More Hurricanes?

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

More Hurricanes?

  NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center has predicted between 19 and 25 named storms for the 2020 Hurricane season.  To date – we have already had 16 named storm with four disturbances churning currently in the Caribbean and South Atlantic. So, does this mean we can expect more storms each year and why? In 2017 – there were 17 named storms and in 2018; we had 15.  Last year there were 18.  Overall, the number has not fluctuated a great deal; however the school of thought indicates that climate change may produce more catastrophic storms in the future.

  The rising of warm, moist air from the ocean helps to power the storms. Two other factors may also be contributing to the rising intensities of hurricanes. First, warm air holds more water vapor than cold air—and the rising air temperatures since the 1970s have caused the atmospheric water vapor content to rise as well – this would reinforce the theory that climate change may cause more storms.

  So why is there a “season” for hurricanes? Almost all hurricanes develop once the northern hemisphere approaches summer, with the hurricane season running from 1 June to 30 November. The season peaks between August and October.  This is because wind shear, which can disrupt hurricanes, dies down during summer, while the temperature of the oceans rise and the amount of moisture in the atmosphere increases. These conditions are ideal for spawning hurricanes.

  No matter the number of storms or their intensity; SERVPRO of Sussex County stands ready to assist with both the severe and minor damage that a hurricane or tropical storm may cause.  Be prepared, stay calm and call SERVPRO of Sussex County at 302-856-9768 for any storm related concerns.