2010 Hurricane Season Forecast

The 2010 Hurricane Season in the Atlantic Ocean began on June 1, 2010, and will end on November 30, 2010. Atlantic hurricanes affect the eastern and Gulf coasts of the U.S. and the Caribbean nations. Those with interests in hurricane-prone areas must heed federal and state advice on preparedness, the season in general, and each specific storm in the season.

The experts are predicting a busier-than-usual hurricane season for 2010.http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/040910_fpg-03.txt The early forecasts are being modified as the season progresses but the climactic conditions indicate the 2010 hurricane season will stand in sharp contrast to the relatively mild 2009 season. Special concerns in 2010 are whether a hurricane will hit the already-devastated island of Haiti and how a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico would affect the giant oil slick created by the explosion on the BP offshore driling platform. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ijet-outlines-heightened-risk-factors-and-areas-of-impact-for-a-unique-2010-hurricane-season-96878059.html Another question is whether a hurricane will come ashore in the Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama coastal areas, some of which have not yet recovered from 2005's Hurricane Katrina. http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/04/12-0

Contents 1 September 3, 2010: Hurricane Earl 2 August 24, 2010: Hurricane Danielle 3 August 11, 2010: Tropical Depression 5 4 August 9, 2010: Tropical Storm Colin 5 July 24, 2010: Tropical Depression Bonnie 6 June 14-July 1, 2010: Tropical Storm Alex

September 3, 2010: Hurricane Earl

At its peak, Earl was a Category 4 storm, but it was downgraded to a Category 2 before coming ashore on the North Carolina coast. Cities near the Outer Banks lost power, but there was little effect from storm surges since the most powerful parts of the hurricane remained offshore.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38877306/

August 24, 2010: Hurricane Danielle

Danielle forms in the Atlantic Ocean and is immediately classified as a Category 2 storm, with winds between 96 and 110 mph. Shortly after becoming a hurricane, Danielle was downgraded to a Category 1 storm.http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2010/0824/Hurricane-Danielle-forms-in-Atlantic-Earl-on-her-heels

August 11, 2010: Tropical Depression 5

The National Hurricane Center indicated the formation of a Tropical Depression off the coast of Florida expected to enter the Gulf. At this time, the system had maximum winds of 35 mph and was located about 100 miles west of Florida. It later dissipated, brought heavy rains to Louisiana and reorganized as a Depression before moving into the Mississippi Gulf Coast region as an area of low-pressure.http://www.webcitation.org/5s19nio8D

August 9, 2010: Tropical Storm Colin

On August 9, 2010 Tropical Storm Colin dissipated without making landfall in Bermuda as had been predicted. TS Colin had previously fizzled out before making substantial damage but came back to Tropical Storm strength.http://www.property-casualty.com/News/2010/8/Pages/Storm-Colin-Dissipates-Again-Spares-Bermuda.aspx

July 24, 2010: Tropical Depression Bonnie

On July 24, Tropical Depression Bonnie moved further into the Gulf of Mexico. The final advisory for the storm forecasted that its remnants would move into southeastern Louisiana by July 25, bringing heavy rain and potentially dangerous rip currents along the shore.http://www.weather.com/newscenter/hurricanecentral/2010/bonnie.html

June 14-July 1, 2010: Tropical Storm Alex

On June 14, the first tropical storm of the 2010 hurricane season was thought to be forming in the central Atlantic Ocean. http://www.nbc-2.com/Global/story.asp?S=12641056 Located about 800 miles southwest of the Cape Verde Islands, the tropical wave moved tthe west northwest at about 15 mph in unseasonably warm waters. From June 18 through 22, the system was dumping heavy rain in parts of the Leeward Islands, Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica. http://www.wesh.com/weather/23890043/detail.html On June 22, the National Hurricane Center advised that the weather conditions may be favorable for further development.http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ It later grew into a tropical storm and was named Tropical Storm Alex. It never developed into a hurricane, however, because it was headed toward heavy upper-level wind shear to the west. The storm completely dissipated on July 1.http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_at1.shtml?5-daynl

1. Hurricane Alex
2. Hurricane Bonnie
3. Hurricane Colin
4. Hurricane Danielle
5. Hurricane Earl
6. Hurricane Fiona
7. Hurricane Gaston
8. Hurricane Hermine
9. Hurricane Igor
10. Hurricane Julia
11. Hurricane Karl
12. Hurricane Lisa
13. Hurricane Matthew
14. Hurricane Nicole
15. Hurricane Otto
16. Hurricane Paula
17. Hurricane Richard
18. Hurricane Shary
19. Hurricane Tomas
20. Hurricane Virginie
21. Hurricane Walterhttp://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames.shtml

Contents 1 AccuWeather.com's Bastardi Revises Forecast 2 Will the 2010 Season Be a Repeat of 2005? 3 Gray & Klotzbach Updated Forecast Predicts a Very Active Season 4 NOAA Predicts Above Normal Hurricane Season 5 An Above-Average Hurricane Season: 6 Eight Major Hurricanes Expected 7 15 Named Storms in Total

AccuWeather.com's Bastardi Revises Forecast

• On June 21, Joe Bastardi, Chief Hurricane Meteorologist for AccuWeather.com, revised his earlier forecast to predict that 18 to 21 named storms will occur in the 2010 hurricane season, four of which are expected to occur during July. The revised forecast expects five or six of the named storms to be hurricanes. http://www.accuweather.com/blogs/news/story/33013/bastardi-ups-hurricane-season.asp Bastardi's original forecast called for 16 to 18 names storms. http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1151016120100511

Will the 2010 Season Be a Repeat of 2005?

• Weather experts are seeing some unsettling similarities between the 2010 hurricane season and the 2005 season, which produced 28 named storms, including Hurricane Katrina. For example, warm waters in the Atlantic Ocean are conducive to hurricane formation. This year set a record for the warmest water temperatures recorded in the tropical and eastern Atlantic. The May water temperatures were 0.09 degrees Fahrenheit above average, whereas in 2005 the temperatures were about 0.6 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than average. Vertical wind shear inhibits hurricane formation and growth. This spring, as in 2005, the wind shear is weaker than average. Moreover, el Nino has receded, as it did in 2005. While similar weather conditions is not an exact predictor of hurricane frequency and strength, the National Geographic reports that one forecaster sees the similar patterns as "ominous and foreboding." http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/06/100610-hurricanes-katrina-forecast-season-2010-science-environment/

Gray & Klotzbach Updated Forecast Predicts a Very Active Season

• Dr. William Gray and Dr. Phillip Klotzbach of Colorado State University's Tropical Meteorology Project have published their scheduled June 2 update to their 2010 hurricane season forecast. http://hurricane.atmos.colostate.edu/forecasts/ The famed forecasting team now predicts as many as 18 named storms, an increase of two since the original forecast on Dec. 9. According to the updated forecast, we can expect 10 hurricanes to form in the Atlantic basin, up from 8 in the original forecast. As in the initial forecast, five hurricanes are expected to become major hurricanes (Category 3, 4, or 5 on the Saffir/Simpson scale). The revised numbers were based on the above-average warm waters in the Atlantic and the likelihood that a weak La Nina will form in the Pacific Ocean. http://www.news.colostate.edu/Release/5247 Gray and Klotzbach will issue their final forecast for the 2010 season on August 4. http://hurricane.atmos.colostate.edu/Includes/Documents/Forecast_Schedule.html

NOAA Predicts Above Normal Hurricane Season

• NOAA issued its 2010 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook on May 27, 2010. http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/hurricane.shtml According to the forecast, there is an 85% change of an above-average hurricane season in 2010. We can expect an "active to extremely active" season. http://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/hurricanes/2010-05-27-hurricane_N.htm

A busy hurricane season will be attributable to the presence of weather conditions that have historically been favorable for hurricane formation. For example, the sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea warmer than usual. Also, La Niña conditions in the tropical Pacific are becoming increasingly likely, making it less likely that wind shear will tear storms apart. http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/20100527_hurricaneoutlook.html

According to NOAA, there is a 70% probability for the following ranges of hurricane activity for 2010:http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=156670&catid=3

* 14-23 named storms (winds 39 mph or higher) * 8-14 hurricanes (winds 74 mph or higher) * 3-7 major hurricanes (winds of at least 111 mph)

NOAA does not issue an official seasonal hurricane landfall outlook because predicting the timing and location of hurricane strikes is dependent on daily weather patterns, which are not predictable weeks or months in advance. Given the expected weather conditions, however, comparable historical data would call for multiple hurricane strikes in the U.S. and in the Caribbean.http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/hurricane.shtml

An Above-Average Hurricane Season:

• On April 7, 2010, Colorado State University issued its annual report on the year's hurricane forecast predictions.http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/07/forecasters-predict-above-average-atlantic-hurricane-season/ University forecasters William Gray and Phil Klotzbach each stated that El Nino conditions will likely dissipate by summer. In addition they believe that the warm tropical Atlantic sea surface temperatures will not drop and will remain at the current temperatures. These temperatures have reportedly been much warmer than usual.http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/07/forecasters-predict-above-average-atlantic-hurricane-season/ Because of this phenomenon, Gray and Klotzbach indicate that the 2010 hurricane season will be above-average. Specifically, they said that the warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures will "[lead] to favorable conditions for hurricanes to develop and intensify."http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/07/forecasters-predict-above-average-atlantic-hurricane-season/

Eight Major Hurricanes Expected

• Colorado State University's forecasters, Gray and Klotzbach, have also reported that eight hurricanes are expected for the 2010 season.http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/07/forecasters-predict-above-average-atlantic-hurricane-season/ Four of the season's hurricanes are expected to strengthen and become major hurricanes. This means that these four, if they do in fact become major hurricanes, would ultimately receive a rating of at least a category 3 storm.http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/07/forecasters-predict-above-average-atlantic-hurricane-season/ Category 3 storms are defined by the Saffir-Simpson scale. The Saffir-Simpson scale indicates that such a storm must have winds of at least 111mph; and that these winds be sustained for a period of time.

15 Named Storms in Total

• Including these predicted eight major storms for 2010, Gray and Klotzbach have reason to believe there will be a total of 15 named storms.http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/07/forecasters-predict-above-average-atlantic-hurricane-season/ Because the eight are included in this number, this would mean that seven of the storms during 2010 will be large enough to be officially named and yet not large enough to be considered a major hurricane. These seven additional storms, then, would each be rated at a level of category 2 or below if Gray and Klotzbach's predictions turn out to be correct.http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/07/forecasters-predict-above-average-atlantic-hurricane-season/

The U.S. National Hurricane Center will announce storm watches and warnings 12 hours earlier than in previous hurricane seasons. The earlier lead time will give those living in coastal areas more time to prepare and evacuate. Officials can give more advance warnings and watches because of advances in tracking storms and forecasting their projected paths. http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN056675320100105?type=marketsNews

The leak from the site of the demolished Deepwater Horizon drilling platform has raised numerous environmental concerns throughout the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coast regions. http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/topic_subtopic_entry.php?RECORD_KEY(entry_subtopic_topic)=entry_id,subtopic_id,topic_id&entry_id(entry_subtopic_topic)=809&subtopic_id(entry_subtopic_topic)=2&topic_id(entry_subtopic_topic)=1 With hurricane season in full gear, however, speculation is growing regarding the impact that a Gulf hurricane may have on the huge oil slick.http://newsfeed.time.com/2010/05/14/oil-spill-what-happens-if-a-hurricane-hits/ Even the experts don't really know what would happen because there is no precedent. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/05/100505-science-environment-gulf-oil-spill-hurricanes-new-orleans/

A hurricane could move the slick toward the coast and a storm surge or hurricane force winds could carry the oil inland, producing an even greater disaster than either a hurricane or oil slick alone. http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100512/ts_alt_afp/usblastoilenergypollutionweathertornado A hurricane or tropical storm in the Gulf would also impede the efforts to contain the leak and the slick. http://www.livescience.com/environment/Hurricane-Season-Halt-Oil-Spill-Cleanup-100504.html Some have even speculated that the oil slick may inhibit the formation of hurricanes in the Gulf by forming a barrier between the air and the water. http://content.usatoday.com/communities/sciencefair/post/2010/05/could-the-gulf-oil-spill-help-our-hurricane-season/1 Once a hurricane has formed, however, the slick would not affect its intensity or track. http://www.cleveland.com/nation/index.ssf/2010/05/imagine_mixing_katrina_with_oi.html Another positive effect of a hurricane may be that the churning waves would hasten degradation of the oil by disbursing it. http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100512/ts_alt_afp/usblastoilenergypollutionweathertornado

Unfortunately, the chances that a hurricane will hit the oil spill are fairly good. Hurricanes in the early part of hurricane season historically develop in the Gulf region, whereas later hurricanes form in the Atlantic Ocean. http://content.usatoday.com/communities/sciencefair/post/2010/05/could-the-gulf-oil-spill-help-our-hurricane-season/1 Moreover, hurricane forecasters from the Colorado State University predict that the chances that a hurricane will enter the Gulf of Mexico this year are 44%, higher than the historic average of 30%. http://tropical.atmos.colostate.edu/Forecasts/2010/april2010/apr2010.pdf

Contents 1 State and Local Preparedness 2 Tax Holiday on Hurricane Supplies in Louisiana 3 NOAA's Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 23 - 29, 2010) 4 NOAA's Gulf Coast Awareness Tour (April 26 - 30, 2010)

State and Local Preparedness

Communities in hurricane-prone states gearied up their hurricane preparedness efforts in anticipation of the start of hurricane season on June 1. Florida's Public Service Commission held its annual Hurricane Preparedness Workshop. Eleven companies made presentations about their preparedness efforts. http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/93940404.html Verizon Wireless advised Floridians how to maintain communication during a hurricane using cell phones. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/florida-residents-should-make-emergency-communication-plans-as-2010-hurricane-season-approaches-93936929.html AT&T has taken steps to preserve and restore telephone service in the southeast. The company has invested substantially in a NetWork Disaster Recovery program. Its pre-storm preparations included adding capacity to the wireless network and stocking batteries and fuel to maintaining generators. After a hurricane strikes, AT&T will use mobile command centers and emergency communications vehicles to restore service.http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/att-stands-ready-for-2010-hurricane-season-in-the-southeast-93920404.html

Local communities also made storm preparations. For example, D'Iberville, MS, held a drill for police officers, firefighters, and employees in public works and parks and recreation services. http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=12493844 Mayor Delores Martin, of Manvel, TX, urged the residents of Manvel and Brazoria County to begin taking hurricane preparedness steps. Among the steps she recommended are: register for evacuation if you need assistance; prepare emergency kit; prepare to secure your home and other property; and keep current on weather conditions. http://www.ultimatepearland.com/2010/05/hurricane-season-2010-are-you-ready

Tax Holiday on Hurricane Supplies in Louisiana

Louisiana residents didn't pay sales tax on hurricane supplies purchased on May 29 and 30, 2010. The entire 4% sales tax was waived on qualifying purchases. Tax-free items included batteries, flashlights, storm shutters, and battery-operated radios. The purpose of the Louisiana Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday was to encourage advance preparation for potential hurricane landfalls.http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2010/05/upcoming_sales_tax_holiday_aim.html

NOAA's Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 23 - 29, 2010)

The National Hurricane Center of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) declared May 23 through 29 as the 2010 Hurricane Preparedness Week. The purpose of the week was to stress how important "awareness and preparation" is in preventing loss of life and property damage from a hurricane.

Awareness involves knowing about the various hurricane hazards, including storm surge, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding. The best preparedness is to have a plan of action to protect against each of the hazards. A family plan should include knowing the risks in your area, locating safe areas in the home or evacuation centers, setting a contact location where family members can meet, making plans for pets, storing nonperishable food and other emergency items, and using a NOAA radio.

The Hurricane Preparedness Week website is at: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtml. The site contains a wealth of information about the history, present, and future of hurricanes. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtml

NOAA's Gulf Coast Awareness Tour (April 26 - 30, 2010)

The National Hurricane Center took one of its hurricane hunter planes on a tour of five Gulf Coast cities. Aboard was Bill Read, director of the Hurricane Center, hurricane specialists, a storm surge specialist, and an IT programmer. The Gulf Coast cities chosen for the 2010 tour were Brownville, TX, Beaumont, TX, Baton Rouge, LA, Pensacola, FL, and Sarasota, FL,

Members of the public were invited to tour one of the planes that flies into the eyes of hurricanes to gather information to help forecasters provide accurate information to the public about the speed and direction of a hurricane. In 2009, more than 2,000 visitors toured the aircraft while it was stopped in Raleigh, NC. http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/20100420_hat.html

While the utility of long-range hurricane forecasts is debatable, weather experts continue to publish them. At the University of Miami, Professor of Meteorology Ben Kirtman is looking into the relationship between the positioning of El Nino and the severity of hurricanes in the Atlantic basin. According to Kirtman, in 2009 El Nino was located just offshore of the South American coast, which led to a mild hurricane season. In contrast, under Kirtman's theory, if El Nino moves further off the South American coast then it will not protect the U.S. coastlines and may support the formation of more and stronger storms.http://cbs4.com/local/el.nino.hurricane.2.1338052.html

One of the most eagerly anticipated forecasts comes from Dr. William Gray and Dr. Phillip Klotzbach of Colorado State University's Tropical Meteorology Project. Issued on December 9, 2009, their initial forecast called for a busier 2010 season than in 2009. http://www.baldwincountynow.com/articles/2009/12/13/local_news/doc4b2171607d043750595889.txt For the first time, they predicted a range in the numbers of storms rather than a single number. They expect 11 – 16 named storms, 6 – 8 hurricanes, and 3 – 5 major hurricanes. http://typhoon.atmos.colostate.edu/forecasts/2009/dec2009/dec2009.pdf On April 7, 2010, June 2, 2010, and August 4, 2010, the CSU team will adjust this long-range forecast as the weather conditions become clearer. http://hurricane.atmos.colostate.edu/Includes/Documents/Forecast_Schedule.html In their early forecast for 2009, Drs. Gray and Klotzbach over-estimated actual the number of hurricanes that formed. http://www.tampabay.com/news/weather/hurricanes/2010-hurricane-season-predictions-scatter-all-over-the-map/1060165

Accuweather.com released its early hurricane season forecast on March 12, 2010. According to projections by Chief Long-Range Meteorologist and Hurricane Forecaster Joe Bastardi, the 2010 hurricane season will be busier than the 2009 season. Bastardi predicted that the 2010 season will bring 15 tropical storms and 5 hurricanes. He expects 2 or 3 hurricanes to make major landfall in the U.S. The Accuweather.com forecast is based on a weakening El Nino, warmer ocean temperatures, weakening trade winds, and higher humidity levels than in 2009. http://www.accuweather.com/blogs/news/story/25984/joe-bastardi-more-active-2010-1.asp

NOAA issued an update to its initial forecast for the 2010 season in Aug of 2010. The update projected 14 to 20 Named Storms including 8 to 12 hurricanes of which 4 to 6 could be major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5) http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/20100805_hurricaneupdate.html

The 2009 hurricane season for the Atlantic Basic closed on November 30, 2009. There were two tropical depressions, six tropical storms, and three hurricanes. The hurricanes were Hurricane Bill (active Aug. 15-24), Hurricane Fred (active Sept. 7-12), and Hurricane Ida (active Nov. 4-9). http://www.minnpost.com/pauldouglas/2009/11/09/13265/first_us_hurricane_landfall_of_2009_imminent The only two storms to strike the United States were Tropical Storm Claudette and Hurricane Ida. http://www.wmfe.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=10053&news_iv_ctrl=1041

The mild season can be attributed to El Nino conditions over the Pacific Ocean. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/08/090806-hurricane-season-2009-forecast.html El Nino produces warm Pacific waters and upper level winds that discourage conditions favorable to hurricane formation. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/11/091123-hurricane-season-2009-quiet.html Cooler waters in the Atlantic Ocean also inhibited hurricane formation. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/11/091123-hurricane-season-2009-quiet.html The 2009 season was the mildest on record since 1997. http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20091119-711767.html

The potential danger of a mild hurricane season is that people in storm-prone areas may become complacent because they expect the next season to be just as uneventful. Hurricanes depend on weather conditions both near and far from where the storms hit. Because weather conditions will continue to change constantly, the immediate past hurricane record cannot be relied upon as a prediction for the next season. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joseph-b-treaster/no-hurricane-worries-not_b_400089.html

Haiti's capital city Port-au-Prince and the surrounding areas are still devastated by the recent earthquake. Now, Haitians and relief workers are having to turn their attention ahead to the 2010 hurricane season, which began on June 1. The Haitian government and the United Nations are focusing on reconstructing and strengthening destroyed homes. Haiti is a Carribean Island vulnerable to hurricane damage. Three hurricanes hit Haiti in 2008 causing 800 deaths and leaving 800,000 without homes.http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/3823876

The Department of Defense announced on April 27, 2010, that 500 U.S. troops would be deployed to Haiti during the June through November hurricane season. The troops, from the Louisiana National Guard, will assist in rebuilding efforts and help Haitians prepare for hurricanes or other future natural disasters. The approximately 1,000 U.S. troops now working in Haiti will depart at the end of May. The USS Iwo Jima, which is stationed in the Caribbean to provide medical support during hurricane season, will be positioned so that it can reach Haiti in two days or less. http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=58922 Hurricane winds and flooding in Haiti could spread infectious disease and further damage the infrastructure.http://praecipiointernational.org/?p=128

Although hurricane forecasting is becoming more accurate, there is no computer model or formula to tell how many hurricanes will strike land during a particular season and how many of those which make landfall will be severe. For example, the 2004 season was devastating, with four severe hurricanes striking the U.S. causing loss of life and major property damage. In contrast, the 2009 season was relatively uneventful. The deadliest hurricane on record is the storm that struck and destroyed Galveston in 1901. Hurricane Katrina was the costliest hurricane, causing over $81 billion in damages.

Loss of life is the primary concern when a hurricane strikes. The death toll from a hurricane season depends on how many strong storms made landfall, the vulnerability of the affected area, and the level of preparedness. An estimated 750 individuals died during the 2008 hurricane season. http://www.weatherwise.org/Archives/Back%20Issues/2009/March-April%202009/full-atlantic.html Pre-positioned medical supplies allow the injured to be treated more quickly when a hurricane is over. Preparedness and early response reduce the severity of injuries and the likelihood of fatalities. http://www.directrelief.org/uploadedFiles/Hurricane_Report_Apr09.pdf

The 2009 hurricane season was a relatively mild one for the United States, with only one hurricane and one tropical storm coming ashore. The position of El Nino near the South American coast and cool Atlantic waters inhibited storm growth. We cannot, however, count on the 2010 hurricane season being so uneventful. If El Nino draws away from the South American coast causing warmer waters in the Atlantic Ocean, conditions will be much more favorable to hurricane development.

For individuals in the paths of potential hurricanes, the keys to minimizing deaths and property damage are preparedness and heeding the instructions local officials. If a hurricane actually threatens your area, keeping current on the latest forecasts for the storm's path and preparing to evacuate is essential. This 2010 Hurricane Season page will follow the 2010 season from preparedness, throughout the season, and in the aftermath, offering up-to-date information and resources to keep you fully informed.

The Institute for Business and Home Safety is an independent, nonprofit organization supported by the insurance industry with the goal of minimizing the economic damage to property by natural disasters. The Institute conducts research and advocates for improved construction, maintenance, and preparation practices. The Institute warns residents in hurricane-prone areas about some common hurricane myths.http://ourtribune.com/article.php?id=10059

• Myth #1:Open the windows on the leeward side of the house so the air pressure doesn’t explode the structure. Response: It is too difficult for lay persons to predict the wind direction in a storm. When the wind direction changes, it is too dangerous to be standing near windows that may be blown in. The normal amoung of air leakage around windows and doors is sufficient to maintain the proper atmospheric pressure in your home.

• Myth #2: The only windows and door that require protection are those facing the ocean or gulf. Response: The wind direction in a storm can come from more than one direction. For example, wind direction will hange repidly if you are near the eye of a hurricane. For the best protection, cover all windows and secure all doors.

• Myth #3: You can protect windows by taping a big "X" on them. Response: Taping windows does not provide adequate protection to keep windows from breaking. If the glass does break, the tape may lessen the danger by holding some of the glass fragments together. Taping windows is not a substitute for covering them with shutters, plywood, or other protection.

• Myth #4: You can keep windows or doors that are being blown inward by wind pressure from breaking or opening by leaning against them. "Response:" It is too dangerous to go near a window or door at any time during a hurricane. Make sure windows are covered and doors are secured before the storm arrives. If a window breaks or a door blows open, locate yourself and your family so that there are interior walls and doors between you and the open fixture.

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