns that if we don’t stop releasing carbon dioxide, it could take centuries before global temperatures stop increasing. That’s why meteorologists are using more advanced technology to compile information, and create better, more precise forecasts.
Ginis explained, “The warmer ocean will lead to more intense hurricanes, but the hurricanes can cool the water underneath.”
And knowing how much cooling is taking place helps forecasters predict more accurately the storms wind speed and strength. Ginis warns — it’s not just the cat four and fives you need to worry about — slow moving, lower category hurricanes can cause devastating flooding.
“Six inches of water can knock down an adult or two feet of moving water can essentially sweep away a vehicle,” he told Ivanhoe.
So, what can you do to keep your family safe?
Prepare before the storm, stay put during the storm and have enough supplies after the storm.
“There’s no reason and justification to die during the storm these days. They just need to heed the warning and listen to the forecasters,” Ginis stated.
Hurricane season runs through November 30th.
To make sure you and your family are prepared for the next big storm, go to http://www.ready.gov/ for tips on how to prepare your home and your business. You can also download the FEMA app that is a personalized disaster resource to help you feel ready to take control if a natural disaster hits close to home.
Contributors to this news report include: Marsha Lewis, Executive Producer; Matt Goldschmidt, Videographer; and Bob Walko, Editor.
Produced by Child Trends News Service in partnership with Ivanhoe Broadcast News and funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
To receive a free weekly e-mail on positive parenting from Ivanhoe, sign up at: http://www.ivanhoe.com/ftk
Source:
https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/highly-active-hurricane-season-likely-to-continue-in-atlantic
If this story or any other Ivanhoe story has impacted your life or prompted you or someone you know to seek or change treatments, please let us know by contacting Marjorie Bekaert Thomas at [email protected]