What To Expect During the Final Months of Hurricane Season
While we may be over halfway through the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season, things do not seem to be winding down. This year has been an eventful one for sure, and our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected by these extremely devastating storms so far this year. From Harvey to Irma and Maria, the United States has been significantly affected by tropical activity this season, and there's still more to come. Today's blog from Big Bags USA® focuses on what forecasts are saying we can expect for the final two months of hurricane season.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the season marked its statistical peak on September 10. Storm activity usually ramps up during the 8 weeks that surround that date, as key environmental factors align to fuel especially powerful storms. While the peak of hurricane season runs from the middle of August to the middle of October, we really see the best of the conditions in early September. The combination of ocean temperatures that have risen throughout the summer and the lack of wind shear that we commonly find in early autumn leads to the greatest number of storms.
Until a few weeks ago, the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season was quite ordinary. Then along came Harvey, Irma and Maria. Before these storms, the United States hadn't been hit by a major hurricane of Category 3 or higher since Wilma in 2005. Hurricanes quickly went from not being an issue, to being an everyday worry. At this point, everyone is hoping and praying that hurricane season is done. While hurricane activity tends to drop off by early October, it is possible to get a storm in November. According to the NOAA, since 1851, only 60 hurricanes have formed in November compared to 205 in October. The last hurricane to make landfall during the month of November was Otto last year.
Back in August, the NOAA predicted there would be 14-19 names storms, 5-9 hurricane and 2-5 major hurricanes this season. After 4 months, we've seen 11 names storms, 6 hurricanes and 4 that have hit category 3 or higher, Harvey, Irma, Jose and Maria. Unfortunately, we don't know for sure whether or not the United States will take another hit from a tropical storm or hurricane this year. If we take a look at the Atlantic right now, it might seem as though the season is in fact winding down. Maria and Lee are drifting off to the East, and there's no other activity to currently be concerned with. However, this could easily just be the calm before the storm.
These previous storms came from disturbances near Africa, but the persistent vertical wind shear setting up over the Eastern Atlantic in early October makes the possibility for more storms to develop in that area unlikely. To the west though, the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico typically become hotbeds for hurricane development in the fall. As long as there are thunderstorms and plenty of warm water in the tropics, hurricanes have the potential to form. Hurricanes Sandy in 2012, Wilma in 2005 and Iris in 2001, all developed during the month of October. The exceptionally warm water in the Caribbean this year, some of the hottest temperatures on the planet, is particularly concerning for late-season development. Any storms that develop here have the potential to be quite intense. A meteorologist at the Weather Company stated that the high temperatures are like rocket fuel for developing tropical storms. There's currently a cluster of thunderstorms and strong winds brewing near Cuba; it's likely path is north toward Florida. The National Hurricane Center has given this disturbance a 40% chance of formation within the next 5 days.
While many are still recovering from what hurricane season has thrown at us so far this year, now is the time to get prepared for what could still come! Big Bags USA® is here to assist during the pre-hurricane time frames, to offer flood mitigation options to minimize property damage, as well as research and develop new methods for helping flood victims, their families and the surrounding communities. Our main objective is to assist communities and individuals in times of need. Not only does this include providing an easily deployed flood barrier product, but also organizing the gathering of donations to help those who have been severely affect by hurricanes and flooding. We are currently collecting donations for our friends and family in Florida that were affected by hurricane Irma. Please consider donating items to fill our truck to drive down there. God bless!
The Peak of Hurricane Season
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the season marked its statistical peak on September 10. Storm activity usually ramps up during the 8 weeks that surround that date, as key environmental factors align to fuel especially powerful storms. While the peak of hurricane season runs from the middle of August to the middle of October, we really see the best of the conditions in early September. The combination of ocean temperatures that have risen throughout the summer and the lack of wind shear that we commonly find in early autumn leads to the greatest number of storms.
Hurricane Season So Far
Until a few weeks ago, the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season was quite ordinary. Then along came Harvey, Irma and Maria. Before these storms, the United States hadn't been hit by a major hurricane of Category 3 or higher since Wilma in 2005. Hurricanes quickly went from not being an issue, to being an everyday worry. At this point, everyone is hoping and praying that hurricane season is done. While hurricane activity tends to drop off by early October, it is possible to get a storm in November. According to the NOAA, since 1851, only 60 hurricanes have formed in November compared to 205 in October. The last hurricane to make landfall during the month of November was Otto last year.
Tropical Activity to Come
Back in August, the NOAA predicted there would be 14-19 names storms, 5-9 hurricane and 2-5 major hurricanes this season. After 4 months, we've seen 11 names storms, 6 hurricanes and 4 that have hit category 3 or higher, Harvey, Irma, Jose and Maria. Unfortunately, we don't know for sure whether or not the United States will take another hit from a tropical storm or hurricane this year. If we take a look at the Atlantic right now, it might seem as though the season is in fact winding down. Maria and Lee are drifting off to the East, and there's no other activity to currently be concerned with. However, this could easily just be the calm before the storm.
Present Hurricane Conditions
These previous storms came from disturbances near Africa, but the persistent vertical wind shear setting up over the Eastern Atlantic in early October makes the possibility for more storms to develop in that area unlikely. To the west though, the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico typically become hotbeds for hurricane development in the fall. As long as there are thunderstorms and plenty of warm water in the tropics, hurricanes have the potential to form. Hurricanes Sandy in 2012, Wilma in 2005 and Iris in 2001, all developed during the month of October. The exceptionally warm water in the Caribbean this year, some of the hottest temperatures on the planet, is particularly concerning for late-season development. Any storms that develop here have the potential to be quite intense. A meteorologist at the Weather Company stated that the high temperatures are like rocket fuel for developing tropical storms. There's currently a cluster of thunderstorms and strong winds brewing near Cuba; it's likely path is north toward Florida. The National Hurricane Center has given this disturbance a 40% chance of formation within the next 5 days.
While many are still recovering from what hurricane season has thrown at us so far this year, now is the time to get prepared for what could still come! Big Bags USA® is here to assist during the pre-hurricane time frames, to offer flood mitigation options to minimize property damage, as well as research and develop new methods for helping flood victims, their families and the surrounding communities. Our main objective is to assist communities and individuals in times of need. Not only does this include providing an easily deployed flood barrier product, but also organizing the gathering of donations to help those who have been severely affect by hurricanes and flooding. We are currently collecting donations for our friends and family in Florida that were affected by hurricane Irma. Please consider donating items to fill our truck to drive down there. God bless!
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MADE IN THE USA ~ 100% Manufactured in Missouri ~ BUY AMERICAN
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