A Storm starts as a Tropical Depression and moves on to become a Tropical Storm before it is given a name. Once a storm is named, preparations for the possible hurricane should be well under way.
| Hurricane Names for 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Arlene | Don | Ophelia |
| Bret | Idalia | Philippe |
| Cindy | Jose | Rina |
| Don | Katia | Sean |
| Emily | Lee | Tammy |
| Franklin | Margot | Vince |
| Gert | Nigel | Whitney |
2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook
The official Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30 (though hurricanes can happen at any time of the year). The forecasts here cover the Atlantic Basin—the area encompassing the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico.
Each year, a series of hurricane forecasts are issued from April through August by the noted hurricane experts at the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University (CSU). Additional forecasts are put out by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
When it comes to hurricanes, there are many indicators related to atmospheric and oceanic conditions that indicate what to expect. Keep in mind: Whatever the forecast, remember that it only takes one hurricane to make landfall and coastal residents should prepare for every hurricane season.
NOAA 2023 Hurricane Season Probability
NOAA forecasters with the Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service, predict near-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic this year. NOAA`s outlook for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, which goes from June 1 to November 30, predicts a 40% chance of a near-normal season, a 30% chance of an above-normal season and a 30% chance of a below-normal season.
NOAA is forecasting a range of 12 to 17 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 5 to 9 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 1 to 4 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges.
Source: NOAA.GOV
Named Storms
12-17
Hurricanes
5-9
Major Hurricanes
1-4
| Forecast Parameters | CSU Forcast for 2023 | Average for 1991-2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Named Storms | 15 | 14.4 |
| Named Storm Days | 60 | 69.4 |
| Hurricanes | 7 | 7.2 |
| Hurricane Days | 30 | 27.0 |
| Major Hurricanes | 3 | 3.2 |
| Major Hurricane Days | 7 | 7.4 |
| Accumulated Cyclone Energy+ | 125 | 123 |
Source: Almanac.com
Below are some Hurricane Season Preparedness Tips courtesy of the ODPEM.
- Check thoroughly the roof of your house, hurricane shutters, hooks and latches and repair where necessary.
- Make sure that galvanized sheeting on the roof of your house is properly fastened.
- Keep in stock extra plastic bags and sheets of plastic. Plastic is essential to prevent important documents, paintings, equipment and furniture from getting wet.
- Keep handy a supply of lumber, plywood, timber, etc. for battening down purposes.
- Trim trees that touch power lines or hang over the house and other buildings.
- Make sure that emergency cooking facilities such as coal stoves are in good working condition as these may be necessary.
- Make sure you have a supply of kerosene and coal. Keep coal dry by wrapping in a plastic bag or other waterproof material.
- Latch down securely all small buildings in the yard such as outdoor kitchens, pit latrines, tool sheds, barns, etc.
- Store extra food, especially things that can be eaten without cooking or which need very little preparation. Electricity may be off during a hurricane, leaving you without refrigeration.
- Place emergency food supply in a waterproof container and store in a closed box, cupboard or trunk.
- Make sure you have emergency equipment in your home. These include water boots, raincoats, flashlights, batteries, portable radio, kerosene lamps and matches.
- Have simple first-aid equipment such as iodine, bandages, eye lotion, etc. at home.
- Have a family disaster plan.
- Know your evacuation route.
- Know the nearest shelters and other critical facilities such as police station and health centres.
