Hurricane Season 2010 - Forecast Predicts an Active Season

5/28/2010 9:05:46 AM

Contact: Elizabeth Watts, 562-4333

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an above-average year for tropical storms in the Atlantic basin. NOAA’s 2010 hurricane forecast calls for 14 to 23 named storms in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. Of those named storms, 8 to 14 are expected to become hurricanes, including 3 to 7 "major" hurricanes, with wind speeds above 111 mph. Tropical storms are given a name when wind speeds reach 39 mph, and are upgraded to hurricane status when sustained winds reach 74 mph. The Atlantic hurricane season averages 11 named storms, including six hurricanes, with two becoming major hurricanes.

It is imperative that you prepare for a hurricane BEFORE it is here. Have a plan and be ready. Part of preparing is knowing your evacuation zone. There have beens some changes since 2009, so make sure you check your residential or business address to find out your evacuation level. For this information and other resources, visit http://www.pinellascounty.org/emergency.