June 1st, better known as the first day of hurricane season, is just 100 days away. After yet another record breaking, destructive season, now is the time to prepare. Re-pack your hurricane readiness kit, re-stock the non-perishable food items and double check/update important documents. Re-evaluate your hurricane plan and go over it with your family, friends and neighbors. 100 days.
On August 9th, 2018, just 36 days before Florence made landfall in North Carolina, NOAA lowered their seasonal forecast to a 60% chance of 2018 being a below average season. The number of storms in a season does not forecast the devastation that could occur from just one storm. Hurricane Florence devastated parts of the Carolinas and it was “only” a category 1 at landfall. Hurricane Michael produced massive devastation in the panhandle of Florida and it was just under category 5 strength.
Florence and Michael were the only two major hurricanes (category 3 or higher) at one point during their lives. In 2018, both wreacked havoc. Strength, duration, physical size and landfall location are all things that are not forecast at the beginning of seasons. It only takes one storm to impact your home, be ready before it arrives.
Use the next 100 worry-free days to get you and your family prepared. Use the rainy days in the forecast to do indoor preps like updating the hurricane plan and documents. Use a couple of sunny days to cut down loose tree branches and clean up the outside area of your home. The sunny days are also important for measuring and fitting new shutters if needed. Every year over the past four years, the season has started early with the first storm developing before June 1st. Prepare now!
