Meteorologists now project “above average” 2019 hurricane season

Meteorologists now project “above average” 2019 hurricane season

Five hurricanes projected of which two to four could become major systems

NASSAU, BAHAMAS- While meteorologists originally forecasted a slightly below average hurricane season, those projections have been revised with new data that has led meteorologists to believe there will more hurricane activity this season.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported yesterday that while the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 15 named storms and two to four major hurricanes this year, the NOAA now projects 10 to 17 named storms, of which five are expected to become hurricanes.

The administration advised that two to four of those hurricanes could become major hurricanes.

Months into the hurricane season, NEMA warned residents, to be prepared, take all necessary precautions and be aware of the shelters in the respective communities in New Providence and the Family Islands.

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.

Ahead of the hurricane season, the Colorado State University’s preliminary forecast by researchers Philip Klotzbach, Michael Bell and Jhordanne Jones, predicted a “slightly below normal” 2019 hurricane season with 13 named storm, five hurricanes and a 39 percent change of a major hurricane tracking into the Caribbean.

In an average hurricane season, there are 12 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.

Major hurricanes comprise of Category 3 or higher with sustained winds of at least 111 miles per hour.

Two major hurricanes are projected for the upcoming season, according to the forecast.

The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30.

Speaking to Eyewitness News Onlinerecently, Chief Meteorologist Basil Dean said debating whether the season is above or below average is secondary to preparedness.

“We don’t want our people to get a false sense of security by the numbers because even though it may be 13 or 12, out of that 12 all we need is one of them.

“Preparedness is what we have to continue to encourage our people to do.

“From experience we know it does work and it does save lives.”

About Royston Jones Jr.

Royston Jones Jr. is a senior digital reporter and occasional TV news anchor at Eyewitness News. Since joining Eyewitness News as a digital reporter in 2018, he has done both digital and broadcast reporting, notably providing the electoral analysis for Eyewitness News’ inaugural election night coverage, “Decision Now 2021”.