The National Hurricane Center is watching two systems a disturbed weather in the Atlantic that have strong chances of strengthening into tropical storms. Forecasters are giving one 90% and the other a 60% chance.
Hurricane experts from Colorado State University and the NOAA are already calling for a very active Atlantic hurricane season in 2020 that could rival the record-setting 2005 season.
More signs of a busy season are already underway. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is watching two areas of disturbed weather in the Atlantic that they are giving a high probability of development into a tropical system.
The next system that forms will be called Laura, then Marco, then Nana.
The system closest to the United States is currently located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, ABC 11 reports. According to the NHC, that system has a 60 percent chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within the next five days.
It is currently moving west at roughly 20 mph. However, forecast models show the system slowing down as it gets closer to the Gulf of Mexico, where it has the potential of strengthening into tropical storm.
A second system, further out in the Atlantic, is one that forecasters are giving a 90 percent chance of becoming a tropical cyclone over the next five days. However, they believe the system is likely to become a tropical depression within the next two days.
Right now, the system is under a broad area of low pressure and located slightly over 700 miles west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands and producing a concentrated area of showers and thunderstorms, Click Orlando reports.
The system is currently moving west to West-Northwest at 15-20 miles per hour across the central and western portions of the Atlantic.
With weather experts making bets that this could be one of the most active hurricane seasons ever, no one should take these estimates likely. The most important thing anyone living in areas that can be affected by hurricanes or severe weather can do is to begin getting prepared now.
You need to be prepared for damaging wind, potential flooding and tornadoes.
For tornadoes are flooding, it’s important to develop a family emergency plan that includes an evacuation plan and a designated safe space. Preferably, a basement or underground shelter, or the next best thing is an interior room with no windows. This is often a bathroom.
If everyone could possibly be separated when severe weather strikes, also have a family communications strategy. Make sure that every member of your family has a cell phone. Of every member of your family does not have a cell phone, look for the best cellular phone deal by doing online search for cell phone plan deals near me.
It’s also vital to have a weather radio that is battery-powered or can be charged by a hand crank in case the power goes out. The next crucial thing to have on hand is a 3-day supply of fresh water and food for each member of your family, as well as your pets.
It’s also a good idea to have a flashlight, a spare battery backup charger for your cell phone, and extra batteries for your weather radio and flashlight. In addition, make sure your emergency kit also contains vital medications and a first aid kit.
To obtain additional information on getting prepared for severe weather, visit the US government’s CDC website for preparing for a hurricane or tropical storm.