It’s been so cold on the east coast that I almost forgot we’re past mid-June and three weeks into the Atlantic hurricane season. So far, so good. No hurricanes or tropical storms. But sooner or later, our luck is bound to run out. Here are the official 2009 hurricane season predictions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:

• 11 The number of named storms in an average season, including 6 hurricanes of which 2 reach major status
• 11 The projected number of named storms for this season
• 5 The projected number of hurricanes for this season
• 2 The projected number of major hurricanes, i.e., Category 3 or above, for this season
• 39 Miles per hour sustained winds must reach for a system to be declared a tropical storm
• 74 Miles per hour winds must reach for a tropical storm to be upgraded to a hurricane
• 111 Miles per hour winds must reach for a hurricane to achieve Category 3 strength.

Hurricane Glossary

Here’s a helpful glossary from the National Hurricane Center:

• Tropical Depression: An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph (33 knots)
• Tropical Storm: An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph (34 to 63 kt)
• Hurricane: An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 kt) or higher
• Sustained Winds: A one-minute average wind measured at about 33 feet (10 meters) above the surface
• Hurricane Watch: An indication that your part of the coast could experience hurricane conditions within 36 hours. If a watch is in effect, you should take protective measures.
• Hurricane Warning: An indication that your part of the coast is expected to experience sustained winds of at least 74 mph within 24 hours or less. If a warning is in effect, you should complete protective measures and determine the safest location to be during the storm.
• Hurricane Names: When winds reach 39 mph (34 kt), they’re assigned names by the World Meteorological Organization. Storm names are alphabetical. The 2009 names for what are called Atlantic Basin Tropical Cyclones are: Ana, Bill, Claudette, Danny, Erika, Fred, Grace, Henri, Ida, Joaquin, Kate, Larry, Mindy, Nicholas, Odette, Peter, Rose, Sam, Teresa, Victor, Wanda. Let’s hope we don’t get to “meet” any of these storms.
• Hurricane Categories: Hurricanes are categorized according to wind strength:
  • Category 1: Winds of 74-95 mph (64-82 kt), storm surge 4-5 feet above normal
  • Category 2: Winds 96-110 mph (83-95 kt), storm surge 6-8 feet above normal
  • Category 3: Winds 111-130 mph (96-113 kt), storm surge 9-12 feet above normal
  • Category 4: Winds 131-155 mph (114-135 kt), storm surge 13-18 feet above normal
  • Category 5: Winds over 155 mph (135 kt), storm surge over 18 feet above normal

Precautions: Basic hurricane safety actions include:

• Be aware if you live in an evacuation area
• Be aware of your home’s vulnerability to flooding, storm surge and wind
• Prepare a written plan based on your vulnerabilities
• Create a disaster supply kit and check it, e.g., make sure batteries work, at the start of hurricane season (June 1) each year
• Monitor the tropics during hurricane season
• Monitor NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather Radio
• Listen for hurricane watches and warnings
• Evacuate if ordered to do so.

Source: National Weather Service, National Hurricane Center, http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/basics.shtml

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