NOAA says the 2015 Atlantic hurricane season will likely be below-normal
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- For the 2015 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which officially runs from June 1 - November 30, the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a 70 percent likelihood of 6 to 11 named storms of which 3 to 6 could become hurricanes.
"A below-normal season doesn't mean we're off the hook. As we've seen before, below-normal seasons can still produce catastrophic impacts to communities," said NOAA Administrator Kathryn Sullivan, referring to the 1992 season in which only seven named storms formed, yet the first was Andrew - a Category 5 Major Hurricane that devastated South Florida.
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The news of a below average season came as local and state emergency managers, meteorologists, and researchers gathered Wednesday at East Carolina University's 6th annual Hurricane Conference.
Experts said looking back at past storms can be valuable, but could also serve as a "gotcha" when you think one storm will be just like the last. Rather, every storm is different, and that's why North Carolinians need to prepare early.
"We always say it only takes one right?" Michael Sprayberry, the North Carolina Emergency Management Director said Wednesday.
Five days before the official start to hurricane season, emergency managers and first responders from across the state gathered in Greenville to share the latest forecasts, evacuation plans, and where they'll set up shelters for those in need.
Director of the National Hurricane Center Dr. Rick Knabb said no one should ever let their guard down.
"Don't think it's just a beachfront problem," he told Eyewitness News. "We can have inland winds, and certainly we can have tornadoes."
History proves why it takes coordination and planning from government leaders to you at home.
"The inland track that usually causes statewide damage, especially if that storm is really strong like Hurricane Fran was," John Cole, Meteorologist NOAA/NWS Morehead City told the crowd.
In 1996, Fran brought damaging hurricane-force gusts as far inland as Raleigh. In our coastal low-lying areas, flooding is always a concern regardless of whether NOAA predicts a tame hurricane season like the one we're about to enter.
"Look what Arthur showed us last year," explained Knabb. "In a below-average year, we can have a hurricane landfall."
"I would just urge folks to make sure that they are prepared individually for any type of emergency at their homes," said Sprayberry.
He said you should be stocking your emergency kit now with water, non-perishable food items, a battery-powered radio, and other supplies listed here: ABC11 Hurricane Center
"I don't presume that I'm ready forever," said Knabb. "I get ready again every year."
